((Sure, go ahead!))<br/><br/>The bartender nodded in affirmation to Yasha's explanations and gave an insightful nod. "That's the age old lament of the freebooter it is. Time to time there's some wit who decides they could unite all those pirates under a new king or queen, and enforce order and mutual assistance among themselves. Even nowadays, there are a fair few like that, who consider themselves distant kin of other outlaws and try to get along with them. The problem is, that kind of amity only ever lasts 'til a<span style="font-style: italic">reeeeally</span>temptin' prize comes within reach and all their greedy paws start to itch, heh." He leans lazily upon the bar and gives the two of them a gaze that could qualify as either appraising or politely lecherous.<br/><br/>"And you're a canny sort to avoid such a pun," he says. "I've learned quickly that every time you make a little slip of the tongue that puts a Cal'Drua in mind of loving or eating, there's an element of risk. My best strategy is the same tactic that kept me alive when I was servin' aboard a crew of nasty folk - nice, generous whiskey rations. And speaking of which..." He set about mixing a couple of simple drinks that amounted to a little bit of fist-squeezed juice from handfuls of local berries, and a lot of strong spirits given a quick stir. "Call this one a purple sunrise, heh. Oh, and c'mere Carline, make sure they have some pretzels and such. Now then, about these opportunities I've been finding..."<br/><br/>First, however, he had to consult with the lady who had the most to say about this. He was appreciative not just of her newly coon-enhanced curves but her position of relative authority. Of course, the cute catgirl providing the ambiance and entertainment was her main focus. She seemed to provide a particular focus to impressing Celrie during the last part of her performance.<br/><br/>"Ah, duly noted," Cross said, making a mental note. "All of the, ah, recently inhabited sites are off of the agenda then. We'll focus on the ones that've been abandoned for some time and aren't held sacred by anyone likely left alive! The main one that I can think of is the crumbled remains of a tower that are at the base of the opposite side of the mountain. Perhaps you would be interested in convening there for another little drink and a chat, say, in a day or two? Maybe a little light exploration? Local rumor has it that there's an underground portion, but no-one has has felt up to exploring it in person yet..."<br/><br/>The cute Cal'Drua catgirl floats over to Arcea after she finishes her song. She, at least, doesn't seem to think that Arcea's current outfit needs new straps or any other particular changes, listening. Cross continues, giving a wry chuckle. "Hah! Economy? Maybe in a matter of years we'll have a complex enough settlement here to have to worry 'bout suchlike matters as that dismal science. Here's the most important thing for the 'economics': just make sure the settlement survives and doesn't get wiped out or taken over by bandits or traitors or anything like that for the next six months or so. That's how long it takes before the major banks start turning on the spigot of rich folks coming in, and with that money, you dangle it in front of some important trader's face and get them to set up a regular route. From then on, things are pretty well set for a town... unless some disaster befalls it, of course."<br/><br/>Bowing to Arcea, the songstress gives her another flutter of her eyelashes. "Greetings miss... my name is Kinlia, though my stage name when I've traveled is "Sultry Lady K'. I was just about to say that if you needed some outdoor entertainment on any of these little outings that you're discussing with Mr. Cross, I'd gladly volunteer..."