[Paul's good cheer stumbled once on Tinya's isolation and the restriction of her powers, and it stumbles again on her mention of fishing out squid. Neither are unusual things to find resonant in this place, but he hates to let things like that show in the midst of otherwise bright, warm festivities.]

I've been thinking of investing in a dipping net.

[It can be played off with a joke, at least, and it's not such a terrible thing - there's always the hope that the sea will give back what it's taken.]

My mother would be asking what kind of alliance I intended to forge with you, so it might be for the best they're absent - and I very much doubt I could be any competition to a partner of yours. [Flattery gets you everywhere.] I think I will have a happier one. Thank you, and the same to you. I hope we cross paths again soon.

[With that, he bends lavishly at the waist, laden down with respect and a touch of mischief, before he takes his leave.]