Carlisle nearly jumps as Kat speaks to him, his full attention having been on the waves before him and the serpent navigating them; he manages to curb his reaction just a bit, only stiffening in alarm as he turns to face her, his eyes aglow from his momentary fright, fingers curling as he brings an arm before his chest defensively.

"Cisth, don't—" He resettles his arms into one another, grasping at the fabric of his sleeve once more as he looks her up and down, then returns his gaze to the ocean as though it would sneak up on him if he left himself unguarded. "Yes, we're friends. More than that. And he might not be scared, but there are times I wonder if he should be."