[ the tone and inflection of the words— the time and pause between them included— was likely a hint to the man's present state. he supposed being drowned would rattle anyone, and recovery time was only expected. it's why he permits a few seconds to the man, if just to regain his bearings.

maybe, mort graciously offers a bit more, before continuing. ] I will have to see with my own eyes what the "best" produces. [ it's both equal parts a challenge, as well as genuine interest. he has a feeling he hasn't seen the full extent of this man's physical prowess, nor the hands, and the prospect of being able to have front row seats to both was a little exciting, even at the sacrifice of his own efforts.

regardless, the man did bring attention to another detail that was left unspoken and unexplored between the two of them. ] As a dragon, it's only natural. However, what of yours? [ the man before him didn't strike him as a dragon, after all, and while there were other manners of beings and creatures even amongst his own world, it's one he doesn't like to make presumptions on. especially, in a land akin to this one where there seemed to be infinitely more mysteries than his own. ]