[ the aggression is a surprising contrast to what he normally hears from him. while some may have been offended at the threat, mort simply takes it in at face value. albeit, perhaps with some twinkling gleam of intrigue. then again, who doesn’t appreciate a good threat? mort only wished it more serious. perhaps, aimed at his life?

but, those thoughts were neither here nor there. if aster took it upon himself to simply speak those terms out of some vague hint of goodwill, mort wasn’t one to reject it. nodding along, he gives a huff that could very easily be mistaken as another hint of humor. ] You should be sure not to say those kinds of words easily. You may find some people enjoy that.

But— [ he lets the word hang in there air. ] I will keep your words in mind.

[ it isn’t necessarily out of respect (mort while well-mannered and seemingly easygoing, was barely capable of that on a good day), but out of something else. interest? the concept that he wanted to learn more and press other boundaries? who really knows, but it feels like he got enough answers for today and that pleased him. ]