I've never seen anything like it. [Not that he's an expert on magic or anything, and his tone doesn't sound judging either. He's curious, though he's not about to ask to dissect her or anything. He's only interested in magic insofar as it can be applied to weapons, as one would expect.] It sounds convenient.

[He follows her back out of the waves and tries to ignore how the water had lapped around his ankles, so now his jeans are soaked up to his mid-calf. Uuuuggghhh. At least docs are water resistant.]

Mm? [He swallows.] It's fine. [Also where did it go? Looks like he was hungry after all. He washes his hands together, which makes his bandaged left hand much more noticeable.]

The tests were mostly successful despite avian interference. I couldn't say the same if you hadn't stepped in. [A slight bow of his head.] ... I appreciate it.

[He's all gruff about it and not entirely making eye contact, but clearly he's not as bad as he tries to seem.]