[ he nods, as if that confirms something for him. the wince doesn't go unnoticed, merely filed away for later inquiry, its significance unknown. ]

Yeah, yeah, I was thinking if they were any larger, it could cause negative side effects to my person, from all the energy involved — especially without a conduit, like the ring, or — Sorry, [ getting carried away, as per. ] have you noticed any new abilities yourself?

[ the question provides an excuse to give strange a once-over, assessing how he's taking all...this. ]