[He certainly seems to prefer this calling than politicking in Gold, at least. Elias turns to stuff the bloodied towel into a hemp sack hanging from his cart (meant for used linen to be laundered), and it's a good thing he's so hardworking, because when he blanches at Karma’s words his face is half turned away. At least he didn't do that to his senior’s face, you know, there might even be a chance they don't notice.]

oh…

[He's young enough for his body to remember mortality, in some way, because that sounds viscerally uncomfortable to him. But, well, he knows it's just an instinctual reaction.]

… I'm glad you were there to keep everything under control with your expertise… I'll um, look forward to your presentation when you've perfected the method.

[He's not up to date on why Karma wants to cut into people's brains and he's a little afraid to ask. A little…. he's also a little morbidly curious.]

…the experimental subject, were they- conscious, during-? [it sounds insane but when he tried to offer a sedative earlier the scholars were like “fuck no” so??] -how must it feel?