He doesn't quite laugh, but the noise is close enough to it to convey some grim humour. "I suppose that's true, more often than not," he finds himself agreeing. He considers Nathaniel in silence for a few lingering moments, then at last gives him a nod.

"Very well," he says, then gestures to the hand that had given him trouble. "I might suggest rosemary oil for that. To ease the pain."