Ned lets out a gruff, raspy sort of laugh, which he covers with a deft swipe of his hand over the lower half of his face.

"You needn't stop, so long as you are well prepared for the strange questions and quizzical stares you might receive from such behavior," he teases in return, another few tremors of laughter escaping him. "If it isn't too much trouble, might you keep me updated on how it progresses? If it - your shadow, that is - returns?"