[ Elias' gaze does linger on the catsquid more than once; that's a curiosity and a half, but he's confident there's no chance the man would part with it. ]

Not sure many in your situation would think of it as dire. I know of a cell-full of wardens who'd trade places in a heartbeat.

[ His tone is challenging, but Elias is really gauging how committed the man is to this. Being trapped in world one doesn't feel part of it something Elias will never condone, but the only passing fancies he's willing to indulge are his own. ]