That garners him a long, thoughtful look, because Balthazar does not care for the implications. But it is not his job, currently, to badger the Prime Merlinian about his history. He cranes his neck to get a good look at the back of his head. "No gray. I can't have been that bad a teacher."

He singles out a likely spot and makes a quick move, aiming for just a single strand. It's possible he'll get two or three, since he's going for speed rather than gentleness. In any case, he's quick to back away. It's not that he actually expects to be punched, but there's no need to bring extra discomfort into the process.