He looks at them. He speaks with a weight and gravity that is, all things considered -



Precisely the opposite of that which they were implying.

They meet his gaze evenly, and for a long moment. Perhaps cursing the bounds of humanity, of the body that took so very long to die; that even now, clings to life with an unfair tenacity.

They take the words as they are likely to take everything: as a challenge, deep and implicit. And they smile.

"Try me."