The impact of the cudgel against the Psiioniic's horn sends a shock up Tom's wrists and elbows, but he's anticipating that, and he's already ready to throw another blow at Psiioniic by the time the troll pulls the stone knife. By fortune and happenstance, Psiioniic throws himself out of the range of Tom's swing, and that keeps Tom from making this a clean kill.

Which does not, in fact, dissuade him. Psiioniic snarls and Tom responds with a near-hungry grin, as if he's been waiting for this a long time, as if he's been the villain so long that playing the role feels like slipping into a warm bath. It's here, in the midst of cruelty, that he sheds any shame he might have for what he is. It's here, with his hands tight around a weapon and his blood pounding away through his veins and an enemy at his hands.

He advances on the Psiioniic, voice nearly a sing-song with that thick accent and that heat of battle.

"A charming knife. Did you carve it yourself?"