"Just stings a little," he said, flexing the fingers a few times to demonstrate his retained mobility, for her benefit. Then he gave her a look that pretended to be dirty, but that effect was ruined by his overall amusement. "I think you may be underestimating me just a bit. I am a l'cie still, even here."

He leaned back slightly, punching his own palm pretty much unconsciously as he thought. "Hmm, what to do with you."