<strong>"We have heard the rumors,"</strong>the old man answers Alyx,<strong>"And they are of no concern to us.  We are aware of our needs, our strengths, and our limitations.  You cannot help us, and we cannot help you.  This is not a choice.  It is the way of things.  Further discussion would be a waste of time."</strong>His statements are rather matter of fact.  He doesn't seem to be lying, but it's obvious that he's withholding a great deal of information.<br/><br/>As he speaks, his head begins to rise, giving a better look at his face beneath that cloak.  He is pale.  Not a natural paleness; rather, his skin is almost clear, veins clearly visible beneath.  His eyes are still closed yet through them, a dark well can be seen, as if nothing is beneath.<br/><br/>His large, healthy, completely immobile companion simply stands there silently.