"I don't feel well," is his immediate answer, a hint of sharpness in his tone as though that much should be obvious. He rubs at the back of his head, his fingers scratching along the shorn part of his hairline, and tries again. "In truth, I am not well, and have not been for some time... and will continue to not be until I am no longer."

Yep. The cheeriest of fellows right here.