Stephen might be agonising over it, but his explanation leaves Tony just as perplexed -- maybe more so -- than before. Without any context for sate the curse, it sounds more than a little like he's being sold some kind of sports drink.

But if nothing else, he knows that Stephen doesn't fool around. Not with stuff like this. Not when it matters. And even if he doesn't precisely trust him right now, he can at least trust that he knows what he's talking about, and if he's picking his words carefully, there must be a reason.

His frown deepens. He drinks some more wine.

"This is getting pretty Hammer Horror, doc. I feel like next you're going to tell me to rub garlic on my neck and watch out for bats. How about we skip to the actual explanation?"