Dean--

[ Sam all but hisses. He knows it's a delicate situation and by the way the cultist who acknowledged them straightens, Dean's tactic is clearly not welcome. Sam shoots his brother a look, wanting to nudge him out of the way, but instead closes the distance to stand beside him. ]

I've read some things...about your Gods, I think.

[ That? That definitely gets the attention of a couple, but the rest immediately go back to work. It's a little disheartening. The main one says something of his shoulder to the others, sending them towards the barricade as he regards the Winchesters. ]

...Are they supposed to come here? Are you...welcoming them to Zelien?

[ Silence is their only answer, but Sam pushes forward in a calm and even tone despite the topic. ]

If they did come here, would it be li--

[ That is, until the cultist reaches out to sink his fingers into Sam's neck in one sudden and fluid movement. Sam immediately grabs on and gasps, feeling his trachea being crushed with a surprising amount of force. He reaches for his gun. ]