Having Hades turn away like this from him... hurts, all the more because Hythlodaeus does not know what he can do for his friend. It would be so much easier if he could at least touch him, but even simple physical contact is denied them now, as though being unable to see one another's soul was not enough deprivation already.

"You've lived among mortals for aeons," he murmurs in response, pressing his hand against the bars. "You've endured more than any heart can bear. 'Twould be folly to expect your scars to disappear merely because I am here."