It takes Hythlodaeus a little time to reply; it's not easy for him to stop crying so quickly. He sobs silently, stroking aimlessly through Hades's hair, the other hand digging into his clothes.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, Hades..."

He takes a deep breath, bringing one trembling hand up to cup Hades's cheek.

"It should not... It should not be. If I could but bring you home, away from all of this..."