Hythlodaeus hugs his friend closer, as though trying to shield him, runs his hand through his hair soothingly. Despite his outer calm, conflict still rages within him; anger at their fate, horror at what Hades has done over those twelve thousand years, refusal to lie to his friend just to soothe him - because that would just hurt them both more, very shortly, - the bone-deep love and devotion he feels towards the man. All of it becomes a thorny tangle, maybe impossible to unravel. The best he can do is the best he can.

"...Of course you would. And I know that I would wish to keep you ignorant, too, had our places been switched. But I tell you once more, Hades - you are my friend before you are the Architect. And you cannot forbid me to share this burden with you. You know full well how stubborn I am."

He rests a hand over Hades's, fingers curling over his friend's protectively.

"I made you a promise, Hades, and I stand by it even now. Even here. I'll walk with you and face your deeds. Judge you and scold you, decide your penance, but not leave you."

Hythlodaeus breathes out, shakily.

"I'll not lose you again either, you old fool."