"Hythlodaeus has--?" His indignant (albeit half-hearted) protest is cut off by a sharp intake of breath. His thoughts scramble to reassemble and he swallows, trying again: "'Daeus...he..."

He knows what Hythlodaeus would say. That he was good for behaving, for being honest with his desires. Like Hythlodaeus, Irhya seems to enjoy watching him unravel - although she also appears to be far more impatient with herself than his old friend.

Reaching up to cup her cheek, he murmurs, "Do that again. Please?"