Hearing Hades try to hold back his tears is all the more heartbreaking, and once again Hythlodaeus finds himself frustrated by the fact that he can no longer reach his friend's soul with his. Being denied their usual mastery over aether and the Sight is like being rendered blind, mute, powerless. A deeper part of him wonders what would happen if he let himself dwell on it too long.

Instead, Hythlodaeus tries to take refuge in touch, stroking down Hades's back and nuzzling into his hair. If only they could stay like this forever, indeed... There is much and more he wants to say, but something tells him he may not yet be ready to speak of the darker side of the road ahead of them.

"I do promise," he replies with a smile. "But... since you've taken the role of my teacher, would you be so kind as to give me a hint as to what kind of confession you would have liked? I would like to get it right, after all."