Once more, and all the more keenly these days, Hythlodaeus feels that thin despair of being unable to reach out for his friend's soul, not truly. It had gone from annoyance to frustration to now panic at the realization that that part of his world is gone, truly gone, much like his Sight.

To make up for it he gently runs his hands down Hades's back in slow, affectionate motions, even as tears well up in his own eyes.

"...A fool you are and a fool you've always been, Hades," he whispers hoarsely. "How could I blame you when I wish for the same for you? To see you happy and safe once more, to know that you never need bear this burden again? If only I could--"

Hythlodaeus breaks off as a sob squeezes his chest. He clings to Hades, fingers digging into his clothes, as though he fears his friend would disappear were he to let go.

"Do you truly think you make that choice alone? If you would put blame upon yourself for this, then I share it in full! Were my life enough to change the fate of our world, I would have given it without a single thought! But we are forced to choose, and how are we meant to choose to let our people die?"

It's not like him, maybe, but a breaking point comes for everyone, sooner or later. Hythlodaeus has to bring up a hand to his face, covering his eyes and biting at his lip as burning tears stream down his cheeks.

"Why is it us who must perish?.."