"I am duty-bound to side with myself," he informs his friend tartly. "I'll be sure to reign in Azem's activities where possible. Although I must confess... I do understand the reasons behind their actions better than I did before."

Leaning in, he kisses Hythlodaeus chastely. His heart flutters now with something that feels dangerously like hope. "Are you sure you can handle us both though, 'Daeus?" he asks slyly. "Sometimes you seem at a loss as to how to counter my wit."