Hythlodaeus does not quite reply to that last part - the more violent ways of the mortals are still a mystery and a shock to him, nor does he want his friend to dwell once more on cruelty and suffering.

"Selfishly, I cannot help wondering if that lack of proficiency with aether did not remind you of me. Though you might oft grumble, you've always had the urge to take others under your wing."