He listens attentively, a slight frown appearing on his features, then deepening. While it is true that his sacrifice was voluntary, he could never blame Hades for wanting to bring him back; Hythlodaeus would likely have done the same if the roles had been reversed. Or rather, he would have sacrificed himself along with Hades, unable and unwilling to be parted from one another. And as for having no sympathy for Hades's pain because he, too, has hurt others... Hythlodaeus can't quite imagine the Venat he knew to think like that. It's a very mortal way of thinking - and perhaps a sign that Venat really is not as unaffected as Hades thinks.

But as those thoughts flash by Hythlodaeus's attention is still on his friend. When Hades rests his forehead against him, he hugs him in return, one hand stroking his back soothingly to help keep Hades grounded in reality. And despite the heaviness of the topic, there is only one response that comes to his mind.

"And you say you do not care for them."

Even as he says it, Hythlodaeus is reminded of a conversation from long ago, so much longer for Hades that he likely does not even remember it. Such moving empathy. It's as if you wore the feathers yourself. Yes, Hades has always felt things so strongly, even back then; how much stronger, how much more painful would it grow after sharing lives with mortals?