He sneaks a look out of the corner of his eye. It is certainly rare to see his friend acting so bashful. His own behaviour must not have been very encouraging - goodness knows how many times he has rebuffed Hythlodaeus' flirtations over the years.

Reaching out, he touches his friend's hand. His palm is warm from holding the mug.

"Would it put you at ease if I were to act like my usual self and refute your compliments instead?"