Hythlodaeus does not protest when Hades releases his hand - he can more than understand how his friend must feel at being told something like that. Maybe it would have been easier if he'd retaliated somehow. The gloomy, tense silence isn't something Hythlodaeus is used to between the two of them, and for almost the first time in his life he doesn't know how to break it.

He sighs quietly, picking over words in his mind. Is there anything he can say? He does not know nearly enough to offer anything other than his direct reaction to the fact. At the same time, heavens know what kind of things his friend will imagine if he offers no response for too long.

"Would you speak of it with me, Hades?"

Hythlodaeus turns his head to look at his friend at the question. Eye contact is the least he owes to the severity of the matter.