[ He brushes the hand aside with a scowl - although not so violently as to push Rhea'li away completely. ]

Hythlodaeus volunteered as a sacrifice. He understood from the beginning why I-- why we had no other choice. Azem never did. Azem resigned their seat rather than take part in the summoning. We argued before they left, said many unkind things about one another... I never had the chance to apologise and I never will.

[ Because an apology for oneself where the other party is ignorant of the reason is no apology at all. ]