[well, okay, the gut punch of emet-selch was in a murdergame takes a second for hythlodaeus to process. there's a pause, as he kind of just. holds his tea cup.]

I daresay he would give you a look similar to the one our feathered friend is giving that wall. [he says, finally, tone still light-hearted.] Which would rather prove the veracity of your claim.

[a beat.] It does soothe me to know he is still making friends wherever he goes.

[he was not]