[That...leaves him silent. Between Hythlodaeus taking no reassurance at his capabilities of handling his own empathy, and him calling out the fact that they are both working towards his demise. Pointing out that he's changed. Of course he has, he's had to, there was no other way. After everything he's been through...

His eyes drop to his tea, his mouth flattening to a hard line. If Hythlodaeus was vying to make him feel guilty, well...mission accomplished. What does he say to that? What can he say to that?]

Is your faith in me so low? Are you resentful of what my toils have made of me?

[His throat is tight again, but he presses on, his voice strained.]

And what of your scheme? Are you about to abandon it to lend your aid to mine? Is that truly what you want?