[ And while he is resting, that is a perfectly acceptable gesture. It is true, though, that one word or phrase said wrong can lead to Hades getting "prickly." It's entirely possible and yet the hand on his shoulder has quite the opposite effect. Or perhaps it is the concern that laces Hythlodaeus' voice. For while Hades does so guard himself, there are moments where it drops. When appropriate.

Right now it is appropriate. Thus there's a huff, as if he feels ridiculous. Because he does. ]

As I said, when I heard someone I don't even know echoing words that you or Azem would use, it is unsettling. Despite what the both of you may think I know I do not have an entirely pleasant personality to be around. You both have a higher opinion of me than you should as you are horribly biased. You more so than our wayward friend.

[ More like Hythlodaeus and Azem can see right through him and his words. Now that he's been in his station as Emet-Selch, more people are beginning to see it too and he's not sure how he feels about that. ]

Then, of course, I realized that I am putting too much thought into someone's inebriated rambling. It didn't have any meaning.