[Fandaniel slinks forward. If Hythlodaeus doesn't step back he will close the distance between them until their bodies are nearly pressed together.

He stares upwards into the taller man's face, eyes dark with madness and hate, though he continues to smile.]

I lost the ability to feel hope millennia ago.

Perhaps I never had it to begin with...

[Slowly, his eyes slide back and forth, scanning Hythlodaeus's features.]

Hope is the cruelest emotion, really.

It tricks you into anticipation and desire for a future that will never come. Build as you want, love all you wish, it will all be washed away by death and the march of time.

[Then he lifts his chin and looks back up at the stars that are higher in the horizon now.]

Even life itself is so often filled with misery and suffering... So why live at all? I have asked myself this question for aeons and have decided there is no meaning to any of it. No value to life.

[His eyes slide back down to Hythlodaeus, his smile unwavering.]

I know you don't agree but one day you will. One day you, too, will see the hopelessness of it all and that day will be painful.

[And he stands there, staring, eyes sparkling in the dim light. For a few long seconds he is silent then he steps backward.]

And a towel would be lovely, thank you for asking!