[Hythlodeaus' hands shake. He wants to bring them out to touch, to comfort, but he's already seen that that really doesn't work for everyone. He listens to Steven's words, they roll off of him. He's grown used to how others say these things in a panic.]

It is the conscious trade he made, though he really had no choice.

[He clasps his hands together and bows his head slightly.]

It gets... worse. If you would indulge me, if you would allow me to unburden myself this thought. I said it to Tyler, but it only made him angry... But you, I think you might understand.

[He closes his eyes for a moment to still his mind. He didn't want any of this to get away from him.]

Your sister was tempered?