Though they are far from being closely acquainted, Erichthonios is at least familiar to Hythlodaeus through rumour and gossip. He watches the boy - and the work - curiously from afar, then approaches while Erich is busy creating a new hammer, and speaks once he's done and the worker hurries off.

"Oh, to be able to weave aether like that even away from home! You must quite skilled. I am rather envious!"

Skilled like your father is something Hythlodaeus at least doesn't say, for a small mercy.