Arkady has to pause at the answer, giving it serious thought. On one hand, if he refuses the offer, then he'll never get to see Ashley again and he'll always be left wondering what would have happened, but he'll always remember Ashley as the beautiful specimen he was when Arkady left. If he goes down into the Underworld and sees that Ashley's no longer beautiful, then he'll at least get the chance to speak to him, but Arkady's image of Ashley will forever be ruined if he truly has lost his beauty.

There's also the chance that Ereuvir is toying with him, and Ashley is indeed still beautiful.

"Yes. I would still wish to go."