As ever, there is a moment where John wonders at the wisdom of this conversation. It's possible to change his mind even now, and yet—

"I find myself waiting confirmation on the nature of exactly what's occurred," John admits, tone steady. "So you'll have to forgive me, if I can't give you the most clear picture of the exact circumstances."

If Madi survived, if their people scattered across those minor spits of islands in the north or fled to Llomerryn, what an impossible task it would be to track them. John has considered that at length, knowing that outcome to be the best possible scenario were it true Nascere had fallen.

"There's no benefit for Riftwatch, to be clear. Other than my peace of mind, whatever that's worth to you."

Some flicker of humor there.