Thancred's subsequent question is more pointed. The straightforwardness is appreciated, though, and Aster considers their next thought.

"Thorne has a past of having experimented with such a spell before, though word would have us believe the project ultimately failed. It makes their recent attempt less surprising. However - you're right that we didn't foresee that Solvunn and the Free Cities would be capable of achieving the same spell. Especially Solvunn...they've often kept to themselves, but perhaps their shared waters with Thorne became a concern."

The Nether, fortunately, is quite isolated. It gives the Draconae the ability to remain independent as much as possible.