Istredd is holding onto the reality they can leave, and maybe that's all they really need. When it feels warped and sick down there, they can climb back into the sunlight and breathe fresh air, knowing they survived. The Summoned all made it, but they nearly didn't. They took with them as many natives as they could, but so many lives ended here. He doesn't know how many corpses they'll have at the end of the day, but enough probably, to see the extent of the damage done to this sphere.

But what he said resonated with Kell and he seems better, so that is what matters. It may take months or years for people to get past this, and if it does take that long, Istredd understands. It would've been harder for him, before he lived through Thanedd, but now it only makes him sad. They'll never feel safe again.

It's a little nervewracking to make an offer like family to someone, for Istredd. He's never had one. The Brotherhood was not really a family, although the female witches were better at banding together. It was an organization, and while they took children, they didn't raise them like children. The only father he knew was a bad person, and he used Istredd's shy affection for him like a weapon. It simply wasn't in the cards for him, to have something like that.

Yet here he is. Putting himself out there. It's not easy for him. At the least he doubts that Kell will take it poorly, but he's relieved when he grins instead. When his feelings are not thrown back at him with a sarcastic laugh. He appreciates the directness. It feels so out of tune with his experience. Istredd smiles back, reassuringly.

"I know that rejection well myself." Though not in the exact same way. "But I would never do that to you, Kell. I am honored to be your surrogate parent." Sometimes, family is what you make of it. "Let's get back to business, hm? Then we can go home together."

Their mission may be less painful, now that they've gotten something good out of it.