"I ... think I understand." Jock is not a word he's familiar with. "I know Ciri can take care of herself, she could break me with her littlest finger, but she was sick. You all were, and I was the only one who wasn't." It was his responsibility to look out for them, or that's how he saw it. It's why he saved Steve and knocked Geralt out at one point, it's why he looked out for Ciri while she slept, it wasn't even particular to her, although knowing about her made him more careful.

There's a flicker of his eyes away from Nero and not at all subtly looking around them, at the barest hint of Nero saying her scream. They seem to be in a private place now, and his telepathy doesn't detect someone listening, but he is very cautious. Nero's stepping into some secretive shit and it doesn't take a genius to see that Istredd is worried about it.

He shakes his head. "It doesn't matter now." If Ciri wants Nero to know, she'll tell him herself. Istredd is the last person who should be trusted with her secrets, all things considered, so he's not going to bring it up. "I'm just saying thank you. Her mother wouldn't have liked her killing me, although." Istredd smiles wryly. "She would've gotten over it."

It's funny because it's Yennefer and they're in love with each other but it wouldn't make a difference. She would be upset he was dead, but she wouldn't have been mad at Ciri, nor should she be.