It is, in its own way, a thorough answer. Even if Dain wouldn't have understood at the time -- and he doesn't think he would have, not when Tuo had family and safety so nearby -- he certainly understands it now, after seeing similar treatment from the opposite side more often than he can count. An ultimatum is seen by some as the more merciful option. It's rarely seen that way by the victims.

"You didn't tell us that," he says. Not an accusation; more a sad statement of fact. "I had no idea. You disappeared, and we thought -- I thought you were..."

Dead.

There's a question in there somewhere. Dain doesn't want to make Tuo feel obligated to answer it, as trying to find the words to express it may imply. He cradles his tea and covers his trailing silence by taking small, careful sips from it.