If he hadn't checked Essek over himself, he would've thought that Essek had a concussion - it's taking him too long to process things. Then again, he had just been tortured for days by whatever malevolent illusionist is holding them all captive - the fact that he's cogent at all is a blessing of the gods. He breathes, and he gives Essek time to work it out in his head. At least nobody's getting too close - his Sense picks up on a mass of humanity, but no one stands out near them. Not yet, at least.

And then Essek speaks up, sounding like he's holding on to hope by his fingernails, and Ryo isn't about to leave him hanging. "Yes," he says, simple and calm. "I'm pretty sure they are." The explanation as to why can come later, when Essek has the space to process.