Thellim realizes she has a new private theory about Vanyel. It is not one she can talk about without Vanyel's permission. It explains why somebody in constant untreatable pain might have his System 1 steer him to refuse to eat, go on the most hostile part of the border with constant exposure to violence, and then, after being given medical treatment that might otherwise increase his expected lifespan, try to run off and do exhausting magework immediately after that.
But it didn't seem like Vanyel was consciously suicidal, so they should give him some time to get used to being in less pain, maybe, before Melody tries to talk to him about that. If Thellim is even right about this theory at all.
It does bring to mind one possibly important point from earlier. :That reminds me. Can somebody tell me more about Gates and if Vanyel maybe shouldn't be - doing whatever that is?: