[ Sarah took in his words, no more harsh than truth could sometimes be. Though she did not know his own experience, she knew the loss of comrades never felt as glorious as those in command of war often chose or had no choice but to rebrand it for morale, and for their own sanity. Her tone softened, as the connection to another in the current situation washed her with a sense of comfort. Sarah preferred company, especially in this hellish setting. ]

No need to apologize - you're right. While I do not know what you experienced, I should not presume. All the same, however they died, I would not want to see the same for you. I have lost many friends and companions to war, and worse. It brings me guilt, to live when they do not. But the only thing I can imagine worse than dying is watching any more of them taken from life too soon.

[ She reflects on the creature's face, reflecting that of others again, closing her eyes until remembering them was too painful. She opened them and meant to meet his own bright-eyed gaze. ]

I did not know it, but where it had no face, I saw the faces of many I have loved and lost. Besides, no one deserves to die that way. What if the next ...offering... is one of us?