Zahra notes the scar, and their face momentarily darkens before returning to its tranquil, neutral state.

The hair. The scar. The clothes. It's enough for Zahra to get the picture. Something about them shifts in a way that would be almost imperceptible for anyone else, but is about as subtle as a solar eclipse for the shepherd.

"As long as we're dodging making the other dodging questions, I might as well start with..." They sigh. It sounds old. Tired. (Because it is.) "An apology twice over, as good as it is when everything's already said and done."