Her own smile fades too as she listens, and is replaced by an expression of profound and quite genuine sadness.

"Yes, I am."

She almost reaches out to put a hand on his arm, but stops herself before actual physical contact happens and pulls her hand back again.

"People always fear what they do not understand. Often it makes them do terrible things."

She sighs and uncurls from her position to stretch her legs out, shaking her head a little at the foolishness of people.

"Fear is the mind-killer. I am sorry that it has caused such suffering in your world."