Verik's heart clenched in sympathy. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, knowing the words were inadequate but unsure of what else he could say. Words had never been his strong point.
He hoped a gesture would do, reaching out to grip Honou's shoulder. "Look, I'm not..." He paused, then tried again, "I won't blame you for your past. I may be a soldier, but I've seen some of the things people have to do to get by." Softer, he added, "I can't imagine being on your own like that. Even after we lost our parents, I had Ilia." Realizing that may not have been the best thing to say he murmured another, "I'm sorry," and withdrew his hand.
He went quiet, hoping that was enough.