[It takes everything in him not to turn his head self-consciously when she asks after the brand. For all that he cannot hide it, there are days he certainly wishes that he could. It's a reminder -- not just to himself, but to everyone who looks at him -- of his failure and humiliation. His ear tufts press flat against his head.]
That came because of the war. [But not because he was fighting it. In fact:] I have tried to stay clear of it.
no subject
That came because of the war. [But not because he was fighting it. In fact:] I have tried to stay clear of it.