The H.E.L.M., The Moon's Orbit
After Zavala refuses to discuss the details surrounding the Nightmare haunting him, the Guardian speaks to Eris about the Nightmare of Safiyah.
Eris stands in the central area of the H.E.L.M. The Guardian approaches her and she turns to face them.
Eris Morn: Zavala will not speak to you of his regrets... but I will not let him bear them alone. Here. Listen closely: whispers and confessions, as I have heard them. He would tell it differently, but memory clings so loosely to the truth. I will share what I know.
Eris Morn: Before the Vanguard, before the City, there was a woman. Her name was Safiyah, and she was a surgeon. She came to Lord Saladin's gates offering her skills in exchange for shelter. Zavala was his protégé then. He had been taught his purpose, and he followed it without question. She maddened him. He infuriated her. But respect grew to admiration. And admiration, to love. Does it surprise you that Zavala loved? She was meticulous and gentle. Strong-willed. Stubborn. Fearless. It began with an infant, orphaned in a Fallen raid. Saladin had taught Zavala duty, war, and the Light. But Safiyah showed him that he was more than an instrument of violence. She had one life, and she would share it with him. They called the boy Hakim. And he called Zavala "Father." In his joy, Zavala thought to abandon the Light, as he had abandoned Saladin's ways. That joy ended as it began. With their son. When Hakim followed his father into battle, Zavala could not protect him... and Safiyah could not save him. Hakim died in his mother's arms. Zavala wanted her forgiveness. But she knew there was nothing to forgive. And that giving up the Light... would be no absolution for him. They returned to the lives they once led. She found love again. She had a daughter. And when Safiyah passed, he asked her to forgive him. Through each generation, he mourned. He asked for their forgiveness. And still, he has not found it.