She wasn't expecting an apology in return, quickly figures she must've caught the other staring. (Not that she blames the redhead, it's probably kind of difficult not to notice her general state of disheveled and disgusting.)

"That obvious, huh." Her tone of voice is both gentle and teasing, as if trying to avoid scaring the other guest off. She imbibes another mouthful of broth before continuing with a nod, "I did. Sand Country. Have you been before?"

The kunoichi in question doesn't look too much younger than herself, but Ayane knows better than to assume experience from age. She might have traveled more than half the world by now, or she might've never left Konoha. (Either way it isn't for her to say.)