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Skittish, the Phyri instinctively backed up as Joachim’s hand neared. He stilled though, when he realized that the Constellation was not able to hurt him. Bane tilted his head slightly, intrigued by the faint show of healing ability. “It’s alright; it isn’t the first time it deemed it necessary to burn me…” The Phyri shook his head gently. “…I heal fast.”

‘I will not allow another to suffer, not one who needs me to protect them!’ Joachim’s words echoed in the Phyri’s head for a moment. He felt a faint flush heat his face, making him thankful it was so dark. Really; why was he feeling so anxious and worried for the Constellation? If not for Joachim, the Phyri might not have sustained any wounds. The Phyri was not naturally... helpful when it came to helping the prey that the Cat sought to toy with-- even those that Bane could consider friends or acquaintances.

“What of you? Did my master hurt you?”

Bane’s mouth quirked slightly into a smile. “It’s a little burning a creature who controls fire.” He looked away from Joachim, gaze shifting to the forest around them. It was peaceful again, now that the Cat wasn’t around. The burning scent from the Cat’s flame lingered, however. “Walk with me then,” the Phyri murmured. “There’s a river nearby.”

The faintly glowing eyes of the Phyri flicked back over to the Constellation. “Will you keep me company?”

The Phyri watched Joachim's expression for a moment before he gingerly began to walk towards the direction of the river. He limped slightly, but the Cat had burned him much worse before... Deciding not to think about it, Bane unconsciously drew close to the Constellation, finding comfort in the other's presence.

"I'm sorry you had to meet him like such," the Phyri began quietly. "I was hoping he wouldn't come-- foolish of me, considering he called earlier.."

"How odd.. would people not dislike such chaotic creatures?" Bane mused, missing a step as soon as Joachim's hand landed on his backside. The Phyri managed to catch himself with a wince, before he tumbled over like a clumsy foal. A flush warmed his flesh again, making him want to drop his head into a bucket of ice cold water. Still, the darkness and the glows on his cheeks made the hues invisible.

"I-It's alright," the Phyri stated finally, stumbling slightly on his words though he forced himself to finish through the embarrassment. He was a little naive on this aspect of touching-- perhaps it was a normal thing, who knew? But, Bane did enjoy the Constellation's touch. "It was pleasant.. people do not normally... touch me, I suppose."

"It wouldn't permanently damage me; it knows my limits.."

The Phyri could feel his body warm again at the Constellation's touch. Bane felt awkward, unfamiliar with the stream of emotions Joachim was inflicting on him. He stood, arranging his hooves neatly with a nod of his head. "I'm fine... only my ego bruised." The faintly-glowing Phyri shook his head lightly, not quite sure whether he should look Joachim in the eye-- or look away, like his body was certainly feeling up to doing.

"Today is only a day full of mishaps.. but, at the very least, I was able to make your acquaintance," the Phyri murmured. "I was not aware that people would be so willing to go out on a limb for others.."

The loss of Joachim's closeness was disappointing. The Phyri still couldn't understand why, exactly. Even for friendship, Bane didn't understand why proximity would matter... and touch.

"How strange," the Phyri uttered softly, more to himself. He realized he had said it aloud, and forced himself to continue. "Why would you be willing.. to do anything? Would that be beneficial to you?" Shaking his head mentally, Bane tried to rearrange his thoughts. '..I've met many that have encountered my Master, I've even spoken with some beforehand..' He recalled the utter panic and frustration he'd felt when the Cat had focused on Joachim. 'The only one I've ever wanted to save.. it was him.'

Why? He wanted to ask, but knew it was a strange question to ask someone else.

Bane heard the rush of whatever before he saw it, distracting him. He put himself into a light canter, and plunged into the water. The burns he suffered from the Cat seemed to cool, bringing a mild relief to the Phyri. Later, he would have to go look for some herbs to put on them. It was too dark now, so he'd take the time to talk with Joachim.

Bane’s brightly colored eyes slid towards Joachim, full of question and curiosity. He wanted to ask why. What such feeling would force a person to put him or herself at risk for another? It was confusing, and mildly disorientating in a way. “Isn’t it dangerous for you?” The Phyri said, finally, and then paused with a shake of his head. Protecting him? “Protecting me is dangerous considering who my master is.”

The Phyri padded close to the edge where Joachim sat, and lay half-in and half-out of the water with his body slightly curled towards the Constellation. His tail flicked lazily against the running water. He did not understand Joachim much. “What a style of life you must live, if you find yourself always needing to protect those you meet…”