"Yes." It's a simple answer, and if he knew... well, he would understand it. You lived for those you lost, to prevent loss of everything. They were perhaps more alike than either realised, even if their loss was... well, very different in reasoning.

"... If Beorcs are anything like humans, you needn't have done anything." He's allowed the touches without the slightest balk, wondering at her noises - acknowledging that perhaps her nature as a Heron has something to do with it. That... isn't so bad, either way. "Some humans will find any reason to cause pain, and it doesn't matter at all what they cause pain to."

That's not a comforting thought, and he knows it. It's why he and his ilk are so necessary, or so he's been told... at least, those who are better at controlling themselves are assuredly necessary. "That's why we have those of us who are... awakened to abilities, to protect others. Sometimes, that too can be dangerous, but those of us with these abilities usually aren't intentionally violent." He pauses as he speaks there as well, simply unsure which words to use in that case.