Automatically, one of Joker's wings stretches out to go around Steven's back and shoulders, as good as any arm just without the fingers. And considerably more feathery. Speaking of feathers, his Dartrix hops to the ground to give his poor shoulder some rest, and peers around at Steven as he starts to speak.

As the boy explains things, Joker's expression dims to sympathy. A 'bad' parent, huh... "Ya didn't deserve ta go through that," he says after a breath. "I'm sorry I wasn't there ta help, although I wouldn't have been able ta do much, I suppose." Not against Childermass, not yet.