by W.O. Cassity
***
Donadeir wasn’t accustomed to compliments. When it came to ridicule, he was confident he could give just as good as he got. What Adam was saying to him was confusing. He had only done what Adam or Talia would have done. Donadeir didn’t feel worthy of his acknowledgement, much less to the extent of a life debt which would make them brothers in one another’s eyes. At the same time, his selfless action warmed his heart because he had never believed himself to be so brave either.
The shock of the consequences if Donadeir had failed hit him all at once, weighing heavily upon his shoulders. It was something he done without thinking, but now that it was over, fear and insanity thrust their weight down on him, driving him to his knees.
“I’m not brave,” Donadeir decreed. “I’m crazy, that bear could have killed me! I’m no warrior like Talia, and I’m not as strong as you, Adam. What was I thinking?”
Talia smiled, “You weren’t thinking, silly Dona, and that’s the point. That is what made you brave.”
“Well the next time I decide to do something brave, someone knock some sense into me,” Donadeir’s voice continued to tremble as his body was still flooded with adrenaline.
“I call you my brother, Dona,” Adam said. “My life debt is to you, and now you are my family. I will always be there for you no matter the cost.”
“Dona, I too have witnessed this payment of Adam’s life debt to you,” Talia acknowledged. “It is valid.”
Donadeir still didn’t feel worthy, but the giving of a life debt would be insulted if refused, and by the old ways, it had been witnessed and acknowledged as worthy. Donadeir couldn’t refuse without shaming himself and dishonoring Adam.
Donadeir turned to look Adam in the eyes and smiled. “I accept, brother.”
Talia reached her hand toward him, and helped him to his feet. Donadeir’s nerves were still shaken from the risk he had taken, and he felt better when Adam also reached for Donadeir’s other arm to help stabilize him as the three walked back to their safe haven.
