(Sorry I haven't been in.)
Traka-Shen curled herself protectively around Iodin, her great snake-like body winding about in a large circle. Even with Adaire being generous enough to provide him with energy, he still felt weak, and foolish. Traka's occasional inbursts of lecturing didn't help.
You could have been killed, Iodin.
I know, but I would've been killed either way, he argued. I thought what I did was very clever...at least at first. Now I think I charged in without thinking.
You did.
"I thought you were supposed to be supportive of me," he muttered to her, then quickly rubbed the top of her head.
I do support you. Your decisions, however, less so.
Iodin sighed and looked around at everyone else having a good time. He had tried to make himself appear too tired to take part in their victory, but really he didn't feel much like he should take part. His decision had made him someone to be protected. He didn't have the same standing as these warriors.
Perhaps it is time you earn that standing, Traka interrupted.
Al-Iodin nodded and made his way over to Adaire. He felt he needed to thank her first, and would get to the others he owed later.
"Adaire," he said to her. She took a break from her apple and looked at him. "I want to thank you for helping me. What I did was foolish, and I hope that whatever you have to teach us will prevent me from making a mistake like that in the future."