[He smiles and nods in recognition of Thundercracker's initial comment and was about to respond when the flyer dropped down. The action stunned him for a moment, wondering if a sudden pain had overcome the flyer, but it was clear no more than a moment later what he was doing.

He was conflicted about receiving such a pledge from someone he only barely knew, but he also knew that it could be damaging to reject it. He quickly decided on his course of action, nodding his head though the flyer wouldn't see it.]

I accept this from you Thundercracker, and in return offer you my support as your leader and named lord, you shall have my support if ever you should have need of it. I view your offered life as my own and shall guard it with the same determination.

[The words were somewhat old-fashioned, but a return pledge of a lord to one who made a pledge to him, so that was what he offered the flyer.]