Someone gasped, and an unknown female voice stated, "It's true, then."
Both of his dragons moved their gazes to the source. The short, curvy form of Elsie Day stood next to Tristan.
Blue spoke up. Why is she here? I'm not ready yet. I might make a mistake trying to change back.
We can do it, Black said softly. We have to. Just follow my lead.
The dragons released Brenna and Elsie walked toward them. "You're magnificent," Elsie murmured, staring up at both Black and Blue.
Brenna placed a protective hand on his chest. "Yes, they are."
Elsie cleared her throat and adjusted her glasses. "I struck a deal with Bram to conduct this trial and test now rather than later. I can see Killian's tame and successfully shifted in his dragon form. But can he fly safely that way as well?"
Tristan answered, "He will soon enough."
Elsie reached out a hand and waited. Blue slowly bumped his snout against her palm.
Killian snorted. Always the charmer.
It'll help us, you'll see.
Lowering her hand, Elsie looked at each person in turn. "Technically, he should be able to perform well on all dragon-related duties in order to receive approval from me."
"However…?" Brenna prompted.
"However, provided he can shift back safely and you do me a favor, I'll clear him until the follow-up tests a few weeks from now."
"What favor?" Brenna asked slowly.
"Let's see if he can shift back first, and then I'll make my request."
Elsie retreated. Brenna turned and whispered low enough that the human wouldn't be able to hear it. "You can do it. I have faith in all three of you."
She hugged the dragon’s chest as much as she could with her human arms and went to stand next to the DDA inspector.
Black spoke up. Follow my lead again. Can you do that, Blue?
I'll try. Blue paused and added, Thanks for asking first.
As much as K
illian wanted to tell his dragons to hurry up, the trial was too important to risk distracting them. So, he merely watched to see if they could manage it or not.
Black grunted. I think it's best if you go first, Blue. I think bringing one dragon head in and then changing our whole form to human will be the best way.
Blue attempted to shift back the same way he'd grown out, but only one ear and eye melded into the rest of his face. He couldn't get the remaining set to budge.
Take your time and do the other side, Black instructed.
After a few deep breaths, Blue tried again. The second ear retreated and then the eye. His snout came next and everything looked to be going fine until the end, when he couldn't put the last blue bump back into the main dragon body.
Blue growled. It's too hard.
Brenna's voice came from the side of the room. "Do it for me, Black and Blue. Do it for me."
I can't upset Brenna. She should think we're strong, Blue said.
Black replied, Then just a bit further and I can do the rest. Imagine hugging me and becoming one.