Cat tilted her head. “Since you work for the DDA, you should have a better understanding of us as a species, aye? So, what do you know about how a dragon-shifter interacts with both halves of their personality?”
Lachlan clasped his hands behind his back. “I didn’t realize there would be a test this evening.”
Her beast chimed in. I can’t tell if he’s joking or not.
Cat replied to the human, “Aye, well, if you have no idea, then just say so and I’ll enlighten you. Think of it as an opportunity to expand your knowledge.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Dragon-shifters possess two personalities in one body. The human is more in control and understands human ways whereas the dragon half is more instinctual. When the dragon half ends up taking true control for an extended period, a dragon-shifter is considered a rogue dragon. Rogue dragons rarely occur before a dragon-shifter is a teenager. I could go on if you like.”
Her beast huffed. If he knows that much, then why suggest to me that I do something I have no interest in?
Knowing the basics and the details are two very different things.
Cat cleared her throat. “That’ll do for now. However, while you have the basics, just know that my dragon isn’t the artistic one of us. If I don’t get an idea down, I may lose it forever.”
“Have you ever allowed your dragon to paint? You never know, she may surprise you.”
Her beast spoke up. I’ve never tried because I don’t like to get dirty and paint usually ends up everywhere when you do it. However, if he would pose nude for us, I might be open to trying.
Cat snorted and Lachlan asked, “Care to share what’s so humorous?”
“Believe me, you don’t want to know. Although I have another question for you.”
“Make it quick as I need to check on the others.”
“Why are you so formal all of the time? I can assure you that all of the dragons from Lochguard prefer casual.”
He stood taller. “I’ve heard of Lochguard’s reputation. But this is my job. I must perform to the highest standards.” He bobbed his head. “I will check on you later.”
Cat said to her dragon, I wonder what Lochguard’s reputation is with the DDA. I wasn’t aware we had one.
As long as it’s something along the lines that we’re brilliant, I can live with that.
Smiling, Cat focused back on her sketchbook. The conversation with Lachlan had given her a new idea. As she drew the first lines, she couldn’t wait to show him the finished product. If it didn’t make him laugh, nothing would.
She managed to put the finishing touches on the rough sketch just as the doors opened. Cat hadn’t known what to expect, but as a throng of humans streamed in and visited the various tables, she soon found herself explaining one painting or another to a rapt audience.
Of course, it was just the start with a few hours to go. She only hoped their good luck and warm reception continued.
~~~
Faye finally reached the area where the smoke was coming from. There was some yelling below, but she couldn’t make out the words amid the chaos.
Please let Grant be okay. She hadn’t seen him in or near the loch and that worried her.
Her beast replied, Grant is strong. He’s been through tougher times in the army.
True, but back then he was only a comrade.
And now?
You bloody well know what.
Ignoring her dragon, Faye found an opening big enough for her dragon form and maneuvered her way down. The instant her back legs touched the ground, she shifted into her human form.
Making her way through the trees, Faye focused her mind and pushed away her fears. One of the first parts of her training had been about how emotion could jeopardize a mission and cost lives.
She soon approached some of her clan members who were attempting to put out the remaining bits of fire licking the trees and underbrush. Not wanting to distract them, she pushed past until she spotted Dr. Layla MacFie checking over someone on the ground.