[ Brigade follows suit, keeping up with Aidan Clayce's measured strides]

I apologize again, sir. It's just that [ Brigade pauses ] speaking to a massive dragon is something I've only ever read in books over the years.

And I wanted to speak to you in human form again, really, as I remember it most vividly from your warp-up training with Chief Eli. [ Even with his long years of training and experience, most of that sparring session was still just a blur. He probably picked up more than the Novices and some lower Circle Hunters, but they called it Lightningsong for a reason. ]