Birdie was feeling VERY comfortable. the myriad potions and herbs that Bethberry had administered to the bruised and battered skin-changer had had the desired effect, and despite disturbing dreams and broken sleep, Birdie was feeling very relaxed and comfortable.
But all the potions and herbs in Middle-Earth could not control the gnawing sense of guilt that Bird was feeling. She had destroyed, (all right: ATE!) something that she felt was important. How important she had no idea.
Neekerbreeker was the first and oldest of the skin-changer's forms, something she had first assumed when she was but a child. She was comfortable in that form and knew it well. But all skin-changers take on not just the physical aspects of the shape they morph into. They also knew that the spirit of the form would blend with their own spirit. It could never be totally controlled by the skin-changer's own personality.
Insects are without conscience. They simply ARE, guided by their instincts and desires in ways that other, more advanced creatures could supplement with their minds and hearts. Bird would never have thought to destroy an important missive in the possession of a Ranger while in human form; if only to avoid the wrath of the said Ranger. But as Neekerbreeker, she had only seen an inviting feast, and had acted accordingly.
She sat up in bed, still feeling the vague, drug-clouded aches of her injuries, and addressed the healer and Hobbit who had watched over her so carefully:
"Bethberry? Holly? I think I have done a bad thing."
[ July 25, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]
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