Birdie was anything but mollified by Daisy's words. To her they sounded like the prattings of a youngster who disclaims that "they did nothing wrong" when the damage has already been done. To take off on a Hobbit's "boating party" when they were getting ready to set out on a dangerous, mysterious journey seemed the height of folly to her. And the actions of Pio were still in the back of her mind. Bird wondered if their company was falling apart.
But the time for ranting and recriminatons was not now. Grabbing some charcoal and pieces of bark off the floor of the cave, she thrust them at Daisy, demanding gruffly. "You write, child?" When Daisy wordlessly shook her head "no", she handed the pieces to Rose, saying, "Write down everything you see on these walls. Even if the water damages the notes when you leave the cave, the action will help fix them in your mind. Some of this may be of use. Then go to the skiff and WAIT with Angara. I must go out and find if Kali and Levanto are together."
"Will you be alright?" asked Rose softly.
"By the One! How should I know!" barked the skin-changer, and she dove into the sea once again.
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