It's only then that Aaron remembers that Julien's memories have all involved sapience and that his fears were groundless. It's a relief, to know that that's something he'll never have to see happen.

But back to the present.

"It's drastic," he says thoughtfully, licking his lips and giving a slow nod. "I'm...not sure you'll be changing any more."

It's just Julien's luck that he gets to spend his first hour as a bird high on avian-safe morphine. That's what you get when Aaron Strider cares about you.