how ‘bout now?

”Tea it is,” Vai nodded, turning back to open cupboards and take out ingredients, and to fill the kettle and put it on the already hot stove. A plate of some kind of sweet pastries made it to the middle of the table, Vai not bothering to try and ration them out - she had little doubt Felix would hoover them up regardless. ”Mers...?” she repeated, turning to lean against the counter and watch the exchange. Then Felix glanced up at her, and she thought she’d take a wild stab at it herself. ”Is that short for merfolk, by chance?” she asked Zeph; those had featured in many a fairytale that spilled from Vai’s lips, so her son would be more than familiar with those. ”I’d heard they were in the waters, but I haven’t seen any yet. Have you met one?” She raised a brow at him, curious now. As the kettle began to whistle, Vai took it from the stove to brew the tea in their mugs, setting them down on the table and slumping to sit with them. (Zeph would find a pleasant bite to his, like someone had added something alcoholic to it. Maybe). vervain I am always on your side