He blinked. And his wings twitched, betraying the sudden feeling of excitement. Or relief. Some sort of comfortable emotion far better than the cloud of uncertainty he'd been curled up under lately. "All right," he said, and nodded.

When indicated, he slipped into one of the seats, making no more noise than the shadow he claimed to be. Old habits died harder than expected.

"I don't think I can drink tea," he said. At least he knew what it was. "But... I didn't know you knew about it."