[ Merlin... she's about to feel so bad for teasing him. As bad as someone can feel with an adorable little animal in their lap, anyway. ]

They're beautiful. Something like this would just be a fairytale in Vasilios. [ Or a trick, but that sounds rude. ] Our guardian god granted powers to two families when the Empire was founded. But I don't think most people really believe in that anymore. The only magic most people will ever see is when the temple receives an oracle from god.

[ Which might put a less flattering light on Merlin being the most amazing mage she's met when they don't exist for her, but. ]