( merlin has -- never used transportation magic. once or twice he's seen the showy signs of smoke pellets thrown on the ground with whispered words of old said under bated breath, but he's never done it himself, which makes watching max appear suddenly -- amazing. just amazing. the door gets flung open ( he's never seen max before, he realizes too late, and why is he always surprised when warlocks are bulky? ) and merlin quickly outside, glances shared from side to side to make sure no one witnessed the sparks of magic. mostly it's habitual, and a second later a huge smile turns up his cheeks -- yes, this merlin is different from what max has been taught, all short and skinny and with huge ears and high cheekbones, and not a hair to be found on pointed chin. )

Amazing! Just -- incredible! Your magic is so... ( is he speaking loudly? he wills himself quieter, though obviously thrumming on the inside, as if ready to burst. ) So amazing! You didn't need to cast? I mean -- the words, you didn't need them?