"It has not always been so, but the last fifteen years or so I have felt a little stronger." He gave her a smile. "Shape-shifting is exhausting for any length of time, so I hope you do not require that from me. I feel I would be more at your disposal as a researcher, not in combat." He sipped his drink, and decided he wanted to show off a little, so he whistled at the scotch bottle.
The bottle turned like it was paying attention to him. "Yes you. Come here. Hockety pockety etcetera." The bottle bobbed through the air towards him, and poured out another shot into his glass, splashing a little. "Be careful! Not on my suit. Now, for my lady- and back to your place." It poured a little more into Peitho's glass with less splashing, like it was giving her a deep bow, then skipped back to its place to go still once more. Merlin rolled his shoulders, because it was draining to do that too much, but he would be fine in a few minutes.