Merriman resists the temptation to simply produce a cup for the tea out of nowhere, like a conjuring trick, and instead signals for a waitrat -- not Holly, as it happens. Not from any real desire for the tea itself, but because there are already enough levels of potential awkwardness to face without the additional one of sitting and watching Moiraine eat.

The waitrat hurries off and returns very quickly, bearing the cup in both hands. And so he calmly begins to pour, both for her and for himself, without saying a word.