He may still be looking for something to use besides chicken feathers for an idea he's had.

[ Childermass most definitely declined to offer raven feathers. Partly because he was being a jerk, mostly because he doesn't want another magician using bits of him for a magic act. But there, fair enough warning. Anyway, after a sip from his own glass, he sets it down and leans an elbow on the table. ]

What were her instructions on that, anyhow?