#she tells them to ask Vertin or makes something up like babies come from seeds basked in moonlight and washed in lovers tears

[sleeplesssmoll]

Headcanon: Vertin goes to Madam Z and Tooth Fairy for advice.

Vertin notices Sotheby's gotten a bit taller.

She's growing up.

Eventually, she and any other younger arcanists she recruits are going to start asking questions.

The Foundation doesn't have growth and development as part of the curriculum since it's deemed unnecessary. The only reason she was taught is because Madam Z and Tooth Fairy took it upon herself to educate her after she started asking those very same questions. Madam Z usually lent her a book on the topic and Tooth Fairy clarified anything she was confused about.

Vertin decides to go to them for advice and prepare herself for the inevitable.

Luckily, Tooth Fairy also happened to be in Madam Z's office making the whole embarrassing process one step shorter.

At first Madam Z is alarmed by Vertin's grave expression. However, when the Timekeeper reveals the reason behind her visit she cracks a smile.

Madam Z tried to match Vertin's seriousness but seeing Vertin diligently jotting down notes as they spoke was a sight to see. If only she was that studious in class.

Tooth Fairy doesn't bother hiding her amusement but she offers to answer the children's questions for Vertin if she'd like.

Vertin appreciates the offer but states it might be embarrassing for her arcanists to bring up to a stranger. She wants to at least try answering them first. She wants to make them as comfortable as possible, the same way Madam Z and Tooth Fairy did for her.

Tooth Fairy and Madam Z are taken off guard by the sudden praise. Madam Z recovers and reminds Vertin they're still here for her. She can ask them anything.

The flood gates open.

"What should I do if someone breaks their heart? Should I set a curfew? I want them to have freedom but I don't want them to get hurt—"

Tooth Fairy and Madam Z share a glance.

Madam Z simply states, "Communication is key."

Vertin seems satisfied with this answer.

Madam had Z kept the books all these years just in case Vertin or some other child had more questions. She let's Vertin take them and warns her to not let them get turned into mud. Vertin smirks and promises to be careful. She thanks them both and heads out the door.

Madam Z watches her back retreat down the hall for a moment before closing the door. "I haven't seen Vertin this stressed in a long time."

Tooth Fairy touches her pouch of baby teeth. "Vertin...she's gotten taller again hasn't she?"

Madam Z smiles softly, "Just a bit."

Update: Fixed some typos