What a curious creature they were.

Malachi looked fully upon them and considered the question. Had they taken some offense at his words? Malachi did not feel any particular need to correct whatever they might have interpreted from what he'd said, especially when he had probably meant it. He preferred the way they looked at him now, devoid of niceties.

"From the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head, there was no blemish in him," recited Malachi, as he pushed his hands against his knees and straightened up. He looked down again, as he always did, if slightly closer than he had before.

"Absalom."

Malachi did not liken them to Absalom for that reason alone. A hint of a smile curved at his mouth, less polite in its appearance.

"Who did you think, Chéri?"