"The... priest did?"

From the way his smooth features hardly shifted, it was impossible to tell if Malachi was surprised or if he'd just misheard.

Whatever the case, he cleared his throat and his eyes darted back to the church. It didn't look quite like he'd pictured. Mister Fa'afili's reluctance to answer had not exactly instilled confidence either, but surely it was the nerves that were warping his thoughts so. Malachi nodded, then, continuing towards the quickly-approaching building.

'You're right," said Malachi, mostly in a bid to convince himself. "It is just different from what I had pictured. Long travels tend to disorient me for weeks after I've landed."

It was not entirely the truth, but it sounded better that way, than to admit that he'd been somewhat reluctant to relocate. His steps slowed as they neared the church, and stopped completely once they'd gotten near the door.

"You're sure that you don't mind? I don't wish to keep you from your schedule."

Was he just stalling before he went in? Maybe. But he looked convincingly thoughtful too.