Avoidance, then, sat at the heart of their question. The need to hide away and not be seen. Malachi supposed Whitby was as good a place as any, to hide from the rest of the world and whatever awaited across the sea. There were plenty of tourists and locals alike to deter from looking too closely in any one direction.

He might not have dressed so vibrantly, though, had he been running away himself.

"I hope that you will find the safety that you need here, then," said Malachi, and he set their luggage down against the wall. Easily seen, easily grabbed if they saw fit.

There was no fire burning now, but the room was comfortable, and the chairs were thankfully unoccupied. Malachi motioned toward them, wanting for Chéri to at least feel welcome in the more casual space.

"You're always welcome to come here, if you're ever afraid of someone finding you. Can I ask..."

Malachi turned over the words, pale hands resting over the back of a chair.

"Why did you come to a place like this, Chéri?"