Malachi did not seem inclined to answer the first question. He offered an affirmative hum, short and sweet, and said nothing else of it. His own experience, he felt, was neither relevant nor important for them to know, even if the youth's was somewhat similar. He was here to offer guidance, not familiarity.

Chéri's next assumption earned the makings of a laugh from Malachi, who let the sound die off prematurely before he replied.

"I am."

Of course he was exhausted. He always was, but he thought that should have been of no importance to Chéri. So long as the assistance was there, did it really matter who it came from, or how the giver felt about giving it?

They left their chair soon after, but Malachi did not rise from his kneeling position near the fire, nor did he immediately turn away from it.

"Yes, I'm sure," he confirmed. He would not have offered in the first place if he had any reason to take the offer back. Malachi turned his head just slightly, peering up at Chéri for once. "There are many like you, in the bible. God did not turn them away. I would not cast you out either."