Crane always made extra? Just on the off-chance that a visitor happened to stop by?

The man sounded like more and more of a saint the more he learned about him. Malachi could not wait to hear what kind of apparent 'evil' could possibly burden him.

Malachi stepped away from the entrance as the constable spoke. Without scrutinizing the living space too openly, he wandered about at a leisurely pace, and nodded along when it felt appropriate. Crane kept a very warm home, he thought, and not because of the fire. The furniture was nice, but older, and the minimal clutter only added to the homey charm.

"I'm quite well," answered Malachi, with a glance at Crane. "Actually, I was looking forward to visiting you. The church is lovely, but I do like to see a person in their own environment."

Taking a seat at the edge of the couch, the priest did not exactly look uncomfortable, but he did not seem to fit all that naturally into the space either. If this was an extension of Crane's soul -- a warm, welcoming home, cluttered but nice and sensible -- then a sanctuary of stained glass and empty pews spoke to Malachi's own.

At the mention of tea, Malachi smiled and dipped his head.

"Please, do not fuss over me -- but thank you."