[His eyes follow Cardan closely as he accepts the gifted tea. All these little changes, these off-key notes, strike him as significant, although he can't yet unravel their meaning. Something is weighing heavily on Cardan's mind, that much is apparent. Nikolai is not in the habit of bluntness, though — subtleties have carried him much farther, and he suspects that the tea will coax out the true purpose of this visit in due time.]

Why, now you have me intrigued.

[Leading Cardan through the house, he brings him to the kitchen, where the table stands in a cheery alcove brightened by wide windows. On it, a platter of pastries and a teapot cushioned by a potholder. He has found that the convenience of tea-bags, pre-portioned for a single cup, is negated by the mediocrity of the resulting tea's flavor. He gestures for his guest to take a seat as he sets the jar of hibiscus tea on the counter.]

Let's begin with tea, then let me have a look at your phone.

[Ever the consummate host, he pours a cup for Cardan, then for himself, before taking a seat.]

Next time you decide to fly over here on a moment's notice, you should try to do so in the evening. Then I can serve you wine or brandy.