[ There's one last laugh over Communion before Matt can definitely hear Gavial coming--and then she's bursting into the room, slinging an arm around his shoulder. Matt says oh, surprised but around a smile. Maybe it's his undemonstrative upbringing, or the way he first learned magic, or just how he is as a person, but touch is probably his favorite form of communication. People can throw out I'm so glad to see you out of politeness; an arm around him feels so much more solid. ]

It's work or panic, [ he says, rueful. The page Gavial can see has a lot of circles and squiggles, as well as something that might be math? ] Hopefully my next project will be a little more impactful than the last one.

[ He closes the book, page marked with a pencil, and turns to regard her more fully. As he looks her over, he frowns. ]

How're you holding up?

[ Something in her face seems different. And of course, it's a good question to ask anyone right about now. Zenith or Meridian, Shard-Bearer or not. ]