[ In some ways, Gavial's instincts are dead on. Matt started his graduate program to enhance his magical practice. But at the same time ... ]

Not exactly, [ he hedges. ] I guess I would've called it more like a vocation. But back home, magic wasn't really considered acceptable to practice.

[ He can sense a bit of negativity in himself, which he tries to breathe through. He focuses on the air flowing through him, on the cool peace of Zenith, on Gavial's hand in his. On her settling back against the couch cushions, one more little sign that he's managing to help her. ]