[ Matt opens his mouth to say--something affirming, about how Aerich's skills in outdoorsmanship are still miles beyond his own? Something to signal gentle acceptance that he's been barking up the wrong tree? Those half-formed fragments go out the window when he catches sight of Aerich's expression.

Though maybe it's not his expression so much as his stance; Matt's better with physical cues than with strictly emotional ones. Or maybe it's neither of those things. Maybe it's the context they share without (Matt) knowing it. Calamity is much on his mind these last few days. The extinguishment of companions being just a facet. ]

We all have new companions now, [ he murmurs, almost apologetic. ] Unfortunately, the skills I have are ...

Not working right, at the moment. Or I'd be happy to share them.