[ Matt is a very disarming sort of fellow, Abel's finding; perhaps it's unwise to drop his guard, but it appears that he has. some more of the tension has leaked out of his posture as Matt introduces himself, and the priest gently shifts his hold on his Shard, freeing up a hand to offer in a (very gentle) shake. ]

Abel, [ he offers-- and after a brief hesitation, he adds: ] Father Abel Nightroad, Mr. Matt-- having a great deal of faith is in my job description, you see, so-- you'll have to forgive me if you find I'm not quite ready to give up on both the places we call home...

[ it's almost apologetic - as though he can understand where Matt is coming from, but...

yes, there is that whole 'unable to see eye-to-eye' thing, huh? even so, if this conversation has proven anything-- it solidifies there's no reason that the two need to come to blows over differences in viewpoints, at the very least...!! ]