"Good day, Miss Tavane." His tone isn't without warmth, but his demeanor is a bit preoccupied. (It often has been, of late.) He can't help but wiggle it like a child with a loose tooth: Did he and Ness fight in the war together? That seems unlikely, surely. Did he teach her Nevarran?

"The family is well," he adds, so as not to leave her question hanging. "I wondered: Do you have a moment to discuss something, today? A ... research question, let's call it, though I'd hate to trouble you if you're busy." He feels a little foolish, even to himself, but he is determined to make a start. Stop ignoring the subtle feeling of wrongness that harries him, one way or another.