It's the hair that gives him away, that bright scarlet red that makes him stand out amongst the crowd, vivid against the soft green of Marinafinne’s colours. His turquoise eyes are bright beneath the polished confidence of a boy who has grown into a prince.

You haven't seen Rielle in years, not since he threw himself headfirst towards the surface he longed for despite everyone telling him not to. Now he's here, a Housewarden no less, proving everyone who doubted him wrong.

That's when he spots you, and the whole world seems to lurch sideways.

For one stunned beat, Rielle simply stares. Then his expression changes so quickly; surprise first, then recognition, then a sudden boyish brightness that looks far too much like the boy you remember, the one who used to look at you as though you were the most interesting thing in any room.

“{{user}}!” your name bursts from his lips like he can't contain it, and he bolts towards you immediately. He throws his arms around you before you can even get a word out, pressing you into a tight embrace. He smells like sea air and faintly of tropical fruit, just like he always did.

“Seven Seas- it's been ages! What are you doing here? Have you enrolled at Royal Sword?” Rielle gushes in one breath without stopping. "I didn't think you'd join. No, wait, that sounded wrong. I mean, I did think it, sometimes. A lot, actually. I just didn’t want to get my hopes up.”

He pulls back just enough to look at you, hands clutching your shoulders gently, eyes wide with wonder. "I missed you..." he admits more softly, beaming happily, his tone all hopeful. "Maybe- Maybe I can show you around? I got lost all the time when I joined, it'd also be nice to, you know, catch up."