{open; main level}

[kingslain]

[Rasler's no stranger to what's said on his acceptance letter in hand, although he is somewhat surprised at Balamb's use of sponsors. That's definitely new to him, he doesn't recall Galbadia ever doing things that way. He's already paused at the directory to get a feel for where the dorms and the cafeteria and training area all are, and so he's

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[paradisiacally]

[Another average day for Ashe, it seems. Classes, then free time. She sighed on her way back to her dorm, watching her feet as she trudged along.

Not paying attention to where she was going, she promptly bumped into some unsuspecting soul.]

Oof! You should watch where yo-- [She fell to the floor, and looked up at the person with a scowl.. a scowl that quickly faded into a face of complete shock.]

... Rasler?

[kingslain]

[That poor unsuspecting soul... It was a good jolt though! Rasler falls back a step nearly losing his hold on his papers. He catches himself and pulls his backpack back up onto his shoulder, freezing at the sight of his wife on the ground in front of him.

Their expressions are no doubt similar, as the prince stares back down at her, speechless. What was going on? How was Ashelia here of all places? It had to be impossible-- all this time he had been struggling to find a way back home to her, to Ivalice, and now...

Now here she was.

His mouth opens as if to speak but no words find themselves coming to him, so he closes it again and lowers his arm, papers in hand. He's unable to take his eyes off of her.]

I... I-- [His first instinct is to apologize to her and drop down to help her up but he's still having a difficult time wrapping his head around this. She looks the same, maybe her hair's a little longer (just a bit) and she's wearing this world's clothing...] ...Ashelia?

[paradisiacally]

[Ashe can't help but chuckle. She's perfectly capable of getting up by herself, and she does just that, no worse for wear.]

I'm no longer Ashelia, Rasler.. Though I suppose you couldn't have known. Ashelia died along with you..

[Pause. She's having a hard time looking directly at him. Was this just a cruel joke?]

Now, I am Ashe.

[kingslain]

[The words 'died along with you..' leave a cold feeling to spread throughout his body, a dreadful feeling pitted in the bottom of his stomach. He picks up on how she refuses to meet his gaze and he can't help himself as he takes a step closer to her.]

I was fatally wounded... I remember. But I assure you I did not pass into the realm of the spirits.

[His voice lowers:] To me, you will always remain Ashelia.

[waylights]

[ He does indeed look like a new student, so Elika doesn't hesitate to wander up behind him. Spotting the jacket, she pauses, recognizing the stitched-in logo. ]

Excuse me--are you a new transfer?

[kingslain]

[Rasler looks up from his course book and turns slightly to look over.] Yes, I am. From Galbadia Garden.

[waylights]

I saw your jacket. I hope you find Balamb comfortable. My name is Elika, and I am an instructor here. [ The more she speaks, the more he might recognize that familiar voice. If it weren't for Elika's accent, she'd be a dead ringer for Ashe. ] Should you have any questions, I hope you won't hesitate to let myself or another member of staff know.

[kingslain]

[Whoever this woman was, this Elika, she reminded him of a Viera first and foremost. There was an exotic sort of appearance to her features, her dark skin enhancing them. She was definitely like a Viera but minus the ears and claws.]

Thank you. Elika. [Sounds her name out. Even that has an exotic ring to it.] I will be sure to keep it in mind.

[Then he hesitates before continuing, before he's about to give his name in return and explain that he's not here to enroll in classes but to take his field exam. Her voice, it's almost... familiar to him.]

[worthyheir]

[If you feel like someone is staring at you, it's because someone is. Damian is staring at Rasler, or more specifically, Rasler's jacket with a little interest.]

What type of jacket is that? It looks similar to the ones we have to wear, yet it's clearly different.

[kingslain]

[Rasler looks up and over in Damian's direction, straightening somewhat.]

It is. You've never looked upon Galbadia Garden colors before?

[worthyheir]

I try to learn my own surroundings before anything from the surrounding areas.

[Though he makes a mental note to learn more about Galbadia Garden.]

[kingslain]

Of course. Anything to be prepared.

[forkgoeswest]

[He's just walking to observe another class when he notices someone from a different Garden around. Strange, enough to make him investigate.]

You're from Galbadia, right?

[kingslain]

Galbadia? Yes, I am.

[He looks up and studies the other man in front of him.]

Have you also transferred from Galbadia?

[forkgoeswest]

No, but I visited their Garden after I became a SeeD. So you just transferred here?

[kingslain]

I have, yes. I was told that I was free to see into taking any extra courses should I wish to.

[easilytriggered]

Hey, what's with the different duds?

[There's a guy coming up to Rasler, eyebrows raised. Zephyr's rarely in his own uniform, but he knows it well enough to realize that the guy in front of him is clearly sporting something different.]

[kingslain]

...pardon?

[Rasler's own brows lift and he looks over Zephyr and then down at his own clothing.]

[easilytriggered]

[There's a moment's pause before Zephyr points at Rasler's jacket.]

Your clothes. They're not like Balamb's.

[kingslain]

Ah. No, they are not.

[He glances back down at his Galbadia jacket.]

Are you unfamiliar with Galbadia Garden?