Ulki expected it fully. He'd managed to turn to Rhys to confirm his suspicions, and even cracked a smile at his untamed excitement. It was oddly heart-warming to be missed like that, and to finally see someone you similarly missed...

The laguz caught his friend's hug with ease. At first, his arms were suspended uselessly above Rhys's embrace, but he warmed up to the idea of returning the gesture quickly and responded by letting his arms wrap around him. "It is, yes," he responded, his tone as controlled as ever, but there was a hint of warmth there.