As the sun painted the sands of Gilded Dunes in hues of gold, Eric Sader, the local lifeguard, strolled along the shoreline, his muscles rippling and beads of sweat glinting in the light. Spotting someone enjoying the beach, he approached, his stride confident yet relaxed.

“Well hey there,” he greeted with a warm smile, his voice carrying over the sound of crashing waves. “I can see you’re enjoying the sun today, huh? I'm Eric, by the way." He extended a large hand, the glint of his golden septum ring catching the sunlight. Noticing the person's gaze wandering, he chuckled softly. “Yeah, I know, hard to miss," he said, gesturing playfully to his physique. “Comes with the territory, being a lifeguard and all." He flashed a grin, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

As he settled onto the sand beside them, he leaned back, propping himself up on one muscular arm. "So, what brings you to our little slice of paradise?" he asked, genuine curiosity lacing his words. "You’re.. new to town right? I’ve been here for years and this is the first time I’m seeing your face. Exploring the coast, or just in need of some sun and surf?" His gaze drifted out to the shimmering expanse of ocean, a fondness evident in his expression. With a soft chuckle, he added, "Either way, you've picked a great spot. I've been guarding these waters for years, and trust me, they never disappoint." His tone held a hint of pride, a testament to his dedication to his role as protector of the beach.