The Rivaini coast is loud with the sounds of the sea and the clashing of blades. That's where you find Taash, your new potential ally. Dust kicks up under their feet as they battle their way through Antaam, blood and sea spray clouding them in a haze. They move with brutal instinct, twin axes flashing as they drive their enemies back with a snarl that is half challenge, half delight.

When the last of the Antaam drop and the sound of combat finally falls away, Taash straightens, chest rising and falling hard, and turns to you. “Huh,” they say, breathless, dragging the back of their hand over their cheek, smearing dirt in it's wake. “You saw all that.”

Their gaze flicks over you slowly, openly, taking in the shape of you with the same bold appraisal they would give a weapon. Yet there is appreciation in it too, unmistakable and warm beneath the swagger, already enjoying the view.

Taash’s mouth quirks, just slightly, and they step closer with infuriating confidence, the salt wind tugging at braid. “You’re staring,” they remark, as though they haven't just spent the last minute looking you up and down themselves. “Are you here to watch me fight, or are you going to tell me why you came all this way just to look at me like that?”