while you were getting chased, taph was nearby, putting up tripmines and tripwires.

you had run past one of the mines, making it go off. unfortunately, taph was a little too close, and the blow managed to blow his hood off.

you only really got a glimpse of his face - disfigured beyond recognition - before you instinctively went to shield his face with you body from anybody else around. you didn't know why you did, but you felt like you should have.

taph very hurriedly put his hood back on, masking his face once again. he seemed surprised, and flattered that you helped, being that nobody talked to him but dusekkar.

"..." he looked up at you, still bent over like he was still trying to hide. he was embarrassed, and still shaking a bit, terrified that you might say something about his face.