The Stars Align

Who is Ishtar?

As the cloak fell away, the crowd gasped—not just at the swift takedown, but at the figure now fully revealed. Even the towering Doberman warrior who had taken a cheap shot moments ago blinked in stunned disbelief.

"Now that cat knows how to kick ass," Vex muttered, arms crossed and a wicked smirk tugging at her lips.

But Vax said nothing.

His eyes hadn't left her since the moment she stepped into the arena. And now, as the golden-haired figure turned away and slipped into the shadows, her gaze never once meeting his again, something inside him stirred. Something quiet and sharp.

"Y...yeah. Y-yeah," he mumbled, dazed, almost to himself.

Behind them, Grog clapped his hands excitedly. "Grog wants to fight next!"

"Not now, Grog," Pike said firmly, resting a hand on his massive arm.

"But Grog wants to play with the kitty..." he whined.

"Knock it off," Vex snapped, shooting him a glare.

Grog deflated slightly and nodded in defeat, though he still cast a hopeful glance toward the now-empty arena.

The crowd eventually scattered, returning to their homes, shops, or the warm glow of the village tavern. Vox Machina lingered a little longer, eyes still on the sands where the mysterious warrior had stood moments before.

And then, like a whisper in the wind, she was gone.

The tavern glowed with warm amber light, the hearth crackling softly in the corner. Wooden beams creaked overhead as the group took refuge at a large table, drinks in hand. The smell of sweet herbs, woodsmoke, and strong liquor filled the air.

"She was incredible," Vex said, swirling her drink, eyes flicking toward her brother, who hadn't said a word since they arrived. "Fast doesn't even cover it."

"I told you," Keyleth chimed in, her cheeks flushed from warmth and drink. "That's Ishtar. The last of the Jahara royal line. Some say she's faster than the wind itself."

"I'd believe it," Pike added. "She moved like a shadow with a purpose."

The others nodded in agreement—except for Vax, who still hadn't spoken.

He stared into his drink, mind clearly elsewhere.

"You alright?" Vex asked, resting a hand lightly on his shoulder.

He blinked, then looked at her. "Yeah. I'm fine."

But he wasn't. And everyone at the table could tell.

Still, no one pressed. The conversation shifted. Jokes were exchanged. Food was shared. And slowly, as the night grew late and the mugs emptied, the group dozed off one by one—heads resting on arms, feet propped on benches, gentle snoring filling the corners of the room.

Only Vax remained awake, still lost in thought.

That's when the tavern door burst open with a bang, and everything changed.

Bar Scene — Ishtar & Vax

The door slammed shut behind her, the echo still bouncing off the tavern walls as Ishtar stepped inside.

The warmth of the room did little to ease the fire still simmering in her chest. Her golden eyes scanned the space, landing—for the second time that day—on him.

The rogue.

The one with the quiet eyes and the storm behind them.

Their gazes locked. And something flickered.