Wendy
An hour had passed since the caravan locked its wheels and stopped on the cold mountain pass. The cold wind whistled in the air as it cut against the travelers skin through the bundles of cloth and furs that they adorned themselves with. The snow covered peaks offered little in the way of sanctuary aside from the misfortune of being buried beneath several dozen feet of snow. Naturally, there was little incentive for anyone with a hint of self preservation to halt their travels in a place like this for that long. But when this caravan found that the path forward had been blocked by a wall of timber and snow from an earlier avalanche, most would cut their losses and turn around.

Not The Ferrymen though. 

And certainly not their leader.

"Looks like we're making our own path today," 

Orion announced, his voice a deep rumble with a metallic, artifical twinge, resonating with the authority and calm assurance that had come to define him. Standing at a height of over 7 feet, the half human's goliath blood gave him quite the striking appearance. Orion, once known as The Mountain, was the head of this band of aspiring warriors he's gathered. His towering figure, wrapped in a heavy cloak, stood stark against the drifts of snow, his eyes keenly scanning the path ahead.

```"Sir, we only have one shovel, that'll take us hours"```

Spoke the Ferryman named Kaelen. A young man without a coin to his name before Orion found him and brought him into the fold.

Orion chuckled as he made his way to the back of the wagon to grab the shovel in question. His arm bumping against the severed head of the drake they had slain days before and were now traveling back to Gantrick to present it as proof that those beasts won't be ambushing travelers on the border any longer.

"We're in no rush, Kaelen. Plenty of people other than us use this road, and it could be a death sentence if any of them got stuck up here. Only difference is we can do something about this"

He explained giving a nod to another Ferryman, a fellow half human named Mira. Her orcish blood gave her a strong build that was only a foot and a half less than Orion's. She nodded in response as she took up the shovel he handed her as the two made their way to debris that blocked them and got to work. Orion, being the leader deciding to take on the burden of using his hands to clear the road. Even then he seemed to have no problem lifting large logs from the snow and tossing them down the mountain like they were nothing. The Ferrymen could use a rest so he figured they could make themselves comfortable for a bit while the two of them worked.

It was this kind of thinking though that has always been the mercenary bands greatest weakness. The Ferrymen are a name that very few have heard of. There are no battle hungry warriors lining up to join this band. No wealthy nobles paying a fortune for their services. Aside from Orion, the band made up no more than 4 other members. Altruism, honor, things like that don't belong in a mercenary band worth their salt. Orion knew this from a lifetime in the Gilded Shields. But he didn't care much for the money or glory of it all. It was about doing what's right. To not make the same mistakes he made as a foolish young man. To make sure these young lives who've joined him do the same. And if that means that The Ferrymen forever remain in obscurity so be it.

And so the caravan has rested here for the last hour. The two up front clearing the road while the other 3 members sat in the carriage, trying their best to keep themselves warm.
Richard
*Steady against the winds, a walking stormcloud wandered his way forward over the forlorn path. Gripped tight around his gargantuan frame was a frayed and well-worn greatcloak that blew noisily with every bit of resistance the harsh winds gave him. Every few seconds, one long exhalation came - a vent of evaporate evidence for the figures immense stamina and acclimation to the bitter chill. Looming closer, the figure stalked like an omen towards the blockade of snow and the mercenaries that stood beside it.*

*There wasn't an intent to be subtle, but the figure moved deftly enough that it was hard to place footfalls against the cutting gales. As he drew closer, more was apparent about the figure as he seemed to slip through the icy fogs- a phantom colored as a stormy sky, with the fur of beasts resting on his shoulders, and a great blade sheathed over his back, that was nearly as tall as he.*

*It was an Orc- it must be. Surely. The body that was implied under the cloak was far too wide for a man, and the height would similarly dwarf them at six feet, nine inches. Gray skin and carefully searching, cunning lupine eyes stared out, marking and tracking the Ferrymen as he drew closer. There wasn't a need to walk into a wasteful fight, so he seemed to assess ahead of time that they weren't bandits in waiting. Still, a hidden hand kept itself close to a dagger's hilt, just in case.*

*When he was no more than a few meters behind, he'd let out a whistle, announcing his presence before lowering his hood. A squint or two came to the thick, stern face he had. A neck corded and as wide as his thigh gripped and shook with the cold, before his eyes and body both adjusted to the change from the warm hood.*

*And so he stood, awaiting their attention, in that moment of tension and anticipation for strangers in a stranger land meeting at path's end.*
Wendy
One of Orion's lessons he tries to teach his 4 Ferrymen is the value of perception. Of course, there's the obvious interpretation 'That enemy must have a blind spot on his left' or 'I spotted the inn keeper pour something in our drinks out of the corner of my eye'. But that's under the assumption that perception is something you can activate on command. A hidden tool for you to use when the situation calls for it and be done with it when it ends.

While that's partly true, it is also in respects to keeping your guard up for long periods of time. If you never let your guard down it'll make you cold, standoffish, and too protective to enjoy life. Orion understood this. But he was hoping that they'd pay attention while they sat vulnerable in one of most isolated places in all of Lucidien. 

Unfortunately they did not.

The heads of Kaelen, and the two other Ferrymen named Ariella and Lysandra, all shot up in unison as a sharp whistle cut through the air as the outline of a huge figure could be seen behind the frozen gale which covered the mountain. The young mercenaries hurried out of the carriage as they collected blades, spears, arrows and whatever else the needed from the carriage before forming a small defensive line in front of the wagon.

```"Captain! Someone's here!"```

Kaelen shouted, turning to find that the goliath was already standing behind the three of them by the time they formed their line.

"Blades down. If he wanted to run you down he'd do it when you had your back turned."

The Grey Mountain of Gantrick stepped past his mercenaries who stepped behind him in response.

"Bandits wouldn't dream of going through the fuss of robbing in this cold, even then they wouldn't give up the element of surprise unless they're looking for a fight"

The captain explained taking one more step forward, putting a few feet of distance between him and the new arrival, as well as giving himself a fair bit of distance from his crew. Perhaps this was a traveler. Perhaps this was a bladesmen looking for battle with whoever he could find. Perhaps a necromancer in search of more bodies. Orion's seen it all, and aired on the side of caution until he had a reason to keep calm.

"I hope that's not what you're after, I've been walking before the sun rose today and I'm plenty tired already."
Richard
*Perception and insight. Vision without and within. The Orc leveled it on each of the members of this small troop as he stood in place, the whistle lasting and lashing through the winding mountains, before it became one with the howling wind, lost as an echo. The Orc's sword remained sheathed as they turned, and not a step forward or back did he take as they formed a line. No need for a misunderstanding. It had been a long day, and Lohmar should return soon with quarry.*

*As Orion stood and moved past, the Orc took in what he could sense of the figure's leadership among the others. The respect was evident. They trusted his word and didn't overreact. He nodded- taking a favorable view already with a near-silent grunt and an even more subtle nod.*

"Bandits wouldn't have waited to shoot, either." *He says in mutual acknowledgement, walking forward. His hands leave his cloak, coming up to either side, opening and closing to show they were empty and remained so as the two would soon stand only a few feet apart.*

*Nargul trailed his eyes to the blockade, jaw clenching once, then twice, under his steely and scratchy complexion. This one's seen many battles. But, he looks back to Orion.*

"I'm looking for passage to the East. You have an extra shovel?" *He says. Intentions clear as water. Help for help.*
Wendy
The sound of the cold air whistling through the mountains was the only sound aside from the silence that followed the offer. The two giants standing before one another, strangers in a place that would care little if blood were spilt. Fortunately, it need not flow. Nor shall it, so long as Orion has a say in it.

"Mira!"

He called out, the half orc ceasing her dig and standing behind Orion, snow covered spade in hand.

```"Sir?"```

The giant looked the stranger up and down one more time as best he could through the shroud of snow between them. Assessing a potential threat? An opprotunity for loot? No. Simply an inspection of his build. And the mountain was impressed.

"Hand me that shovel and head back to the carriage. Kick your feet up but don't let your guard down. Keep them in line as best you can."

He instructed. Mira wordlessly nodding and passing the tool into the hands of the half human before doing as she was told without issue.

"Only have one, but I hope this'll do you right"

The captain of the Ferrymen now finally closing the distance as he stepped before the Orc and presented the frost covered shovel to him.

"Orion Khavrur's the name, captain of The Ferrymen. Mercenary group on our way back home. Glad to see a friendly face this far up north"
Richard
*The blade on Nargul's back had an eminence of restrained violence about it. Though sheathed, the thing was clearly a tool of war. But- it remained sheathed, and the Orc made no motion towards it. There was no need here, in this place. Though, once it seemed peace was attained, he glanced off to the side- dark eyes seemed to become yellowish and lupine for a moment, before a different sounding whistle hurtled its way through the tumbling winds down the path.*
Mariano
*Soon after, emerging up onto the path from its flank, was a massive Dire Wolf. Comparable in mass to Nargul himself, though longer and leaner, the interestingly mottled fur had a pattern of oranges- ochre, auburn, and amber- as well as stripes of charcoal, black, and white that seemed to culminate in a small mane of sorts. The sort meant to protect the wolf's neck. The thing itself was similarly strong in stature to Nargul, and clasped in its jaws was the neck of a sizable grazer- something akin to an elk. But, dead it was, being dragged to them.*

*It made brief, sharp looks at each of the Ferrymen, having some sort of animalistic cunning as it carried its quarry closer- but not too close- to the cart before Nargul clicked his tongue. Lohmar dropped it, before walking over and standing besides the Orc.*
Richard
*He gives a little chuff- out of humor for the situation. Wasn't he being generous today?* 

"Dinner, as well. Any of yours good cooks? I hope we can call it even between that and the extra pair of hands for a ride to the east end of this country."

*He otherwise waited in place, a calloused hand aiming to reach out and grasp the icy thing, turning it over once and twice as he gave a grunt. A bit small for his hands, but he could make it work.*

"Nargul." *The Orc replied, in the manner of names. There was a brief gap, as if considering what else to add, as he walked closer to the mess he intended to clear.* "Where's home, for you? I don't have one, now."
Wendy
The eyes of Orion panned from Nargul to the creature who had come trotting up behind the Orc. A tinge of alarm shot through the giant for a half second as he made out the silhouette of something that confused him. An animal of some kind, with 4 legs, but it also had more as well as a fair amount of mass dragging across the ground. It didn't take long for him to finally recognize what he was looking at as he looked down at the hound who had presented the corpse of an elk of some variety before the two of them. 

*"All Mother's braids..."*

He muttered examining the size of the creature. A formidable beast, but also an excellent hunter as well. Orion had packed rations for the journey with the full intention of using all of them as hunting up in these mountains would be near impossible. But here was this wolf who out hunted the entirety of the Ferrymen and their captain. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of man he was before that could train a creature as intelligent and powerful as that. If anything he was just glad they weren't at odds.

The captain smirked as he tilted his head high at the question.

"Don't mean to brag but I know how to make a real mean venison stew. I'll make you a bowl when we get out of this blizzard."

He offered as he knelt down and took hold of the elks legs. In one motion the carcass was already off the ground and resting right on Orion's shoulder as he used his free hand to gesture for Nargul to follow him to the dig site. The goliath handling it as though it were light as air.

"Coin's as good a prize as any but you've earned plenty of praise from all us here by gifting us a full stomach at the end of all this"

The captain stepped to the side of the wagon they had been using, his Ferrymen sitting inside underneath the cloth which billowed and shook from the winds. The only thing keeping it covering the occupants would be the rope tied to all four corners and wrapped around the wagon itself. It was these ropes that Orion took hold of, a little bit of extra slack allowing him to tie some knots. Tying the elk to the side of the carriage rather than forcing someone outside to make room. Hopefully the cold would help preserve it when they moved to warmer climates and were ready to feast.

His head craned to look over his shoulder to catch a glimpse of Nargul as Orion began the process of tossing snow and timber out of the way with his hands.

"Wish I could tell you homes wherever I make it or something like that. Don't have much time for it but me and the crew have the chance to rest up at my home town. It's called Erbaron village, a bit remote. Only thing big about it though is the people"

He joked gesturing to himself, indulging in a chuckle at his own pun.

"What's a guy like you doing all the way up here with your pup? They're safer ways to get into Gantrick, you know. Might make the journey a few weeks longer but you don't hit frost til you're a few days from civilization"
Mariano
*The dire wolf gazed back, for a moment. Eyes, starkly yellow, pierced through the snow like two motes of molten gold. Perhaps most interestingly, besides the size of him, was the amulet around his neck - it wasn't something so trite as a tag, but instead appeared as an interpretational statue of Anthron, carved from wood and marked with two dents from a pair of fangs, as if the wolf's own signature. It was-... Doubtful a wolf of all things had such conceptions, but who knew. The world was strange, and full of stranger company for the traveler.*

*The elk Lohmar had slain seemed as if it went through little pain. Orion could feel, at his heft, that three of the things vertebrae were crushed utterly under the force of the bite, and only one row of distinct puncture marks on the top of the neck could be seen. It likely was dead before it had much time to choke or suffer. But- Lohmar whaps his tail once against the snow before standing and following Nargul once the latter moved, some charming sign of contentment at his work.*
Richard
"His name is Lohmar. It means 'Heart,' in my tongue." *He says with a small nod.* "A close friend in these lands, and for the rest of our days, I think."

*Nargul's one hand came up to swipe a fistful of soft snow off of his jaw, collecting from the sin of standing still in the sinister cold of this place. Nargul had a task put in front of him, and that much could suffice him peace of mind for another few hours. Though, the crew he caught by coincidence himself into seemed the sort to carry a considerable cache of tales. He nodded to himself; that'd do well for his mind, for the night.*

*He listened along to the Ferryman's words about the meal, and kept it in mind. He took matters of food more seriously than most things- and his body seemed a temple to that idea, itself. But, to the comment about coin, Nargul spoke once more when there was quiet for a moment.*

"Coin poisons the mind. I keep little past what I spend on supplies."

*The Orc was genuine in his offer- as the back which seemed eerily large, like a pair of tower shields held adjacent, flexed and stirred with each shift of the great cloak- freeing itself of the short snow burial it suffered each time Nargul stood still. Now, the constant motion was like a machine of architecture and construction, great loads of ice, stone, and wood being ripped out of the pile and off of the path, tumbling down, and down, until it came to a sullen and silent crash in the icy pits far below them.*

"Mmh." *He gives a small snort at the mention of Erbaron. He evidently didn't care for something about it- but kept it to himself for the time being. Otherwise, as the conversation continued, Nargul did- in a slow but casual pace, in a Common that was functional but still gaining ground against his Orcish accent.*

"There's much I must see of this and other lands before I return to Dasvaz. I do not fear the wilds. The beasts know peace in purpose and instinct, and that is enough for our understanding." *He lets fly a small restrained chuckle from his chest. A deep, reverberating thing, like rolling thunder from the far side of mountains.*

"Besides that, I am cultivating strength."
Wendy
Orion looked over his shoulder to catch a glimpse as the lupine companion that Nargul had brought with him. Still fascinated at the beast which now sat not more than a few feet away from him now as the two men got to work. He'd certainly noticed the efficiency in the corpse as he hung it. The half-human was born in the land of ice and snow. It was rare he worried about food as much as those further up north did during his younger years, but hunting for game was a vital skill for one living in Erbaron. One must earn their keep. Even if food is plentiful, a goliath who does not have the strength to carry their weight, half-blood or otherwise, is a burden. 

But in all the carcasses he carried back he couldn't help but be surprised with how much blood was left in the elk. Not full to bursting, Orion could see the trail that Lohmar left on his way here. But it certainly didn't bleed out. It was as though the strike was so decisive and the bite so powerful that it simply died of shock in the same manner one might upon losing a limb. 

His idle thoughts would be interrupted by Nargul who spoke of coin. 

```"Coin poisons the mind. I keep little past what I spend on supplies."```

A sentiment that the captain would have likely taken a swing at Nargul had he been 20 years younger. The arrogant fool who served in the Gilded Shields who believed his strength meant him and his company could do whatever they wished so long as the coin was worth it. The bright amber eyes obscured by the blizzard and smoke colored skin which he hid under the furs he wore a testament to the punishment he endured for such hubris. 

Still, the captain simply smiled and let out a short laugh at that statement.

"Maybe you've gotta point, Nargul, but I'm only happy having little gold to my name if it means I can wear a cloak with less holes in it"

He joked, brushing off the bad memories which lurked back into his mind back down where he had laid them to rest. The monotony of clearing the road would

Serve as an excellent activity to keep his mind clear and focused.

Orion's hands would strike against an object beneath the snow as he attempted to brush his latest pile off the ledge. A quick brush would reveal a large stone underneath, about the size of Lohmar and a good few hundred pounds heavier. Orion knelt down as he felt the stone and discovered this, clearly one which would take an entire group of strong lifters to clear.

```"Besides that, I am cultivating strength"```

The captain paused for a moment as he considered Nargul's words. Maybe younger Orion was, at the very least, partially correct in his arrogance. That strength meant he could do what he wanted. Older, Orion now knows that one who acts must also be ready for whatever consequences that follow. But for now, the old man wished to use his strength to clear the road for travelers.

In one heft the stone rested in both of his palms as he foot slammed into the ground as the kinetic energy flowed into him. When he was able to withstand the force against him he hurled the stone down the ledge as it crashed into the earth with a loud snap before rolling further and further out of sight.

Orion rested his hands on his knees as he caught his breath. While nowhere near being old enough to be considered infirm he didn't have the same stamina he did when he was younger. The cold air cut as it reached his lungs chilled his throat.

After a few moments, he turned his attention back to Nargul, a victorious grin visible from beneath his cloak.

"Strength... Is never a bad thing to get a hold of, friend. Only mistake you can make is what you decide to do with it, you know?"
Mariano
*In its own way, the dire wolf made itself of use. It took to a circling patrol, constantly turning its head in a looming, craning cant to attune its senses to the winds and snow and those things that may and well try to hide among them. He appeared to be a dutiful beast, and with turns here and there, Orion and the others might see the scars that the beast bears. Small patches of fur on his left side were split by icy winds, revealing a misshapen bald patch that looks as if he had grown to stretch out a massive bite scar. Something-... Ursine.*

*One ear swiveled, and then the other, as he kept to his task well for the time being. Every few minutes, he seemed to look for Nargul's eyes, and the pair of them met, as if communicating without words. Perhaps they were- and if Orion looked closely, the Orc's eyes were just as yellow in those brief moments.*
Richard
*As he took the shovel to pierce through deep ice, driving deep those fissures which released bound stones and boulders, the Orc at times turned over his shoulder to glance at the Goliath- especially when he heard the latter laugh. Returning it after a sober moment of quiet, Nargul's low rumble of a chuckle came out again.*

``` "Maybe you've gotta point, Nargul, but I'm only happy having little gold to my name if it means I can wear a cloak with less holes in it" ```

"Yes. That's good, then. Coin should be used, as any other tool." *He gives another snort. Another little revelation into his simple and functional view of things. It wasn't a gain in itself, just a means to something of more worth to the Orc. Supplies, materials, trade; and by his tone, he refused to let it be more.*

*Nargul watched the stone flow over the edge that Orion had released, not ignorant of the thing's size. With a small nod, and more minded to conserving his energy, he used the lever of the shovel to tip another massive stone enough to get it rolling- momentum and gravity returned it to the earth, thereafter.*

``` "Strength... Is never a bad thing to get a hold of, friend. Only mistake you can make is what you decide to do with it, you know?" ```

"Do you know the difference between strength and power?" *He asks, eyes leveling into a half-lidded, contemplative look. A curious question, as the Orc nods to Orion again, encouraging his answer. Maybe they could speak of philosophy over work and dinner - certainly an oddity for two men that could simply crush skulls with their hands, instead. Perhaps it was welcome, though. Or not - Nargul was eager to see which.*

*Nargul, as they work away, seems to be cleaving a wedge through the snow, packed ice, and trapped timber and stones, tilted towards the drop onto the far and fogged depths below where so many stones have been sent to their doom already. Efficiency seemed to be his goal, as much of the work was accomplished by gravity imposing itself on the unstable heights at the far side of the flank.*
Wendy
The two giants had been to work at clearing the blockade for the matter of little over 10 minutes. Their discussion slow, long pauses between each word when they found the time to turn their attention away from driving away snow and timber to speak. But with the work of Orion and the Ferrymen an hour before, about half of the way had been cleared. But now in a fraction of that time it seemed that they had succeeded in nearly completing their task with the last of the remnants of the avalanche now tumbling down the edge into the frozen dark below.

The captain of The Ferrymen stood over the cliff edge, looking out at all that he could see from the mountain high. At the very least, what wasn't obscured by the blinding frost that was this cruel blizzard. He'd be greeted with even more mountains that lined the border of Gantrick. Its greatest defense from invaders and what kept it isolated for so many years. Orion was one of the few who were able to look past the peaks to see beyond. The whole world and its people. The sights. The fights. The rights and wrongs that he's done. He couldn't help but feel a small tinge of sentimentality at it all as he caught his breath.

Nargul proved himself invaluable clearing the road. Possessing strength that rivaled that of the famed Mountain of Gantrick himself. Perhaps even exceeding that strength, even in his younger years. His ears perked at the question that the Orc had for the old man.

```"Do you know the difference between strength and power?"```

A fascinating inquiry that left Orion to ponder. In truth, he hadn't considered the two to be different. At least, in his case they were both synonymous. One complimenting the other, making them inseparable. What could Nargul mean?

"Hmm... I'm going to hazard a guess and say the strength you mean is physical, like ours. Strength can give way to power, but some people have power without strength. Like the lords of Alynthi, Findara and Gantrick. They've had power since they were born, the kind you don't need strength to claim. Unless your King Archaius, of course. Man can turn into a bear whenever he wants so I'd say he's born with strength as well as power in his case."
Richard
*Work was welcome,.If weary, to the Orc, who had long wondered in the cold to reach this road and now saw it as another way to keep his hands warm and his back pliable. He was dutiful, taking his offer as seriously as if he had made a debt, and when the path was cleared, Nargul would return to Orion's side, curious as to his staring and contemplation.*

*Nargul himself saw a portion of what he sought here - a piece of the answers he yearns for when he returns to Dasvaz. The land here was harsh and unforgiving, but life thrived all the same. The mountains were fangs and spears that well-warded this land from outsiders, but also kept insiders wary and worn. Ever forced to be strong. There was an appreciation Nargul felt in that, before the Orc looked back at his new traveling companion.*

*Nargul's strange stare as Orion spike of strength imposed the impression that the Orc had asked many others this question before, and was evaluating in quiet. When the Goliath had finished, Nargul responded in turn.*

"Strength is something cultivated, Power is something gained." *He grunts.* 

"You are near how I feel. I have seen those with the power of rule, without the strength to make anything of it. Strength comes from struggle, and I wonder how the kings and lords of these lands are. Perhaps they have great strength, perhaps they lack it."

*He scoffs at the idea of the transformed bear.*

"There's bears in the woods north. I saw no crowns among those I hunted." *A metaphor layered in sardonic sneer, the Orc seemed contemptuous of the idea of physical power along being the means to strength and rule. Odd, given his home- odder still, given his massive frame and evident force of body.*

*He turned his head aside to the caravan, where Lohmar stalked quietly about, bounding and bordering it as his territory.*

"We can continue this, or you can tell me a story of you and your allies, there. I will share mine, too."
Wendy
It surprised Orion, the company that he now had. Granted, that very company surprised him on many occasions. The hound at his side, the speed at which he cleared the road, the way he spoke of from where he hailed. But what surprised the captain the most was the wisdom in what the traveler had to share. Granted, Orion had to uphold the image of the wise elder for the Ferrymen's sake. The oldest among them aside from himself was barely over 20 years. But this vagabond Orc, this wandering warrior, he had to admit he was experienced in ways that Orion just wasn't. He couldn't help but respect that. Simply wishing he was that wise in his younger years.

He chuckled and shrugged upon Nargul's explanation. A hearty laugh at the mention of the crownless bears he's seen.

"Hey I got pretty close with that one"

He mused, shaking his head as he made his way back to the caravan.

"Roads clear! We're moving!"

He called out as the young mercenaries in the carriage all made their way out dressed in their furs and cloaks. Clearly disappointed that their respite from the cold is finally over. Hopefully those frowns would soon fade when they were out of this mountain and over a warm fire. Maybe listening to Nargul's adventures, learn something too if he were fortunate.

With that the wheels of the carriage began to spin again as the Ferrymen took point, protecting all sides from potential ambush. They took to this lesson pretty quickly during the first few months he had this full crew. It's hard to forget your first ambush after all.

At the front would normally be Orion, he was the captain after all. But with a gesture he seemed to welcome Nargul to join him as they traveled. There was something about this gruff son of Dasvas that had the mercenary intrigued.

"Is that what you meant earlier? When you said you were cultivating strength? You want to head back home when the time comes deserving of the responsibility that'll be weighing on your shoulders. So you're cultivating strength to bare it."

Orion questioned, resting both hands into the pockets of his cloak as his boot crushed bits of lumber and ice beneath his feet.

"Sorry to pry, but you seem pretty strong in the traditional and metaphorical way, you know. How much more strength do you need?"
Richard
*There was another small smile from the Orc, an admission of shared human and an appreciation for the Goliath's attitude as they turned back towards the caravan itself and trudged through still-packed sloughs of stone-laden slush.*

``` "Hey I got pretty close with that one." ```

"You did, and you know well enough to laugh at your own thoughts. I try to - wish more did. Mmh-..." *He lets out another snort, flaring his nostrils seemingly just to breath two fogging fumes of hot air down his lips and neck.*

"I've got a sling and a bag of stones, if you hear anything I don't." *He says, simply enough. When he briefly withdraws the leather strands, the horror of realizing the stones he could launch would be the size of a human fist, and likely faster than an arrow, came to mind before he put it away.*

*Nargul felt some relief. Company put some easy into rocky roads. As he looks around at each of the Ferrymen, he took the time to individually introduce himself as a matter of courtesy, getting a feel for their voice and face in the case something went wrong, so he could differentiate between them and a foe in the howling wind.*

*But, Orion caught Nargul's attention well and fully with his next words, as they stood side by side at the front.*

``` "Is that what you meant earlier? When you said you were cultivating strength? You want to head back home when the time comes deserving of the responsibility that'll be weighing on your shoulders. So you're cultivating strength to bare it." ```

"You're right. But, I'm not chief. There's no crown in Dasvaz that's not slick with blood." *He grimaces, a flash of memories like firecrackers against the front of his mind, before he seemed to return to the fore.* "There's a sickness in my home - you know well of Dasvaz's trades, their wars. I want nothing more than to one day teach strength by another way- a superior way. One where my people prosper." *He gives a long exhalation, tilting his head here and there.*
Mariano
*Just then, Lohmar seems to perk his head sharply up at mountains along the right side of the pass, his lips curling back as the ridge-like mane he had bristles. But- whatever it was, it seemed to pass, leaving only a too-large and too-looming shadow to linger like a serpent of shadow between the crevices and cracks brought by winter's ruin.*

*Still bared, licking his chops intermittently, he trots himself between the lead two, looking between them and pointing his nose to where he was focused. Nothing- now. Or at least nothing they could see.*
Richard
*Taking the words into consideration, he withdraws a fist-sized stone, his sling, and kept the finger-and-a-half he had left on the outside of his left hand at the ready with a tightly held dagger, drawn in eerie silence from his hilt.*

``` "Sorry to pry, but you seem pretty strong in the traditional and metaphorical way, you know. How much more strength do you need?" ```

"Let's speak on it once we've passed this valley-... Lohmar never misreads a threat." *He says, a whisper low like the promise of a storm in his deep, chest-spoken voice. He considers a moment, then nods.*

"What are each of your strengths-? We may need to be allies in battle, Lohmar isn't settling." *His face contorts into a snarl mediated by focus, not overreacting, just waiting and planning.*
Wendy
Orion's attention would be brought away from the matters of philosophy and strength when Lohmar began to show signs of alert. While not too accustomed to animals, Orion knew of when one spotted something. The hunting hounds of Gantrick always had better sense then him. Even if it was in a dire wolf, Orion knew full well what that meant. They might have a fight on their hands soon.

Reaching into his fur coat, the captain began searching around for a weapon he'd be able to use. His fingers would soon touch the familiar feeling of cold metal and he'd begin arming himself. It wasn't long until his arm would make its way out from beneath his cloak again, only now to be adorned in a weapon most exotic.

A gauntlet of some kind, one reaching all the way up to his wrist with a red colored blade several feet in length extending from his forearm. 

"Could be sizing us up, seeing if we're worth it."

The captain stated, his eyes scanning around the mountains, trying to spot anything past the wall of snow which blew past him.

"But if it sees all of us and thinks it might have a chance we should be ready for the worst. Can't think of a worse spot to be ambushed at, we're stuck between stone and a 500 foot drop."

The Mountain of Gantrick looked back to his crew of young mercenaries. All of them had themselves armed, looking out for danger that may be lurking around them. Yet unaware of what Lohmar had spotted. With a quick whistle from Orion their attention shot up, clutching their weapons tighter and drawing themselves into a tighter formation. For that whistle is one they've heard before. The captain spotted something following them. But they had no idea what.

Orion turned his attention back to Nargul, watching him arm himself with a simple sling and stones. A surprisingly simple weapon in a world of blades and magic. But with how he carried himself if he told Orion he could knock an ancient dragon out of the sky with one of those stones he might believe it.

"Ferrymen are still pretty green but they work pretty well together"

He began. If whatever was stalking them hadn't struck now there might still be enough time to come up with a plan.

"The kid who had you at blade point earlier is Kaelen. Picked him up off the streets after he tried to steal my coin purse. Only noticed him because I could hear his blade come out of its sheath to cut the string. Kids fast, but restless too. Depending on what we're up against I might have to reign him in.

Mira's the gal who was helping me clear the road earlier. Used to work as a miner in her village before it went under. Works a greataxe pretty well. Quiet and really the most disciplined of 'em.

Ariella's our archer. Glad I got her before she joined the guild, wanted to go solo and see the world, fighting monsters because she was the best shot in her town. I mean, she's still a damn fine shot, but before joining us she fell a boar and thought that meant she could take on the world. Time on the road humbled her a bit but I've got no problem keeping her in line.

Lysandra's our youngest and newest. Took a while to find a mage willing to choose us over the guild but when we got hired by her father to bring back a group of theives stole from a Findarian noble, she wanted to join up. Family wasn't too happy, planned on her joining the Mage Hands and living a cushy life on a pile of gold. But I could tell if it wasn't us it would be someone else so I try to do her right. Specializes in evocation but isn't too bad in other schools. Still trying to put some bravery in her, just hope whatever's out there doesn't go after her first"
Mariano
*The wolf's heart knew fear as an old friend, one that fastened him with courage to face foes. It was not an enemy, even as the pain-prickles of his flesh stung and stood his hair at end, mixing with the chill of this barren everwinter. He kept his senses sharped, letting that fear-hate hone them instead of dulling them, as they once did when he was a pup. Once and no more.*

*Eyes traced here and there, following scent trails and sight lines of shifting shadows. Lohmar knew well what this thing was in his bestial ways. A haunting thing, a nightmare. The strange man-words had names for it, but they did not understand it as beasts did. That pressure of something that would kill the mind. He knew it was hunting - and that he and Nargul were prey, with the others.*

*Lohmar would not abandon any that Nargul stood besides. A new pack was gained this day, even if they were gone the next. And so with that, he chuffed, taking in deep the scent of skin, sweat, and blood of new companions, so that he knew them as well as he would his own kin, as he kept on watch, speaking his instincts into the mind of his companion.*
Richard
*The pass, as they continued at a crawling pace, seemed to reveal to them some of its strange secrets. Disshevled and displaced stones of graves that once lined the path were scattered, ruins crushed and stomed in small craters that spoke well of a beast or something worse stalking these lands in a rampage. Whatever it was, it left much to imagine over- as gouges from the very cliffs and stony path told of a sprinting pace past the avalanche. Which now, more and more, seemed to possibly have been something intentional rather than incidental. Far in the distant, past the snow-haze of fogged and frigid winds full of snow flurries, was the outline of a massive cavern entrance. It was a dance of ice and strangely etched stone at its surface, the refractions of the blueish freeze shifting the symbols into something illegible and almost arcane.*

*All at once, there's a sense of despair from the sight of it, as if they caught the glimpse of something... Abyssal. Whatever the sensation was, their tight formation was so far unfettered except by the harsh conditions and whatever lurked in their hearts, stinging away at courage and stability of the mind.*

*Nargul followed each and every word carefully of his new companions, taking glances at each, making sure to put in his mind their names and what roles they could play. Many thoughts came, that he had to funnel into only a few. A deep breath out of him seemed sticky with a grim ichor of anticipation and worry that would kill his mind if he didn't master himself here. Eyes shut for a moment, he narrowed in his inner focus the potential places for attack, after looking at their surroundings.*

*Then, he realized something dire. They were slowly trudging uphill. To one flank was death by height, to another was death by positioning against a wall. They were pinned by something unseen.*

"Understood." *He snarls, quietly and low, the thunder rumbling. A storm was coming.* "We are walking into a trap."
Wendy
Orion's eyes scanned the graves they passed as they continued along with a look of scrutiny. It was certainly an odd place to lay a body to rest. Up here on this lifeless mountain, the only company being the unending fall of snow. Let alone with the ground being made up of frozen stone it would take something incredibly strong to even dig a hole deep enough for the average humanoid. Even deeper if there were Goliath corpses. Something wasn't right about this mountain. Something was very wrong.

The alarm of Lohmar would bring the half-goliath out of his inquisitive stupor as he looked further up the path. His old eyes able to make out the outline of a cavern. One who's existence surprised him even more than the graves. Regardless of how it got there perhaps it could serve as an adequate shelter for the caravan, a place to wait out the storm, or at the very least get a decent fire going to have a meal.

Nargul didn't share the captain's optimism though. He could hear the growl of his words, see his grip on his sling tighten. Looking back at his crew he could already see the growing worry which seemed to take hold of them. The young mercenaries stepping closer to the wagon, even the horse covered in furs seemed to buck and cry out every now and again, slowing their progress down to a near standstill.

A sharp exhale of frosted air blew out as his own pace began to slow hearing the sound in the distance. 

"Take point..."

He grimly told the Orc before turning around and quickly marched back to his crew.

"Double time! We're moving! Everyone up front! Go go go!"

The Mountain of Gantrick bellowed out as the Ferrymen quickly rushed past him at a quickened pace. Orion himself took the rear, the wagon struggling to make it uphill, using his great strength he placed both his hands on its side and began to push with all his strength. There was no time to slow down, if they stayed on this path for too long they'd be dead by whatever had been following them all this way.
Richard
*A strange pass- perhaps in silence and stillness the spirits had a semblance of peace. No longer, scattered as their ruins were- smote on the mountain's edge. The snow soon buried what was left, an indignant end for the fallen. The mountain itself then seemed to breathe - a sound so chilling and unearthly that it'd prickle the flesh of even the vanguards' necks, piercing bone.*

*This place was haunted- by what, they had yet to see. Lohmar alone seemed to have spotted it, out of nothing more than a beast's natural intuition to survive, unfettered by language or languid idleness. A sudden and cunning instinct, which now was prickling the wolf's mane up to its fullest fury. Around the cadre that gathered here, trudging through snow, ice, and stone, the shadows seemed to shift and stir. Little by little, each of the Ferrymen and their new companions would see the darkness pulse, as if gathering itself- or perhaps gaining a life all its own. And it seemed to have its heart in that forlorn cavern ahead, pockmarked by shattered stones left by something far too large for this pass.*

*Something that soon stirred. Nargul took point with the Mountain, sling singing in his hand as he held it ready at a lower speed. His tusks were already beginning to cap with ice, much as he and the rest would soon find the deathly rime sharp and painful, like small blades. Even the weather seemed affected here by whatever malice twisted this mountain pass.*

*And then, they heard it.*

*A terrible, gnashing, gnarly sound that beat against the wind, almost seeming to chase them away for its ugliness. It wasn't a dignified roar, but rather the mutilated call of a maddened beast- something beyond reason. Louder and louder it grew, the echoes giving it more and more piercing deathrattles each time they think it'd end. At the peak of the pass, charging for them, was a Chorg, with shadow-stained eyes and scars from a hundred battles in mottled black fur that stank of dried blood.*

—

*The ground began to rattle - each of its beating fists and hooves carving new gouges into the path. There was no escape adjacent to it - and it was only gaining speed. One of its left side horns appeared cracked and constantly dripped an inky, greyish ichor. Four horns in total, now leveled with them as it stared with hateful eyes. Each horn was the size of a lance, the head as tall as Nargul's torso, and each fist could easily hold one of them aloft and throw them as a rag.*

*They had mere moments to react, before the surging beast would be on them. It had no clear course, and seemed content to maul them all to death with one charge - its horn span enough to annhilate the wagon and bury the Ferrymen under it to be smeared across the stones as a crimson streak against the stark white.*
Wendy
The dread which gripped the caravan soon found a way to worm itself into the heart of Orion as he felt the whole mountain begin to shake. A rare look of dread could be seen as the half-goliath peered over to see what the of this noise could be. The scent of blood in the air which finally worked its way over to the 7 who had been traveling down the road was intense. Enough to belong to an entire humanoid and a half. Kaelen doubled over to wretch at the stench that overwhelmed them. And by the time he saw those four tusks following that deranged roar he knew exactly what kind of mess they all found themselves in. He's seen the aftermath of a Chorge stampede. The destruction it leaves behind. He's seen one tear through homes one after another in his village as a young boy. The scent of copper and stamped ashes was as fresh in his mind that day as it is now. 

"Shit..."

The captain rounded the caravan, stepping toward where he was before he thought uphill was the best way forward. 

"Mira! Get this wagon downhill, now! Lysandra, you're with me! The rest of you go!"

He called out, the half-orc not even taking to time to nod in acceptance before she began spinning the wagon slowly through the snow much to the dismay of the steed which had been pulling it. The young mage, Lysandra, sheepishly ran up to where Orion was standing. The panic visible beneath all the furs she wore for warmth. 

```"Y-Yes captain?"```

Orion gestured in front of him.

"Fire, right here. We've got no hope of avoiding this thing, best choice we have now is to scare it like a charging bear."

He grimly informed. The young mages eyes widened at this plan, her heart pounding against her chest as the beast drew closer. There was no time to question there were mere moments left before they were flattened. Her trembling hands would extend as a small wall of fire, the flames reaching no higher than a foot and a half in height.

"Alright, you did good, now go!"

Lysandra struggled to keep her balance as she sprinted back to the caravan which was beginning to rapidly descend downhill. The Chorg drew closer, it wouldn't be long before it was upon them.

"Not even sure this'll stop it, but if it goes well it'll buy them enough time to get out of here"

He muttered, the blade of his weapon extending into a whiplike shape as it unfurled on the ground before him.

"Don't plan on dying here, but if I do can I count on you to make sure they get out of this mess? They're good kids, they don't deserve this"

He asks Nargul if he hasn't already began to retreat with the rest of the Ferrymen.
Richard
*Fell echoes from rattled, broken stones fill the air - deafening then even to the howling winds. Each stride of the Chorg seemed only to hasten it, faster and faster it came, it's four lances primed to pierce them as easily as a blade through broth once it cleared the distance. The source of the scent became clear - the rancor of rot surrounded the Chorg, which had messy smears of tar-black blood sticking thick and sloppily to its matted fur. It was maddened, likely having killed anything that passed this way, and now it was coming for them.*

*Nargul's body swung about, heaving a heavy shoulder into the wagon to launch it past an initial stall with Mira's efforts. For a moment, he considered their position as the sling sung with a sharp chorus of wind. A sudden -crack!- filled the air as he loosed a stone, ripping through the winds to try to impact the Chorg's damaged horn, to distract it a moment more along with Lysandra's fire. Pain and surprise- perhaps a moment's breath.*

*Nargul was besides Orion, the wolf besides them both in-between, as the Orc heard the half-blood's words.*

"You have my word." *Was all Nargul could muster, before hell erupted before them.*

—

*The Chorg's charge was a calamity onto itself. The splintering of bone was heard as the one right-side horn loosened along its fault, but it was not freed yet due to a glancing blow. It otherwise was a cunning thing, crafted by the cruelty imposed by its unseen controller. A massive arm swept across its front- sending enflamed stone and dirt flying for Orion, Lohmar, and Nargul like a blast of shrapnel, before it lowered a fist down, trying to slam it onto Nargul in a backswing, with its head bucking to try and launch Orion and Lohmar off the cliff in passing.*

*It was deceptively fast- a terror of fast-twitch fibers, with such frenzy in every motion that it moved as if in a haze, each jerk and surge quick enough to dare the eyes to keep up.*
Wendy
Orion knew in moments like this there would be little use for extra weight. It was one of the many lessons he taught his crew, cutting ones losses in exchange for survival. Back at the caravan the deer that Lohmar had slain slumped to the ground after Kaelen cut the ropes which Orion had tied, letting its frozen body fall. Boxes of supplies, medicine, tools and more would scatter the road behind them allowing the wagon to pick up speed with the lighter load. Nargul's crash into its side was exactly what they needed, centering them on the road as they began their hasty retreat while their captain bought them time to flee.

Of course for Orion, the man who had spent so much of his life weighed down by the burden of his misdeeds. His arrogance. His mistakes. The weight of worry he'd feel toward the Ferrymen would soon fall from his shoulders after hearing Nargul's response. He'd known this man for little over an hour. But he knew he could trust him.

A small grin of gratitude was the only response he'd be able to give as the Chorg began to regain its footing. He looked up at the beast, the Mountain of Gantrick looking tiny by comparison. Nargul's skill with a sling slowed down its momentum substantially, but if it began to charge again it would be the end of all of them. He had no time to focus on defense. If he even gave this thing a fraction of a second to breath it would be over.

Whatever happens will happen. One of them will be dying over this mountain pass.

Throwing his right arm up in an arc before slamming it down brought the whip blade of Europa's Stinger crashing into the magical fire that separated the two of them. Sparks of flame shooting up between them, some landing on the edges of his furs starting small flames he didn't have the time to worry about. His blade now heated, he sent another strike of the blade, a sideways slash aiming toward one of its front legs, hoping to make it more difficult to charge.

His strategy focused solely on offense, meaning he was able to take the time to aim his strikes through the blinding blizzard. The blast of shrapnel bursting from the ground and lodging itself into the skin of Orion. He winced, but stood firm. Pulling off his hole ridden fur coat as it floated down the deathly ledge that they stood upon. It hurt but it would take far more than that to slow him down.

"C'mon! I'm right here, c'mon!"
Richard
*The barely bloodied beast corpse fell battered, bludgeoned by stones at the end of its ruinous fall after being freed from the clattering wagon. Strained wheels rattled and heaved their strain through each freezing joint on the uneven path. Let alone that the Chorg's mass was causing it to bounce, as well as those that'd call themselves its guardians.*

*The natural consequence of such mass - each pound on the path of the maddened beast would find Nargul, Orion, Lohmar, and the other's knees buckling as the earth itself seemed to gasp from the strain - each fissure driven into the ice under them freeing a bone-chilling screech and a sudden, whip-like crack as the path grew only more and more jagged. The wagon's retreat continued, but it was accumulating damage swiftly, as stones and icy boulders began to fall with it and collide into the path, also threatening to impact some of its guardians.*

*Nargul's one arm lifted to swing his cloak forward - soaking some of the flame and shrapnel by the weighted cloth, but he still took two painful impacts into his hip and ribcage, with sharp sounding -CRACKS!-*

*The Chorg itself slammed forward - Nargul's body was at once a blur and then a herald for thunder, as he collided with the cliff-side with a horrific gasp and a spray of red around him. The swift draw of his dagger showed that he dug it deep into the wrist of the beast, letting the momentum that struck his body rip it free at a bad angle. Now, a faucet of slippery red flowed free - but it missed the mark of a deep vein, only nicking it. Nargul himself had layered his forearms and lifted his feet, letting himself fly to reduce the blow - turning at the last moment to cover his head and slam into the wall with his shoulder and thigh laterally. It stopped life-ending injuries, but he could feel flesh bruising immediately, screaming pain ripping into him as he grimaced his pain, rolling to a knee behind the beast and rising.*

—

*In the very same motion, as the Chorg's bicep was bit by the flaming steel of Europa, it lunged its head down and -lurched- it aside, aiming to batter into Orion from his flank, trying to drive him off the very cliff, before the free hand shot out for him, aiming to ensnare him if he dodged, the plan being to grind him into the stone as it sprinting full-speed down the cliff, gratering the half-blood until all that was left was flecks of bone and flesh smote forevermore into the path. Though, the hideous shriek of pain that came from the beast was a deafening blast - Nargul, Orion, and Lohmar's ears would -piiiiiIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNGH!- as the bellow dipped below their threshold for sound, becoming a vibration of force instead by pitch.*

*The taunt seemed to find its mark. Orion's will was hardened steel, as his blade, and so that tenuous threat burrowed deep into the Chorg's mind. Instinct against instinct, it now saw the Goliath as a challenger, a threat for this nightmarish thing's control of the mountain. Orion would be able to tell- for the time being, his courage made him a target - but that his allies may act with greater agency.*
Mariano
*The wolf, as the shrapnel came, let out a sudden yelp of agony as a stone dug tip-turned and tumbling into his flank, another severance of sanguine shedding itself into the lifeless path. But, the beast was swift - dropping his body into a dive and rolling under the head that aimed to rip him from the mountain's side to his death below.*

*Seeing Orion as the focus, the wolf well knew that he must flank. Breaking into a sprint - a blur of ochre and charcoal, Lohmar risked himself by driving in towards the arm that shot for Orion, aiming to get to the elbow and sieze the bulging tendons and ligaments at the elbow, snapping down with an audible crunch to try and sever them and take away its weapon, and to free his new pack-mate.*
Wendy
The rumbling of the Chorg, the clattering of mountain rocks, the blizzard cutting against his skin, all of these things overwhelmed the senses of the captain with the wild Chorg closing the distance with each passing second. He could hear the sharp whirling of Nargul's sling, the sharp ping as it collided with its target. The outline of Lohmar trying to make the most out of the narrow passageway that they had to deal with. It looks like they weren't dead just yet. 

He could hear the sounds of the caravan grown evermore distant, one which helped to keep him focused on the fight before the loud clattering of rocks and debris exploded from right behind him. He stood facing forward but he could only imagine what was happening behind him. If that was the sound of the wagon meeting a near miss or a fatal hit. The wheels were faint but he could hear them still moving, he let out a sharp exhale to calm his nerves. He trained each of the Ferrymen personally. He couldn't afford to worry about them if he wants everyone to leave this mountain alive.

The number one priority to accomplish this goal is to stop the charge of the Chorg. 

He drew his blade back, splatterings of its blood beginning to sink into the snow as he prepared another strike. If he kept its attention that would mean he'd be able to buy more time. He watched its head begin to hang low, preparing to step to the side to avoid it, maybe even get a strike at the back legs. This plan would collapse before it could even be put into motion with the outline of the Chorg's arm jutting out right toward him.

"Shit!"

Orion planted his feet into the ground, crossing both arms over his chest in an X formation. A stance to keep himself as sturdy as possible with the hand pressing into him, the hard impact of its palm crashing into him in its attempt to crush him against the wall. And had it not been for his strength, size, experiences, training and determination he'd be dead. But because of them, it allowed him to give back an equal amount of force the charging monster had placed upon him, keeping him steady.

*For about a few seconds.*

Those few seconds are ones that many people don't even get, but all of those factors mentioned earlier were all that this would afford him. Just an outcome that was slightly better than the common outcome. After all, one can do pushups, run laps, fight monsters and more for 100 years and be unable to match the sheer power of this beast.

Because of his drastic shift to defense Orion was unable to protect himself from the horn which he had turned his back to. A mistake he made believing this to be nothing more than a mindless, angry beast. Not one puppetted by a cruel, calculating master.

In one swift motion Orion was pierced. Entering slightly above the waist on his left and exiting out the otherside. Within a matter of moments, the Goliath was lifted into the air, his eyes wide with blood finding its way from his intenstines to escape through his mouth. Another moment would be all that was needed for him to go into the sky.

One of the few times Orion can say he's ever been thrown. And with him now hovering over the sheer drop of the cliff, likely the last time.

But even through the great pain he felt, Orion wasn't done. Not yet. As he ascended he shot out the whip blade of his stinger, aiming directly for the Chorg's horn hoping it would be able to wrap around in an attempt to save himself and stop the charge. If it worked, he'd be able to use his full weight against it, messing with its balance if not slamming it to the floor while he climb up the cliff ledge to keep fighting.

And if it didn't work. Orion would have to come up with a new strategy and fast or he'd fall to his grizzly death.
Richard
Faith was a bitter fruit when tested and teethed. Hard to swallow back the doubt that spilled from it - but Orion's was well-founded. The Ferrymen would find the wagon stabilizing, even as chunks of wood were sent in a splintered mass from the impact of stones and ice that blasted down from the bitter-cold path.

Around Orion, after he was slammed into the wall, were the formation of cracks in the hard ice and granite. Such was the force of the blow that any normal man would have been pulverized - reduced to an ignoble smear, like an egg whipped against a wall. But it wasn't this blow that would fell the Mountain, wounded as he was.
Mariano
Orion would see the wolf, as a blur, leap and strike the elbow of the beast with fangs wielded like sabers. The clack of his fangs closing heralded another splash of red from both sides of Lohmar's maw, as he shook and shook his head like a storm-addled flag, trying to tear the tissue free. In a few moments, it seemed to have gotten close, the grip on Orion loosening and loosening- before the next impact.
Richard
The screaming pain of the penetration deafened Orion to all else. The world was silent, save for the echo of a heartbeat which would seem too distant and too deafening to be his own. But it was- as lifeblood poured from the Mountain, wetting the Chorg in warpaint, the maddened thing's bloodshot eyes stared at Orion. In that hate-filled gaze, a haze of strange shadows would be visible clearly for the first time, and so would the wretched thing lurking within the beast's mind. A Hym's cold and cruel visage stared back from that abyss.

But- even that had to depart from his mind for survival. Clutched then onto the Chorg's horn with his blade, he'd swing freely over the cliff, doom awaiting before after a sullen, lonesome fall.
—

But he was not alone. Not this day - courage chased courage, and so Orion would see an Orc, leaping with all his strength, landing on the beast's back before clutching desperately with a free hand, gripping blood-slick and ice-coated fur. Nargul clamored, feeling for a moment before a surge of strength dove his dagger into the back of the beast - he twisted, and twisted, aiming to force the now wounded thing to try to turn towards the pain - away from the cliff. Leaving the dagger buried, he turns and grips onto Orion's blade - another shout of agony coming as he accepted the deep cut, even through a handful of leather, trying to yank on it as he rolled off the beast, using the pulley to get Orion close enough to the edge to pull himself up.

For his efforts, Nargul felt a hoof strike back, kicking him and sending him flailing, a burst of blood breaking from his lips as a rip soundly -CRACKS!- from the impact. The Chorg was now berserking in place, with both arms wounded at wrist, bicep, and elbow.
Mariano
The cunning beast withdrew himself from the elbow - leaping tall, he hung in the air himself as he aimed to clutch onto the flesh of the Chorg's face, tugging onto it in the opposite direction of the cliff to weigh it down and bring Orion closer, and closer to his rise.

Though, the Chorg now had only one thing in front of it - its momentum finally stopped as its frenzy had only three feasible targets left. With one arm, the Chorg gripped Lohmar's haunches and yanked them up towards its face, even as it fell towards its flank from the slippery blood, broken ice, and its own damaged limbs. With a disgusting sound and an ear-piercing shriek from the wolf, Lohmar was bit, the sound of a hip dislocating and ribs snapping filling the mountaintop.
Richard
Orion and his Ferrymen then had a choice - fight on through the pain and fear, or fall. The mountains of Gantrick suffered no weakness.
Wendy
The cold air cut against Orion's skin as his body entered a freefall. His blade was let loose at its target and all he could do now was hope that he was accurate enough. Of course, if he missed, on the bright side in a few seconds he won't have to deal with the dread of missing such a critical target. His eyes looked to the ground below. He was finally close enough to see past the blinding snow at the jagged rock which awaited him. Oddly enough, he thought it kind of funny. The Mountain of Gantrick dying on a Mountain of Gantrick. Strange time to find humor in all this, but at least it would be a nice thought to keep his mind off the descent.

Although, fortune would favor him as a sudden pull of his chain sent him back toward the mountain, crashing into the side of the cliff with a resounding thud. The open wound in his side seeming to grow from the impact alone as Orion grit his teeth from the pain. Looking up he could barely make out the figure of Nargul, hands wrapped around the blade itself and slowly pulling the giant up the cliff. He wanted to shout something, a thanks, maybe a joke of some sort. But at this point Orion was struggling to keep himself awake.

He could hear the sound of the Chorg thrashing up further, his hand grasping at the cliff ledge once he was finally high enough, trying his best to get himself up further. Tired eyes would see the sight before him as he rejoined the melee. Breath heavy as he felt the cold air burn inside his lungs. He willed himself to stand only to collapse back on down to his hands and knees. His blood rapidly began to stain the snow he knelt upon, his energy draining rapidly. 

*C'mon... Just... Just get up*

He commanded himself, the vicious beast that maimed him was not even 10 feet away, his crew were in danger, this was the worst time imaginable to give up. So far, the fact that Orion was still alive was a testament, let alone the fact that he was still conscious. The Chorg's horn impaling his torso and tearing through his flesh and organs. The captain had taken plenty of blows, some as bad as this one when he was a much younger man. But there were always healers to tend to him, allies to fight for him, to carry him home. 

Orion had sent his allies away, with no medicine potent enough for such a grizzly wound and in the middle of nowhere Gantrick.

His mind was as eager as ever to keep fighting. But his body, old and withered after decades of battle, was ready to give up. 

The captain quickly began removing his coat, leaving only his red stained tunic left. The cold bit away at him as he did his best to tie the coat around his waist. Fumbling hands would struggle to keep steady attempting to tie a knot as more blood began to spill out beneath him. 

"H-Help I... Can't... Help them"

His whispers of encouragement to himself would be only audible to him as his body slowly went limp, slumping against one of the rock spires which lined the cliff edge. Orion himself using all the energy he had left to keep conscious as he danced between life and death
Richard
Blood aflame with bright red pain pricked and slipped from Nargul's palm. He gasped, feeling the frost already bite at the wound, as well as the sharp catch of his breath from his hoof-battered body. Snarling, he squeezed his back as tightly as he could, righting his posture as he breathed out a breath vile with the blood and bile of upturned guts from the force of the impact. Then, as his hands raised, a great burst of sudden winds send snow and fog skywards - suffocating the area around the Chorg and its foes in a sudden, sullen, stormy cloud.

With a dive, Nargul's hand wound back and- in lieu of a weapon and with the surprise, he just released an overhand diving like a descending sun into the middle of the Chorg's groin, aiming to cause it to release Lohmar with the natural yelp that'd accompany the battering the back-end bell-bag just got. But- that didn't stop his motion. Heaving through the pain - Nargul barely avoided an arm suddenly ripping through the fog as he crept low to Orion, aiming to soundlessly scoop him up.
Mariano
There was a vicious, horrific yelp- higher pitched than before, as the Chorg suddenly turned around, snapping and beating at air for the horrific pain it suddenly had between its legs. A throbbing agitated it more, seeming for a moment to agitate it out of the cold focus of its unseen, unknown dark master. 

Lohmar- suddenly released, yelped on landing and limped up onto two legs - unspoken and understood intuition between him and Nargul caused the wolf to half-lay on his belly, coming over until his head looped over Nargul's shoulder, using their body weight combined to-...
Richard
-... Slide the three of them down the sliding snow, using the fresh fall to accelerate against the cliff-face and batter themselves more over rocky crashes, coming after dozens and dozens of meters to the edge of woods, out of sight of the beast as the fog clears. - But - what was left, besides the ruin of the Mountain and Wanderers?
Wendy
Tired eyes of the goliath would be able to make out the shape of Nargul battling against the Chorg. He'd not understand the sounds he heard of heavy winds and the crashing of the Chorg's hoof. But it was clear that Nargul had the upper hand. The wails of the Chorg growing louder as the iron scent of blood filled the air. Although he wasn't the Chorgs or his own. His attempt to staunch the bleeding with this cloak was to little success. The cloth loosely tied around his waist and already stained with blood. Orion barely having the strength left in him to squeeze his hand, let alone tighten it himself.

At the very least he wouldn't die on this cold, lonely spot. He felt himself be lifted high and rapidly descending down the mountain. He could see trees in the distance getting closer until they finally stopped, the air feeling just a tinge bit warmer.

"Did..."

Orion wheezed out as his life blood continued to escape him.

"Did we win?"
Richard
Treacherous was the path down - in reluctant retreat, Nargul's features were shut tight behind a squint of agony as her back was torn, and broken bones rattled, by the rocks along the path. They picked up enough speed in descent that the tree they slammed into at the base of the uphill path crackled and fell aside. One casuality of battle - woe that it was that it may soon be joined by another.

But, the entire time, Nargul clutched the Mountain close, keeping head and wound covered as he refused to let the ally die before he could speak, before final words and wishes could be granted. Likewise, Nargul sacrificed more pain to hold Europa in the Ferryman's hand - so that if Orion fell, at least he would die a warrior who had not given up. Nor had he, it seemed, as he finally spoke to Nargul.

The Orc turned and rested himself and Orion against opposite, closely facing trees. Sturdy things, that boldly bared themselves to the cold and faced one winter after another. Perhaps one or both of them would feed their roots, by days end. Nargul's breath was shallow, as he focused and slowed it- deepened it against the fire inside his heart from the pain. A small wince came, as he adjusted his posture, laying his sword to the side, not on his back.
Mariano
The wolf, shivering from pain, lay on the cold snow, stoppering the blood from the bite - or mostly - with that and the frozen makeshift bandage of matted, bloodied fur. His head rest on Nargul's leg, staring at the far wealds and wondering, in his own way, if he would join the spirits of his pack this night.
Richard
Moments pass, seeming like aeons, before Nargul looks to Orion, eyeing him-... Closely. Assessing. No, he thinks. This was the end for the man he met on the mountains.

"We lived. Grip your fists, tightly. Keep yourself here. I must have your words to carry on your dreams."

—

A small pause came, as Nargul dipped his head, thoughts unspoken for a moment, before looking at Orion once more.

"Do you wish them free of these lands, safe? Or will you allow them to choose?" He asks, knowing well that the allies of the Mountain would refuse to leave this battle unfought, to leave their leader unavenged.

"And-... Then-... Close your eyes and dream well of a land you love. Among my kind, it is said your spirit will live on there, after crossing."
Wendy
To think that was all it took. Orion had been alive for well over 50 years living the life he had. Facing down death every single day and overcoming the odds every time. He's faced down the greatest beasts Lucidien has to offer, dueled foes which made him use every trick he had to claw his way to victory, walked the highest peaks to the lowest canyons.

But one thrust of a horn right through his abdomen was all that it would take. Just one moment of bad luck, a few split second decision and now the Mountain of Gantrick was destined to bleed to death in the cold. And with no healer for miles, it was unlikely that Orion would get help in time.

The half-human rested against the tree he had been placed near. The familiar chill of the cold air against his skin felt familiar rather than hostile now that they were so far down from where they had started. 

He let out a weak chuckle at the mention that they had managed to survive the ambush.

"Good... Hope you got plenty education from that... Not many things in... In Gantrick that'll give you lesson in strength like an angry Chorg... Right, Nargul?"

He joked, hands placed into the snow beneath him as he made his attempt to stand. For Orion has not realized the severity of his injuries. He was hurt, sure, but he was always taking on blows. Plenty that hurt much more than this one. But for all his strength, all the feats of power that his body has accomplished, he couldn't even use that strength to get himself to stand.

"Ori: Shit... That can't... Be any good"

He slowly looked up at Nargul, lungs heaving with every breath as he was asked what he wanted the fate of the Ferrymen to be. And to be at peae for when his soul passes.

"C'mon and give me some... Some credit and quit that talk, I just need to rest for a minute and I'll be... I'll..."

Orion blinks rapidly, fighting off the urge to let his consciousness slip.

"Gods... That's the pains of... Getting old, y'know? Body starts to slow down and things... Well... They

Were never easy... But they sure did get a whole hell of a lot harder."

He spoke, the snow beneath him slowly beginning to grow more red as time passed.

"Shame you never got the... Chance to see me in my prime. Did mercenary group for a long... Long time. Longer than I should've really... Was in a group called the Gilded Shields, think they're still around today... I ever get the chance to tell you that? Guess my minds slowing down too... Bit hard to keep my memories straight"
Richard
There were few things more tragic to see than a body failing an unbroken spirit. Nargul watched the Mountain before him, and saw it unbowed by the winds of death that crept closer, daring and daring still to take from each of his breaths. In time, his last would come.

All at once, the cold air seemed to warm, and Orion's mind would be met by the mirage of his life. Tales and triumphs- tragedies and torments. But more than anything, a tunnel of sorts. A path, perhaps, or even a pass across the mountains. What lay beyond it was unknown, but soon he would cross it.

Nargul shut his eyes tight a moment, nodding his head deeply. There were few times he wished upon the gods, but now-? Nothing more could he wish for than that Orion was honored home in the land of spirits by his ancestors and friends passed. Returning to look at Orion then, both he and Lohmar could see that Orion was leaving them behind in this world.

"I do wish I had. I think we would have been friends." Nargul says, leveling his vision to Orion's own eyes, a mind full of his unspoken prayer for his passing to be proud. As proud as his spirit standing still, even as his body slumps slowly away into a dreamless sleep.

As the snow became red, Nargul returned to his earlier words. "Close your eyes. Think of a place you love, and your spirit rest there. We will meet again, warrior."
Mariano
And a long while later, as the sun begins to set, leaving the red painted snow besides a bridge of oranges and golds, welcoming a Goliath to the next world, the wolf let out a struggling howl, his own way of prayer to Anthron and the Mother of Beasts.
Wendy
The mountain let out a laugh at Nargul's talk of them being friends during his younger years. Only to be cut short by the shooting pain which rang in his chest from such an action in his state. Reaching hand hand up to wipe away the blood which had seeped out from his mouth.

"No... I doubt we would've... I was a real bastard back in the day... I'd probably try to pick a fight with you if we met, then get the shit beat out of me because I never lost a fight... Thought I was invincible... Sure you can see now that I ain't."

At this point all feeling in his legs would fade entirely as that cold sensation began to work its way up his body. The cold realization of what this meant sunk in as he let out a sharp breath of frost.

"Thought might made right... Thought because I was strong it meant I could do anything I wanted since... Since nobody could stop me... The things I did for coin... Made peace with it, but took a hell of a long time to do that after I left the Shields... The time I spent feeling sorry for myself... Wishing things were different... Could've done so much... More... Better late then never, right?"

The coldness rose to his chest, his arms which weakly gestured as he spoke now lay slack at his side. The captain taking a short pause to breath. It was a sad thing. A man like this with the history he had now out of breath from just talking.

"But... But I got out of that hole and got back to what I was good at, but this time... This time I was in charge... These days with the guild running things there isn't much need for mercenaries... But I knew there would be some kids out there that'll be falling into the wrong crowd like I did and sell their souls for money and wind up dead... So I figured, if they were going to fall in with someone, it might as well be me... 6 months back I founded The Ferrymen and... Well you see how that turned out..."

He let out a short wheeze, his body too damage to laugh, this being a substitute. He knew his time was short now.

"Not sure what I want for 'em... I tried to do right, teach them to live and... Gods... I... I hate to leave them like... This... I..."

Orion would not be able to finish his thoughts. Unable to speak the final wishes that he had for The Ferrymen. That ragtag group of youths who didn't even know the fate of the captain. His head would lull to the side as the bright yellow glow of his eyes slowly faded, turning a pale grey. Those eyes would remain half open as one last breath of cold air escaped Orion's lungs. His lifeblood now sinking into the soil of his homeland. A man who lived a life of regrets, but at the very least made a genuine attempt to right his wrongs in the end. But he would do no more good for the world. No more guidance he'd give to young adventurers he had taken charge of. And no more pain would he feel.

Orion Khavrur, the Mountain of Gantrick, was dead.
Richard
He chuckled as well. Orion was likely right. They would've had their fights. But perhaps, a long while after that. Either way - he let Orion speak. He and Lohmar would be his audience, until that last breath was stolen by death.

And so he sat, shallow breath stirred by stinging pain in his own ribs. Lohmar besides remained quiet, likewise watching Orion as each drop drove home the hopeless drive of the heart to dare against death. It stilled, quieted, and then lay silent.

And so silent the mountains remained. Death took its toll, passing then and leaving the two survivors alone. Lohmar's howl was long and true, reverberating across the woods. A solemn song for a fallen warrior, as Nargul stood, slowly stalking over and dropping heavily on one knee next to Orion. 

He reaches out, resting a hand on Orion's forehead, letting his dead eyes see the sky once more, before he closes them for the last time. With a hand reaching out to Orion's chest, Nargul lay it over his heart.

"Farewell, warrior."

This, and nothing more. Taking the Goliath's blade so that it may tell another tale with the Ferrymen, Nargul crept through cold and agony, seeking the trail of those that survived - if they survived, to keep his blood flowing and his mind steady.

He looked back only once, to see Orion resting against that tree. Nargul thought of moving him- but he shook his head. The man was a mountain himself. He should sit proud among the trees and stones that have faced this land, as kin.

—

And once Nargul found the trail, he and a wounded wolf wearily walked, to come up on the Ferrymen with a quiet sorrow in his gray eyes.