Ernest
"You angered Malacath. You will be the one to appease him, mortal."
Shari
*Yamarz grumbed something as he drew his axe, walking forward and further down the path.*

"Fine, then wait here. This should only take a second."

*Rounding the bend of the path with his axe in hand, Yamarz disappeared from sight. Silence for a few moments. It was abruptly broken by Yamarz' limp body soaring into the air above where Odvan and Kaalzyr stood, colliding with a rock wall with a sickening crunch, falling a hundred feet or so before landing on the snow. The white snow was tinged red as blood seeped from his helmet.*
Ernest
"At least he died fighting. But now it's we who need to deal with the giant. Come."

*There wasn't a shred of sympathy in Kaalzyr's voice, only disappointment. He led the way, holding his own axe and stepping over Yamarz' corpse. The Chieftain's axe wasn't a worthy trophy in the end.*
Billy
"Well I guess we gotta kill the giant ourselves." He says, "Actually. I'll do it myself, I feel a bit cocky." He charges, slamming the axehead into the giant's shin, then sliding the blade off the leg and stabbing the calf. Strafing around the giant attacking the other leg
Shari
*As Odvan rounded the corner with Kaalzyr slowly following, he was met with the shrine of Malacath, or what the giants had turned it into. Painted rocks and bones adorned the area, and in the center was a massive bonfire. Behind the bonfire was a statue of an orc-like figure, around fifteen feet tall with a brutal-looking greatsword in his hands, adorned with a loincloth. Malacath himself, cast in stone. And, of course, there was the giant by the bonfire, still with blood on its club.*

*Odvan's strike did some damage, but this one seemed a bit bigger than the others. That, and Yamarz' reckless assault had already surprised the giant- Odvan did not have such an advantage. The giant raised one of its feet into the air, driving it with all its might into the ground, shaking the earth violently for a few moments. It was angry. Enraged.*
Ernest
*Kaalzyr stood a short distance away, walking calmly towards the giant, even though it was pissed off and a bit taller than he was. He did not move with haste, leaving time for Odvan to act and react before he did something.*
Billy
He jumps before the giant could slam the ground, protecting himself from any damage caused by the quake, as he fell he stabbed the poleaxe into the giants back, neat the right shoulder. He shouts as he enters a Rage, slamming both of his fists into the giant's head
Shari
*The rage would consume much of Odvan's thoughts, replacing them with adrenaline. Pain dulled, muscles tensed, and the only things he'd be able to feel were the sensation of his fists colliding with bone and flesh, and the muffled sound of the injuries he dealt. By the time the giant fell, its head was mutilated beyond recognition by the orc's rush of strength. It would take an excess of optimism to think for a moment that the creature could still be alive- the head was more or less destroyed. The shrine was cleared. And a familiar presence descended on Kaalzyr and Odvan.*

***"Yamarz was a fool. Always trying to scheme his way out of responsibility. But, you took care of him and the giants. Two problems solved at once."***

*The voice of Malacath filled the grove. Commanding, powerful, and rough. But with it, a slight sense of satisfaction.*

***"Now, take Shagrol's hammer back to Largashbur, and we'll see about whipping the rest of them into shape."***

*There, within the giant's hand, was what at first seemed like a club. Only it wasn't just a club. It was a hammer, the hammer of Shagrol. The trophy Malacath demanded.*
Billy
The rage passes, his breathing calms. He takes a cloth out of his bag and cleans the blood from his hands. He retrieves his poleaxe then grabs Shagrol's Hammer. "Come." He says to Kaalzyr, "I have a clan to take charge of." His voice was serious, his expression determined.
Ernest
"You orcs make excellent warriors. It is no secret to me that Malacath values such strength. I might have served him before, but he has little interest in warriors beyond his 'people.' But, you are right. Let's leave."

*Kaalzyr followed behind as the two left, looking for a brief moment at the destroyed giant's head and, for a second, he smiled. A grim, sadistic smile. And then he turned back, walking behind the orc.*
Shari
*The journey back to Largashbur took sometime. Since first arriving to the stronghold, it had been roughly two or three hours. The return trip took the two back through Fallowstone Cave, using the previously seen shortcut to avoid climbing the rocks. From there, it was a fairly long walk through the wilderness. Past trees and wild game and Riften, until at long last, around late afternoon, they arrived once more to the gates. One of the archers atop the wall called into the stronghold.*

"Atub! The Daedra and outsider return!"

*The gates were opened, and the stronghold eagerly awaited their words.*
Billy
"Yamarz is dead. Fell in combat... If you could call it that." He says, lifting Shagrol's Hammer into the air. "I have claimed Shagrol's hammer for Malacath."
Shari
*Atub approached, having been standing by Malacath's shrine in the stronghold.*

"So... Yamarz died well then? Good, good..."

*The voice of Malacath bellowed once more, all the orcs turning to the shrine with reverence.*

***"Yamarz was a weakling and a coward. His deceitful ways have cost you all greatly."***

*Atub turned to the shrine as well, visibly concerned.*

"So he has been punished. And what of us? What fate shall we suffer?"

*Malacath replied.*

***"You'll have to prove yourselves, but I'm willing to give you a chance."*** 

*The full attention of the Daedric Prince was turned to Odvan, still clutching Shagrol's hammer.*

***"You, place that hammer on the shrine. You're the only one who's proven worthy in all of this..."***

*The shrine eagerly awaited Odvan. The antlers of the deer skull decoration would make a fine holder for the hammer.*
Billy
He walks over to the shrine, placing the hammer upon it. He remains silent, waiting for Malacath to speak first
Shari
*No more words were spoken yet, but something curious happened. The presence seemed to recede, or shift, and the hammer shuddered slightly. Its form twisted and bended, moving and growing and shrinking. Power was tangible in the air. Magicka. For a few moments, it seemed as if the hammer would erupt like Red Mountain. But it didn't. Instead, it changed. Where once was a common orichalcum hammer, there was a cruel and powerful implement of destruction. A hammer of ebony that radiated a demonic red glow, its head scaled and spiked and embodying the concept of pain in many forms. The voice of Malacath spoke.*

***"I give you Volendrung, the Hammer of Might. Neither flesh nor stone will stand in your way. Use it well, Odvan. You are my champion."***

*The presence disappeared, leaving the mighty hammer awaiting its new master. The power that was in the air now flowed into Odvan's body. His muscles swelled with vigor, his anger intensified within his heart, his skin thickened. The orc was invigorated by Malacath's blessing.*
Ernest
*The Havocrel smiled at the spectacle before him. It was not often you witnessed a Daedric Prince choosing their champion, after all.*

"Odvan... Ha! You know, I liked you better when I didn't know your name, mortal."

*Without another word, the Havocrel turned away, walking to leave the stronghold. He still had to find a fitting champion for Boethiah.*
Billy
"You're welcome back any time, Duke." He looks over to Atub, "As Champion of Malacath and savior of your clan I am claiming the title of Chieftain." He says, with an official tone to his voice, picking up the hammer, inspecting it, getting used to its weight.
Shari
"We are honored to serve you, champion."

*Atub, and the other orcs of the stronghold, knelt before Odvan. Their chieftain, their champion. An extension of the will of Malacath. They remained kneeling for a few moments, before Atub stood up and spoke.*

"What will you do now, Chief Odvan?"
Billy
"Although he is not here, I'm granting Duke Kaalzyr the title of Blood-Kin. He may come and go as he pleases. Those who wish to leave the Stronghold may do so whenever they wish and will not be branded as City Orcs. Outside of those minor rule changes, nothing much will change."
Shari
"As you wish. We will spread word of his status to the other strongholds. Now, unless you have other requests, I shall return to tending Malacath's shrine here."

*The rest of the orcs returned to their duties. Some began tending the walls again, the Forge-Wife returned to the forge, and the stronghold resumed its work. Things were coming, and the champion of Malacath would be the one to brave the worst for his people.*