Devin draws out his waterskin and hands it over to Mullo to allow her to drink her fill.  He also hands her one of the extra Goodberries that he produces each day for sustenance.  "That should help keep your strength up and the water of couse is fairly fresh."

When the discovery of the axe is made and the line of light reaches it Devin gives Mullo another quick look but she appeared to be stronger that she was even a moment before.  A good rest and the blessings of their gods and she could be at full strength the following day.

Devin gets back to his feet and follows the line of lights till he reaches the ax.  He lets out a low whistle at the size of the weapon.  "Perhaps all of us together might drag this thing back to the other room.  It is certain in my mind that this is the frost giants missing weapon.  Perhaps returning it to him will allow the portal to open.  I will think on it."

Mullo weakly takes the waterskin, opens it, and pours a healthy amount into her mouth. She then upends the skin, draining it over her head and the skin of her arms, torso and legs. Once that is done, she eyes the magical berry before popping it into her mouth. She chews but twice before swallowing the goodberry. She is surprised how quickly she feels its effects. Her eyes widen as she immediately feels nourished and strengthened. The wild woman gets to her feet and pats Haetone on her neck. "Thank you, friend," she says quietly. "I almost met Uthgar and his father today. I was very close." The shaman shakes out her limbs again and turns her head this way and that quickly to try to fluff her mane. Finally, she approaches Devin and extends her own waterskin. "Thank you. Here is my own waterskin to repay you for the use of yours. The sting of the creature's stomach juices upon my skin has almost subsided." Finally, she returns to the creature and begins to arduous task of removing its head with her dagger.

During the time in which Mullo still appeared to be recovering, D.O.R.K adds, "We should indeed be able, Acolyte Devin. And if not, we might yet try to borrow Harshnag's strength. Though I suspect that any such request is liable to be met with more disdain." She pauses for a moment as if considering something else, starts to say something, and then pauses once more following the Mullo's thanks and subsequent attempt to try and carve into the creature. "... If you are looking for a trophy, the creatures teeth or mandibles should suffice, should it not?" She asked, lingering in place long enough to hear an answer, before then simply nodding in acceptance and moving along to go deal with moving the axe by hand and with help to the center chamber. 

As the party is discussing how, and even whether it is worthwhile, to recover the giant axe and Mullo is vainly trying to saw into the creature's neck Harshnag arrives puffing just slightly. He quickly scans the room and spying the creature "an ice worm eh - you did well to survive it!" then spying Mullo trying to remove its head he unsheaths his Great Axe and with what appears to be minimal effort slices the head off  "there you go lass!"

Mullo jumps back in time to dodge the mighty axe swing of the giant, though she does not appear alarmed by the potential danger. As the head is severed, she stands and pulls it away from the body a little ways. Moving to the severed side, Mullo attempts to find an opening to the creature's brain cavity.

Seeing the giant, Ilezenya motions for him to come help move the giant axe for the group. "Good, now we can all rest here by the fire, and then tomorrow see if this was the key we needed for the portal."

"So it would seem, Dusk Warden." D.O.R.K comments, having stopped and turned back to watch the spectacle upon hearing the approaching giant. "If we are to stay in here then, we should see to its security. Close the doors on so forth, or so I strongly recommend." She states; but, without further assurance of help in that, she'd settle for at least examining the rest of the "ice worm's" remains for parts that might be salvageable as either food for the others or a makeshift weapon stronger than a dagger or opinionated sword. 

Survival: 11.

(OOC: And this is the problem with PbP - the party entered the complex on 10 September 2021 but only 4 hours in campaign time has passed)

"Good, now we can all rest here by the fire, and then tomorrow see if this was the key we needed for the portal." Illezenya says to which D.O.R.K. responds "If we are to stay in here then, we should see to its security. Close the doors on so forth, or so I strongly recommend." Harshnag watches the party set up camp for the night (?) and then comments "so in the middle of the day the God's chosen are going to have a little nap. Its going to take a long time to right the world if you lot keep stopping for Nana naps!"

D.O.R.K continues the preparations, seeming intent on ignoring the giant's admonishment. Between the tribesman outside, the explorations thus far, and finally the at least giant sized multi-limbed critter but moments before, many -- as far as she could discern -- most were depleted in strength to withstand and/or channel the divine power of their patron deities. But this would be the second if not third time of being chided for caution or taking the simpler approach.

As these roiled within her mind, something sparks in her head causing her eyes to glow red: a warning as most of the party new to mean entering a combative state. "I would like to believe this is a difference in culture and fear that has spurred on the negativity. And perhaps to a certain degree it is. But enough is enough." She turns and looks to him. "I will be blunt so that there is no misunderstandings going forward, 'Why'  are you still here, Harshnag?"

(OOC - I’ll give you guys a day or so before Harshnag responds to D.O.R.K.)

Devin raises his hands in a peaceful gesture knowing the meaning of D's red eyes all too well.

"We've been taxed by this creature and Mullo was nearly digested as it's dinner.  We are not frost giants and do not have perhaps the unfailing strength of a giant. We are at an impass at the moment being both weakened by this fight and unsure how to proceed.  There is a portal we do not know how to pass.  This is a giants realm and it's ways are unknown to us.  If you have any insight into how to activate or pass through the portal that would be helpful.  Or we will continue to muddle our way through trying to figure out a culture we do not understand.   Forgive us if we are a bit testy.  We are cold and tired and frustrated."

Intent on finding brains to feast on, Mullo seemingly ignores the growing tensions in the room.

Ebonitus is somewhat taken aback by this change of tone. Being one who tries to calmly keep the party members working actively together, he watches and listens intently for the follow-up. He thinks back - Harshnag is with us because we asked him to accompany us some days ago. What has changed? We are in a Frost Giant Holy Place, and have been somewhat weakened by two recent encounters. We perhaps need his guidance and company more now than we did previously.  "Harshnag," calls Ebonitus, "Please do not take offence, we have been under stress for some time and need time to commune with our Gods to recover the inner strength that we may need to face whatever is through the portal. With all the activity today it has been easy to lose track of time. We appreciate your assistance in bringing us this far and your guidance has been invaluable." Ebonitus then looks over to D.o.R.K. and continues: "Some of us have been under more strain and would do well to rest before we plan further action."

"And for one who refused to delve further into this place at the start, you certainly seem keen to push us on now. We will solve this riddle on our own timeline, with our gods' assistance. Unless you have an ulterior motive that is only now coming into focus? We appreciate your assistance to this point, but you are free to leave if you disagree with our methods." The Dusk Warden states matter-of-factly. He is not interested in calming things down, but he also not interested in provoking a battle. Not unusual for usually emotionless half-drow. 

D.O.R.K for her part had continued to stare the giant down as the other plead their case for the group in their own way. Whether she noticed Ebonitus last words had been especially on her behalf or not, the construct showed no reaction swinging to one way or another as well. She just stood there, waiting patiently for an answer or lack-there-of to her question; her hands fully away from any weapons for the moment.

Harshnag watches Mullo vainly examining the creature’s skull looking for brains before commenting “you won’t find much of sustenance there lass; those creatures ain’t much more than pure instinct! All action and no thought; bit like others I could name. As to pushing you on, all I did was ask the question why you were stopping in the middle of the day for yet another rest. It seems to me that that what I thought was an urgent mission really isn’t!” He pauses and then continues “I didn’t promise you answers, all I said was that there may be some here! I also said that your gods may use this place to test you and it was up to you to make of it what you could. Certainly in my life the Great Creator has tested me more than once.” He turns to leave “but if I’m not wanted, or needed, I’ll be on my way” saying over his shoulder “for what it is worth that rune on the lower right is ‘Ise’ or the frost rune.”

In the past it might've been that Dork might've latched onto mentions of being tested, changed her tune immediately, and tried to encourage others to push on towards whatever plan of action or next objective laid before them. But not anymore. Instead the red glow of her eyes seem to intensify for just a few moments, before finally dimming and dulling back to their neutral yellows as Harshnag turned to depart the area.

And even knowing it went against the more logical or tactical mindset the construct had been prone to follow for the sake of the mission, Dork still turned away to continue making preparations to camp without a word. If the others were yet determined to try and convince Harshnag to remain to assist, a boon to the group still he could be, even if one prone to belittle and admonish, then so be it. She would say nothing, and for the most part would not even acknowledge the giant's existence going forward. But instead she'd relegate any conversing with him to the others.

"Harshnag," Mullo calls, getting to her feet. She looks at the others and then back to the giant. "This tribe is made up of many parts ... many different parts." She extends an open palm toward Harshnag. "Giant." She places the palm against her own chest. "Uthgardt." Nodding toward Haetone: "Pegasus." She includes Devin, Ilezenya and Ebonitus. "Humanoids from across the land." And finally, a lingering indication at Dork. "And this one is not even flesh." Looking back at Harshnag, she continues, "Each is unique. I do not understand much of why they do what they do, just as I'm sure much of what you and I do is confusing and perhaps even frustrating to them. But we have a task at hand, and each of us is needed to complete it. Your mission may not be from the gods as theirs is, but our goals align, and we would do well to continue to work together. So, are you going to stay and fight, or run away because this little metal female asked you a question?"

"Well, for my part, you are both wanted and needed.  This mission is urgent, yet it is taking a long time to complete." Devin says. "We need your understanding of the giants to understand the Eye of the All Father."

When Hashnag says what the rune is, "And the others? What are they?  I can speak giant, but am having difficulty with the runes."  He then considers for a moment, "Are these other runes by chance runes for each of the giant types as depicted in the other room?  Six runes, six types of giants?  And these giants offer their weapons as gifts for their All-Father?  The All-Father who then faces the archway.  The archway that leads to the Eye of the All Father?  So what if we give the weapons to the archway in some way?"

Investigation 16

"I like you lass!" Harshnag says to Mullo. "And you're right Harshnag does not run away even when strange metal females ask him questions! I will journey with you a bit longer." He turns to Devin "the only rune I recognise is ‘Ise’ or the frost rune. As to your approach you could be right or you could be wrong, I don't know?”