A resounding, wet slap echoed out over the cliffside and Xalmann stared at Zarius in disbelief. Why did he just pull a fish out of his bag to slap the Giant with, and also, how was it so effective? The Lizardman shook his head for a moment to clear it. Zarius had deflected the Giant's attempt to grab him, there was no need to question his method if it worked. The Giant wasn't defeated yet and he needed to finish this.

The Giant fell onto his back again thanks to Eirynor's attack, and Xalmann took the opportunity. His left arm of blackened wood burst into a flurry of roots and vine-like branches, wrapping around the Giant and adding to Zarius's cloth restraints.

Xalmann picked his foot up and drove it down onto the back of his axe, driving the blade further into the Giant's neck. His right hand on the handle, he channeled his magic through the weapon. The blade of of the axe glowed red hot and then orange and then yellow as it kept heating up, the flash around it sizzling and burning. But, that wasn't enough. He channeled more magic, the same magic he had used earlier to blast the other Giant and send it tumbling off the cliff.

The giant's eyes went wide as fire suddenly burst from his mouth. At the same time, his chest and throat expanded and glowed with an inner light that glowed through the layers of skin and muscle as a fireball was detonated directly inside the Giant's throat, expanding into his lungs and out of his mouth. After the fire finished, the Giant lay dead, cooked from the inside out.

---

Perennial Prosthetic
Massive Fireball
Arcane Focus

There is no acknowledgement of the fish from the fellblood, he doesn't even seem to notice the random weapon of choice and simply drops it after the Giant is down. The randomly appearing fish of highly effective damage against Giantkind would never be brought up again.

Eirynor and Zarius both jump back as Xalmann barbeques the Giant until it is far more than burnt to a crisp. The terrible stench of burnt flesh rises into the air along with a cloud of thick black smoke. Zarius wafts the fumes out from in front of his face, the sting of the smoke all too familiar to the Ash Lands native.

"Well done," he comments to the fiery lizardman. It's a pun. Not intended. Maybe.

Zarius then signs to Eirynor to ask how he's feeling and the half-elf in turn signs back something that seems affirmative. The fellblood nods, then looks to Xalmann. 

"Two down, who knows how many more to go. We should check down the cliffside for any more lingering about." He starts walking down the cliffside pathway with the tall half-elf following suit. 

Luckily for the Fighter's Guild members, there are no more Giants in the immediate area, even as they reach the base of the cliffside and the ocean spray spatters across their skin. They do come across a large sea cave with evidence of the Giant generals having been using it as a temporary camp at least.

Surprisingly there isn't enough supplies to suggest they had any accompanying forces stationed here. Perhaps the pair had yet to be assigned to a station or placed in command of Clasp brutes. Either that, or they weren't actually part of Javian's forces after all. It was possible, though highly unlikely seeing that Giants were not common in Moonglade and these ones did seem like they're not just here on vacation. Their equipment was slightly too high quality and their traps not intended for hunting for food. 

In the cave they find some crates and barrels of rations, scraps of giant-sized armor, and other supplies for creating traps and defending the area. Though there are no boats or other means of transportation. It was like they were dropped off here to wait for something. 

Much to Zarius' disappointment, there are no ledgers, maps, letters, or other documents which would help in their search for Athena. Though, as they comb over the humid cave, they do manage to find one piece of evidence that these Giants are affiliated with the Clasp. They find a marked bandana that probably was intended for a much smaller member of the group to help hide their face, but the Giants were using as a tissue. Gross.

The fellblood looks at the lizardman after they have thoroughly searched the cave. "Well, if you are looking for a secret place to hide in, this one is now vacant. Otherwise I suggest you return to the guild." He folds his arms. "Shaa may not seem like the type, but he is pretty understanding and I am certain he would at least hear you out about the whole Lilicors raid thing."

Zarius glances at Xalmann's arm. He sympathizes with the man. Had one of his trusted allies not gone out of their way to help him after an unfortunate encounter with an ooze, he could have likely lost his arm as well, if not his life. While Xalmann seems to have adjusted to and compensated for the injury, losing a part of oneself comes with much more than just physical trauma. Who knows what impact the loss has had on the warrior's mind, especially with that loss coming with extra baggage thanks to the Knights of Duros' manhunt.

He shifts his weight back on one leg. "It is up to you really, but I would encourage you to lean on the guild. It likely will not survive if we are divided or hostile to one another. And if you are ever in Darkveil, feel free to reach out. There is no shame in asking for help, and only fools believe they can do everything on their own."

Xalmann looked around the cave, taking in the space. It was hard to find and there were a few supplies left behind. It would make a good hideout, at least for a short while. He couldn't stay here too long knowing that the Clasp must be aware of the place and might send someone to contact the now dead Giants that had been stationed here. He wouldn't want to be around then, but he could probably spend a couple days at least.

The Lizardman's eyes narrowed as Zarius mentioned Shaa. Xalmann didn't even turn to look at him as he tried to convince him to come back to the Fighter's Guild, to rely on them. The Guild's survival wasn't Xalmann's problem. He'd only joined because he thought it might help him grow stronger, but he wasn't attached to anyone there or to the organization as a whole, really. He especially wasn't attached to Shaa and had no intentions of trying to explain himself or apologize to the bastard who had cut off his arm.

Xalmann dropped his bag on the ground, silently but clearly indicating his intent to stay here for a while. 

"I will." He replied emotionlessly. Whether his response was to reaching out and asking for help, or to doing everything alone, he gave no indication.

Zarius notices the lizardman narrow his eyes and for a moment the fellblood considers his options should the angry axe wielding fire spitter feel compelled to start a fight here and now. Admittedly, he didn't know much about Xalmann on a personal level, and if he had to guess, few people did. the lizardman seemed content with his stubborn independence, perhaps a symptom of his upbringing. 

He glances at the bag as it hits the cavern floor. There was no need for any explanation of what that gesture means. 

Though the last verbal response left something to be desired. While Zarius does not have any personal stakes in Xalmann, the fighter was capable and asked few questions. He was useful in certain situation and would be a worthwhile asset to keep in his back pocket...though Zarius is not under any delusions that the lizardfolk would show any loyalty or follow his orders. Xalmann would only work with others if it was convenient. That much was clear. 

The fellblood nods with a note of finality, he had no reason to linger here any longer. "Good luck. If the Knights of Duros find you, try not to kill anyone. I can bail you out of jail easier if you do not have a larger body count." He gives a wave before leaving the cave with Eirynor at his side.