Chapter Text
Massive trees surrounded the orc as he trekked down a worn dirt path, keeping an eye on the sun as it falls towards the horizon through the thick ancient oaks and maples that filled this forest, the occasional glimpse of a pine explained the heavy scent of crushed needles that was the orc’s travelling companion. Wildlife rustled through the bracken and brush that lined this path, it was a rare occasion anything dared test the orc’s mettle due to his size alone but he held his axe at the ready just in case.
They sigh, wondering if they should set up camp soon as evening approached, preferring to find a spot while daylight remained and began peering around for any nice clearings or caves to set up in. Due to their vagabond nature Pyro was quite used to sleeping wherever he ended up, all of his life’s possessions remained in the pack on his back and it was the lifestyle they preferred. Some questioned how he never felt homesick or lost without a permanent homestead but he only replied he never felt the need for such, instead preferring to be free to travel wherever he wished with no obligations to anyone.
Groaning as his feet ache, his thoughts are suddenly interrupted by the loud baying of wolves nearby and his hand clenches around the wooden handle of the axe he held preparing to defend himself. Their concerns only rises as a humanoid scream joins the overwhelming noise, Pyro chastising themselves for losing focus and not hearing this sooner as without hesitation he rushes towards the sound of the panic. Preparing for a fierce fight, his muscles awaken with vigour and rage for protecting the innocent as they burst through a particular tight grouping of trees to find a horrifying scene.
A lithe blonde elf adorned in white flowers and fine clothing was slowly backing away from several large wolves that were snapping their large teeth as the elf tried to beat them away with a beautiful staff covered in white flowers entwined by golden vines and leaves. Taking a deep breath Pyro reaches deep within their chest to let out a rumbling bellow that brought the clearing’s attention to the newcomer, the blonde appearing relieved while the wolves glanced between the two.
He hopes the blood splashed against the mage’s clothing was not his own, whacking his axe against his palm Pyro allows a growl to enter his normally formal tone while staring down the largest wolf with a harsh scar across its face they see before simply stating. “Leave.”
Instead the scarred wolf that he addressed made a step towards the mage who lets out a whimper, Pyro making the decision that if words wouldn’t work then potentially violence would, he hated to take this route but this blonde was in distress and these wolves had an entire forest to pick their next prey.
Deciding to switch tactics he slips his axe back into the holster at his hip and shoves his way to the mage’s side letting his size intimidate the wolves as he approached what appearing to be the leader and grabbed the wolf by the scruff. Something it clearly hadn’t expected as it lets out a yelp while Pyro physically lifts it a few feet off the ground with a rumbling growl from deep within his own huge chest staring down the intelligent eyes above the wolf’s snarling muzzle. Ignoring the other wolves attempting to attack him he uses his other hand to beat them away, once again glad to be a large individual they slowly start to back off realizing Pyro wasn’t going to let them hunt this mage.
“Holy…” The blonde speaks for the first time watching the orc pick up the wolf, staring in awe as Pyro glares at the beast waiting for the fury in its eyes to change to fear.
When it refuses to do so the orc takes another step after the retreating wolves while Pyro gathers their strength before he throws the leader across the clearing, not hard enough to hurt it permanently but certainly enough to scare it. Landing on it’s side with a surprised huff, it’s fellow pack members slowly circle around it as it heaves itself to its feet to stare down the orc. Knowing it hadn’t quite given up the hunt yet, Pyro reaches deep for another terrifying bellow as he draws his axe once more advancing towards the wolves which finally got the hint and they disappear into the settling darkness around them.
Waiting a few more breathes Pyro finally relaxes his guard, turning back to the blonde elf who stood behind him with a shocked and relieved expression meeting the orc’s softening gaze with gratitude. Adrenaline still pumping through the orc’s veins is the only reason he is fast enough to catch the mage as he suddenly collapses, worried about how pale the blonde is they urgently glance around trying to find a safer spot to treat his wounds while cradling the elf close to his broad chest.
“Stay awake for me lad, we need to get away from here just in case.” Pyro mutters to the elf he held as he makes his way back towards the path to find them a place to make camp.
“Thank…thank you.” The blonde mumbles into the orc’s collarbone where his head rested against his shoulder, sounding rather weak Pyro’s pace quickens.
“Hush, save your strength.” Pyro scolds, checking the sun’s position once more while he desperately finds a location before spotting a shallow cave tucked into a nearby hillside.
Taking a moment to listen for any sounds inside and hearing nothing, he peers inside and luckily finds it unoccupied. Unclasping his travellers cloak he lays it down on the flattest spot he can find before gently lowering the blonde down, wincing each time the elf makes a pained sound and the orc mumbles back apologies for each one until he is settled down.
“How serious are your wounds?” Pyro addresses the blonde, waiting for his permission before helping the injured soul remove the clothing covering his torso.
“They got a few bites in but nothing is profusely bleeding—”
“You are far too pale for that to be true, my friend, may I help you tend to them?” Pyro levels his stormy blue eyes with the emerald green of his new companion, waiting for the smallest nod before he grabs his knapsack to locate his first aid kit.
When he turns back he helps the elf lay back down beneath a blanket as he shivers, being as quick as he can Pyro tends to the worst of his wounds and with experienced movements and either binds them or stitches them back shut. His new friend rests as he does, Pyro occasionally stopping to check in before they continue with their ministrations when they get the go-ahead. Once the orc is satisfied the elf won’t perish on him now that his blood loss had been staunched, they finally allow themselves to sit back from their hunched over position with a relieved groan as they stretch their back and arms.
“You did all that for a elf you don’t even know the name of—that’s quite kind of you.” The blonde’s voice breaks the silence that had followed, drawing Pyro’s gaze back to him wearing a kind expression. “My name is Scott Springwell, may I ask who my saviour might be?”
“Ah I am Pyro, just Pyro.” The orc grins showing off the two tusks that rise above his lower lip, giving a small shrug. “I am simply glad I got there in time, its rare that wolves choose elves as their prey but they can be scared off easily if you put them in their place.”
“Your strength is quite impressive, I am not sure I have ever seen someone toss a wolf like that.”
“One of the perks of being a large orc like myself, my strength is good for both protection and labour work.” Playfully flexing one of his arms, Pyro can only smirk watching the blonde’s eyes widen before he breaks the moment by standing up and clapping his hands together decisively. “Speaking of, I shall go gather us some firewood and see what else I can forage up for dinner, but I will remain within listening distance so if you need me just shout.”
The sun has just finished setting when Pyro returns with an armful of lumber and a pack of foraged goods, placing them down before Scott who has recovered some of his strength in the meantime.