[ IP ] The Earth Colossus

`` Did that mountain just turn into a spider?'' Mandewynn asks as galloping hooves stand up to the wind. 
 
 `` No,'' Tharius says. `` It has *six* legs.'' 
 
 `` Nomenclature? Right now? Really? I mean, should n't we tell someone? Like the townspeople or, oh, I do n't know, the *capital city*?'' 
 
 `` Young Mandewynn, I order you to chill out.'' 
 
 `` Acknowledged, but I wish only to make a suggestion.'' 
 
 `` Ah, but I wish only to point out that your idea is rooted in fear. It implies that this being is too much for us to bear.'' 
 
 `` Is it not?'' Mandewynn says, stopping his horse. Tharius halts a few yards ahead. 
 
 `` No. We casters deal with bull shit all day. Experiments and conjurations fail. Things that should n't happen always happen. Our lives are never fair. There is no status quo. There is no norm. What makes you think that we ca n't make this thing bleed? The fact that we're not douchey, self-righteous knights is enough to evoke cowardice from you --'' 
 
 `` This is not cowardice. You and I are men of science. It's logic. It's objectivity. That thing is too big for us to take alone.'' 
 
 `` To call your view objective is to ignore your inherent subjectivity. I hate to say it, but many sentient beings are flawed and clouded by emotion as much they'd like to deny it.'' 
 
 `` Well, Tharius, you make a good point, so feel free to keep your pride and give him hell or something, but I'm going back to town.'' 
 
 Tharius shakes his head. 
 
 `` After all,'' Mandewynn calls over his shoulder, `` We're gon na need at least a little group of soldiers to keep him busy and keep those fucking knight losers from stealing all the credit.'' 
 
 `` That's my boy.''
