Spirits and Moonlight

In a world where nymphs, sprites, and borrowers are known to exist, Sage Burton is the only known fairy still alive.

After a traumatic childhood, Sage is finally content with her life in the kingdom, The Hollow. She has earned the loyalty and respect from the nymphs as their commander and gained an excellent reputation around the forest.

However, a routine patrol for Sage turns into a fight for her life in the middle of a harsh blizzard, only to wake up in a giant house with two human brothers; Cade and Arthur, who have their own issues. Leaving Sage the difficult decision to trust the strange giants or escape.

Throughout the story, Sage learns that her happy life is not what seems. For better or worse.

This story is the first full-on story I’ve ever written. Advice and comments are more than welcomed! I’m glad you’re giving this story of mine a chance and I hope you enjoy it!

Index (ongoing):

Chapter 1: The Ceremony

Chapter 2: The Blizzard

Chapter 3: Strange Company

Chapter 4: A Big Problem

Chapter 5: Escape

Chapter 6: Small Talk

Chapter 7: Fairy’s Best Friend

Chapter 8: Check-Up

“Please come back, I didn’t mean to scare you”

“You could get hurt.”

“How did you get so small?”

“Why are you so big?”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you- I’m sorry.”

“You could have gotten hurt! Please ask for help next time.”

“You need to be more careful.”

“Please- put me down.”

“I didn’t mean any harm!”

“So… you gonna pay me rent, or…?”

“You’re going to freeze out here,”

“Literally anything could kill me.” “Exactly!”

“Did you steal that?”

“Dude, you could drown in a puddle”

“Try walking a mile in my shoes! oh, wait-“

“Am I a bad roommate?”

“I’m gonna jar you.”

“Please let me help you.”

“Can- can you stay? At least for tonight?”

“And how do you think you’ll get there on your own?”

“Step away from the edge of the counter-”

“They’re not here. You’re safe now.”

“Please don’t kill me!” “Wait, what?”

“Did you steal the buttons off my shirt?”

“You ever think about what life would be like if we were the same size?”

thanks to @infinimay for helping me create a couple of the prompts! (10, 12, 13, 14,15? maybe?) 

The old servers I was in seem to have all gone inactive, so I made a new one to help connect more with the community ^_^

It's got dedicated categories for artists, writers, and folks looking to rp, as well as channels for just chatting and hanging out

it is mostly SFW, but I added some age-restricted channels for those that want to talk about more adult concepts

I'll do my best to help keep this one active with events like movie nights too!

Please share this around so we can get a good chunk of the community in!

Also major info dump at the beginning. I try to avoid those but honestly it just feels like how Jinx’s headspace works. She does a whole lot of self reflection

Washed Up part 2

Word Count: 1,587

—————

Marjani had always assumed she’d be betrothed to someone someday. That was just how things were done among the royal families. Not that she really liked being a royal. It required far too much etiquette, even for her, and responsibilities? Well of course one had to be responsible to some degree, that much was a part of life. But what she wanted was the freedom to explore and to learn, not to be crammed up in a tower someplace trapped with only so many books. Or be forced into ballrooms every other day for that matter, where no books of any sort were allowed and one was made to socialize with perfect strangers. The very idea made her want to curl up in a corner under a pile of blankets and never come back out.

All in all, the point was that she was having a rather fun time lately having the freedom to figure out what she even liked in a man. Or if she even liked men specifically - though that much seemed all but certain at this point.

CW: near death experience

Damian and Serena arrive home very late one night. Both were exhausted from working but were happy to finally be home and relax.

“Oh god I thought work would never end. Thank god it did” - Damian

“You said it, not me” - Serena

A few seconds later they hear a light whimper coming from the pantry and think it’s a rat. Serena, not wanting to deal with a rodent, grabs a shoe and is ready to kill it.

“I swear to god, I am not in the mood for this shi-“ - Serena

As Serena enters the pantry, she stops and sees a small little girl, no older than 7 years old, and no bigger than her pinkie. Her body is caught in a wire that’s tangled several parts of her. Her left arm is stretching, her chest is wrapper, and her neck is being constricted. She’s crying as she notices Serena looking at her. The borrower knows she’s dead no matter what, either she’ll suffocate or the giant staring her down will crush her. Despite this she reaches her right arm out, and with what little air she has says

“h-help” - borrower girl

“DAMIAN GRAB THE SCISSORS NOW, HURRY!” - Serena

Without a second thought Serena screams for Damian to grab the scissors as she drops the shoe and grabs the borrower, she lifts her up a bit which causes most of the wire to loosen but it’s still suffocating her, Serena tries with her might to undo the wire as best as she can to no avail, 10 second later, damian comes rushing in with the scissors in hand.

“I’m here what’s happening” - Damian

“The wire is wrapped around her neck, she can’t breathe, cut it, hurry” - Serena

The girl sees damian come in with scissors and doesn’t know what’s going on, as this is happening she begins to slip, it becomes harder and harder for her to fight. Damian is rushing to cut the wire, and a couple of seconds later, the wire completely slacks and comes off her neck. Without a second of hesitation, she takes in the biggest breathe of air she ever took. She starts to cough after finally being able to breathe again.

“Darling are you alright, it’s okay, just breathe, you’re safe now” - Serena

Breathing was all she was doing, she completely forgot about the fact 2 enormous figures were staring over her.

“Here, hold still sweetheart, I promise to be gentle” - Damian

Damian starts cutting the rest of the wire on her body, freeing her arm and chest from their tight grasp. After she was freed she was going to thank them, before remembering the stories she was told about how dangerous humans are. Her happiness turns to fear as she begins to beg.

“I-i’m sorry, I didn’t mean to steal from you, i… i was just taking some food to survive, i’m sorry, i-i promise ill leave and never come back if you let me go, j-just please don’t kill me” - girl

Damian and Serena looks at each other with concern. They just saved this girl’s life, so why was she begging? Then they remembered that some of the food they argued about each other eating was actually the girl. She took the last cookie, she opened the new box of cereal, it was all her. They both looked at each other again and knew what to say.

“Sweetheart, can you look at us? It’s okay, we’re not mad at you in the slightest” - Serena

“You needed the food to survive, we would never be mad at someone like you just trying to survive” - Damian

“B-but all those fights, they were because of me, so you hate me right” - girl

“No no no, we were mad because we had rules set for each other, and we thought they were being broken by us” - Serena

“You had no idea about anything, you were just doing the most you could to survive, we’re not mad, we forgive you, and if you ever need any food, please, just take it, it’s for the better” - Damain

The girl was so suprised, she didn’t even know why they were being nice, but they were. She always to hear from other borrowers how cruel humans were, but these 2 were kind and gentle.

“T-thank you, m-may i go back home now?” - girl

“Of course, where do you live?” - serena

“I can show you, if you put me down” - girl

Serena does as she asks and put the girl onto the floor. She looks back up and them and is in awe over the size difference, to her, they were skyscrapers. She proceeded to walk out of the pantry and head to the living room. She gets on all fours and is about to crawl under the couch, before she can, Damian gently places his hand over her to stop her.

“Can you wait over there for one second” - damian

Damian points to the little table next to the couch to which she agrees. She walks over to it and sits down. She them gets to watch in awe and Damian and Serena move the couch from the wall. To see such grand power from them mesmerized her for a second. They then notice a hole in the wall behind where the couch used to be.

“Hey, what’s this?” - Damian

The girl sees him approaching and she starts to walk over to it as well.

“This- this is my home, it’s where i live” - girl

“How long have you lived there?” - serena

“I don’t know, i’ve been here since i was a baby” - girl

“Where are your parents?” - Damian

“… gone, I don’t know where or why but all i can remember is… one day they left me… alone, forever” - girl

Damian and Serena became sad after hearing her story. They wanted to help the girl as much as they could.

“Well, I should get going, bye” - girl

Before she could enter the hole, Damian covers it with his hand, blocking the entrance completely and scaring the girl for a second. She was wondering what she did wrong, did she make a mistake telling them where she lived? Was it all a ploy to make her drop her guard and leaver her vulnerable? She was thinking of the worst until he spoke

“I-instead of going back, would you rather stay outside the wall from now on?” - Damian

“W-what do you mean?” - girl

“I think he means, would you like to live with us, you don’t ever have to go back into the wall and hide, you can stay out here, you’ll have toys, and games, and stuffed animals. We’ll eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner together and… and you won’t have to ever be alone again.” - Serena

The girl heard that last sentence and was mesmerized once again. Never being alone anymore? It would be amazing for her, she’d never have to worry about anything. But she was also concerned about them and what they would do to her.

“M-maybe? I need some time to think about it… m-may i think about it?” - girl

“Of course, take as much time as you need, we’ll be right here for you” - Damian

Damian lifts his hand to re-open the entrance to her home, before she enters, she is asked one last thing by Serena

“Sweetie, before you go, what’s your name?” - Serena

“Oh, i… I don’t have one, my mom and dad didn’t want me so.. they never bothered” - girl

“Oh dear, i’m so sorry to hear” - Serena

“It… it’s okay, i’ll be fine, i-i’m going to bed now, goodnight” - girl

“Goodnight” - Damian and Serena

Over the course of the week, the girl came out to see Damian and Serena. She would often do things with them. Serena did her hair, bathed, and played with her. Damian cooked with her, and would often answer questions she had.

*One late night in bed*

“I wonder how she’s doing” - Damian

“Me too, i want to get close but i know she’s scared” - Serena

“Yeah, we’re titans compared to her, that’d be frightening to anyone” - Damian

“Not only that, i think she’s scared because she’s been abandoned, and doesn’t want to be left alone again” - Serena

“You’re right, i just wish she would give us one chance” - Damian

They both sighed as they attempted to fall asleep. Not to long after trying to go to bed, they are both awoken by their bedroom door opening.

“Ummm…” - girl

They both shoot up and look at the floor and see the girl standing in the doorway, holding a makeshift stuffed animal and an old piece of a towel used as a blanket

“Oh sweetie, it’s you, what’s wrong” - Serena

“I… i heard scary noises outside and… I couldn’t sleep, I, i was wondering if- if…” - girl

“Of course you can sleep with us, here, i’ll come and pick you up and bring you to the bed” - Damian

“N-no, i’m good- I… I mean i wanted to ask if i can sleep with you, b-but i can get onto the bed myself” - girl

The girl runs up to the edge of the bed and grabs the big blanket and climbs it, Serena and Damian get off the bed to make sure she climbs the blanket safely, cheering her on in the process, once she reaches the top, they congratulate her go back to lying on the bed. The girl runs over to meet them, with the blanket and stuffed animal still with her.

“You were so strong climbing the blanky sweetheart, i’m so proud of you” - Serena

“Me too, you’re such a strong girl” - Damian

“T-thank you” - girl

She lays down on the bed with them, but she can’t fall asleep so she asks them a few questions

“Umm, do you remember… how you said I can live outside of the wall” - girl

“Yeah, what’s up” - Damian

“I… i think i want to live outside them” - girl

“Really that’s amazing sweetheart, i’m so happy to hear” - Damian

“T-thank you… umm i have another question” - girl

“What is if sweetie?” - Serena

“Can… may i call you… my mommy and daddy?” - girl

Both Serena and Damian’s faces light up with joy hearing this and before the girl can attempt to take back what she said.

“Yes yes yes yes yes of couse you can baby, you never had to ask us” - Serena

“We’d be more then happy to be your mommy and daddy” - Damian

Serena brings the girl in for a hug and damian hugs them both. Serena lets go of Serena and hugs Damian back, pinning the girl between the 2 of them, as she’s stuck between them, their body heat surrounds her and she enjoys every second. She takes in the moment of being warmed by them both. They then let go and she falls back to the bed with a smile from ear to ear.

“Sorry baby we didn’t mean to squish you. Are you okay?” - Serena

“Yeah i’m fine, being squished felt so good and warm” - girl

“That’s nice, but if we’re going to be your mommy and daddy, you’ll need to have a name.” - Damian

Damian and Serena start talking about names they could name the girl, then she step in with her idea.

“I really like that one dog’s name” - girl

“Dog, what dog?” - Damian

“The one from that one game, she’s your assistant and talk like me mo me me mo mao” - girl

“Oh, you mean Isabelle?” - Serena

“Yeah, I like that name” - girl

“Well if that’s the case” - Damian

“We love you very much Isabelle” - Serena

“Thank you, I love you too” - Isabelle

Damian proceeds to grab Isabelle and places her on his chest, Serene then comes close to hold Damian and lay her head on his chest. Serena pulls the blanket up so it covers all but her head.

“Is that warm enough for you baby?” - Serena

“*yawn* yes, thank you, I love you mommy and daddy” - isabelle

“We love you too Isabelle, goodnight” - Damian

“Night night” - isabelle

(They didn’t warn me about this on the application…)

What is your preferred size?

What size do you like to interact with best?

What would your tiny/giant home look like?

Do you have a sona? Tell us about them!

What’s your favorite size trope?

Fairies or borrowers?

Giants or humans?

Sci-fi shrinking or magic shrinking?

What’s your favorite piece of sizey media?

What’s the last TV show you watched, any size headcanons for it?

What song gives you size vibes?

If you suddenly grew/shrunk where you are right now, what would happen?

What kind of pet would you like at your size?

What was your g/t awakening?

What size scenario is the funniest to you?

What’s your comfort g/t media/tropes?

How long have you been into g/t?

Any favorite g/t content creators? People you wanna hype up?

What’s your all-time favorite g/t daydream - the one thing you keep going back to?

Featuring Serif and Warren during WW2 (because I am a history nerd)

Warning for drowning, death, barely any Gt,  and this being rushed to hell so its probably iffy on some areas

Warren shivered violently as the waves of the Atlantic ocean battered relentlessly against the hull of the destroyer he was assigned on. Each hit sprayed a freezing mist on him, adding to the misery of the cold night. Looking off to the side, he tightly gripped on the rail to steady himself as the ship rocked uneasily through the sea.

To the portside of the ship was convoy HX 212, his along with the crew of three other destroyers job escorting to Great Britain. They were on the lookout for any u-boats that posed a threat to the cargo ships they were meant to protect, though enemy submarines weren’t the only things hunting around these waters.

I love when the stories seem to write themselves. Here is chapter 3! Enjoy

—-

The giantess, from her hiding spot in the trees, let out a long sigh as she willed her tired body to rise. “Whelp… here we go I guess…” she mumbled to herself. Liz took one last look at the forest behind her. Her heart hoped that their clan would find Ben and give him a proper burial. “Fuck you Ben… Why did you have to go and die and leave me with this mess…” she said with a huff before turning her attention back to the edge of the forest. “Now or never I guess…”

Every human stopped dead in their tracks including the prince at the sight of the giant pushing her way past the trees. “Now let’s not do anything hasty here. There is no need to go back into the woods.” she said giving the prince a small smile before letting her graze fall upon the crowd. No one had moved a muscle since her arrival. No one except Herk. He bolted toward her growing to his full height within seconds.

“Squirt!” He yelled as he toppled her over in a bear hug.

“Miss me?” she jested as she wrapped her arms around the smaller giant.

“Is that even a question?! I can’t believe you are really here. Let me look at you! Dang, you really have grown into a beautiful young woman! Definitely got your father’s height. When he said that a giant like none other had saved him, I thought that might be you.” Herk said as he rolled off Liz into a pretzel leg seat. Liz sat up as tucked one leg in to lean on while letting the other stayed out long.

“They do say I am one of a kind.” she tossed back as she rubbed a horn.

“You have to tell me everything! How’s Ben? A little shit like always?” Herk asked with excitement. Liz’s demeanor went dark. Herk’s breath caught in his throat. “He was the other giant wasn’t he…” he asked in almost a whisper. Liz nodded. Herk leaned over and pulled the much larger giant into a hug. Liz returned the hug taking a deep breath trying to steady her emotions. They wouldn’t see her cry.

Liz broke from the hug to look at the king who was taking everything in. “My my, I can see my son wasn’t joking when he said you are different…” Liz could smell the fear off the small man. She could smell fear off all the humans. “With all do respect though, being a guardian is a man’s job. Women’s bodies and emotional state aren’t really the best for the job as you probably understand. Is there any way we can get another giant?” the king’s patronizing tone snapped a nerve in Liz as she narrowed her slate blue eyes on him. This man was needing a giant a second ago and now was being picky…

Liz grit her teeth. She had lots of practice with being considered lesser for being a woman, but it never did get easier to deal with. “I can arrange for another giant to come if that would please you your highness.” Liz said trying to hide the annoyance in her voice. She was relieved to be free of this job, though. Last thing she wanted to do was be the babysitter for a snobby royal.

Herk spoke up drawing the attention to himself, “Sire, if I could make a suggestion. The tradition says that the strongest warrior is sent to protect the king. I think both the prince and I can agree that she is the best warrior we have ever seen. I also think in our current circumstance that it would behoove us to have her in our arsenal. Yes, she may be a woman, but she has unfathomable power and is fairly levelheaded.”

“What are you doing?” Liz growled low staring daggers into Herk.

“Finally getting you a job worthy of your skill.” Herk growled back through his teeth.

“I don’t want it. You know more than anyone what I want.” Liz shot back.

“Liz this is going to be way better for you and you know it.” Herk chided.

Liz shook her head not even trying to hide how peeved she was. “The people are terrified of me. They will never accept me and we both know that.” Liz hissed.

“Your own people are terrified of you Liz! Just like they were of your father. That’s why we both know that you will never become chief or even a war leader. Face it Liz, this is the best job you will ever get!” Herk spat. Liz tensed. Herk sighed, “Liz…” Liz put up her hand to stop him.

“Let’s see if the human’s even want me.” her voice lacked emotion as she turned her attention to the king.

The king nodded. “As much as I want to be the one to make this decision, you would be the giant for my son. So I feel it is only right for him to choose.”

All eyes then fell upon the prince. Oliver tried not to squirm under all the attention, especially one particular set of slate blue eyes. He struggled to meet the gaze of the overwhelming giantess. It was impossible for him to read her emotionless expression. She was terrifying, that was undeniable. She also held immense power that the kingdom needed for their current advisory. As much as Oliver wanted to say he wanted a different (less scary) guardian, he knew the kingdom needed her.

“I would like her to be my protector… If she is ok with that.” Oliver said trying to suppress the tremble in his voice.

Liz let out a sigh and nodded. “As you wish then…” her voice was void of emotion.

A guard then pushed a terrified priest forward. The man trembled as he handed a bowl of an unknown concoction to the prince. The prince thanked the man and stepped hesitantly toward the giantess. Her head was cocked to the side as she watched him with curiosity. The prince came to a stop before the giantess and looked up at her expectantly. Liz looked between the prince and Herk with a confused glance.

Herk leaned over and whispered in her ear, “You have to pick him up so that he can pour the mixture into your mouth.”

Liz responded with a grunt before looking down at the prince. His short dirty blonde hair and beard were well kept. He had an athletic build. Overall, he was a handsome man. He looked strong and confident standing before her, but she could see the cracks in his armor. How the liquid in the bowl rippled from the small tremors coming from the hands holding it. She could see his eyes were dilated as they were ready to detect danger at any second. Then there was the smell. The smell of fear that surrounded her. She hated that smell, but no matter where she went it seemed to follow her.

Slowly Liz lowered her hand till it hovered around the small man. With one last look she silently asked for permission. The prince answered her with a nod. Cautiously Liz wrapped her fingers around his body before lifting him up to her face. She held him in front of her face for a moment allowing for them to take in each other. He truly was handsome she thought as his light brown eyes searched her face. Then she lifted him higher and opened her mouth.

Oliver heart stopped as he stared into the dark abyss that was the giantess’s mouth. Everything in him screamed danger as his eyes were drawn to her fangs. They hung menacingly before him, almost taunting him to move closer so they could tear him apart. The memory of her tearing the throat from the wolf ripped through Oliver’s mind. Fear overtook his body as he dropped the bowl, his hands then trying to gain some distance between him and the terrifying jaws before him.

The crowd gasp as they saw the bowl fall. It came crashing down on the tongue of the giantess as the contents spilt down her throat. Oliver watched from his perch as she slowly lowered him and using her other hand, fish out the bowl. She closed her mouth and swallowed before looking at him. She gave him a soft smile as her giant fingers brought the bowl to his hands. Oliver hesitantly grabbed the bowl and thanked her. He tried to pull his thoughts away from thinking how it was wet with her saliva.

Liz set the prince softly back on the earth. She was still on one knee when the pain overtook her. It was the worst pain she had ever experienced. ‘I will not let them see me as weak’ she mentally growled as she grit her teeth. Her body was on fire. Her whole being even down to the cellular level seemed to be writhing in pain. Liz closed her eyes, bent her head forward and dug her fingers into the ground as she tried to control her emotions and pain.

Herk watch as the giantess next to him did not move a muscle. He knew the pain she was going through because he had gone through it himself. He was extremely young when he came into servitude of the king, but that pain had never left his mind. After a minute Liz picked up her head. She was breathing heavy as sweat poured down her face.

“Now what?” she said exasperated.

Herk chuckled, “You took that extremely well! I was on the ground seething in pain. All that is left to do is think small.”

Liz nodded and closed her eyes. Her colossal body started to shrink. Herk followed suit. When Liz was her smallest, she opened her eyes to see Herk offering her a hand. She took it and clamored to her feet. Her exhausted body fell forward into Herk’s strong awaiting arms.

“Take it easy there Squirt. Your body has been through a lot today.” Herk said as he helped to righten the woman. He laughed as he had to tilt his head back a fair amount to look up at her. “Looks like I will never get a break when it comes to looking up at you!” he jested.

Liz gave him a tired smile before turning to look at the crowd, still using Herk to steady herself. Meer seconds earlier they were no larger than her fingers. She still towered over everyone, but not to such an extent. Liz’s eyes grazed her surroundings till they came to settle on the prince. She could still sense his fear, but it had lessened some.

Liz turned from Herk and walked casually up to the prince. Even at her smallest she was still almost double his height. The prince visibly gulped when she came to stand before him. Liz lowered herself till she was kneeling. Sitting on her back foot the two were about eye to eye. Everyone watching the exchange wondered what was taking place.

Liz smiled a warm smile as she stuck out her hand. “I’m Liz.” she said as she patiently waited.

The prince looked at the hand as though it was a sword that would run him through at any moment. Taking a deep breath, he reached forward and placed his small hand in hers. “I’m Oliver.”

Here is the continuation of the chapter I started last night. I’ll upload these on AO3 later today. Enjoy!

—–

Shock ran down his spine with the sense of free falling. He never hit the ground, though. Instead, thick fingers wrapped around his body with such force that all the air in his lungs escaped in a panicked cry. The hand was like a vice grip as it squeezed the life out of him. “C-can’t b-breath…” He choked out. Liz’s heart dropped into her stomach. The giantess, seeing that she was hurting him, immediately loosened her grip.

“Sorry… I have never held a human before and you scared me pretty good right there…” she said rubbing the back of her neck. She could feel his heart racing against her palm. Liz messed up and she knew it.

The man started to come back to his senses as oxygen made its way back to his brain. That’s when he noticed that he was covered in blood. His racing mind first thought was that it was his blood, but as he moved his hand over the surreal surface of the giantess his eyes picked up on how everything around him was covered in the sticky wet substance. The giantess’s grip on him may have loosened, but fear’s was tightening even further. His mind started to short circuit as terror ripped through his body. “P-p-please, d-d-don’t hurt m-m-me…” he pleaded.

Liz could see that he was frightened out of his mind. That didn’t bother her as much as the smell though. Liz’s stomach started to turn as the smelled grew stronger. “Take it easy. I’m not going to hurt you. My friend told me to protect you and I fully intend to keep that promise. May I help you get back?” she said in a warm voice trying to comfort the small man.

Thankfully her words did not fall upon deaf ears. “N-n-no t-thank you. I-I can w-walk…” the man’s voice shook. His cursed at how hard his heartbeat was pounding against the woman’s hand.

The Liz pinched her nose before running her fingers over her eyebrows. “Look kid. We both know you shouldn’t be walking back alone. Now please relax and let me help you.” She was failing at hiding the annoyance in her voice.

The man’s eyes darted across the Liz’s face trying to gauge if she was telling the truth. They traced the horns that rolled like a ram’s on the side of the giantess’s head before glancing down to her teeth. Even with her mouth closed he could still see the fangs pressing against her lips. The picture of them dripping with blood as she bared her teeth in pain and anger burned into his mind. Her eyes were a slate blue which was odd to him because he thought giants only had green and brown eyes. She was also a lot bigger than any giant he has ever met or even heard of before. Against better judgement the man asked, “What are you?”

The Liz tilted her head to the side as she looked at him with curiosity. “What do you mean?” she asked with interest in her voice.

The man started to steal some of his courage seeing that she wasn’t offended. “Well, you don’t look like any giant that I have seen before. You have horns, blue eyes, fangs, etc… Not to mention you are huge compared to any giant… So…What are you?”

The woman smiled, ensuring that her fangs were hidden behind her lips. “I have no idea.”

The man looked at her and nodded. “I see…” he said as his thoughts raced.

Liz paused for a second before opening her mouth. “Now. I am going to bring you back and I am going to keep you in my hand for your own safety, alright?” She said slowly, looking for his confirmation before moving.

“Why are you even asking me? You can do whatever you want to with me. No matter if I want to do it or not…” the man tried to hide his fear behind the venom in his voice. Liz couldn’t help but smirk as he crossed his arms for emphasis.

The Liz snorted a soft laugh, “You have some sass. I am asking you because I don’t want to do anything against your will. I’m not the monster everyone thinks I am. If you want to walk then walk. I’m going to follow you, though, to make sure you get back ok. I will respect your wishes of me carrying or not carrying you, but I still have the right to walk where I please and to keep a promise to a dead friend. So, I am going to take you back and you will never see me again. How about that?” Sadness creeped into her voice as she talked about her friend.

The man looked at her skeptically. He took a deep breath before letting out a sigh. “I would like to walk please.” He said searching her eyes for any change in emotion.

The giantess nodded with a sigh. “Suit yourself.” she said as she slowly lowered him to the ground.

When her fingers finally uncurled from his chest, the man noticed how sore his ribs were. He winced as he started to walk away from the giantess. His pain didn’t go unnoticed, but Liz chose to say nothing. She watched him wander further from the human civilization. She shook her head knowing he was lost.

“Um… Mister… The way back is the other direction…” Liz said trying to stifle a laugh.

The prince grumbled as he turned around not even looking up at the giantess as he walked past. He hoped that she didn’t see how red his cheeks were.

At first the large footsteps behind him causing the earth to quake scared the living daylights out of him. Soon, though, they became rhythmic and even comforting. He was appreciative that they were a respectable distance from him. The man cursed himself as he flinched for the hundredth time as the forest chattered with life around him. “You are fine… The giant won’t let anything happen to you… She said she wouldn’t… Hopefully she keeps her promise…” the man whispered trying to calm himself down.

Night had fallen hours ago by the time the man smelt smoke from the ceremonial fires. Hope filled his heart as he dashed toward the scent. “I just have to make it a little further” he mumbled to himself, his mind completely forgetting about the giant behind him.

Liz stopped as she saw the small man sprinting towards the edge of the trees. A heavy sigh escaped her as she lowered her body to the ground. Her mind was at war with her heart on if she should stay or leave the man. “I’ll wait to make sure he doesn’t make another reckless decision again…”

—-

The gathered crowd anxiously meandered around. The king and queen were doing their best to fight off the thought that their son had perished during the ritual. “He will be fine…” The king said holding his wife at his side. He wasn’t sure if the words were to comfort her or him. The crowd’s attention was pulled to the tree line as ruckus could be heard fast approaching. The king and queen held their breaths as their eyes scanned for any bit of movement.

The man felt tears stream down his face as he broke free from the clutches of the forest. Falling into the warm embrace of his parents. Allowing himself to collapse with exhaustion all his mind could think was that he had made it back. The prince’s mother stroked his back trying to sooth her son.

“What happened?” the king’s voice was filled with worry. “We heard the roar and then nothing. We were about to send in Herk to go save you!”

The prince raised his tired eyes to look up at his father. “Father… He didn’t make it…” his voice filled with pain.

“Who? The giant?” the queen asked in shock.

The prince nodded.

“How did you get back son?” the king asked.

The prince took a deep breath and spoke, “A warrior woman saved me… She was unlike any giant I have ever seen. My giant was about to introduce himself when we heard wolves from the shadows of the forest. Before I knew it we were surrounded by the whole pack… The man fought hard but they were too much for him. In one last sacrifice he covered me with his body to shield me from the onslaught. That’s when she appeared out of nowhere. I could see her through a small space between the man’s arm and body. She was wonderous. Her skill with an axe was unparalleled. Most wolves ran at the sight of her and the ones that didn’t died quick. Then it was just her and I think the alpha. They stared at each other for what felt like forever till the woman sheathed her axes and ran like a berserker towards the wolf. The beast met her and their clash took both of them to the ground in a mess of teeth and limbs. I was for sure the woman was done for, but then I saw her bite down on the beast’s neck and rip its throat out…. I have never seen such a fight before.” The prince paused his story to turned to look into the dark forest. 

“Where is she son?” The king asked. 

“I don’t know where she went… she was right behind me…” Oliver’s voice trailed off.

The king put a hand on his son’s shoulder. “You are back. That’s all that matters.” He said with a warm smile.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news your highness, but in order for Prince Oliver to claim his right to your thrown he needs to have a giant. A strong protector for a strong king… If he doesn’t have a giant by his side, then the alliance between the giants and humans becomes void… So either he finds a giant or… You know…” The king’s protector, Herk, said with a solemn voice.

Even shrunken from the treaty water Herk towered over the royal family. His body was hard with experience, but his face was soft and filled with compassion. The crowd had grown silent with the giant’s words. Oliver looked up into his knowing eyes. Nodding his head, Oliver picked himself up and gave his mother and father one last hug before turning back to the forest.

“What are you doing?!” His mother pleaded as she grabbed his arm.

“I’m going to get a giant or die trying.” he said masking his overwhelming fear with a smirk.