~ ... They had been doing what they loved most...playing hide and seek in the forest behind the castle. The morning was crisp and fresh after the rain last night and the early morning fog had all but dispersed now as it mingled with the suns rays as they peeked through the trees.

Skipper and run off ahead of her but she could hear the leaves crackling as he scampered through the undergrowth so she knew he wasn't far ahead of her. Then the crackling of the leaves stopped. She could hear Skipper barking, and growling deep from in his throat. He must have found a rabbit, she thought to herself as she followed the sound of his barking to see what he had found.
She pushed through the thick undergrowth and at first all she saw was Skipper sitting barking even louder. "What is it Skipper...what have you found?" And just at that very moment coming out of the shadows of the tall trees she saw the giant. Her breath caught in her throat and her hands went to her neck as he moved forward toward them aiming his spear at them. She wanted to scream but nothing would come from her throat. Even Skipper had fallen silent as they stood there frozen in sheer terror at what stood before them.

He looked down on them and then in a voice that to her sounded like the deep rumble of thunder he spoke.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my forest" the giant asked.

"I..I..I..I.. am Princess Josephine and this is my dog Skipper. A..a..a.. are you a giant S..s..s..sir ?" Josephine managed to stutter out.

"Yes I am a giant and this is my forest. What do you here ?" the giant asked.

"Skkkkipper and I are just playing Sir...." Josephine stuttered.

"Who said you could play here? " he said.

"W..w..we always play here Sir" she barely whispered.

"Do you now? Children and dogs are noisy...tell me why i should continue to let you do so" he said gruffly.

Josephine found new courage and said "Why are you being so mean?"

" I am not mean, I am Thorg Lord of this forest, feared by men and you are tresspassing."

Josephine held her gaze bravely looking him in the eyes,not moving.

"Yet.." he eyed her closely" you...a child and her pet...show more bravery than many a man has before you." He eased visibly a little and lowered his spear. "Hmmm..you intrigue me little Josephine, maybe I shall let you stay a while...just so I can figure out why a creature so tiny can be so brave. Come with me and tell me about yourself little Princess".

"Ok" she said relieved yet still a little afraid. "That would be nice".

The giant smiled then added playfully "But if the dog barks to too much I'm going to have to squish it you know.."

Josephine laughed and punched his leg.... "Hey!!..that's mean!!!"

Thorg laughed and said "Not mean..I am Thorg.." and she hit him again as they walked deeper into the forest, both laughing.


And so it was that a great friendship had begun. A friendship borne out of fear and courage, a friendship that would last the whole of Josephine's life...~




** I dedicate this piece to for helping me write the story and for his unwavering support and friendship. Thank you Shaun





Stock:

Princess Josephine
Giant
Skipper
Forest


I hope you all like "The Princess and the Giant"


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