Breaking Through by ProbablyIX

Eloise was bored out of her mind.

She took two steps forward, the foliage rustling under her feet. Down below, Gutter – whose name Eloise had learned was Mary – strode forward though the forest at a mind-numbingly slow human pace. The smaller, dark-haired human – whose name she was yet to learn – scurried behind her, casting a fearful glance back at Eloise.

Eloise mustered a reassuring smile, hoping to calm the girl’s nerves. The girl shrunk away from the attention, huddling closer to Mary. She stared back with wide, fearful eyes, as if Eloise would pounce at any moment. Half of the girl’s face was scarred a blotchy red, partially hidden under a long fringe. Eloise had to restrain her curiosity, lest she overwhelm the human with questions like she had this morning. The girl broke her gaze away, scrambling after Mary.  

A chill morning breeze carried through the trees, masking Eloise’s sigh. Sunlight broke through the canopy, dappling the landscape with shifting blots of light. That early morning damp smell had begun to fade once the sun rose, replaced with the cold smells of autumn.

Turning her focus back toward the humans at her feet, Eloise saw that they had progressed far enough for her to take another step. She trudged forward robotically. Mary had started ignoring the sound by now, but Eloise noticed the smaller human flinch at the sound.

For once, her muscles ached at a lack of use. Forced to match the humans’ pace, Eloise only got to step forward once every forty seconds or so. She felt that crawling sensation of walking behind someone slower, but hundreds of times worse.

Eloise groaned. After their rocky introduction at dawn, the humans had packed up what they could salvage from the shattered tent, dressed, and set off, Mary in the lead. She said they’d travel for a while, get some distance on Stephanie in case she came back. It had sounded reasonable at first, but her insistence on walking by herself was really starting to grind at Eloise. She took a deep breath, looking down at Mary.

“Can I please just carry you?” She pleaded, desperation in her voice. “You have no idea how slow this is for me.” Mary stopped, turning to look at Eloise.

“I already told you. We don’t need your help, and we don’t want it either.” She said, her eyes stubborn. “We can walk just fine.” She glanced at the black-clad human. “Besides, if we got any closer Clara’d probably have a heart attack.” She half-joked. Looking at the smaller human, still cowering and wide-eyed, Eloise was inclined to believe her.

“Still,” Eloise whined. “How am I supposed to guide you anywhere if you’re in the lead?” She asked. Mary crossed her arms, frowning up at her.

“You’re not guiding us anywhere yet.” She argued. “Right now we’re just going south. Katherine lives in the same place as the rest of you, yeah?” Eloise begrudgingly nodded. “Then we’re going the right direction. Once we’re closer to civilisation, you can start pointing out where to go.” Mary concluded, turning back around to continue her march.

Eloise groaned, slumping. Mary was stubborn, and Eloise could tell she still didn’t trust her, despite their agreement. If Eloise wanted this to work, she’d have to compromise.

With a sigh, Eloise took another languid step, and resigned herself to a long, slow plod through the woods.

  ~~~   

Clara felt like she was going to have a heart attack.

It had been about a half hour since anyone had spoken, and in that time exhaustion had settled over Clara like a heavy blanket. She staggered forward, clutching her staff for support.

Her vision swam, blending the warm colours of the forest into a swirling orange. Her ears felt like they were stuffed with cotton. Her chest heaved, aching with every breath. Her legs trembled beneath her with every step, her muscles begging at her to stop and rest. Sweat poured down her face. The pounding of her heart drowned out the sounds of the forest around them, even the booming footsteps behind her.

With what little sanity she still had, Clara cursed her lack of fitness. Back home, she had spent most of her time indoors, studying or reading. Occasionally she would leave the house to help Charles with his healing work, but they never had to travel very far.

That, and she had been kept up most of last night, wide awake and terrified of the very giantess shuffling behind her. Such fears were far from her mind now, overpowered by her crushing exhaustion.

Yesterday had been bad enough, and she had been well-rested then. Now, her body tired from the day before, and with only a few hours of sleep, Clara felt like she was going to die.

She took another shaking step, only to realise she couldn’t feel her legs anymore. With a whimper, Clara finally collapsed to the ground. Loose brown leaves puffed out from her in a cloud, settling around her as she desperately huffed for air. She couldn’t go on like this.

Through her haze, she heard the others stop, and the shuffling of leaves as Mary rushed to her side. Strong hands rolled her over, brushing her fringe aside and feeling at her face. Opening bleary eyes, Clara’s vision slowly cleared, revealing Mary’s concerned features, framed by dark red hair. Red butterflies fluttered away from her as she felt at Clara’s forehead. Above her, the bespeckled giantess peered down, similarly worried. Smoke shaped fatigue spirits spiralled around Clara’s body, feeding off her exhaustion. She let them. Maybe they’d eat it all up and take it away.

Gods, she was tired.

“Are you okay, Clara? Can you stand?” Mary’s voice was still a little muffled. She slowly helped Clara to her feet.

Clara stood on shaky legs, clinging onto Mary for support. “I… I’m alright…” She lied between heaving breaths. “I can… I can keep going…” She tried to stabilize herself, taking a step away from Mary before falling back onto her. Clara knew she needed to stop, but she didn’t want to hold the others back just because she was tired.

Mary offered a canteen to her lips, and she drank from it greedily, water running down her chin. “I… really don’t think you can.” She said, frowning. “Gods Clara, how long were you awake last night?” Before Clara could answer, a loud rustling signalled the blonde giantess shuffling closer.

“…Is she going to be okay?” She asked. Her voice was soft, but loud to Clara’s human ears. The giantess’ words were always followed by her warm breath, rolling over the pair. Clara glanced. The giantess was squat down in front of them, looking down with concern. Clara’s desperate mind latched onto her. A solution.

Stumbling out of Mary’s grasp, she staggered toward the giantess. Again Clara fell forward, collapsing onto her giant right foot. The giantess’ exposed skin cushioned Clara’s fall as she planted herself face down. Hidden muscles twitched beneath her at the sudden touch. Clara sighed as her body heat was sapped away by the cool skin below. Mary and the giantess silently watched, shocked.

A muffled part of Clara couldn’t believe what she was about to do. But she was miserable, and desperate for rest.

 “…Carry me?” She whimpered up at the giantess, unable to meet her eyes. 

“U-uh…” The flustered blonde glanced at Mary, her posture hesitant.

Mary frowned. Clara could tell she didn’t like the idea. “I don’t know…” She mumbled, concern furrowing her features as she mulled it over. “I don’t like the idea of leaving her alone with you, but…” She glanced back at Clara, pausing. “You’re looking really bad.” Mary said, addressing Clara. “I could carry you myself but… I think you need a proper lay down.” Clara nodded, still catching her breath. “And we need to keep moving, keep away from that bitch from earlier…” Mary sighed. She glanced at the two of them. “Fine. But be careful.” Her words came out as a caution to Clara, and a warning to the giantess.

“O-of course I’ll be careful! I’m not some bumbling oaf…” The giantess mumbled, reaching down toward Clara. 

Giant fingers gently squeezed around her sides, plucking Clara from the foot and leaving behind small puddle of sweat in her place. She squeezed her eyes shut, feeling herself rise higher and higher into the air. The breeze got stronger the higher she went, cooling her hot skin. She hung limp, limbs dangling in the air as she was slowly lowered down onto the soft, warm surface of the giantess’ palm.

Clara lay there, her chest heaving up and down. Her body started to relax, finally allowed to rest. She rolled onto her back, laying spread eagle in the giantess’ hands. Feeling the cool breeze flowing over her skin, Clara caught her breath as the others continued walking.

Time passed, and slowly but surely, her body recovered. Her breathing settled, and her faculties returned to her. Though, as the fatigue left her body, her heart never settled. Given the freedom to feel anything other than exhausted, fear began creeping back into Clara’s body.

Gods above. She was literally in the palm of a giantess’ hand. She had been for who knows how long. Clara could sense the giantess’ gaze shining down upon her.

Clara felt like a child, huddled beneath the blankets and convinced she wasn’t alone. Terrified, but convinced that if she dared move, it would all be over. Only now, the danger was very real. Her body began to tremble. Her fingers dug into the wood of her staff. She tried to ignore the feeling, but eventually Clara couldn’t take the tension. Slowly, she opened her eyes. 

Directly above her, the giantess’ face loomed. Bright blue eyes sparkled behind large round glasses. Tufts of fluffy blonde hair trailed down from where they had escaped being tied back. Her curious gaze was rimmed with intrigue spirits, the blue, long-necked avian things perched upon her glasses.

Clara stared back up at the giantess, feeling her body tighten. Fear shot through her with every heartbeat, and she couldn’t tear her gaze away. She inched away from the giantess, her limbs curling up, threatening to lock into place.

The giantess blinked. Quickly, she glanced away, embarrassed.

“S-sorry…” She mumbled, a blush settling on her soft features.

Clara stared, taking in the red dusting on the blonde’s soft features as she cowered behind her staff. Clara could feel the giantess’ body heat gently radiating, sense her heartbeat quickly pulsing below.

Dark memories flit through her mind. The beating of a giant heart passing by as she slid down a tight, wet gullet. Feeling it thrum through the clenching walls of its owner’s acrid stomach. The stinging pain that followed…

Clara shook herself. Taking deep breaths, she closed her eyes and tried to focus on the present. On the cool, fresh air flowing over her skin, and the faint sweet scent it picked up from the giantess’ skin. Was it… cherries? She pressed a nervous hand into the palm below her, feeling its warmth. She wasn’t gripped, she was being carried. The giantess was trying to help.

Clara opened her eyes. The giantess was still averting her gaze, glancing about at her surroundings awkwardly. Clara tried to settle herself. The giantess in front of her was nothing like the one from before. Slowly, with effort, Clara forced the ice out of her veins.

“I-I’m Clara…” She mumbled, her voice quiet. The giantess glanced back her way, surprised.

“Hm?” The giantess leaned in with curious eyes. She hadn’t heard her. Clara swallowed. She had a hard enough time projecting her voice normally. Being comparatively tiny didn’t help.

She repeated herself, louder this time. The giantess’ features brightened.

“I’m Eloise.” She smiled, looking relieved the tension was broken. “You can call me Ellie. …If you like.” Eloise blushed a little. Clara let herself smile a little at the offer, nodding timidly. She felt some of her fear melt away.

“Oh?” Mary interjected from down below. Her voice projected up toward them. Clara peered down at her. “You looked like you hated that nickname when that other giant used it earlier.” Mary inquired, turning to face them, walking backward through the brush.

The giantess – Eloise – huffed, her warm breath washing over Clara. “That’s because Stephanie was being a bitch.” She answered plainly. “She’s not my friend; she doesn’t get to call me that.”

Mary grunted as if to say, ‘fair enough’, before turning back around.

Of course. Mary was still here, too. The warrior’s presence helped calm Clara’s nerves. Though, she’d feel better if Mary were up here with her. Still, her confidence rose. Holding her staff before her, Clara murmured out a prayer. The silver bell tolled softly, glowing with faint pale light as she felt magic settle over her throat. Eloise watched with wide-eyed fascination. Another flock of intrigue spirits flapped over.

“I-I’m a cleric.” Clara said. Her voice came out much louder than usual, approaching Eloise’s volume. “Mary… saved my life, s-so… I’m travelling with her to give her support across the border.” She explained, fidgeting. Eloise raised her eyebrows. “O-oh, just- Because you asked. Before. When we met…” Clara mumbled. Recognition flashed on Eloise’s face. She nodded, smiling. The giantess got closer, her blue eyes glimmering with curiosity.

“I figured you might be.” She answered, smiling. “Still, this is so exciting! I’ve never met a cleric before. What was that spell you just cast? Was that an incantation?” Eloise’s questions poured out of her with excitement. Her bubbly curiosity was still overwhelming, but Clara smiled despite herself.

“O-oh the spell isn’t anything special.” She answered. “It’s a simple trick preachers use to address crowds. …Or just to sound important.” She joked. Eloise grinned. “A-and it’s not really an incantation, it’s a prayer.”

“What’s the difference?” Eloise asked, eyebrow cocked. Clara thought for a moment.

“I… don’t know much about the arcane, but an incantation is to help construct a spell, right…?” Eloise nodded. “Right… Well, for us, the prayer isn’t helping make the spell. It’s not even really a direct communication with our shade, unless the spell is especially powerful.” Clara explained, feeling more comfortable as she went on. “It’s more like… a passphrase. When I say the right words, I’m allowed to channel Falx’s power through my sixth sense into a specific spell. Clerical training is all about memorising the right prayers, and training the sixth sense to let more and more power through.” She finished. Eloise’s eyes sparkled with interest. Yet ,more intrigue spirits flapped over.

“Interesting…” She said. Clara blushed. “My people don’t have anything like that. We’re pretty secular for the most part, so all our magic is arcane.” She explained. Clara nodded, she’d heard the stories. “It’s funny actually, our magic is completely the opposite, now.” Eloise grinned. “We did away with incantations decades ago. I think because people didn’t want to learn draconic anymore…” She mused. “Anyway, it’s all in the hands, now. We touch the weave directly, and twist it into spells. Like this!” 

Shifting Clara over to one hand, Eloise brought the other up to her throat. Her fingers danced through the air like a spider weaving its web. If she squinted, Clara could just make out the faint threads of magic hooked around Eloise’s fingers. The giantess finished the spell, its construction flashing in the air briefly as it settled over her throat.

“Ta-da!” She exclaimed, gesturing. Eloise’s voice came out much quieter than before, dampening to a near-human level. Clara looked up in awe, before her face broke into a smile.

The considerate spell warmed Clara’s heart. She could feel her apprehension towards Eloise falling away as they continued to chat about their shared interest in magic. Though, as the time flew by, Clara noticed her heart still pounded inside her chest. She was listening patiently while Eloise animatedly explained her dream of achieving permanence when she noticed. It beat strong and hard, even though her fear had all but washed away. The medicine woman in her was a bit worried by that. But she felt fine overall, so she brushed it aside. It was probably nothing…

As the sun rose to the height of noon, Eloise paused, peering down past Clara to address Mary.

“Oh, Mary?” Eloise asked. She had to speak up to be heard over her dampening spell. Mary stopped, turning to look up at them. Clara peered over Eloise’s fingers at her. “I just recognised where we are.“ Eloise explained. “There’s a lake not too far from here that I passed by yesterday. We can take the chance to wash, and refill on water.” She said.

Mary’s face scrunched in thought. It was surreal, looking down on her from Clara’s vantage point. She seemed so small from this height.

Mary shuffled in place. “Refilling is good.” She started. “But do we really need to wash…? I’d rather keep moving.” She said.

Eloise looked down at herself. “I don’t know about you two, but it’s been a few days since I last bathed.” She confessed. “I do what I can with magic, but it’s gonna get noticeable pretty soon.” She blushed.

“I-I’d like to wash as well, actually…” Clara spoke up, her voice carrying down to Mary. “I’ve been sweating really bad today, and…” Clara blushed. “I’m… a little worried I might smell like... feet…” She trailed off, embarrassed.

Eloise’s hands shifted higher. Two powerful gusts of air rushed past Clara, tugging on her hair and clothes. Goosebumps erupted across her skin when she realised the Giantess had sniffed her. Clara’s cheeks felt hot as she turned to Eloise, sheepish.

Eloise’s nose rumpled slightly under her glasses. “Hmm. Yeah, you do a little.” She said plainly. Clara hid her face in her hands, the tips of her ears burning. She peeked back toward Mary. The muscled woman frowned, folding her arms.

Mary grunted. “We’ve made descent distance. I guess we can chance it…” She sighed. “Fine. Show us the way.” She relented.

Elose smiled, pointing directions and changing their course slightly. Clara settled, watching the spirits dance about her friends as they walked. Within a half hour, the trio emerged onto the sandy shores of a tranquil lake.

                                                                                                  ~~~                                                                                    

The clear freshwater of the massive lake gleamed in the sunlight. Pooled in a slight valley, it was surrounded by dense forest on all sides. The sandy shoreline was scattered with large rocks, and ringed around into the far distance to the opposite shore, where taller hills rose. The part of the shore where they emerged was open like a clearing, offering plenty of space for a decent campsite. The afternoon sun radiated just enough heat to swim, before the chill of autumn settled back down upon them in the evening.

Mary took in the view as she trudged across the sand, feeling it shift beneath her boots. Behind her, Eloise stomped by, and gently lowered her palm, allowing Clara to hop off onto the shore. Clara thanked the giantess, before trotting over to Mary. The shadow of fear that had been hanging over her all morning had vanished, the pale girl practically glowing in the sunlight. Mary tried not to stare.

“You feeling better?” She asked, looking Clara up and down.

She nodded. “Y-yes. She’s… really nice.” Clara blushed, glancing up at Eloise. The blonde giantess was setting down her things near the treeline. Mary nodded slowly, keeping an eye on her. Mary still couldn’t bring herself to trust Eloise. Not completely. But for now at least she seemed… safe.

“Well, I’m… glad you’re feeling better.” Mary said. “Though I’m surprised you let her hold you like that. Just this morning you were terrified of her.” She noted. Clara blushed, looking away.

“I-I was just so tired there wasn’t any room to be afraid. And by the time the fear came back I was already… well, up there.” She explained. “Though… I’m glad I got to speak with her.” She glanced over at Eloise, who was in the process of taking off her jacket. “Getting to know her a little helped me recognise her more as a person, instead of a monste…”

Clara’s voice warbled to a halt as Eloise took off her blouse, lifting the white fabric over her pale skin. A healthy layer of fat sat on her curves, not enough to show through her clothing, but still enough to soften her features. Modest breasts wobbled over her slight belly as she yanked top all the way off, adjusting her glasses.

Clara stared a moment, her face growing red. Feeling the attention, Eloise turned, casting a questioning look toward the pair. Clara squeaked, covering her eyes and turning away. Mary smirked at her reaction.

“What’s wrong?” Eloise asked, nonplussed.

“Y-you’re getting n-naked…” Clara stammered out, the tips of her ears bright red.

“Yeah…?” Eloise slowly asked, fiddling with the waistband of her pants. “We’re bathing, remember?” Clara fully turned away as Eloise lowered her pants, revealing her pale backside. She carefully stepped out of the pant legs, gently setting them aside to keep them from getting sandy. Mary caught a glimpse of blonde trailing down her groin as she did.

“No underwear?” Mary asked, earning a glance from the giantess. “I didn’t take you for the commando type.” She joked, beginning to undress herself.

“Oh, you’ll rarely meet a giant that actually owns underwear” Eloise said, passively covering herself with her hands. “It takes a long time to make enough fabric for clothes our size, so they can be pretty expensive.” She explained “Everything I wear was passed down to me from others, and have been for a long time. My people treasure clothing quite a lot.” She looked back toward her discarded clothes. “Though even still, underwear is often seen as…” She cocked her head. “I don’t know, extravagant? It uses up fabric that could be used for more important clothes. It’s the same reason most of us don’t wear shoes.” She glanced back toward Mary. “It’s another thing cracking permanence would solve. If we could just make smaller, human-sized clothing, then grow it larger, clothes would be much cheaper and more accessible.” Eloise explained.

Mary nodded. It made sense. If she cut up Eloise’s top she could make maybe hundreds of human-sized ones. Clara was still turned away, though – amusingly – Mary caught her casting the occasional peek the giantess’ way. 

The splashing of water announced Eloise’s entry into the lake, taking a step past the shore. In the shallows, the water barely came up to her ankles. Before wading deeper, she stopped.

“Oh, while we’re here, could I take a look at your sword, Mary?” Eloise asked, her expression hopeful as she turned back to face them.

Mary finally finished undoing the straps of her leathers, turning at the question. She frowned. It was bad enough leaving her sword behind to bathe. …Though at least in Eloise’s hands it wouldn’t be unattended.

“…Sure.” Mary agreed, undoing her back strap and offering the blade hilt-first. Eloise beamed as her giant fingers reached down, gently grasping the sword and lifting it away.

“Thank you, I swear I’ll be careful.” She promised. Based on how reverently she carried it as she waded deeper, Mary was inclined to believe her.

As Eloise splashed further toward a depth she could actually submerge in, Mary lifted off her singlet, exposing her breasts to the cold air. It chilled at her nipples, as if to remind her that even if it was warm right now, it was still autumn. In comparison, Eloise seemed unaffected. Giants could handle the cold a lot better than humans did.

Rolling her shoulders to keep the blood flowing, Mary checked on Clara. She was even redder than before, if it were possible. She was still fully dressed and turned away with her hands over her eyes. Mary smirked, hands on her hips. 

“Clara, are you gonna wash or not?” She asked, amused.

The mortified girl glanced back at her, peeking through her fingers. “I-I am…” She warbled. “It’s just… embarrassing.”

Beyond, Eloise settled into the lake with a sigh. She was seated, the tops of her knees rising from the water like islands. Leaning back, she lowered her torso into the water, letting it cover her chest. She stopped just before getting her hair wet, and rose back up, tons of water cascading down her breast. Mary and Clara paused to look.

Eloise glanced back, offering a smile. As she looked, Mary caught the giantess’ eyes lingering on her abs. Eloise quickly broke her gaze and spoke up as if Mary hadn’t noticed.

“Are you coming in, Clara? It’s nice!” She chirped. Clara looked back, then down at herself.

With a sigh, she lifted her dress over her head, revealing her skinny frame. Her slight curves shifted as she awkwardly covered her small breast. Her milk-white skin was a stark contrast to the red scars that were splattered across her right side. Her face was the same shade of red as she shuffled in place awkwardly.

“L-like I said, I was never quite able to put on weight…” She said, unable to meet anyone’s gaze. The petite girl looked so delicate to Mary. Like a stiff breeze would shatter her to pieces. A little part of Mary wanted to bundle Clara up, hold her tight and make sure nothing bad ever happens to her again. Mary shook the thought away, continuing to undress.

“It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Eloise reassured Clara, smiling. Her eyes lingered on the totality of the healer’s burns, flashing with sympathy before she continued. “Less embarrassing that this, anyway.” She joked, pinching her belly between her thumb and foreknuckle. Clara looked away, but seemed reassured.

Fiddling with her undergarments, Clara glanced at Mary, who was in the middle of undoing her boots. Catching her gaze, Mary snorted. “I’ve already seen you naked, Clara.” She said.

“Still…” Clara muttered as she quickly shimmied out of her underclothes. Mary did her the favour of not looking. Clara quickly made her way over to the water, hissing at the temperature but diving in, nonetheless. Leaving Mary to be the last one in.

Finally discarding the rest of her clothes, Mary wandered down to the water. The chill water sapped the heat from her legs as she waded in, heading toward the others. Clara sat huddled in the shallows, keeping her body below the surface. Eloise sank into the deeper waters nearby, looking content. It seemed the lake must have a steep drop in depth further out, as Eloise was submerged up to her breasts.

As Mary waded in up to her thighs, Clara flicked a sly little glance her way, taking in her naked body. Mary smirked. Caught red-handed, Clara quickly righted her gaze. Mary was about to wade in further when Clara did a double take, staring at Mary’s penis.

Oh, right. Mary sighed. This hasn’t come up yet. 

“Y-you- But that’s- I-I thought-“ Clara stammered, blushing and wide-eyed. Her hands rushed to her face, where, unable to choose between her mouth or her eyes, they settled awkwardly in the middle, fingers splayed. The commotion drew Eloise’s attention away from Mary’s sword. She glanced over, raising her eyebrows when she spotted its source.

“Oh.” She simply uttered, a look of mild surprise on her face. Mary shifted awkwardly under the scrutiny.

“T-that’s- You-“ Clara continued to stutter. “I- G-gods, I’m sorry.” She turned away, mortified. “I-it’s just, I, um, I thought you were a woman…” She mumbled. Mary frowned.

“I am.” She said, folding her arms. “I haven’t been a man for more than ten years.” Clara looked back, confused. Mary gestured down to her penis. “My cock is just… left over.” She explained, shrugging uncomfortably. She wasn’t fond of acknowledging that specific bit of her past.

To her surprise, Eloise nodded, understanding crossing her features. Mary looked back with raised eyebrows. The giantess smiled warmly down at her.

“Your father’s work?” She asked, simply. Mary shifted in place, nodding.

“You… don’t seem surprised.” She said. Eloise shrugged.

“People changing their gender isn’t unheard of among my people.” She explained. “I guess it’s a lot easier for us, because of our magic. I haven’t met anyone who did – until now, I guess – but I’ve read about the process. It’s technically part of my field.” Eloise smiled.

Mary looked away, a blush creeping over her cheeks. “Makes sense.” She mumbled.

Eloise’s face softened. “Your father really was a wonderful man.” She said, softly, before she settled back into the lake. Mary sat down, feeling the cool water lap around her torso.

“Yeah.” She nodded, solemn. “He was.”

To the side, Clara had been following the exchange, slowly piecing together understanding. When Mary sat, she blushed.

“S-sorry…” She murmured, unable to meet her eye. Mary sighed.

“It’s fi-“

“Wait!” Eloise jolted upright. Waves rolled over Mary and Clara as she turned around to them, blue eyes wide. “If your father was the one keeping up your transition, then how has it not worn off yet?” Her eyes glazed over, calculations running through her head. “Magic like that needs regular upkeep, but if he died, then…”

Mary paled a little. Eloise had stumbled into a deep-seated fear of hers. Truthfully, Mary had been terrified of her father’s magic wearing off one day. Conversely, a hopeful curiosity began to sparkle in Eloise’s eyes.

“He did maintain it.” Mary admitted, feeling her heartbeat. “Pretty regularly. But it’s been three years since he died…” Mary’s face scrunched with worry. “Sometimes I wake up worried the magic’s worn off, but nothing’s changed yet.”

Eloise rose, wading closer with an ecstatic energy. She leaned over the two humans, water dripping from her breast.

“This is incredible!” She cried. “Hugo must have really solved permanence! No spell could last this long otherwise!” She lifted Mary’s sword to her eye, pinched between her fingers. “There are runes inscribed across the blade, here. Are these permanent?” She asked, glancing at Mary.

“As far as I know…” Mary shrugged, struggling to match Eloise’s energy. Clara sank a little deeper, shying away from the animated giantess.

“They must be a part of it, then…” Eloise said, inspecting them further. “Does your bag have runes like these on it, too?” She asked.

Mary nodded. They were ringed around the inside, at the opening. “There are, yeah. But I don’t think they’re a part of it. I don’t have any runes on my body.” Mary explained. Eloise paused, stumped at the broken pattern.

“Um, actually…” Clara piped up. Mary and Eloise both looked at her, eyebrows raised. Clara shied away a bit at the attention. “I’m pretty sure you do.” She pointed a finger behind Mary, toward her back. “I-I saw something before you sat down.” She explained, timid.

Mary stood, causing Clara to squeak and cover her eyes again. Twisting around, she struggled to see behind her shoulder. As she spun like a dog chasing its tail, Eloise exclaimed.

“Oh! There it is!” She said, pointing. Mary stopped, letting the others get a better look at whatever was on her back.

“What is it? I can’t see.” Mary asked, tense. She sensed Eloise lean in further, looking closely.

“It’s… a tiny – or, well, medium size to you – rune, etched into the small of your back. Right in the middle.” Eloise described. “It’s definitely magical, and it’s the same style as the runes on the blade.”

Mary was shocked. She’d never seen it before. Old memories surfaced. Her younger self twiddling her thumbs idly while her father sat behind her, weaving warm magic together for her upkeep. Apparently this is what he had been doing. 

Eloise let out a delighted noise. “This is great!” She exclaimed. “I haven’t even started digging into the magic yet and I’ve already got a lead!” She squirmed in place, sending waves across the two humans. “Though, the most interesting thing is how much smaller and more compact the rune on your back is compared to the sequence on the sword…” She mused, running her fingers over the blade. “I mean, from what I can tell the sword’s magic is a little more complicated, but still. Your rune is much more efficient. The magic your father used on you must have been his greatest work by far.”

Emotion rose in Mary’s chest. Eloise didn’t realise the weight of her words. Even three years dead, new evidence of her father’s love still surfaced. She clutched at her chest, glad she was still turned away from the giantess as emotion stung at her eyes.

“Do you think you could let me inspect you, as well? Figuring out how the rune works could be a huge help.” Eloise asked, thoroughly ruining the moment.

Mary scowled up at her eager expression. Her curt reply was interrupted by a shrill whistle, carrying over the water.

   Shocked, the three of them all looked toward its source. There, Mary spotted a woman, – a human – sat atop a boulder some distance down the shoreline.

Eloise stared, eyebrows high on her head. “Is that a human? Out here?” She whispered. Clara flushed red, huddling down into the water until only her eyes peeked out.

“Huh…” Mary blew out a breath, glad for a break in the heavy conversation. She started over towards the waving figure. “I’ll go see what she wants. Keep an eye out for anything else strange.” She instructed. Eloise murmured in the affirmative.

Mary waded over through the shallows, carefully keeping an eye out for an ambush. The human could be a trap. A pet of some giant deployed to lure her into a false sense of security. But, the trees were still, and nothing pounced as she got closer. Slowly letting her guard down, she got a better look at the woman on the rocks.

She was tall and lanky, clad in skinny black overalls and a plain shirt. She was seated, but looking at her limbs Mary guessed that the woman would be taller than even her. Her unkempt white hair was cut above the chin, and messily strewn across her smooth features. Her feet were bare, but Mary could spot a pair of black rubber boots planted at the base of the rocks, alongside a sturdy bucket. Cradled in the woman’s posture was a thin wooden fishing rod, with its line cast out far into the lake.

The woman waved a hand in greeting as Mary approached. “Hail and well met, stranger.” She greeted, unbothered by Mary’s nakedness. Her voice was soft and flat, nearly monotone. It matched her blank facial expression.

“Hail, yourself.” Mary replied, careful not to cut her feet on the rocks underfoot as she waded through waist-high water. “I’m surprised to see another human this deep in giant territory.” She met the woman’s vaguely curious dark eyes.

“So am I.” She said. The woman glanced over toward the others. “You three are an especially odd catch. Usually when humans and giants meet there’s a lot more screaming and running around.” She noted. Mary grunted in acknowledgement.

“We’re…” She hesitated, glancing back at Eloise, who was quietly chatting with Clara. “We’ve got an arrangement.” She said. The woman shrugged, satisfied with the meagre answer. “I’m Mary, by the way.”

The woman nodded. “Janice.” She replied. “So what brings you into the giant’s forest, Mary? Most of us try to keep our distance.” She asked, her eyes occasionally flicking back to her rod.

Mary’s expression darkened. “I’m looking for someone. A giantess who murdered my father.” She answered. Janice let out a quiet hum of recognition.

“Revenge, then.” She said, plainly. Mary nodded. “That makes sense. Not many other reasons to come out here.” Mary cocked an eyebrow.

“What about you? I’m sure there are less dangerous places to fish.” Mary asked.  “Less far from civilisation, too.” She pointed out. Janice shook her head.

“No, see, I live here.” She said, nodding her head back toward the forest. Noting Mary’s incredulous expression, she explained. “I’m… not much of a ‘people person’. When I thought about where I could go for some peace and quiet, I figured the giant’s forest would be the last place anyone would try and visit.” She shrugged.

“Huh...” Mary grunted. I guess that makes sense. “Well, I’m sorry about the intrusion, then.” Janice shrugged.

“I don’t begrudge it. It’s not like I own the lake.” She said. “You’re also the first person I’ve spoken to in almost a year, so the novelty is nice. I was going to hide like usual when I saw the giantess coming, but I spotted you two with her and got curious.” She explained. Mary frowned.

“That’s your usual plan when giants show up? Just hiding?” She asked. Janice nodded.

“They don’t come by here too often. I think because the lake is pretty far away from where anyone lives.” She said. “Though yeah, in the event they do show up, I just hide in the trees and wait for them to leave. It’s worked for me so far.” Her eyes glanced toward the lake as her rod twitched slightly.

“What happens if you get spotted, though?” Mary asked, eyebrow raised. “I mean surely it’s going to happen eventually. What’s your plan for when a giant finds you out here?” She folded her arms across her chest. Janice shrugged.

“Nothing, I suppose.” She said. “If I get spotted there isn’t much I can do anyway. They’re faster and stronger than I am, so I don’t see much of a point in resisting.” She said, matter-of-factly. She changed her grip on the fishing rod as it twitched a second time.

“Nothing?” Mary said, incredulous. “If a giant spots you, you’re going to end up eaten. Or worse. You’re saying you‘ll just let them do that to you?”

Janice opened her mouth to reply, before snapping her attention forward. Her limbs sprung into action as something caught on her rod. Squatting low on the rock, she tugged backward as she wound steadily, eyes focused and locked onto the line. Mary watched as the fisherwoman slowly, but surely, reeled in her catch. Finally, a descent sized fish burst from the lake, flailing in the air as Janice relaxed. She caught the line, holding the fish up for inspection. She held it there for a moment, watching it writhe in the air. Eventually, she spoke.

“Does casting my hook into the lake make me evil? Or is the fish just foolish for taking the bait?” She mused, pensive. “…I don’t know if there’s a right answer to that. If I don’t fish, I’ll starve. But if I do, the fish dies.” She mumbled, staring into her catch’s glassy eyes. “I’m inclined to think it’s just the way of things. If I ever stumbled into a giant’s trap, I’d probably think it was fair enough. I likely could have avoided it if I was more careful, so I deserve to suffer the consequences. And the giant deserves to have their trap work. It’d just be my turn to be the fish.” Her catch’s flailing slowed. Janice carefully unhooked it, tossing it down into the bucket beside her boots. It rattled in place as the fish slapped into it, joining the rest of the day’s catch. She glanced toward Mary. “Does that make sense?”

Mary furrowed her brows. Her sense of justice raked against Janice’s words, even if they made some kind of cruel sense. “Maybe.” She said. “But giants don’t tend to lay traps, and they don’t have to eat us to survive, either.” She argued, anger simmering. Janice nodded to the side, acknowledging her point. “Most of the time they’re just needlessly cruel, and I can’t forgive that.” Mary fumed. Janice nodded.

“That’s fair. There’s a chance I’ve gone a bit wild after spending so long by myself. Seeing everything through the lens of predator and prey.” She mused. “For a while I was wondering if the three of you were even real. I was pretty surprised to see I wasn’t the only woman at the lake with a rod.” She joked.

Mary snorted, letting out a chuckle. Janice gave a slight smile, before re-baiting her line and getting ready to cast again. She paused, glancing back toward Mary.

“Oh, right. There was a reason I called you over.” Janice said. Mary cocked an eyebrow. Janice pointed. “Your giant friend over there is spooking the fish, and it’s been really hard to catch anything. That fish I just pulled up is the first one I’ve caught since you arrived.” Janice explained. “Could you ask her to move over to the opposite side of the lake from me? That way she’ll at least spook the fish in my direction.” She asked.

Mary shrugged. “Sure thing.” She turned toward Eloise, framing her mouth between her hands. Janice pre-emptively plugged her ears. “ELOISE!” Mary shouted. The giantess flinched, glancing over with a blush. “YOU’RE SCARING THE FISH! MOVE YOUR ASS OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE!” Mary’s voice carried over the lake, bouncing a slight echo off the hills beyond.

“Uh, o-okay!” Eloise replied, not needing to raise her voice nearly as much to be heard. The giantess rose from the lake, water cascading down her body as she waded further away, covering her breasts.

“Thank you.” Janice said, leaning back and slinging her line into the lake, where it vanished into the clear waters. With her line cast, she settled back down onto the boulder, cradling the rod between her legs. “You seem like good friends.” She hummed.

Mary frowned. They weren’t friends. Though… she didn’t say anything to correct the fisherwoman. A glimmer caught Mary’s eye, drawing her gaze toward the bucket that sat below Janice’s perch. Inside was a decent haul of fish, their scales gleaming in the sunlight. A thought crossed Mary’s mind.

“Hey,” Janice glanced her way. “You wouldn’t mind sharing some of your catch, would you? I can pay.” Mary offered. Janice’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“Hmm. I have had decent luck today, so I could spare a few.” She said. “Though, money doesn’t have any use to me anymore, so you’ll have to offer something else.” She explained.

Mary frowned, eyes narrowed as she went through her mental list of supplies to find anything she could offer the woman. An offer occurred to her as she looked up at Janice.

“Ever try spear fishing?” Mary asked, slight smile on her face. Janice’s eyebrows raised.

                                                                                          ~~~                                                                                            

Clara was freezing.

Mary had wandered over to the mysterious woman a few minutes ago. In that time, all of Clara’s body heat had been sapped away by the chill water, leaving her shivering cold. She especially regret getting her hair wet. Pale, crackling ice spirits manifested, bobbing about the water like tiny icebergs.

Deeper in, Eloise was idly peering over Mary’s sword, occasionally mumbling observations to herself. Now and then, she’d glance Clara’s way, checking on her. This time, her gaze lingered a bit, her eyebrows furrowed.

“You ok, Clara?” She asked. Clara met her eyes, trembling. Eloise glanced toward Mary in the distance. “If… you’re not comfortable being alone with me, I-“

Clara shook her head, cutting Eloise off. “N-no, I-it’s not t-that.” She said, through chattering teeth. “I-I’m just c-cold.” She confessed. A look of relief briefly passed over Eloise, though it was quickly replaced with concern.

“Oh, right. I forget how badly the cold can get to humans.” She said. “Your lack of body fat probably isn’t helping either…” She mused. Clara nodded, shaking.

“I-I would get out, b-but the air just makes it c-colder.” She said. “I-I’m kind of s-stuck.” She admitted, her blush doing little to fight off the cold.

Eloise nodded, idly toying with Mary’s blade as her gaze drifted to the side in thought. Her expression brightened as an idea crossed her mind. “Can I hold you again?” She asked. Clara gave a shaky nod. Anything to warm up. Eloise scooted closer, scooping her spare hand under Clara’s body. Clara let herself float a moment as Eloise’s palm blushed past her backside. Eloise lifted her fingers from the water, keeping Clara steady as the giantess trawled her closer. Clara leaned against the barred fingers, already feeling warmer as she let herself be dragged over. 

Eloise lay back, exposing her breasts to the air as her upper torso floated like a small island in the water. She dragged Clara close, bringing her up to the shore of her chest. Clara felt her face flush with heat as she figured out what the giantess was planning. Water crashed down around her as Eloise lifted her from the lake. The cold air didn’t have a chance to bite at Clara’s skin before she was gently deposited between the hills of Eloise’s breasts.

Clara immediately felt the warmth radiating from Eloise’s soft skin. Like a flat stone left out in the sun. Her body collapsed into it, drinking in the heat from below as the sun above pressed more into her back. Eloise’s chest rose and fell with her breathing, and Clara could hear her heartbeat close by. Clara closed her eyes. She could feel her ears burning. The skin-to-skin contact felt amazing, though knowing her naked body was pressing into Eloise’s flared at her shame.

At the least, she tried to ignore the massive breasts on either side of her. Each was bigger than her entire body – let alone proportionally – and shielded her from the wind. Unfortunately, Eloise didn’t let her ignore them for long. Pressing her arms to either side, the giantess bunched up her chest, cushioning Clara in heavenly softness.

Barely managing a squeak, Clara felt Eloise’s breasts moulding around her body. Eloise held them together close enough to embrace her gently at the sides, without smothering her entirely. Something Clara was sure she was capable of.

As if that wasn’t enough, Eloise leaned down, exhaling a soft, warm breeze over Clara. Eloise’s cherry scent was carried by her breath, washing over Clara as it passed. Eloise repeated the action several times, each breath filling Clara with more and more warmth.

Overwhelmed with physical affection, Clara melted into the giantess. She almost would have felt sleepy, if her heart wasn’t pounding like her life depended on it. Gods, maybe it did.

Eventually, Eloise let up, leaning back. “Better?” She asked, her voice soft as her smile. Clara could only nod, blushing furiously. Eloise blushed a little in return. The giantess wasn’t immune to embarrassment after all.

They lay there for a quiet moment, letting Clara regain the last of her body heat the water had stolen. Flat-bodied, spindly-legged lake spirits skittered about across the shimmering surface. Feeling warm, she peeked up at the giantess.

“…Ellie?”

“Hm?”

 “I was just wondering…” Clara started. “You’ve been so gentle with me, even though you’re so much bigger…” Clara remembered her rough treatment at the hands of the red-haired giantess. She shook her head to dispel the memory. “I was just wondering if you’ve… well, held humans before.” She asked.

Eloise’s face fell at her question, a solemn look coming over her as she glanced away, not meeting Clara’s eyes. “Well…”

A little pit formed in Clara’s stomach. She recognised the guilt in Eloise’s features. Clara suddenly became a lot more aware of her circumstances, cradled by the giantess, thumped by her heartbeat. Though more pressingly, she felt bad for drawing up whatever memories Eloise was grappling with.

“S-sorry.” Clara apologised, shrinking into herself. “I… didn’t mean to strike a nerve…”

Eloise expression brightened a little as she glanced back. “N…No, it’s ok. I just…” She trailed off, her blue gaze trailing skyward. She sighed. “You’re right, I… have handled humans before. I’m pretty used to it too.” She paused, collecting her thoughts. “The thing is… I’m an orphan. I never knew my parents, I was abandoned as a baby.” She explained. Clara’s heart panged with sympathy for the giantess. “Among my people, abandoned children are raised directly by the council. Sort of.” Eloise’s expression grew distant as she remembered. “I was taken in, given a room inside the town hall, and was raised by the staff. The council members themselves were always too busy to actually be involved personally, but I would see them time to time.” Clara’s eyebrows raised.

“You must have actually known Mary’s father, then…” She murmured, earning a smile from Eloise.

“A little. He was a busy man, just like the rest of them. And he vanished when I was young. Though he did teach me my first spell, back when I was a little girl.” She reminisced, a wistful expression coming over her face. “Anyway, the thing is that…” She hesitated, glancing at Clara nervously. “Well… my people don’t just see humans as food.” She led. “Now and then, humans get kept around, as servants or… pets.” Clara looked up at Eloise, wide-eyed.

“You have human pets…?” She asked, grappling with the implication. Eloise shook her head violently.

“N-no! No! I’ve never!” She clarified, blushing.

Clara let out a small sigh. She didn’t know how she’d feel if that were true. Keeping people as pets was probably better than eating them… Still, it seemed… inhumane. Even if Eloise was so gentle…

Clara ignored her beating heart.

Eloise gathered herself. “The town hall has a small group of human servants, they help out the staff, and clean, and do other odd jobs.” She explained. Clara nodded. “They’re…” Eloise face fell. “They’re technically slaves… They’re not allowed to leave, and they don’t get paid…” She mumbled, voice heavy with guilt. “The council doesn’t acknowledge humans as people. …Most giants don’t. It’s one of the things Hugo was always protesting, actually. Even though his opinion wasn’t very popular. I wonder if that’s why he left…” She mused, solemn. “Mary hasn’t said much about her past, but I’d bet her father was living with humans, learning about how you live…” She trailed off.

Clara cleared her throat, getting Eloise back on track. The giantess blinked a few times, before blushing sheepishly.

“S-sorry. Anyway, I was always friendly with the humans around the town hall. Watching their little bodies scurry around while they worked, I always found them so interesting. And, well… cute.” Clara blushed. It was surreal, hearing a giant’s perspective. Eloise made it sound like they were cute little mice. Eloise continued. “If I wasn’t busy, I would always stop to give them a hand, or carry them someplace else quickly. I got pretty used to being gentle over the years.” A look of nostalgia came over Eloise’s face features as she described her past. “Sometimes, in the winter, I’d help them warm up if they ever had to work outside. It gets really cold in the south, especially for humans.” She blushed. “That’s how I figured out this trick, though I usually had more clothes on…” She glanced at Clara, sheepish. “So, that’s the reason why, I guess. Well, that and my magic studies. It takes a steady hand.” She explained. “Though to be honest, I was being extra careful this morning. I was worried I’d gotten rusty.” She chuckled, bashful.

Clara didn’t miss the implication. “You say that like it’s been a while since you interacted with them…” Clara said, quiet. Sadness returned to Eloise’s features.

“…Yeah.” She sighed. “It… It’s been a long time.”

“…What happened?” Clara asked, nervous about the answer. Eloise grimaced, opening her mouth to speak.

Suddenly, Mary’s voice carried across the lake. “ELOISE!” She shouted, getting the giant’s attention. Eloise flinched, squeezing her breast tighter. Clara flushed, gripped tighter by the giantess’ breast. Eloise nervously adjusted her glasses, looking over toward Mary.

 “YOU’RE SCARING THE FISH! MOVE YOUR ASS OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE!” The shouted instruction hung in the air a moment. Eloise blinked a few times, before responding.

“Uh, o-okay!” She replied, flustered. She held a palm over Clara, shielding her from her raised voice. “Um, just… hang tight a second.” Eloise said, much quieter.

Before Clara could respond, Eloise rose to her feet. Her spare hand wrapped around her breasts, holding Clara in place. Clara eeped as pillowy, soft flesh enwrapped her on all sides, swallowing her up completely. Trapped by Eloise’s warmth, Clara’s pounding heartbeat was drowned out by the giantess’ own. The familiar smell of cherries seeped into Clara’s skin. The temperature rose dramatically, so much that she felt she might sweat if it kept up.

Outside, She could hear Eloise wading through the lake. After what felt like several minutes, but was likely less than one, she sat back down into the water. Eloise released her breasts, letting them fall back to the sides. Fresh air and sunlight greeted Clara as the giantess settled back into her prior position. Eloise’s face was red, though by how Clara’s felt, she probably had her beat.

Eloise chuckled awkwardly. “I was worried Mary was mad at us for cuddling for a second there.” She joked. Clara’s ears burned at the insinuation.

“Y-yeah…” She managed, offering a weak chuckle. An awkward silence settled over the two of them before Clara’s mind latched onto the first topic it could. “W-why do you smell like cherries?” She asked. Eloise looked at her, wide-eyed.

“You noticed?” She asked, then blushed. “Oh, it’s… probably really noticeable at your size, huh…” Clara nodded, giggling a little at the broken tension.

“Yeah.” She replied. “You said it’s been a few days since you last bathed, so it’s not soap. But there’s no way that you naturally smell like that.” She paused, eyes narrowed. ”…Do you?”

Eloise smiled, sheepishly. “No, I- Of course not.” She giggled, her chest shaking. “No, I use magic. To… make myself smell… nice.” She mumbled, bashful. Clara giggled at the giantess’ embarrassment, eventually coaxing some out of Eloise as well. “Can you imagine if it was natural, though?” She giggled. Clara smiled.

“Ooh, what do I smell like?” She asked, curious. Eloise smirked.

“You smelled like feet earlier.” She joked. Clara slapped at her breast, petulant.

“S-shut up!” She cried. A little part of her flinched, afraid of offending the giantess. To her relief, Eloise just snickered. “I-I’m serious, I want to know…” Clara mumbled, smiling.

Eloise leaned down, comically planting her nostril on Clara’s head and taking a deep sniff. Clara burst out laughing at the act, feeling her hair lifted up by the suction. Eloise snickered back, her body shaking.

A small, warm part of Clara latched onto her mirth. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed this hard with someone else. She’d always struggled to get along with the other girls in the village, and ended up spending most of her time alone. Yet now here she was, bonding with a giantess of all people. Golden mirth spirits drifted about them like petals on the breeze and the last of Clara’s walls broke down. She trusted Eloise. It had only been a day, but she truly felt she could call the woman a friend. In hindsight, the terror she had felt the night prior felt ridiculous. 

Eloise leaned back, bringing Clara back to the present as their laughter gradually settled The blonde giantess flushed red, glancing away. Clara looked at her, questioning.

“Well, uh. You- Now you kinda smell like, uh, me.” Eloise murmured awkwardly.

Clara flushed red, before breaking out into giggles again. It took a moment, but Eloise cracked a smile as well, before breaking into giggles as well. They laughed together, grinning like idiots.

“Having fun, you two?”

Their giggles choked to a halt as they looked down, spotting Mary watching them from the shallows, a bemused smirk on her face. Eloise chuckled bashfully, smiling back. Clara blushed, looking sheepish as Mary held up a bunch of five fish.

“C’mon, I’ve bought us dinner.” She said, brandishing her haul.

The next few hours flew by. Clara and Eloise were well washed by the time Mary came back, so they went to dress and set up camp on the shore. Meanwhile Mary finally took her chance to wash properly. Clara couldn’t help herself from sneaking peeks at the woman’s bare, muscled frame while she searched the shoreline for firewood.

Eventually, the sun hung low in the sky. Nighttime fell swiftly this close to winter. Mary’s tent had been unsalvageable, but she had managed to save the mats and the blanket. Clara tried arranging them on the ground, but testing it uncovered problems. Without the tent to hold them together, the mats kept sliding apart. It would make it hard to share the bedding, especially since they only had one blanket. Clara agonized over it for an age, until Mary came back from the lake with a fairly blunt solution. Taking her sword, she cut the blanket into two halves. That way, they didn’t have to worry about sharing the unwieldy mats. Clara tried not to be too disappointed.

With that settled, they moved on to constructing a fire. Mary had decided it was worth the risk if they got to eat a cooked meal. Clara agreed. Meanwhile, Eloise had waded back into the lake, having procured a massive net about the size of her outstretched hand from one of her pockets. Long ropes were attached to each corner, allowing it to be bunched up efficiently. While Clara helped Mary find more wood, the giantess settled in the deeper part of the lake, squatting deadly still and holding the net under the surface, waiting.

Eventually, a loud splash caught the humans’ attention as Eloise hoisted her net out of the water by the ropes, scooping up an enormous haul of wriggling fish. The triumphant giantess stomped over, and tied her catch to a high branch to dry.

Clara gathered the wood they’d found into an impromptu fire pit, batting at a few forest spirits still clinging to the sticks and branches while Mary hauled over a heavier log she’d found so they could sit. Eloise pulled her clothes back on, using a bit of magic to dry herself off quickly.

Finally, the three of them sat down around their nascent fire pit. Mary and Clara sharing the log, and Eloise cross-legged across from them. The setting sun cast a shimmering golden glow across the lake, the sky alight with colour. A mottled reflection of the water wobbled along Eloise’s right side, drawing Clara’s eye. Mary reached into her pouch, fetching a tinderbox before Eloise waved her down.

“Oh, no I got it.” She said. Hovering over the firewood, her hands came together, weaving a simple spell above it. With a tug of her index, a little burst of flame erupted at the fire’s base, slowly claiming the rest of the firewood as it spread upward. Mary shrugged, leaning back to wait.

Their skewered fish slowly cooking near the fire, Clara closed her eyes as she leaned over, resting on Mary. She sighed, feeling the warmth inside and out. Mary leaned her head on top of Clara’s in return. Clara just registered Eloise’s suppressed coo of adoration. If Mary noticed, she didn’t comment on it.

“…I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” She said instead. Clara opened her eyes, glancing up curiously. “About my father, I mean.” Mary clarified. Clara softly shook her head.

“It’s alright, I kind of figured it out, anyway.” Clara said. “Only a giant could create magic like the tools you have, and it was pretty obvious you were half-giant.” She explained matter-of-factly. Eloise cocked her head, bemused. Mary lifted her head off Clara’s, frowning at her.

“…Clara, I’m not half-giant.” She said, perplexed. “I’m just tall.” Clara rose, blushing.

“What? …But I thought…” She stammered, embarrassed at misidentifying Mary twice in one day.

“I was adopted.” Mary explained, amusement tugging at the corners of her mouth. “He found me as a baby, took me in. He wasn’t actually my blood.” Her smile softened. “Though he treated me like I was.”

Eloise smiled at the statement, though Clara was struck by a thought.

“Wait so then, are all three of us technically orphans…?” Mary blinked, glancing at Eloise. Meanwhile the giantess looked down at Clara with sympathy in her eyes.

“You too?” She asked, her voice gentle. Clara nodded, thumbing the bell hanging from her neck.

“My parents were… taken, when I was little.” She said, omitting exactly who took them for Eloise’s sake. “I was raised by my grandfather since.” The giantess’s eyes flashed with guilt for just a second, reading between the lines.

Eloise shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sorry…” She said.

Clara shook her head. “Don’t be.” She said earnestly, offering a smile. One that the giantess returned. The coincidence of their circumstances only convinced Clara further. Meeting Mary and Eloise was meant to be.

Eloise still seemed a little uncomfortable, so Clara changed the subject. “What was it like being raised by a giant?” She asked Mary, who had been turning the fish. The muscled woman glanced her way, sitting back down and pondering the question.

“It’s hard to say how it was different…” She said, rubbing behind her neck. “I never knew anything else, so it just felt normal.” She explained. She looked away, gazing into the fire. It’s orange glow dancing in her brown eyes. “I never really saw my father as a giant. Sure, he was some hundred feet tall and the house I grew up in was huge. But to me it was just home, and he was just dad.” She reminisced. “We lived right on the border, and were friendly with the human town nearby. We were way out west in the middle of nowhere, so dad wasn’t worried about word getting out. He still urged the townsfolk not to mention him to others, though he never explained why.” Her expression darkened. “He must have been worried about what the others would do to him if they found out.” She concluded.

Eloise scowled. “Kathrine is well-known for having a grudge against humans. She and Hugo were always arguing during council meetings. I’m sure she killed him just for the ‘crime’ of associating with you.” She muttered, waving her fingers sarcastically. “There’s no way she was sanctioned either. The council couldn’t have possibly told her to kill him, he was too brilliant. Not to mention you say he was killed three years ago, but none of us heard even a whisper in that time.” She fumed, tucking a stray blonde lock behind her ear. “There’s no doubt in my mind that what Katherine did was nothing more than cold-blooded murder.” She concluded, anger colouring her voice. Eloise met Mary’s eyes, determined. “I already promised to help you get revenge. But I also want to expose her to the council, so that everyone knows the truth of what happened to your father. If you’ll help me.” She promised. Meeting her gaze, Mary nodded.

The fire popped loudly as a larger branch snapped, casting little sparks up into the sky. The heavy mood lifted as Eloise started, exclaiming softly.

“Oh, my catch should be ready by now.” She said, leaning back and untying her net from where it had been drying. Clara watched, curious as Eloise held it before herself.

Her fingers danced through the air, catching lines of magic and threading them together. The giantess’ tongue poked out the corner of her mouth as she concentrated, eyes narrowed. The spell flashed complete, and the humans watched as a haul of fish the size of Eloise’s fist suddenly shrank down to about the size of Clara’s head, net included.

Eloise muttered to herself as she pinched the miniaturised net between thumb and forefinger. “There’s a lot of targets, and it’s a big reduction in size, so this won’t last very long…” She leaned forward, holding it overtop the fire. Before long, a faint sizzling sound stirred up, the moisture between the fish boiling in the heat. Her toes flexed impatiently as she shook the net now and then, jostling the fish inside.

Clara looked on with awe. “You have shrinking spells as well?” Eloise glanced at her, a little surprised.

“Of course.” She said. “It’s basically just the opposite of growing spells.” She explained casually. Her meal continued to splutter over the fire as Mary handed Clara a cooked, regular-sized fish. The humans dug in while Eloise’s dinner prepared, drops of oil falling down into the fire, sizzling away on contact with the burning wood.

Eventually, Eloise let out an ‘oop’, before lifting the net away from the fire. Moments later, it flashed back to its normal size, the spell wearing off. Humming happily, she opened the top of the net, lifting it up toward her face. Opening her maw, she carefully dumped its contents inside, shaking out a few stragglers. The giantess let out a satisfied moan, swishing the contents of her mouth around as she chewed up the seafood mass. Eventually, she sent it down in a single swallow, the sound startling Clara somewhat. Eloise let out a contented sigh.

Even after how close they’d become today, Clara still shuddered a little. She tried not to imagine herself in the same position as those fish. A grunt from Mary shook off Clara’s nerves.

“I can see why food is such a problem for you guys now.” She said around a mouthful of her own meal. “That many fish at once and it’s still just a mouthful for you.”

Eloise nodded, offering a rueful smile. “My people have been able to manage for centuries, but there’re too many of us now. The most recent estimate put our population over four hundred.” She said. Clara’s eyebrows raised at the number. Mary didn’t seem too shocked.

“There are only four hundred of you?” Clara asked, eyes wide. “Total? On the entire continent?” Eloise nodded. Clara was flabbergasted. “That’s… I’ve read about human towns with more people than that.” She exclaimed. Eloise shrugged.

“Yeah, but you’ve gotta consider how many resources one giant uses compared to one human. The limit on how many of us can exist at once is a lot smaller than it is for you.” She explained. “And besides, four hundred seems like a lot to me. I still can’t get over how many humans there apparently are. How do you keep track of everyone?” She joked.

Mary actually smirked at that one. Clara’s eyebrows furrowed. She hadn’t thought of it like that. She dug into her second fish, chewing thoughtfully. Mary had already finished off two, and was taking a swig of her canteen.

Eloise pointed down at the single fish left, browning by the fire. “Hey, do you two mind if I have this one?” She asked, leaning down. “I’m still a little hungry is all.”

Mary and Clara shared a glance. Mary shrugged, picking at her teeth with a fishbone. Clara nodded up at Eloise. “Sure, go ahead.”

Eloise beamed at the offer, carefully grasping the stick it was skewered on between two fingers and raising it up toward her. She twisted together another spell, and with a flash, the fish grew to giant size in her hands. The giantess salivated over her meal, ready to dig in. Mary frowned at the looming, steaming thing.

“I thought growing food to giant size didn’t work.” She said as Eloise chomped into her prize. “Something about how it just goes away after you eat it.”

Eloise nodded, wiping the juices dribbling down her chin. “It will.” She mumbled around her full mouth. “Once the spell wears off it’ll just be like I never cast it. I just like to feel full, y’know?” She explained. Mary grunted.

“Fair enough.” She said, rising to her feet. “I’m gonna go take a shit.” She announced, wandering over toward the treeline. “I’ll be back in a bit. Scream if there’s trouble.” Clara waved as Mary vanished into the trees.

Clara finished off the last of her food, idly playing in the sand with the remaining skewer while Eloise wolfed down her portion. The giantess’ sudden hunger shocked Clara. Either Eloise was good at hiding it, or her people just lived naturally hungry all the time, cursed by their massive size. Clara felt a pang of sympathy. It made sense why Eloise was so fixated on permanence.

“Y’know,” Eloise said, catching Clara’s attention. “I’m surprised how comfortable you are around me now.” She noted, swallowing down the last of her meal. “It’s only been a day, and you’ve come all the way from terrified to relaxed. What changed?” She asked, wiping her mouth with a rag she procured from a pocket.

Clara blushed. She was surprised at herself too. She thought for a moment, watching ribbon-like fire spirits dancing across the coals. She shifted, embarrassed. “Y-you know that self-confidence tip people say? Where you’re supposed to imagine the other person naked?” She glanced up at Eloise. “I…It’s a lot easier when you’ve already seen them naked.” She joked. Eloise blushed, snickering. “B-but seriously, it actually kind of helped.” Clara insisted. “I don’t know, it’s like… seeing you vulnerable made you seem less frightening, I guess.” Eloise nodded, understanding. “I-I mean it’s not just that.” Clara clarified. “Talking about magic, playing around earlier… Once I started to get to know you as a person, it’s like there wasn’t anything to be scared of, anymore.” Clara smiled up at the giantess, who looked down at her with the same warmth she felt.

Eloise nodded. “I get i- Ah!” The giantess jolted, wincing in pain. Clara’s face fell as she got to her feet. Eloise let out a shaky breath, gently cradling her left jaw, groaning.

“What’s wrong?” Clara asked, anxious. Eloise whined a little.

“Something sharp stuck in my teeth.” She said, careful not to move her jaw too quickly. “Fishbone, I think.” The giantess stuck a careful finger in her mouth, digging around carefully before coming out empty-handed. She groaned. “I can’t reach it…”

“C-can you use magic to get it out?” Clara suggested.

“Not if I can’t see it…” Eloise replied, looking miserable. “It’s from the big one. I can wait for the spell to wear off, but it might be hours…” She flinched, her speech twinging the bone.

Clara fidgeted, wanting to help but not sure how. Eloise leaned over to the water, scooping a handful up to her lips and slurping it up. She swished it around, wincing, before letting it fall back out into the lake, red-tinged. Clara winced.

A thought occurred to her. Clara froze. It was stupid, insane even. Ludicrously reckless. But… Eloise settled back down, tears in her eyes. A group of claw-like agony spirits latched onto her left jaw, drawn to the pain.

Clara’s heart pounded. “I…” Was she really about to say this? Eloise glanced down at her, big blue eyes catching the last rays of sunset behind her glasses. Clara swallowed. “I-I could… try and get it out…” She said.

Some part of her screamed that she was insane the moment the words passed her lips. Eloise stared at her, wide-eyed. Fear – of all things – flashed across her features.

“W-what!? No! Are you crazy?” She cried, covering her mouth. “Y-you can’t go in there, it’s dangerous, a-and dirty, and you could get hurt!” She argued, shaking her head. Oddly, seeing her just as nervous helped steel Clara’s nerves.

“You’re already hurt!” She argued, worry for her friend overpowering her apprehension. “And you said the spell won’t wear off for hours! I-I can just reach in, get it out, a-and we’ll both be fine.” She said, not sure if she was reassuring herself or Eloise.

The giantess glanced away, apprehensive. Her face was clouded with doubt, her eyes darted about as if trying to find an alternative. She flinched again, another pang of pain shooting through her. She sighed, face scrunched in worry.

“…Fine. W-we can give it a try. But please be careful.” Eloise relented. Clara nodded, feeling her heart pounding in her chest.

Grabbing at her clothes, Clara began to undress herself. Her vision obscured by black fabric, she heard Eloise wash her mouth out a few times. The dim flash of a spell faded just as Clara got her dress over her head. Eloise looked down at her, eyes full of worry. The giantess was even drawing a host of fear spirits, their ragged shapes flitting about her body.

Clara took everything off. She didn’t want to have to wash her clothes afterward. Though, she kept the silver bell, hanging from her neck. She’d learned her lesson from last time. Feeling exposed, she walked over to Eloise’s knee, glancing up at her awkwardly. Eloise lowered her palm, allowing Clara to climb on. Clara stayed on her knees as Eloise’s palm ascended, feeling the giantess’ pulse thrumming through her skin.

Eloise brought Clara close to her face, peering at her through her glasses. “Are you sure about this?” She asked, dread coating her voice. Clara nodded.

“I-I’ll be fine.” She assured. “Just in and out, and you’ll be feeling better.” Clara mustered as much professionalism as she could. “I-I’m a healer. It’s just part of my job.” She said, the affirmation raising her confidence. She met Eloise’s fearful eyes. “You almost seem more scared than I am.” Clara noted, mustering a weak smile.

“I just don’t want anything to happen to you…” Eloise whined. She almost threatened tears. Something in Clara swelled, shoving past her apprehension.

“I’ll be fine, really.” Clara insisted. “I-I’m sure it’ll only take a minute.”

Eloise took a deep breath, composing herself. Her exhale rolled over Clara, giving her an idea of what was to come. Eloise nodded. “B-Be careful, ok?” She pleaded, before lowering Clara slightly and opening her mouth wide.

Hot breath washed over Clara, beading moisture on her skin. Firelight twinkled off of Eloise’s teeth, framed by soft, pink lips. Her tongue slowly inched over her bottom teeth, glistening and wet with saliva. It trailed back toward the pit of her throat, where her plump uvula dangled like a warning. A strong cherry scent wafted over Clara, masking the fishy smell that lingered near her throat.

Clara swallowed nervously. A sense of deja-vu washed over her. Images of the maw she was tossed into two days before flashed through her mind. Keeping her breathing steady, Clara focused on the differences. The uvula was rounder. The teeth were differently shaped. The tongue was a lighter shade of pink. The strong cherry smell the giantess had cast into her mouth served as a constant reminder that this was Eloise. Someone she trusted.

Mustering her courage, Clara shuffled forward. She carefully placed her hands on Eloise’s tongue, the slippery muscle twitching at the touch. Slowly, Clara crawled forward, sliding her knees over Eloise’s lips. The faint light of dusk faded from view as Clara found herself fully inside Eloise’s mouth. Clara kept her hands steady as she balanced on Eloise’s slick tongue. Looking around, she noticed something.

Eloise’s size almost seemed to fade away, the enormity of her proportions replaced by smaller confines of her mouth. Somehow she didn’t feel so… big, anymore. Breathing in the giantess’ humid breath, Clara tried to imagine Eloise awkwardly kneeling on the ground, mouth open and fidgeting. Naked too, for good measure. The image helped flush away Clara’s fear, even drawing a weak smile to her face.

Clara looked around with a new perspective. An odd kind of wonder coming over her as she looked around. It was surreal, being able to see someone’s mouth up close. And in so much detail. She ran her hand over Eloise’s tongue, feeling it’s dimpled surface rolling under her fingers. Eloise let out a soft, high-pitched grunt in response. Clara blushed. She’d have to ask Eloise what she tasted like once this was over.

Eventually, Clara spotted her target. A sharp rib bone jut out violently from between Eloise’s left molars, the gum beneath swollen painfully.

Clara started forward on her hands and knees, moving to get within arm’s reach. Suddenly, her knees slipped. Sliding apart from beneath her, sending her bare nethers crashing into Eloise’s tongue. Clara yelped, clapping her hands over her mouth. The warm, wet muscle pressed into her womanhood, shooting tingling sensations all over her body. She’d never felt anything similar – let alone been with another person sexually. Eloise’s tongue shifted slightly, its odd texture rolling underneath Clara. The unconscious movement rippled pleasure across her body in waves.

Blushing down to her chest, Clara’s breathing came hard and fast, her heart pounding in her chest. Oh gods. If Eloise moved again, she might just lose herself. Trembling, Clara rose back to her knees. A thin strand of mixed fluids came away with her. Clara forced herself to take deep, slow breaths. She could sort out those feelings later, right now Eloise was still in pain.

Ignoring the swirling emotions inside of her, Clara reached forward, grabbing onto the bone jutting from Eloise’s teeth. The giantess flinched, her tongue buckling as she winced. Clara yelped, holding on for dear life as she was jostled. Her legs scrambled for purchase across Eloise’s slick tongue. Clara cast a fearful glance toward the giantess’ pulsing throat before her. A dark little part of her wanted to peer down Eloise’s gullet, just to see. But she shook the thought away.

Placing both hands upon the bone, Clara steadied herself. She count down in her head, before tugging on it with all her might. Blessedly, the bone popped out of Eloise’s teeth on her first try.

The giantess jolted again, flinching from the pain. Now without a grip, Clara slipped around haphazardly. With her free hand, she desperately grabbed onto Eloise’s molar, keeping herself from sliding any closer to her throat.

As quickly as it began, it stopped, Eloise holding still. The giantess blew out a sigh of relief, her breath flowing over Clara before making its way out of her mouth. Clara let out her own, stilling her beating heart. She had done it, no issues.

Glancing back to where she had pulled the bone, Clara noticed a trickle of blood from between the molars. Not about to leave her task unfinished, Clara quickly muttered out a prayer, grasping the silver bell around her neck. It tinkled softly as a dim pale glow shone from between Eloise’s teeth, healing the minor wound. Though at this size, Clara was surprised by how much magic she had to channel.

Clara smiled. Eloise was definitely feeling a lot better, the giantess had gone completely still, no longer wracked with pain. Clara gently pat at where the wound had been, turning to leave with the bone in hand. Shuffling forward, the view was a lot different looking out of Eloise’s mouth, Clara noted.

Clara crawled forward, planting a knee over Eloise’s bottom lip and leaning out. She brandished the offending bone, waving it outside the giantess’ mouth.

“I got it!” She cried, both proud of herself, and eager to wash up.

Eloise didn’t respond. Feeling eyes on her, Clara looked down.

At the edge of the treeline stood Mary. She glared up at Eloise with wide eyes, gripping the hilt of her blade and swarming with red, angry butterflies. 

                                                                                       ~~~                                                                                               

It took the others half an hour to talk Mary down.

Her heart had leapt into her throat when she saw Clara deep in Eloise’s mouth. It had taken Clara’s repeated assurances that she was fine to get Mary to let go of her sword. Eloise at least had the decency to look ashamed while she apologised.

Still, Mary didn’t take her eyes off the giantess, watching her like a hawk as Clara quickly washed off the saliva clinging to her body. Eloise didn’t meet her gaze, curled up against the treeline, face scrunched up with guilt. Clara went to bed not long after, quickly drying herself and collapsing into her bedding. The exhausted girl drifted off the moment her head hit the mat.

Seeing Clara sleeping peacefully, Mary finally let herself relax a little, blowing out a sigh. Night had fallen swiftly, the pale light of the stars blanketing the landscape. Tiny pale dots of light entwined with golden thread, they twinkled overhead, reflecting off of the still surface of the lake. It was cold, especially without a tent. But the blankets ought to keep them warm enough.

The shifting of clothes sounded behind her, Eloise shuffling in the dark. “Mary…?” She whispered, voice low. Mary shot a glance her way. The giantess was facing her, body low to the ground where she was laying down to sleep. The starlight sparkled in her blonde hair, loose and hanging around her shoulders. “Can we talk?” She gestured to come closer.

Mary trudged over with a scowl. Images of the earlier incident flashed through her mind. Eloise shifted nervously, adjusting her glasses as Mary got close.

“What.” Mary simply said.

Eloise sighed, the warm breeze blowing Mary’s hair back. Eyes full of concern, she spoke. “I really am sorry for what happened earlier.” She apologised. Mary frowned. “It was Clara’s idea, but I still shouldn’t have gone along with it. It was reckless, poorly thought out, and I put her in danger.” Mary’s eyes narrowed. Eloise grimaced, letting out another sigh. “I’ll be more responsible from now on, I promise.” She said, wringing her hands together. She looked into Mary’s eyes. “I want you to be able to trust me.”

Mary’s eyes widened, rage flaring up within her. “Trust you?” She said, her voice dark. “You’re a giant. There is no trusting you” She growled. Eloise eyes widened. “A human trusting a giant is like a mouse trusting a cat. It’s insane.” Eloise leaned back, hurt. She frowned.

“What about your father?” She challenged. “You trusted him.” Mary bristled.

“My father was the only giant I have ever met who was kind to humans, and he’s dead.” Mary spat. Emotion roiled within her, trying to back up the statement. Eloise flinched.

“You know that’s not true.” She said, hurt.

“Cut the shit.” Mary replied. “The only reason you’re sticking around is because I’m your ticket to a seat on the council.” She argued. Eloise blinked, hurt confusion crossing her features. Mary cut off her reply. “Why the hell else would you try and be friendly with me? Did you forget who I am?” She gestured toward herself. “I’m a killer. A killer that’s single-handedly put nine giants in the ground, and based off what you said earlier that sounds like a pretty fucking high number.” She growled. Eloise winced, glancing away. “Let’s get one thing clear:” Mary started, holding a finger up at the giantess. “The only reason we’re working together is because we made a deal. You’re taking me to Kathrine, and I’m letting you look at my father’s work. You’ll be lucky if I let you look at my body.” Mary said, her voice rising. “We aren’t friends, or allies, or partners. We’re enemies in a very uneasy stalemate, and we’ll go back to enemies once this is all over.” She finished, breathing heavily. Her anger burned underneath her skin as she glared into the giant’s eyes.

Shock and confusion painted Eloise’s features, her eyes glistening. A silence settled over the shore, broken only by the ambient rippling of water and rustling of leaves. Eloise frowned, face contorted by hurt. “Fine.” She spat. “If that’s how you want it…” She muttered, voice warbling with emotion. Tears in her eyes, the giantess turned her back on Mary, rolling over and curling into a sleeping position. Mary ignored her sniffles.

Mary stood there, fuming, trying to vent her anger out through her breath. All her pent-up rage threatened to surge from her. Shaking her head, Mary turned to stomp away, letting out an angry grunt. She thud down onto her half of the bedding, placed next to Clara’s. Trying to cool her head, Mary lay down on her side, facing away from both her companions.

A kick planted into her back with a thud.

Mary scowled, but said nothing. A second kick thudded into her. Mary sighed through grit teeth, turning to look over her shoulder. Clara’s green eyes frowned back at her, the rest of her face hidden under her blanket. Her gaze was admonishing, hurt on Eloise’s behalf. Mary could sense the pout behind the blanket. She rolled back over, ignoring the look.

“I meant it. I’m not taking it back.” Mary muttered. Both to herself and to Clara. She was rewarded with another kick, harder this time. Mary ignored it.

Behind her, Clara stood in a huff. Mary watched from the corner of her eye as Clara trot over toward Eloise, taking her blanket with her. Casting a final disapproving look at Mary, she pointedly lay down in the giantess’ sprawled-out hair.

Mary let her go, turning away and shuffling in place to get comfortable. Feeling alone, Mary bitterly waited for sleep to come. 

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Translator's Note: 

I tried my best to be delicate concerning the somewhat sensitive nature of Mary's transition while translating this chapter. Accurate translation can be tricky here, as the Vratan understanding of transgender individuals at the time was much less nuanced than your world's, and it reflects in their language. I'll be trying my best to translate both accurately, and respectfully over the course of this story. If you have any questions or complaints, you can always reach me via the usual channels. 

• The exclamation 'Ta-Da' has been translated into English from its Vratan Common equivalent.

• Use of the word 'Commando' to refer to one going without underwear is an English phrase of specific origin. The Vratan Common term (and Mary's demeanour) were close enough, so this translation was chosen as appropriate. 

• Eloise refers to Mary's transition as such. This was a translation choice as it's the most accurate English term to what she meant. Though their language at the time was less refined as previously mentioned, so the word Eloise actually used was a more basic one, akin the simple English word 'Change'. 

• The self-confidence advice of imagining the other person naked is a shockingly common thing among heavily clothed cultures. Vratan is no exception. 

As always, if you have any questions about this chapter's translation, feel free to ask.