The Giant Queen

The group follow the giant ahead of them as they walk into the throne room.

They see giants standing on both sides, all ridiculously oversized compared to the group. Unfortunately for the giants, their huge proportions make great eye candy for the furry pervert who is happily ogling at their incredible muscles--and most importantly--their massive fun bags.

Some of them welcome the gawking from Amilia, but most are disgusted by a non-giant merely being in their presence, let alone staring at them.

The rest of the group decide to be much more reserved with their glances, so they keep their eyes forward.

Fortunately for Amilia, even when her eyes are focused ahead, she still gets to perv as she looks at the sculpted thighs of the giant leading them toward the Queen.

Eventually, the giant stops and the group quickly follow suit, well... almost all of them. Amilia's eyes had wandered once again as she saw a delectable pair of milk mounds, so as the group came to a stop, Amilia kept waking forward, and she clashed into the back of Kyuala, who just turns around with an annoyed expression.

"Will you focus?!" Even while whispering, Kyuala's scolding voice could easily melt ice due to the crushing amount of nervousness that she is currently feeling.

"My bad." Amilia apologizes, knowing just how on edge the whole group is.

As the rest of the group are looking at the two old friends, their attention is grabbed by the voice of the giant leading them. "Your majesty, I have brought them."

"Good. Now, move out-of-the-way so I can gaze upon our guests." A voice calls back.

The giant then steps to the side and the group are now in sights of the Giant Queen. The Queen doesn't immediately speak, instead, she carefully examines each member of the group one-by-one.

Goosebumps form on the arms of each of the seven as they can not only see, but they can feel her steely gaze on them.

"Well, I must say, I seldom deal with any of the fools that unfortunately find their way up here, but you all happen to be quite the exception. But before I ask for the reason of your arrival, I shall introduce myself. I am Chaxar Vurgje, Queen of the Giants."

"All hail our Queen!" The giants in the room call out as they simultaneously take a knee before thumping their left hand on the right side of their chest three times.

As the giants finish their ritual, Virra quietly comments, "Damn. That is some Queen shit."

"Sister. Now is not the time." Terra whispers sternly.

The Queen then speaks again. "Now, I normally don't care to learn the names of people from races that are beneath us giants, but I shall make an exception, just this once. So, introduce yourselves."

Terra takes a step forward. "My name is Terra Tarron, and this is my sister, Virra. The cat on the far left is Amilia and the orc next to her is Kyuala. The fairy beside her is Lani and next to her is her compan-."

"Silence." The Queen interrupts before leaning forward. Her eyes lock onto John once again, seeing that he is the strange race that her scout was talking about. She then starts to sniff and almost immediately picks up a strange yet familiar scent.

A large grin then appears on the Queen's face. "It's you..."

John looks around at the others before worriedly asking, "M-me?"

Just then, what can only be described as pure fear runs grabs a hold of John as he remembers what Erya told him the night that Terra was taken.

The Giant Queen knows the human scent... his scent.

As for the others, they are all immediately on edge as they start to worry about John. After hearing about what the giants do to males, they all start to prepare in case the giants make a move, but especially Kyuala and Clarva as both ready their hands to arm themselves at the slightest sign of movement.

A few moments later, the Queen then takes another long inhale. "Yes. It really is you. I smelled you upon your arrival to this land. I thought I was just dreaming, but it seems like that wasn't the case. You really are here... the Second Human."

Every pair of eyes in the room open as wide as they possibly can whilst every single breath just comes to a collective halt.

"Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!!!!!" John screams in his mind as he looks around, seeing the shocked expressions of every single giant that surrounds them.

However, it's not just the giants who have just had a bomb shell dropped on them because as John turns to his left, he sees Virra just looking back at him with a mixture of emotions on her face.

"Judging by the look on your faces, I'd be willing to bet that most of you already knew that fact, except for one of you." The Queen says, obviously alluding to Virra's expression.

The Queen then continues, "So, was the reason you all came here just to deliver me the human? Because I would happily reward you all for such a... rare gift."

"He is not a gift for you!" Kyuala says through gritted teeth as she steps in front of John.

"You watch your tone when speaking to our Queen!" One of the giants says, but she is quickly waved off by the Queen.

The Queen is a little taken aback and quite interested in Kyuala's protectiveness over John, but Lani perceives the Queen's surprised and interested look as one of being offended. Lani then decides to interject to cut any tension.

"Uhh, actually, your highness... we're here because of the Giant's Eye."

Lani's words immediately grabs the Queens attention before she answers. "The Giant's Eye? Urgh. What a droll and uninspired name. That was definitely coined by someone who believes themself to be more clever than in actuality."

"Regardless of the name, we are here because of your damned curse." Terra says, obviously annoyed by the Queen's lack of care.

The Queen is once again taken by surprise over the elf's stern tone. "Well, well... I see that this group has some spunk amongst you. It is quite refreshing to see some gusto from the lesser races, but you would all do well to remember whose home you are currently standing in!"

The Queen's voice echoes throughout the room, and it frightens the giants as well as the group. The most concerning thing is that the Queen barely raised her voice for it to echo, and that fact alone makes the group want to avoid making her shout.

John then decides to try and calm things down. "We sincerely apologize, your majesty. It's just been quite a stressful time for us as of late, and getting up here just added on to the ever growing pile of troubles we've had."

The Queen takes a breath before saying, "Well, I thank you for your apology, but I shall only accept it this once."

The Queen then clears her throat as she leans back on her throne. "Now, what is your groups business with the curse? Do you wish for me inflict it upon someone? Because that will cost you."

Terra takes point once again. "No, your majesty. We are here to humbly ask for you to remove the curse that was placed on my younger sister."

The Queen hums, even more intrigued. "Your sister is cursed, huh? Tell me, what was your name again, elf?"

"Terra Tarron."

"Tarron... Tarron..." The Queen then begins to tap on her chin as she starts to think about that name. It sounds familiar to her, but she can't quite place it immediately. It's only after a minute of thinking when the Queen finally remembers the name which makes her laugh.

"Oh, I know that name.... it was a man called Halverth?"

"Yes. He was Virra and I's great grandfather." Terra clarifies.

"Great grandfather? Huh, how time flies when you're a giant. I could've sworn that it was only a year ago, but I digress. You are here because of the foolish deal that your selfish great grandfather struck, and it has affected your dear sister. So, what do you wish to offer me in exchange for your sisters life?"

Terra is quick to answer. "My father is the head of the richest family in the entire continent, he can offer you riches beyond your wildest imagination. He can also offer you more rare items or even knowledge if that's what you seek? He is prepared to offer anything."

The Giant Queen is silent for a few moments before erupting into an echoing, cacophonous laughter. "You think this is such a simple trade?! I have no need for such basic trinkets and pleasantries, but you already knew that, didn't you?"

The group quickly go quiet as they--especially Terra and Virra--remember the dark cost that comes with saving Erya's life.

The round of silence grows long as they all realize just how screwed they really are in this situation. They are surrounded on all sides by giants, in the middle of their stronghold, and they don't have any sort of backup plan to escape. Unfortunately, the lack of any alternatives make their only course of action even more prevalent.

One of the sisters must sacrifice their life.

Terra and Virra look into the others eyes, both seemingly pleading with their sister to let them be the one to do it.

After taking a deep breath, Terra goes to take a step forward, but she is cut off as they all hear the words that makes Terra's heart sink.

"I will be the sacrifice!"

Terra quickly looks to her left and sees Virra has already stepped forward, determination burning in her eyes. Terra body is filled with fear for her sister's life, so she quickly steps forward. "Don't listen to her! I'll be the sacrifice!"

"Terra! This is no time to be the glory hog! Ignore my idiotic older sister! Take me for the sacrifice!"

The sisters begin to bicker back-and-forth, trying to make themselves sound like the better candidate for the sacrifice, but the Queen is barely listening. She sits there with the right side of her temple resting against the fist of the same side.

As the squabbling continues to go in one ear and out of the other, the Queen quickly glances at the human before her, seeing that he is watching the elven sisters argue between each other. An idea then pops into her mind, and it's one that both amuses and intrigues her all the same.

The bickering continues on as Terra and Virra continue to dissuade the other from going on with this, but it seems that logic has reached a standstill, and they've resorted to just insulting one another.

"You are a glory hog! You ran all the way to Reduna'zriam just to go and fight a damned necromancer and her army!"

"That is not how it happened! And how am I the glory hog?! All you do is get people to track animals down for you just so you can get the final blow!" Terra retorts.

"How dare you! I am a genuine hunter! If it wasn't for me tracking the cart, you'd have become the bride to a psychopath! It's my time to be the one in danger, you insufferable know-it-all!"

"Know-it-all?! That's extremely rich coming from the woman who claims to be a master hunter just because she slept with a two-bit trapper!"

"I'll have you know that he was a master in his craft!" Virra quickly barks back.

"Oh yes, he was such a master that he managed to hunt the big breasted, floozy wife of a nobleman and got himself killed in the process!"

"ENOUGH!" The Giant Queen roars as she slams her gargantuan hand against the stone armrest of her throne.

Everyone quickly turns their attention to the Queen, and they all immediately see that the arguing hasn't exactly amused her.

"I have come to decision on your proposal." The Queen says as the sisters look up at her with trepidation. "On any other day, when two people offered themselves to be killed in exchange to save someone, I wouldn't hesitate to take both of their loves, but today is... different."

"Different how, your majesty?" One of the Queen's advisors asks.

"It is different because of our present company. So, I will do something that I almost never do. I shall give you a counter-offer: In exchange for removing your sister's curse, and instead of taking your lives, I request that I have one night with the human so that may be my breeder."

The entire room erupts as both the group and all the giants out a singular, "WHAT?!"

After the collective exclamation from the giants and the group, everyone begins to talk all at once over the sudden request. The group are obviously adamant against the idea, but the giants are actually divided amongst each other.

"SILENCE!" The Queen roars again, immediately quietening the room. "I honestly thought more of you would understand my reasoning. It's very simple... I wish to be the first giant to bear a child with a human. I will etch my name in history as the Queen who started the new bloodline of powerful giants that will lead our people for generations upon generations! If the human truly wishes to save the cursed girl, then he will have no problem agreeing to my proposal."

"Your proposal is nothing but ****!" Kyuala shouts back through gritted teeth as she moves John behind her and Clarva.

"I distinctly remember telling you that I am in charge here, and what I say, goes. If you don't like the generous counter-offer I made, I can easily take the elves' lives or you can shuffle back to whatever hole you crawled out of with your tails tucked between your legs as you have to explain to that girl why you let her die!"

"No offence, your majesty, but I don't believe that I have the right sized... equipment for that job." John jokes, trying to diffuse an incredibly weird and volatile situation.

"You needn't worry, human. Us giants have a way of making sure our breeders can measure up to our glorious forms." The Queen reassures which only adds to the weirdness of the whole conversation.

Kyuala's stare just grows more furious, and she no longer has any words--instead--Kyuala just growls as she feels the overwhelming urge to charge at the Queen with her axe.

Clarva sees--and can practically feel--the anger emanating from Kyuala, so she just puts her arm forward, trying to deter the orc from doing anything drastic.

Clarva then decides to take point on the talking. "Your majesty, could you give us some time to discuss your offer? Some talking will allow us to clear our heads and give you a proper response."

The Queen then looks at Clarva and tilts her head. "Very well, I shall allow you all to discuss it and come to a decision. However, may I ask something of you?"

"Of course." Clarva responds, not feeling so confident about the follow up.

"You are not like your companions here. I can smell the blood of a giant within you, but unfortunately, it is not the pure blood of a giant. So--from giant to half-giant--would you tell me your name?"

"Clarva." The half-giant bluntly responds.

The Queen then begins to hum, seemingly thinking about the name, but quickly dismisses the thought. "Well, since you did as I requested, it is only fair that I do the same. Open the door for the travellers! Let's give them time to think about how badly they wish to save that poor girl."

The doors to the throne room are then opened by two giants that stand by them, and the group then begin shuffling towards the exit.

As the group are leaving the throne room, Clarva is the last one to pass the threshold of the doors, but just before she can, the voice of the Queen calls to her.

"Clarva Mightenos. I knew that name sounded familiar." The Giant Queen chuckles. "Tell me, girl; how is your father?"

Clarva stops in her dead tracks. The pent-up rage she's held in for so long begins to resurface once again. Her hands actually begin to tremble as she wants to call on her shields and take the Queen's head clean off her shoulders, but she manages to keep her composure enough to follow the group out of the room.

As the door closes behind the half-giant, the Queen begins chuckling to herself before saying to her adviser, "Bring me the centaur."

The adviser nods before quickly motioning to another giant. That giant then heads into a side room for a few seconds before emerging with a chain in hand.

On the other end of that chain is a tired and battered centaur that's practically dragged in by the giant. The centaur is then brought over to the Queen who doesn't even bother looking at said centaur.

"I have an opportunity for you to make yourself useful."

"What would you have me do?" The centaur asks, obviously drained of any energy.

"I believe that it is obvious that I intend to keep the human for myself. However, the orc definitely won't stand for that. So, while I am... with the human, I want you to make sure that the green bean doesn't try anything, and if she does, I want you to set an example for the others. If they wish to follow in their friends foolish footsteps... you know what to do."

"Why not have one of your precious piss-cleaners do it?" The centaur spits back.

"Because I want you to do it! You haven't been useful to me for a long time, so now is your chance to prove yourself once again! If you don't..." The Queen then leans down. "I will personally eradicate that village of yours, and I will find that elf that you fondly dream about. What was her name again? Oh yes... Tally, wasn't it?"

The centaur growls which makes the Queen chuckle even more. "Well, it seems like I was correct. However, I know you don't want that, so you'll do your best for me, won't you... Kirazah?"