Gilda frowned at the voice calling out to her. She initially thought that she was hallucinating. However, soon Pipi appeared to approach her by strolling to sneak up.
"Pipi? How did you get here?" asked Gilda, surprised. Both eyes were moist because, for almost fifteen minutes, she cried. She stopped crying when she heard the sound of Pipi's exclamation and the stone thrown by the little creature."Relax, Princess. I will tell you everything, but I have to ensure the situation first," Pipi said while watching around. She looked very anxious because she was afraid of something."You mean? Jotun?" asked Gilda.Pipi nodded in agreement. Gilda finally understands Pipi's attitude, which looks anxious just now. Then, Pipi invited her to one corner of the cave as if she was about to show her something. Not long after, they finally arrived at the place Pipi was going."Princess, I apologize for leaving you yesterday. I did that because of reflexes and fear. I really couldn't afford to look into the eyes of the very creepy Jotun, Princess. Until somehow I just ran away without thinking about you who was left behind," Pipi said with a face full of regret."Ah, come on. I understand why you left. I'm sure you didn't mean it like that, did you?" replied Gilda as she gave a small, friendly smile."Yes, Princess. Thank you.""Then, how did the story tell you were here? Do those Jotuns also catch you?" asked Gilda again. She was curious about Pipi's answer, which she had been waiting for."No, Princess. At that time, I did run away. But, I see Princess falling unconscious, and I am about to help but am too scared to do so. After that, I saw from a distance that the Jotun was holding the Princess. So, finally, I decided to follow him to this cave," Pipi said. The two spoke in half whispers hoping that something untoward wouldn't happen."But, isn't there no way out in this cave? I've been looking for it all night, but I didn't find it either. There is a ravine at the end of this cave. that's what makes me even more desperate, Pipi.""Yes, Princess. That's the only way out for us. I got here because I'm secretly holding on to the belt on the Princess's shirt. I camouflaged into a hairy scarf until I arrived here. I also witnessed the incident last night when the Princess was looking for a way out, but I couldn't help because she was worried that the Jotun would wake up. So, I hid until I was waiting for the right time to see you." Pipi's explanation was enough to make Gilda's heart touched. The receding tears now reappeared, filling the girl's eyes with tears."Princess... what's the matter? Do I make a mistake? But, please, don't cry, Princess," Pipi said, panicked."Hmm... not. I'm happy you've tried to return because of my affection. Alright then, do you think we can get out of here?" asked Gilda, wiping her tears. She didn't want his grief to drag on. Hearing Gilda's answer, Pipi also smiled slightly in embarrassment. She felt that what she did was a form of her loyalty to the girl who was the village leader of Tanee."Princess, that's what I haven't found either, a way out. The Jotun is not as stupid as we think. In his escape, he can choose a difficult place for humans and animals to reach. If it weren't for his large body, he might not have been able to climb the cliff just below this cave.""Ah, it's like that. Wait, escape? So it's true that this is not the Howa cave, where those Jotuns live?""No, Princess. Yes, this is an escape from the Jotun that is taking us now. There's an interesting story about that Jotun that maybe you would like to know. The Jotun is actually..."Having not had time for Pipi to tell Gilda everything, there was a thumping sound of footsteps that seemed to be owned by someone whose body was significant. Gilda and Pipi's two eyeballs rounded as if they knew who was walking in the surrounding area. Gilda rushes to tell Pipi to hide again so that Arthur's whereabouts are unknown. At the same time, Gilda returns to the position where she wakes up the first time while pretending to be asleep.Bum BumSure enough, out of nowhere, it came from. Arthur arrived with something in his hand. When he saw Gilda unconscious, he shook his head as if he couldn't believe something."This human being is very useless. It was noon but still not awake too? Is she dead or how? You, idler!" he murmured. The murmur, which Arthur thought could not have been heard around, was very clearly heard by Gilda, who pretended to be asleep."Hey, wake up! Wake you up, lazy girl!" said Arthur as he shook Gilda's body with his right leg. Although he had moved his legs quite firmly, Gilda still didn't wake up. At first, Arthur thought that Gilda was dead. However, he was still not sure about his guess because he had seen footprints similar to the shoe prints Gilda was wearing around the cave. He also stood directly in front of his body to observe the girl's movements. Instead of paying attention to Gilda for fear that the girl was pretending, Arthur was distracted by the charming face of the Tanee Village leader. Her face was like the light of the sun in the morning, and the brownish curls were beautifully tucked in Arthur's eyes even though Gilda's hair was loose.'Wait, what are you doing, Arthur?! Are you crazy?!' he reprimanded inwardly when he realized something was wrong with his current attitude. He had felt confused for a moment by what he had just done. Suddenly, he felt that the atmosphere felt awkward for him. Several times he turned his face when he saw Gilda again because he felt a strange thing in her. Finally, however, the movement in Gilda's eyeballs made Arthur realize that the girl was pretending to be asleep. He woke her up again, but it was more complicated this time."Hey, lazy girl! Wake up! I know you're pretending. Don't mess with me, and you think I'm stupid?! Tsk! Look, who's stupid now that it has to be like this?" repeated Arthur shaking Gilda's body. Unlike before, at this time, Arthur woke up Gilda with a wood blade, not with his big feet anymore.Gilda still didn't wake up, but she couldn't pretend for too long because the wood Arthur used to wake her up was enough to make her feel pain, and she could no longer hold it."Come on, get up. I know you've been awake since then, Gilda."After hearing her name again mentioned by Arthur, Gilda was annoyed and immediately woke up."I told you, don't say my name anymore! You understand?!" concluded Gilda with both eyes rounded."Hahaha. You're mad at me because I'm calling your name? Let you remember again, how many times have you called me by the designations of insults?" Arthur asked.Gilda was silent for a moment. She realized that Arthur's words had some truth. However, she thought back and did just that because there was a reason."Come on, and I'm tired of arguing with you. I want to go home. Please get me out of here!" asked Gilda."You want to go home? Isn't your purpose in coming to the Dark forest to wipe out the Jotuns? Now, I'm in front of you. Let's finish me off," retorted"How can I finish you off while my sword is gone. Surely you're the one hiding it? You, coward!" concluded Gilda."You want to run out of energy because you keep doing it? Never mind, you must be hungry, right? Maybe, this is your lucky day. I brought you the fresh fish I just got in the river," Arthur said, throwing a few surviving fish."I can find a meal by myself! There's no need to pretend to be nice like that," Gilda said."Oh, all right. I'm full. If you don't want to eat it, keep it there. I don't pretend to be good, and I just being myself."Arthur passed, leaving Gilda. He knew that he couldn't find it possible to forage by himself under these conditions. However, Gilda remembered Pipi. She will probably share the fish Arthur gave to the little animal. As Arthur walked away from the cave, Gilda quietly watched his steps. Arthur came out of the cave, but the monster stretched his arms and climbed up the cave. She doesn't know what he will do, but the Jotun seems to go to the top of the cave. Gilda suspected it was because Arthur's pounding of feet was heard from the direction of the top of the cave until occasionally water dripped from the surface of the cave's ceiling.Gilda called Pipi in a whisper, feeling that the situation was safe."Pipi, you must not have eaten yet, right? Here, the monster brings us food. Let's go together," Gilda said.Pipi nodded happily. While Pipi enjoyed the fish with enthusiasm, Gilda looked for wood to make a campfire to cook the fish."Princess, isn't that Jotun very cruel to us? But, why does he give us food?" asked Pipi, chewing her mouth full."I don't know. But, maybe, this is one of her strategies for planning something," Gilda replied as she stared at the fire that had started to burn before her."Hmm, what if the Jotun is kind?""Hahaha. That's impossible, Pipi. If Jotuns are kind, why are they kidnapping my citizens for? Don't be easily fooled by the monster, Pipi. I'm sure he has another intention behind this," Gilda explained."Pipi, I don't know that rodents like you like fresh fish to eat. Don't you just like nuts?" asked Gilda to Pipi, who was eating."Since there is no food that I can find around here, I am forced to just eat this fish, Princess. After all, the taste of fresh fish is not too bad for me. It's just that maybe if it is baked like yours, it will be more delicious. From the fragrance alone, Princess's grilled fish is already very appetizing. ""You want to try my grilled fish? This, try it... after all, it's not baked, it's just a normal grill. The fire I made was not too big. You know it was my mother who taught me to make a fire in the midst of an emergency situation like this," Gilda said as she thrust out one fish."Ah, no Princess. I'm already full of my portion just now, Princess. At
The impact of both of Arthur's legs stifled the surface of the 'roof' of the cave. Just as Arthur had stepped foot, Gilda had already stepped straight down from the monster's shoulders as if she couldn't wait to release her grip on Arthur's body."You're so noisy. Can't you be calm for a day?!' said Arthur irritably. Not only because Arthur's screams disturb his concentration when climbing up, but Gilda's fairly complex hand grip caused claw scars and minor bruises on his body.Gilda was silent, not responding to Arthur's complaint. Either because she didn't care or was ashamed of her fear of heights appearing at an inopportune moment."Princess, are you ok?" asked Pipi worriedly."I'm ok. Ah, look! The scenery above here is so beautiful, isn't it?" said Gilda turning the corner in embarrassment.It's undeniable that the view of the cave, which is unnamed, was so unique that it made Gilda and Pipi amazed when they first saw it. The clouds enveloped the surroundings of the forest so th
Long long ago ...Such a clear night with scattered stars adorns the sky of the village of Tanee. Hela Valrick, the mother of a beautiful daughter of Gilda Valrick, invited her people to spend the night together. That village field by lighting a bonfire that warmed them amid the cold of the snow that enveloped the surroundings."No, no. You don't have to bring any food. I have prepared enough meat for all of us. My husband brought six wild boars from the game this afternoon. So we're roasting together, ok?!" said Hela."Ah, you've always been like this to us. We don't know how to repay your kindness to Mrs. Valrick. After all, Mr. Emmett seemed tired after hunting. We became increasingly worried about his health," said one of the residents."We're all a family. No need to feel uncomfortable. My husband is such a tough guy that you don't have to worry about him." The smiles emanating from the villagers described the peace at that time. The kids are having fun too. They run around free
20 years later"Are you prepared?""I am, Father.""Then, go. When you're in crisis, leave everything. It's enough to just flee, as long as you're safe."Arthur walked out of his hiding cave towards Tanee Village. With a bunch of vines he used as rope, he didn't need too many hunting tools as his current target was a child."Hey, Arthur! If you managed to get more than one human, share them with me!" yelled Volka from afar, the guardian of Dark Forest covered by the darkness."I won't let you indulge in my rations! Hahaha!" shouted Arthur.Even when humans thought the curse bound the Forest, The Dark Forest had been an excellent place for the Jotuns. The caves they lived in were covered by Forest's thickness and gloominess, day and night.Luckily, it wasn't Winter. The absence of thick snow provided easier hunting for the jotuns and left the village without a trace.Soon as he reached the village border to the Forest, Arthur slowed down. He prepared to quickly slip behind the house he
"M-Mr. Jotun, can I go home? I-I miss my mother," Ramy said hopefully."Can you, you want to go home?" asked Arthur."Ye-yes, sir. Can I go home now?""Yes, I'll let you go now. Let me tell you my way home. Once from here, you will pass through the darkness of the Dark forest alone. Ah, or you need friend to go there? Or put it this way, I'll send my friend to accompany you along the way, Volka!! Come here!! I need your help!" cried Arthur.The pupil of the innocent child's eyes immediately dilated when he heard Volka's word. He immediately stuck the index finger in his mouth and showed it to Arthur."Ssshh... Okay, I get it. I'm not going anywhere. I'm sorry, sir," the boy bowed his head helplessly."Smart boy!" said Arthur with a cynical smile that looked whiny and sly.Who doesn't know Volka? The Dark Forest ranger creature that the villagers of Tanee feared after the Jotun. Volka never showed his form, and he only made a sound that would make humans unable to sleep with just one w
"So, what do you want?!" asked Gus."What do I want? You didn't hear me, did you?! But, I told you, I have good news for you!""I know. If you're like this, there's going to be something you want from me. That's right, isn't it?!"Arthur, who was used to his best friend's coldness, never once felt offended. On the contrary, Gus is a kind and loyal figure to anyone who wants to be friends with him.Want to be friends with him? Yes, not all Dark forest creatures dared approach the grumbling creatures, except Arthur and Volka. Therefore, they are finally now friends."Your remarks have some truth too. I was going to tell you something, but it feels better if you help me first," Arthur reasoned.Hearing this, Gus turned over and walked back to the tree he lived in regardless of Arthur's words."Gus! I haven't finished talking yet! Listen to me first!" shouted Arthur."I don't want to get involved in your stupid actions anymore!" concluded Gus, whose voice echoed from inside the tree."Oh,
SsshhhhFrom the darkness, a long and sizeable legless reptile emerged. The skin was golden brown with a tongue sticking out close to them."Ah, a snake? Who are you, and where are you from?" asked Arthur. He changed the position of his awareness to stand as usual. According to him, this figure is not dangerous."Kaia ..." Her distinctive hissing sound echoed throughout the forest."Alright, Kaia. I'm Arthur, and this is my friend, Gus. Please, don't underestimate him. Otherwise, you'll regret it later," Arthur retorted.Gus trailed off as he stared fiercely at Kaia. Arthur was indeed really serious when he said things about Gus. But, let alone Kaia, Arthur himself didn't dare to mess with the ancient rabbit."No need to linger. What is your purpose for coming here? I don't have much time to argue with you," Gus asked."Shouldn't I be the one who asked? This is my territory. What is the purpose of you guys coming here?" asked Kaia. Her long body squirmed softly around Gus and Arthur.
Gus's remarks sounded very serious. However, it wasn't apparent to Arthur. How not? His best friend seems to know what will happen later, behaving as if he doesn't know anything. Is it true that the wizard in the southern forest is more dangerous than Kaia?"Tsk! She's just a wizard. It can't be more dangerous than a big snake," Arthur scorned with a hint of a chuckle."You don't remember? Who has turned you into an evil creature like this?" Gus replied with a stern look as he continued in his footsteps."Of course I remember. But ....""Never mind, Arthur. If what we are doing is very important to you, then never underestimate every process. Please, just keep those selfishness of yours tight, understand?" snapped Gus.As we know, Gus was forced to help Arthur because he wanted to meet the kind that Arthur had met. Such ancient rabbits were quite tired of living a solitary life. Not because he was dissatisfied with the presence of his two best friends, Arthur and Volka, but because he
The impact of both of Arthur's legs stifled the surface of the 'roof' of the cave. Just as Arthur had stepped foot, Gilda had already stepped straight down from the monster's shoulders as if she couldn't wait to release her grip on Arthur's body."You're so noisy. Can't you be calm for a day?!' said Arthur irritably. Not only because Arthur's screams disturb his concentration when climbing up, but Gilda's fairly complex hand grip caused claw scars and minor bruises on his body.Gilda was silent, not responding to Arthur's complaint. Either because she didn't care or was ashamed of her fear of heights appearing at an inopportune moment."Princess, are you ok?" asked Pipi worriedly."I'm ok. Ah, look! The scenery above here is so beautiful, isn't it?" said Gilda turning the corner in embarrassment.It's undeniable that the view of the cave, which is unnamed, was so unique that it made Gilda and Pipi amazed when they first saw it. The clouds enveloped the surroundings of the forest so th
"Hahaha. That's impossible, Pipi. If Jotuns are kind, why are they kidnapping my citizens for? Don't be easily fooled by the monster, Pipi. I'm sure he has another intention behind this," Gilda explained."Pipi, I don't know that rodents like you like fresh fish to eat. Don't you just like nuts?" asked Gilda to Pipi, who was eating."Since there is no food that I can find around here, I am forced to just eat this fish, Princess. After all, the taste of fresh fish is not too bad for me. It's just that maybe if it is baked like yours, it will be more delicious. From the fragrance alone, Princess's grilled fish is already very appetizing. ""You want to try my grilled fish? This, try it... after all, it's not baked, it's just a normal grill. The fire I made was not too big. You know it was my mother who taught me to make a fire in the midst of an emergency situation like this," Gilda said as she thrust out one fish."Ah, no Princess. I'm already full of my portion just now, Princess. At
Gilda frowned at the voice calling out to her. She initially thought that she was hallucinating. However, soon Pipi appeared to approach her by strolling to sneak up."Pipi? How did you get here?" asked Gilda, surprised. Both eyes were moist because, for almost fifteen minutes, she cried. She stopped crying when she heard the sound of Pipi's exclamation and the stone thrown by the little creature."Relax, Princess. I will tell you everything, but I have to ensure the situation first," Pipi said while watching around. She looked very anxious because she was afraid of something."You mean? Jotun?" asked Gilda.Pipi nodded in agreement. Gilda finally understands Pipi's attitude, which looks anxious just now. Then, Pipi invited her to one corner of the cave as if she was about to show her something. Not long after, they finally arrived at the place Pipi was going."Princess, I apologize for leaving you yesterday. I did that because of reflexes and fear. I really couldn't afford to look in
GrookkGrookkGilda opened both eyes slowly. She won't know where the noise that was so disturbing came from that it woke Gilda up from her conscious nature. The girl rubbed her eyes with her hands because her vision blurred. It tried to look around where it was lying at the moment."Aahh... where am I?"Gilda complained of pain and then held her head while watching around. At first glance, the place looks damp, with minimal lighting, and the air is cold. Grokkthe voice sounded once again. It was difficult for Gilda to figure out because her body still felt weak and sore in some parts, especially the hip area. Slowly, Gilda tried to brace herself to walk over to find out what had happened."He-hello?" she said softly.After almost a few minutes of waiting, it turned out that no one answered her remarks. She walked back down the place even with a limping step. Nearly ten steps walked, and suddenly her actions stopped because of hitting something. Something felt dense but didn't cause
After a day of searching, Rudolf's efforts to find the child was useless. Arthur disappeared as if being swallowed by the earth is true. Even more surprisingly, none of the traces he encountered of Arthur's departure."I don't know what I'm feeling right now. But, if you have to be honest, two things feel chest-stifling when you see this incident. First, I didn't expect that Arthur would do this kind of thing. Secondly, the strangeness of Arthur's attitude was already felt when I saw him at the table for a meal together last night. So then, why don't I talk to him at least I'll know what happened to him?!"Regret after regret came in Rudolf. From all his thoughts, one more thing makes him very sorry. He doesn't know his son's feelings until he is desperate to do something like this. Some members of the Jotuns gave their elders support and encouragement for the loss of their son. Volka and Gus are no exception. They are also confused as to why this could happen as if this were just a l
Gustav, Apsel's neighbor, left Apsel silent for a moment. He didn't even know what he had been doing to his master based on Gustav's words. Then, finally, he insisted that he didn't feel that way and left his neighbor without an answer."Apsel! Apsel! Where are you going, you?! I haven't finished talking to you yet!" Gustav exclaimed as he watched Apsel pass by.Again, Gustav's question was ignored by Apsel. Let alone answer, turning to her was reluctant. It turns out that, in addition to Emmett, the villagers of Tanee have also behaved strangely recently.Some residents who have left Tanee village don't know where they are. With prayers and hope, they walked the hill against the cold air to find a safer place to live."Dad, where are we going?" asked one of a child to his father."I don't know, kid. But, I'll make sure we find a place to live as soon as possible."The boy smiled innocently when he heard his father's answer. He does not doubt that the father has promised from the hear
"Sir, didn't you order me to accompany Princess Gilda? My wife couldn't bear to watch her walk alone into the woods."Apsel came over to Emmett by order. Previously, while Gilda was still in the village, Emmett ordered him to accompany Gilda to find Ramy in the Dark forest. But for some reason, after Gilda walked, Emmet gave another order instead. That is, staying quiet in the village of Tanee and not going anywhere. At first, Apsel felt confused by the Master's painting attitude. But, finally, he couldn't do anything about it and could only obey his happiness."Are you stupid or what? I told you, don't go anywhere and stay here until I give you new orders!""O-Ok, Sir. B-but... Princess Gilda....""Don't too much thinking about my daughter, who is none of your business! You got it?! After all, when did your wife dare to interfere in your work affairs, Apsel?!"Apsel just silently nodded according to the Master's orders. He couldn't do much because, at this time, Emmett seemed to be f
"What is your plan, Gilda?" asked Emmett to his daughter."I'm going to try to find Ramy. His mother did not want to eat because she thought about the poor boy. She just lost her husband and now has to lose her child," Gilda said, packing her hunting bag."It's useless for you to go. The boy must have been eaten as a dinner menu by the Jotuns," Emmett replied with a sly smile."Father! Why are you talking like that?! The villagers of this drape hope on us?!" concluded Gilda in a high tone.Hearing his daughter's emotional words, the older adult stood up and approached the child with both hands on his waist."Then, do you think the boy is still alive? Gilda, Gilda...." Emmett chuckled and continued his sentence,"You don't remember what happened to your mother? Oh! Do you want to come and live with her in heaven?!"Gilda could only be speechless without a word hearing her father's words. With tears now beginning to shed, she felt intense sorrow when she remembered his mother, who had b
Gus's remarks sounded very serious. However, it wasn't apparent to Arthur. How not? His best friend seems to know what will happen later, behaving as if he doesn't know anything. Is it true that the wizard in the southern forest is more dangerous than Kaia?"Tsk! She's just a wizard. It can't be more dangerous than a big snake," Arthur scorned with a hint of a chuckle."You don't remember? Who has turned you into an evil creature like this?" Gus replied with a stern look as he continued in his footsteps."Of course I remember. But ....""Never mind, Arthur. If what we are doing is very important to you, then never underestimate every process. Please, just keep those selfishness of yours tight, understand?" snapped Gus.As we know, Gus was forced to help Arthur because he wanted to meet the kind that Arthur had met. Such ancient rabbits were quite tired of living a solitary life. Not because he was dissatisfied with the presence of his two best friends, Arthur and Volka, but because he