Encounters of the Stone Kind

A great hand of jagged rock reached down and plucked the stone from beneath Robin’s feet. Not wishing to be the next meal of this otherwise friendly creature, he leapt from the stone as it was lifted into the air, landing somewhat roughshod on the loamy moss-covered ground.

     ‘Exquisite stones in this region, utterly exquisite,’ said the creature, whose booming voice shook the ground beneath their feet.

     Robin nodded in return, watching as the regular looking stone was crushed by the giant’s great marble teeth. ‘I’m sorry to interrupt your meal, but is this the way to the town of Obsidian?’

     ‘Hmmm?’ Through chomps and bites the stone giant mumbled. A grating sound filled the air as it swallowed the well ground rock, and its crackled stone covered eyes peered down to the ground in front of his great stomach. ‘Oh! A human. I didn’t see you there.’ A rapturous laugh followed, shaking the trees and sending stones hurtling down the nearby hills. ‘What is it that you want, little thing? You know you are smaller than I’d heard. And you look so… fragile.’ The giant poked towards Robin, with a cracked stone finger. Its nail was sharp, pointed, and looked as though it might pierce through his leather jerkin and straight into his skin.

     Robin stepped back a touch, avoiding the giant’s incoming finger.

     ‘Sorry, sorry. I’m sure I’m quite imposing for one so small.’ It curled its finger back into its fist and drew it back to its side.

     ‘Not to worry! I know you mean no harm; you giants are a friendly folk by all means I’ve heard.’ Robin wanted it to be true, knowing that if it desired, the giant could crush him in seconds flat. ‘I wanted to know if this was the way to the town of Obsidian, where the Obsidian dwarves live. I’ve been travelling for some time now and wouldn’t want to be heading in the wrong direction.’

     ‘Yes yes, those little mining things live someway away over in that direction,’ it swung its great arm behind itself, knocking a tree from its roots as if moving an overgrown weed. ‘Always wanting to get a piece of me and my kin. Catch a few of the more adventurous ones crawling all over me when I sleep on the nearby hills, trying to pry a gem or two from my skin. Can’t see why they want them, they’re more bothersome than anything. Hard, sharp, and painful. In all honesty I tend to keep me eyes shut and let ‘em do their work, as long as they don’t accidentally put a pick through my back.’

     ‘It’s good to know I’m still headed in the right direction,’ Robin stepped to one side of the giant’s body, hoping soon to get past and be on his way. Though not wanting to be rude, he continued the conversation, ‘Where are you headed this evening?’

     ‘Oh, no where in particular. Just out for a stroll, looking for a nice snack. I think I’ve spotted one right over there, by that great spine tree.’

     Robin followed the giant’s gaze, and saw the tree as mentioned poking its head above the canopy of the forest. ‘In that case, I’ll let you get back to your walk. Thank you for your help.’ He tipped his cap at the giant, who seemed to take no notice to the gesture.

     ‘You’re welcome, human. I hope you get to the town of Obsidian in good health, the forests are quite the inhospitable place, for one as small and squishy as you.’ The giant lumbered on, pressing the earth down with each step and crumbling rocks and stones underfoot. Trees parted like ferns on a trail as it went, deeper and deeper into the woods.

     Robin was contented to have been given at least some assistance on his rather lonely journey thus far, and went forward, stepping in the giant’s wake through well-trodden and clear ground.

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Inspired by the 'Neverending Story' that was on this morning on the BBC. First time watching it in full, beginning to end. It was a treat!

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