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adelko55 · 1 year ago

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Bucket List Travel: The Top 50 Places In The World

According to a new survey, Bali is the top bucket list destination in the world.Getty

The website surveyed its 1.5 million-strong social audience in order to determine the best bucket list places around the world. According to Sarah Clayton-Lea, head of content with Big 7 Travel, this is the first time the site has assembled this list. "Bucket list travel was a trend that popped up again and again in previous surveys when asking our readers what sort of travel content they most enjoyed consuming," says Clayton-Lea. "So, our curiosity got the better of us and we wanted to know which destinations people are dreaming of for 2019/2020."

READ MORE: "Why You Should Skip Iceland And Go To These 9 Under-the-Radar Places"

The results of the world’s top 50 bucket list destinations include some of the most beautiful places on earth. "White sandy beaches are still a must-visit for many, with vibrant cities also making an appearance on a lot of people’s bucket lists," says Clayton-Lea. Countries with naturally beautiful scenery and world-famous landmarks came out on top: 22% of the destinations on the list have white sandy beaches, while 52% are iconic cities.

The famously colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa.Getty

In the study, Big 7 Travel found that people were also more likely to add a destination to their list if they had seen it on social media, and 33% of people research vacation destinations on their Instagram feed. "With over one-third of our readers saying they look to Instagram for travel inspiration, it makes sense that cities with colorful neighborhoods (such as Cape Town’s Bo Kaap) made the cut," says Clayton-Lea.

Bali topped the list of the 50 most popular bucket list destination on earth, but there were also some unexpected picks. "The top 10 list has a lot of the expected dream destinations, but there are a few surprises on the list: Paro Valley in Bhutan, for example, or Virunga National Park in the Congo," says Clayton-Lea. "I think this shows a great appetite for a need to get off the grid and can only assume that social media (and Netflix, in the case of Virunga!) is responsible for spreading the word of these amazing places."

An interesting factoid uncovered in the study: Most people have an average bucket list of just 11 places, with the hope of visiting seven of those locations during their lifetime. Read on for the top 50 bucket list destinations in the world and what Big 7 Travel had to say about each one.

Overlooking the jungle on one of Bali's highly Instagrammed swings.Getty

1. Bali, Indonesia: "You’ll find beaches, volcanoes, Komodo dragons and jungles sheltering elephants, orangutans and tigers. Basically, it’s paradise. It’s likely you’ve seen an image of Bali on social media at least once in the past seven days, as it’s such a popular bucket list destination for 2019."

2. New Orleans: "The lively city known for its street music, festive vibe and a melting pot of French, African and American cultures is well worth the trip. NOLA is a city packed with adventures at every turn and should be on everyone’s must-visit list."

3. Kerry, Ireland:" All the way west in Ireland is one of the country’s most scenic counties. Kerry’s mountains, lakes and coasts are postcard-perfect, and that’s before you add in Killarney National Park. The unique small towns such as Dingle add to its charm."

El Badi Palace in the Marrakesh medina.Getty

4. Marrakesh, Morocco: "This ancient walled city is home to mosques, palaces and lush gardens. It’s known as The Red City thanks to the color of the brick walls surrounding the city. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre."

5. Sydney: "Sydney is known around the world as one of the greatest and most iconic cities on the planet. Amazing things to do aren’t hard to find; the city has gorgeous beaches, great cafes and world-class entertainment on offer wherever you look."

6. The Maldives: "This tropical nation in the Indian Ocean is made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotel resorts, with white sandy beaches, underwater villas and restaurants and bright blue waters."

7. Paris, France: "One of the most iconic cities in the world, Paris tops many people’s bucket lists. You’ll see so many famous landmarks here: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame cathedral—the list is never-ending."

8. Cape Town, South Africa: "Cape Town is a dream location to visit: endless natural beauty and clifftop views, pastel pink neighborhoods and turquoise waters."

9. Dubai, U.A.E.: "The high-flying city of the U.A.E, Dubai is one of the most glamorous destinations you’ll ever visit, and is particularly popular with Big 7 Travel readers."

Sunset In Bora Bora, French Polynesia.Getty

10. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: "Bora Bora is Tahiti's most famous island. How do overwater bungalows and underwater adventures sound to you? To us, it’s everything we could want from a bucket list destination."

11. New York: "New York is one of America’s most exciting states. With charming upstate scenery, world-class cuisine and culture and more things to do than you could fit in one lifetime. The city’s five boroughs all have special features; it’s almost impossible to narrow it down"

12. Dubrovnik, Croatia: "As George Bernard Shaw once said, 'Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.' With its winding streets, cliffside beach bars and UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, it’s no wonder Dubrovnik is such a popular spot."

Carlton hill in Edinburgh, Scotland.Getty

13. Edinburgh, Scotland: "With the historic Edinburgh castle looming over the city, culture in spades and wonderfully friendly locals, this is one of the world’s greatest city breaks."

14. Rome, Italy: "Whether it’s your first time in Rome or your 50th, the best thing about this city is that you’ll always discover something new each time you stroll the scenic streets."

15. Paro Valley, Bhutan: Paro Valley is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes. Tucked between China and India, Bhutan is a mysterious country that prides itself on sustainable tourism. You’ll find Paro Taktsang here, a Himalayan Buddhist sacred site."

At the Jal Mahal Palace at sunset in Jaipur, India.Getty

16. Jaipur, India: "Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’ for its pale terracotta buildings. This was originally done to impress the visiting Prince Albert during his 1876 tour of India by order of the Maharaja (Sawai Ram Singh). Even today, it’s illegal to paint buildings any other color."

17. Waikato, New Zealand: "Waikato, a region in New Zealand’s North Island, is home to massive underground caves, lush rainforest and the buzzy city of Hamilton. But the area’s main attraction? A Middle-earth adventure on the film set of Lord of the Rings. Hobbiton Movie Set still has the original Hobbit holes from the making of the films."

18. Havana, Cuba: "Cuba’s capital is almost 500 years old and a riot of color. Brightly painted buildings and vintage cars make Havana a photogenic dream."

A view of Tokyo Skytree and the city skyline from the Tobu Levant Hotel.Photo courtesy of Jonathan Bloom

19. Tokyo, Japan: "Visiting Tokyo is like visiting the future—flashing neon lights, incredible technology—yet there’s still a rich sense of culture and history."

20. Antarctica: "Earth’s southernmost continent, Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Nowhere else can compare with the extreme remoteness of this snowy place. It’s not an easy trip to make, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the white wilderness, icy sea kayaking and whale sightings."

21. Vancouver, Canada: "Vancouver is surrounded by water yet close to the mountains and has world-class art, restaurants and heaps of other attractions to keep you entertained."

22. Los Angeles: "In a city with year-round sunshine, glam bars, beaches and hikes, there are endless incredible experiences to enjoy in Los Angeles. It’s no wonder there are almost 5O million ‘LA’ hashtags on Insta."

In Kruger National Park, South Africa.Getty

23. Kruger National Park, South Africa: "The Kruger National Park is a vast space in northeastern South Africa that is home to a huge array of wildlife. The park has safari experiences of all kinds, allowing you the opportunity to escape busy city living and get back to nature."

24. Santorini, Greece: "Santorini is actually a group of islands; Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni. Beaches with volcanic black or red sand and clear blue waters make this an ideal holiday spot. With its famous Santorini sunsets, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular bucket list destinations."

25. Moscow, Russia: "Russia’s cosmopolitan capital, Moscow is a beautiful destination to visit in any season. Colorful domes and bell chimes ring out from over 600 churches in the city, and the sense of history is immense. Culture lovers will be impressed with the museums and ballet."

26. Singapore: "Singapore is a small island city-state off southern Malaysia which punches way above its weight on a global level. It’s a modern city with colorful buildings, futuristic bridges and a cloud forest."

London's Westminster Bridge.Getty

27. London, England: "Pretty pink restaurants, futuristic space-age toilets and jungle skyline views are just some of our favorite things about London. And of course, all the classics: Big Ben, red phone boxes and world-class museums and galleries."

28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: "Rio de Janeiro has always been one of the most iconic cities in the world with instantly recognizable landscapes and landmarks."

29. Petra, Jordan: "The ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan is surrounded by beautiful red rocks and steep gorges. The world wonder is without a doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction."

30. Hong Kong: "Famous for its skylines and vibrant food scene, what most people don’t know is that 70% of Hong Kong is mountains and lush parks. Colorful playgrounds and sci-fi apartment blocks give HK an enviable edge."

Beach and sea waves shot from above in Barbados.Getty

31. Barbados: "Barbados is one of those magical holiday destinations that everybody dreams about visiting. Who wouldn’t put this on their bucket list? Nestled in the south of the Caribbean, it offers stunning beauty and wonderful local culture and is the perfect place to unwind."

32. Amsterdam: "Forget about cliched images of smoke shops and gaudy red lights. From floating flower markets to bohemian neighborhoods, this city has it all."

33. Santiago, Chile: "Santiago is a cosmopolitan city with the very best of Chilean culture; art galleries, design shops and handicraft markets, as well as lively Latino nightlife. You’ll stroll through historic neighborhoods with pretty winding streets and charming bars and cafes."

34. Cairo, Egypt: "Cairo is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Sitting on the Nile river with wonderful museums, vibrant culture and friendly locals, it makes for a great holiday."

Biking in Copenhagen.Getty

35. Copenhagen, Denmark: "Copenhagen’s rustic fishing ports, modern graffiti and winding red brick streets are just some of what makes it such a beautiful bucket list destination. It oozes Scandi cool from every corner, with top-notch food, stylish design and an always hip atmosphere."

36. Seoul, Korea: "Seoul is a vibrant metropolis where old-meets-new, with pop culture (K-Pop!) alongside Buddhist temples.

37. Laucala Island Resort, Fiji: "Laucala Island Resort is a private island in Fiji, in absolute paradise. It is one of three small islands off the northeast coast of Taveuni in Fiji. There are coconut trees, a sustainable farm and miles of beach, as well as coral reefs, postcard-perfect beaches and lush rainforest."

38. Providencia, Colombia: "The Colombian island of Providencia is the perfect combination of South America and the Caribbean. It’s best known for Crab Cay: an unspoiled little island where all there is to do is snorkel and lie on the beach."

Photographing Machu Picchu, Peru.Getty

39. Machu Picchu, Peru: "The best way to get here? Arrive at Machu Picchu in style on the 360° Train that will bring you through the Peruvian countryside to the lost city. The wide, panoramic windows are perfect for soaking up the view, plus they serve Pisco Sours on board."

40. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo: "Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet and home to the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. It’s full of lush rainforest and has received even more attention since the documentary Virunga."

41. Lisbon, Portugal: "Lisbon, the hilly capital of Portugal, is postcard-perfect with its cobbled streets, pristine waters and local Atlantic beaches."

42. Hanoi, Vietnam: "Hanoi—the capital of Vietnam—is known for its rich history, busy street life and centuries of French, Asian and Chinese influences all blended into one bustling city. It’s a wonderful base from which to explore the North of Vietnam, including Halong Bay and Sapa, while also enjoying the comforts of a modern vibrant city."

A view of Honolulu's Magic Island And Waikiki Beach.Getty

43. Hawaii: "From the hustle and bustle of Oahu to the romance of Maui and off-the-beaten-path adventures on Lanai and Molokai. The Hawaiian Islands are pure paradise. Explore colorful canyons and waterfalls and eat your body weight in fresh poke."

44. Ibiza, Spain: "While you’ll have your fair share of techno club experiences, Ibiza is also one of the most beautiful Spanish islands, with a pretty Old Town and scenic beaches. Spend the day on the beach and the nights in legendary clubs."

45. Beijing, China: "Beijing is China’s political, economic, and cultural center, with six Unesco World Heritage Sites in this city alone. Discover Forbidden City, street food dishes of Peking duck and of course, the Great Wall of China."

46. Budapest, Hungary: "The capital city of Hungary, Budapest is a fairytale city in Eastern Europe. The city itself is separated by the 19th-century Chain Bridge that connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest—hence the name Budapest."

Photographing Vernazza in Cinque Terre.Getty

47. Cinque Terre, Italy: "Is there anything prettier than this area of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline? The five towns (Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare) are made for bucket lists."

48. Buenos Aires, Argentina: "Bookstores set in palatial theatres, tango dancing in the streets and brightly painted neighborhoods. These are just some of what makes Buenos Aires so beautiful."

49. Las Vegas: "With the bright lights, party atmosphere and endless things to see and do, it’s no wonder that Las Vegas has become a glittering global tourism destination. Take a chance in the casinos until the early hours or see world-class entertainment."

50: Matterhorn, Switzerland: "The Matterhorn is one of the world’s most iconic peaks—the pyramid-shaped mountain, which is very difficult to climb, is said to be the most-photographed mountain in the world."

READ MORE:• "Ranked: The 20 Most Dangerous Places to Live"• "Bucket List Travel: The Top 50 Places In The World"• "Why You Should Skip Iceland And Go To These 9 Under-the-Radar Places"• "23 Surprising Things That Will Get You In Trouble In Italy"

• "Bucket List Travel: Top 10 Places In The World And Top 29 In The U.S."

#ADELKO55 #HAGSHEY999 #classic car #nature #motorcycle #cars #fast cars #TRAVLES

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tinycoded360 · 7 months ago

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Lilliputian Adventure Chapter 2: The Sun Shall Shine Again.

Mavri retched as her lungs expelled the last of the water. Her chest burned, ribs grinding as she rolled onto her side. Strong hands gripped her shoulders, steadying her as she gagged and gasped for air.

Gasping for air, she turned her head, squinting through the haze of pain, and saw Fildor, her loyal second-in-command, hovering over her with concern etched into his rugged features.

"Easy, Captain," Fildor said, his voice firm but layered with relief. "You're back with us."

As the pounding in her skull subsided to a dull roar, Mavri gathered her bearings. They were still within the confines of an immense glass prison – their giant bottle refuge now beached on unfamiliar shores. The scale was mind-boggling; they were mere insects in comparison. With Fildor's steady support, she managed to sit upright, wincing as she surveyed their damp enclosure, thankful that only a shallow pool of water remained at the bottom.

Her gaze landed on Silvo, methodically performing chest compressions on Linric's unconscious form. The cook glanced up, meeting her eyes for only a moment before redoubling her efforts. Telwin stood at her side, wringing his hands and chewing his lower lip. He was the youngest of their company, only twenty years old. He looked even paler than usual, eyes flickering between Silvo and the sloshing seawater that filled the bottom of their prison.

As Linric sputtered back to consciousness, Silvo heaved a sigh of relief, her brow glistening with sweat. "That's right, you ungrateful barnacle. You're not leaving my kitchen duties just yet," she joked, though her laugh tinged with their situation's darkness.

"Always the charmer, Silvo," Linric croaked, offering a weak grin.

"Someone has to keep spirits up," she retorted, helping him to sit up.

Mavri's knees buckled as she attempted to rise, the acrid taste of brine and defeat lingering on her tongue. Fildor's calloused hands were there, steadying her, lifting her to a stand. A choked sob clawed its way up her throat as memories flooded back—Hilgar's grotesque maw, the screams of her crew, the despairing plunge into watery darkness. She shoved the images aside with a ragged breath.

"Easy, Captain," Fildor murmured, his grip firm yet gentle around her waist.

"Thank you, Fildor," Mavri managed. "I think...you might've cracked my ribs with that robust resuscitation."

"Better a few cracked ribs than a drowned captain," he replied, the hint of a smile not quite reaching his eyes.

Fildor wasted no time, his voice cutting through the stifling heat that bore down on them. "We need to get out before we roast alive in this glass trap." He surveyed their transparent prison, calculating the best way to escape their current hell.

"Agreed. Let's move," Mavri said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

They approached the sloped side of the bottle, where the neck arched towards freedom.

Fildor followed her gaze, brow furrowing. "I'll go first and help pull the rest of you up. The glass will be slippery, so take it slow."

"I can manage on my own," Mavri began but fell silent at the look on his face. There was no point arguing when her injuries would only slow them down further. She nodded in resignation.

Telwin boosted Fildor up. He peered back down, arms extended. "Send Linric up first, then the captain. I'll get you both to the top."

"Your turn," Silvo said, wiping her brow. She laced her fingers together, creating a step for Mavri's boot.

"Right. Let's get out of this cursed bottle," Mavri agreed, her voice laced with grim determination.

"Almost there," Fildor encouraged as they crawled through the bottleneck.

One by one, they emerged onto the sun-baked sand, Fildor leading the way. His large form dropped from the bottle's lip, landing with a soft thud before turning to catch each member. Mavri landed in his arms with a pained grunt, followed by Linric, who still leaned heavily on Silvo.

"Good work, team," Mavri praised, trying to muster the strength she didn't feel.

"Any idea where we might be?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, each word punctuated by an ache in her chest.

"Can't say for certain, Captain," Fildor replied, his eyes scanning the horizon. "But we're alive, and that's a start."

Silvo trudged alongside them, her own gait burdened by Linric's weight leaning on her. She cast a wary glance over her shoulder. "Let's focus on finding shelter and something to fill our bellies. We can unravel this mystery after."

"Solid ground that might be crawling with more giants," Mavri muttered, her gaze lingering on the vast expanse around them.

"Giants or no, we need shelter...and food," Fildor said firmly. "We can't make plans on empty stomachs and with the sun scorching our backs."

Telwin took up the rear as they traveled, gripping a small stick he'd found like a sword.

They rounded a dune, and a strange sight met their eyes—an overturned soda can loomed like a fallen monument.

"Giants..." Linric's voice trembled.

"Easy there," Silvo soothed, though her own eyes betrayed a flicker of fear. "These aren't Hilgar-sized footprints. These giants are smaller."

"Small comfort, that is," Mavri said, the memory of Hilgar's monstrous form causing her heart to race—a giant that towered over giants. She glanced up at the can, imagining the beings that would drink from such a vessel. To them, her crew would be mere mice.

"Think about it," Fildor continued, trying to rally their spirits. "If they're smaller, maybe they're less cruel, too. Maybe they won’t see us as toys or food."

"Should've stayed home," Linric murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "I never signed up to dodge feet or be eaten by monsters."

"None of us did, lad," Fildor said softly, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "But we're here now, and we'll survive."

They continued their march, looking for shelter and food.

The relentless sun scorched the back of their necks as they trekked through the endless grains of sand. The towering wooden stairs loomed before them like a mountain range.

"Looks like our path to civilization," Fildor grunted, squinting at the daunting ascent.

Before anyone could respond, a sharp squawk pierced the air. They all spun toward the sound, hearts hammering in their chests. A giant seagull descended upon them with predatory grace. Its beady eyes glinted with hunger as it landed, hopping closer with an interest that chilled their blood.

"Back away slowly," Mavri ordered voice barely above a whisper.

But Telwin was already moving. He grabbed a jagged glass shard from the sand, brandishing it defiantly. "Come on, you winged beast!" he shouted, swinging with futile bravery.

"Telwin, no!" Mavri reached out, but her body betrayed her with pain.

Fildor didn't hesitate; with an arm that had braved storms and waged battles, he swept Mavri into his hold, retreating hastily toward the staircase's shadow. Silvo grabbed Linric, urging him along, his body limp with terror.

"Run!" Fildor bellowed to Telwin, setting Mavri beneath the wooden colossus.

But fate was cruel, and as Telwin pivoted to flee, his foot caught in the sand. He stumbled, and the bird seized its chance. With a triumphant shriek, it scooped up the boy in its beak and took flight, disappearing into the vast sky.

"Telwin!" Mavri's scream was swallowed by the wind.

"Telwin…" Linric whispered, his voice breaking. Silvo wrapped her arm around him, cursing under her breath, her own eyes brimming with tears.

"He gave us a chance," Mavri choked out, forcing herself to stand despite the pain in her ribs. "He sacrificed himself… for us."

"We owe it to him," Fildor said, voice thick with emotion, "to keep going."

"Can't let it be for nothing," Silvo added, swiping at her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Lead the way, Captain," Fildor replied, offering her his arm for support.

"Forward," Mavri said, her resolve steeling. "No looking back.

*****

Shadows lengthened between the giant beach houses as Captain Mavri and her remaining crew found respite behind a fortress of discarded trash.

As the sky above darkened, a low rumble rolled over them. Mavri's eyes shot upward, watching as the first heavy drops of rain splattered against the ground.

"Rain," she sighed, a hint of dread in her voice.

"Inside the bin?" Fildor suggested, eyeing the small opening where the lid didn't quite close.

"Too risky. If it's empty ..." Mavri let the thought hang, unfinished but understood.

"Right," he acknowledged, his lips pressed into a thin line.

The droplets grew more frequent, impacting the group like tiny explosions. The Lilliputians scrambled, searching desperately for cover to shield them from the watery onslaught.

The deluge was relentless, each drop a hammer upon the tiny forms of Captain Mavri and her crew as they scrambled across the giant sidewalk. Rivulets merged into rivers around them, and Mavri struggled to keep her footing on the slick concrete. The storm drain loomed ahead, a gaping maw ready to swallow any who strayed too close.

"Watch the edge!" Silvo called out, barely audible over the cacophony of the rain.

"Keep together!" Fildor added, his voice strained with effort as he steadied Linric.

Mavri's heart pounded against her chest, her breaths short and sharp. Despite the pain from her broken ribs, she pushed forward, driven by pure instinct to survive. But her legs were failing, her vision blurring with the onslaught of water. Suddenly, she slipped and tumbled into the torrent, sweeping towards the storm drain.

"MAVRI!" Fildor's shout was distant; terror etched into the single word.

She flailed helplessly, the current dragging her along with merciless speed. The storm drain neared, its dark promise of oblivion sending a spike of fear through her already adrenaline-charged body.

But then, something changed. A shadow fell across her path, and a force plunged into the water beside her. Mavri collided with a solid wall that seemed to envelop her, halting her perilous slide toward certain death. Confusion and panic warred within her as she felt herself being lifted up, away from the churning waters below.

"Wha—?" Her voice was a strangled gasp, her lungs expelling the water she'd inhaled.

The wall moved, conforming to her shape, and suddenly, she realized it wasn't a wall at all—it was a hand—a giant hand. She was lying on her back in its palm, sheltered from the rain by an immense umbrella held high above.

"By the sea," she whispered, her blue eyes wide with shock, staring up at the colossal figure that cradled her. A giantess peered down at her with a look of concern. Fear clawed at her insides, images of Hilgar's monstrous cruelty flashing before her eyes.

"Please, no more..." Mavri's plea broke off into a sob.

The giantess's gaze softened, and though Mavri braced for malice or mockery, none came.

Struggling against the fatigue that threatened to pull her under once more, Captain Mavri attempted to rise. Her limbs betrayed her, and she crumpled like a marionette with severed strings. Beneath her, the terrain of living flesh shifted as gentle fingers repositioned her with care. They curled around her small form, lifting her into a seated position. Large and warm thumb rested lightly on her lap, steadying her.

"Are you alright?" The giantess's voice boomed softly, tinged with unmistakable concern.

Mavri blinked in surprise, her suspicion warring with the unexpected kindness in the giant's tone. "I'm..." She couldn't finish; trust didn't come easily, not after Hilgar.

As resolve steeled her spine, Mavri opened her mouth to unleash a biting retort that might buy her crew the precious seconds they needed to vanish. But the words died on her lips as movement from above caught her eye. Her breath hitched, her heart stuttering in her chest.

From the sheltered valley of the giantess's cleavage, a familiar face emerged, framed by a mischievous grin. Telwin waved at her with the casual air of one greeting a comrade across the deck of a ship, not from the bosom of a behemoth. It was such an absurd sight that Mavri almost forgot to breathe.

"Telwin!" she gasped, incredulity lacing her voice.

"Alive and kicking!" he chirped, looking rather pleased with himself.

"How... how did you even survive….how?!" Mavri sputtered, unable to mask the relief flooding through her.

"Long story," Telwin replied, sheepish but with an underlying twinkle in his eyes. His hand patted the skin beneath him, drawing a muffled scold from the giantess as she chided him, "Hey, watch it."

"Sorry, miss," Telwin shot back, though his grin suggested he was anything but. "I'm just trying to make the best of the situation here, considering the... uh, accommodations."

The giantess's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of red coloring her cheeks as she looked down at her tiny guests.

"I got us help, Captain," Telwin continued, still nestled securely within the warm confines of the giantess's attire. "She's on our side."

"Is she now?" Mavri muttered, skepticism lacing her tone.

"I want to help," the giantess interjected softly.

"Help..." Mavri echoed, the word feeling foreign on her lips. Her eyes darted between Telwin's impish smile and the earnest concern etched across the giantess's features.

"My name is Tori," the giantess said, her voice gentle. She carefully adjusted Mavri in her hand, fingers curling protectively but not oppressively around the diminutive captain.

Tori slowly bent down to place Mavri close to her other shipmates. The giant umbrella shielded them from the rain.

Fildor stepped forward and caught Mavri as she stumbled upon being set down, his hands firm and steady.

Silvo, with Linric slung over her shoulder in a fireman’s carry, let out a snort that mingled with the pitter-patter of the rain. “Looks like Telwin’s found himself the best seat in the house,” she quipped, eyeing where the young man was tucked away.

Tori's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink, her eyes darting away from the scrutiny. "He, uh, insisted on helping—said it was important to see where we were going." Her voice stumbled over the words, the fluster evident.

"Can't blame a fella for wanting a good view," Silvo chuckled, drawing a reluctant grin from Fildor.

"Enough," Mavri interjected, her tone sharp though softer than usual. She peered up at Tori, her blue eyes still flashing with distrust. "You can put Telwin down now. We'll be on our way."

Tori's expression turned to one of alarm. "What? No! You almost drowned; I can't let you out in this rain. Come back to my place—it's close."

Mavri bristled at the thought of more dependence, her jaw set firm. Before she could reject the offer, Fildor's warm hand found her shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze. His dark eyes met hers, silently pleading.

"Captain," he said quietly, "we won't last out here. Not like this."

The rain hammered down around them. Mavri drew a breath, the weight of command heavy on her shoulders. With reluctance etched into her features, she yielded.

"We accept your help," she declared, then took a deep breath before continuing. "I am Captain Mavri. This is Fildor, Silvo, and the unconscious one is Linric."

Tori's smile returned, warmer this time, as she nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for trusting me. I'll get you somewhere safe."

Tori extended her palm toward them. Fildor led the climb, his feet sinking slightly into the flesh with each step. Mavri followed.

"Easy, does it," Fildor murmured, reaching back to assist Mavri, whose ribs protested every movement. Once atop the palm, they steadied themselves against the towering fingers, gripping them like tree trunks for support.

"Feels like we're standing on a living landscape," Silvor remarked, half in awe, half in jest, as she helped Linric onto the hand.

Tori watched, fascinated by the tiny people settling on her palm. She could feel the minute pressures of their hands, a sensation so delicate it tickled, invoking an urge to protect them.

With deliberate care, Tori began to walk, her steps measured to ensure the smoothest transit possible. She cradled them close to her body, underneath the protection of her chest where Telwin still nestled, arms defiantly crossed atop the v-neck fabric of her shirt. His feet occasionally brushed against her sternum, sending ripples through her senses.

"Enjoying the view, are we?" Silvor teased, glancing upward.

"Can't complain," Telwin smirked, the smugness clear even in his miniature stature.

"Show some respect," Silvor shot back playfully. "Our savior here could've easily stuffed you in her pocket."

"Ah, but charm goes a long way," Telwin retorted, winking down at her.

"Charm, huh?" Silvor chuckled. "Seems more like you've charmed your way into a cozy spot, Telwin."

"Cozy is one word for it," Telwin quipped, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Strategic is another."

"Strategic? Really now?" Silvor raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with amusement.

"Of course," he replied with a grin. "It's all about perspective, Silvor. From here, I can see everything clearly."

"Everything?" Silvor teased, her smirk audible. "Got yourself a front-row seat, I see."

"Front row, center stage," Telwin confirmed, unabashed.

"If I were our kind savior here, I'd reconsider your lodgings—maybe somewhere less scenic."

Tori's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of rose as the teasing banter continued, the soft voices tickling her senses. She focused on keeping her steps smooth.

From the safety of Tori's palm, Fildor leaned in close to Mavri, his voice a low rumble that only she could hear. "This giantess... she's nothing like that monster Hilgar."

Mavri's gaze flickered up to Tori's face, searching for any hint of deception. "She might be kind now, but giants are unpredictable."

"Perhaps," Fildor acknowledged, watching her eyes soften slightly at the concern in his voice. "But you see it too, don't you? She doesn't have the look of a predator. She's... a pushover."

"Is that supposed to reassure me?" Mavri asked.

"Maybe not, but it's something." Fildor cracked a small smile. "Plus, I think Telwin's found his favorite spot. Cozy, isn't it?"

"Cozy?" Mavri echoed, arching an eyebrow before letting out a reluctant chuckle. "If you say so."

"Face it, Captain," Fildor teased gently, nudging her arm with his elbow. "Our boy's living the dream between two massive..." He trailed off, leaving the last word hanging playfully in the air.

"Finish that sentence, and I’ll punch you," Mavri threatened half-heartedly, a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.

Mavri whispered back, her throat tight with unvoiced fears. "But I can't shake the memory of those other eyes... cold and cruel."

"Almost there," Tori called down to them, her voice warm despite the chill of the rain. "Just a bit further to my place."

"Thank you," Fildor responded, offering a small nod of gratitude.

"Thank you," Mavri echoed, though her words were steeped in reluctance.

Chapter 3

#g/t writing #giant/tiny #giant tiny writing #gentle giant #giant bird #gulliver travles #lilliput #good giantess #life is hard when you're like two inches tall #some good things came their way #g/t #giant tiny

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