Gulliver was finally alone with the Lilliputian maiden. Though she was still a bit terrified of him, it was her job as an imperial hostess to make all visitors of the island feel welcome, no matter their size. She stared up at him, so impossibly tall. He stared down at her all flaxen hair, dimples, and stunning figure and asked, "May I pick you up, Tabitha?"
She nodded and even though Gulliver was gentle in picking her up, her stomach still felt like it was journeying to her toes. He set her down on his broad right shoulder. This close, Tabitha thought him quite handsome. As far as the giant was concerned, he had never seen a lovelier countenance, no matter the scale of the female.
As instructed by royal edict, Gulliver carefully made his way through the national park on the western end of the island. Even though there were no tiny houses or barns, not to mention citizens, for Gulliver to inadvertently step upon, he still had to tread carefully. There were bridges and fences he had to look out for among other things. After a short time, however, Gulliver found a path that was open all the way to the Great Bay. It was hot going, however. Since he was taller than the trees the sun beat down upon him mercilessly. In no time, Gulliver was perspiring profusely. On his shoulder, Tabitha's dress absorbed moisture from his clothing. He could tell that the heat was bothering her as well, but she gamely soldiered on.
"So, Tabitha, how long have you worked for the emperor?"
"I've been training for this job since I was a wee one. My mother was a hostess, as was her mother, and so forth as far back as my family can trace; but I sense your meaning. I moved into the palace two years ago, during my eighteenth year. I shall have to serve the emperor for ten years before I am allowed to wed."
"Don't you get lonely, Tabitha?"
"Not particularly I'm always meeting new people."
"And how many giants have you met?"
"You are the first, Gulliver."
