1.) Arik was next, and the stone floor seemed to rumble as the terrifying giant strode forward, each step double the stride of an average man’s. As Jenny expected, the granite-faced giant did not demean himself with an apology, let alone a gallant speech, or even so much as a bow. Instead, he stood before her, looking down his nose at her from his towering height and then, with his strange pale eyes looking into hers, he merely jerked his head in a curt nod. Turning, he stalked off, leaving Jenny feeling as if he had just accepted dominance over her instead of the reverse.

2) She (Jenny) swallowed audibly, then jumped in shock as Arik’s flattened hand suddenly came to rest atop her head. As heavy as a war hammer, it stayed there for a moment, then it slid down to her cheek, pulling her face against his side. It was a hug.

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