"I can't," Ethan said. "We need to talk."
"No we don't," Alana said, although she took a step closer to him. She could almost feel his presence on the other side of the door.
"If you won't let me in, I'll just talk through the door," Ethan said.
"I could cover my ears," Alana said with far more playfulness than she intended.
"They're too pretty to--" Ethan stopped. "I mean please don't. This is important."
"Okay, I'll keep my ears uncovered," Alana had almost said 'pretty ears' instead of just 'ears', but didn't think the flirting would be appropriate.
"First I wanted to thank you," Ethan said. "Anthiel told me you fired that arrow. If you hadn't I might not be standing here, so thank you."
"You're welcome," Alana replied. She leaned her back against the door, smiled, and breathed a
