* *
Anthiel knocked on the door of Alana's apartment. It was a few hours after sundown, but she hoped she would still be awake. Nobody answered so she knocked again. And again.
Finally, Alana replied. "Go away."
"It's Anthiel,"
"Go away," she repeated, though less firmly.
Anthiel thought for a moment, then reached into her satchel and pulled out a small flute. It took her a moment to remember what Alana has said was her favorite song. Her mother would sing an old Elvin lullaby to her when she wasn't feeling well, and Anthiel thought that was a perfect fit. She started playing, and it took only a minute for her to open the doors.
She looked decidedly the worse for wear.
Her rich chocolate-brown hair was a tangled mess, her green dress was rumpled, and her eyes betrayed signs of cryin
