she accepted the offer by coming across to us an amused look on her face , which made all of us smile . you 're too new at this to go into battle right now . '' `` my dear , you are among friends . '' the question hung in the air . he dipped one eyebrow and arranged his mouth into an overly serious frown . she blinked and snapped out of her trance . `` yes , '' she said shortly , obviously ready to close the door in my face . 