Arkala caught only the end of Gallind's explanation of new arrivals. "Of course," Arkala replied with a gentle voice and a bow as Gallind left with cryptic words she had learned to expect of him. Elves were, to be certain, quite cryptic at times, a fact that was well known even among other races of Middle Earth, she had learned. She was, of course, not necessarily an exception to this rule. But she was young and perhaps at least a little more free with her words than those that had lived ten times or more her years.<br/><br/>She took a seat across from Arthalion, her blue-grey eyes observing him as he focused unbroken attention on her. She smiled gently, her eyes bright and clear as he spoke with a quiet grimness, despite the curiosity that gleamed in his eyes. She listened quietly to his words until he had finished before she would respond.<br/><br/>Her eyes twinkled with mirth that might, perhaps, seem strange, given the grimness with which he spoke. But she found him somewhat amusing--and interesting, to be sure--as he spoke to her so earnestly and with such an enduring gaze. She was not used to such things, or at least not in such a combination. She found it somewhat charming.<br/><br/>She chose to respond to each of his statements individually, taking her time to do so. "You are very perceptive, Arthalion," she replied with her soft, almost melodic voice. "I am indeed one of the Noldor, yet, from my father, Vanyarin blood also runs through my veins," she explained. Her father, like his mother before him, was as fair as any Vanyarin, though more than Vanyarin blood ran through his veins.<br/><br/>She continued, not focusing on herself for long, but instead turning the conversation towards the man in front of her. "I am pleased to have met you, Arthalion: Steward of the lost realm of Arnor," she replied with a bright but gentle smile. "I think it not chance that we should meet here, after seven years of wandering on both ours parts," she admitted, a hint of curiosity shining in her gaze. "I should think there is a reason for our meeting, just as there is a reason for the arrival of other guests this very morning. For what purpose, I cannot yet say, for I have never been inclined to foresight, nor would I dare to guess with so little information," she added, tilting her head ever-so-slightly as she examined him.<br/><br/>"There is indeed a darkness growing. I have felt it for some time. And I, too, have seen troubling things in my journey. That is why I have returned here now," she went on, agreeing with his assessment of the condition of Eriador. There was much to wonder over, and much to disturb those with enough sense to recognize it. Yet hope remained, so long as there remained those willing to fight for it. "But take heart, for the troubles that burden your heart are not for today, and the darkness I sense is not yet close at hand," she spoke with gentle encouragement. "The arrival of two injured is indeed troubling. Nevertheless, hope arrives with them, for they live to see another day. Something is beginning, and though I cannot speak to what, it is not chance that brings each of us here today," she added, smiling gently, finding that she wished to encourage him, for his troubles seemed great and ever-present.<br/><br/>"If I may ask, what is it that brings you back here after seven year?" she asked, curiosity evident in her gaze. Had he come here with a purpose, or had he simply felt as though it were time to return? She was quite curious about him, although she could not fully explain the reason why. She was also, admittedly, a little curious as to how they had both set out from Rivendell seven years ago and yet their paths had never crossed. They must have only just missed one another. It seemed unlikely that they had both been here at the same time and yet never once saw one another. That would have been very strange indeed. In any case, it was a little curious, and it was very much unlike her to ignore something of interest to her.