Arkala had certainly wondered the same thing. It was one thing for them to miss each other as they left Rivendell around the same time. It was another thing that they should both travel Eriador for seven years and not once happen upon one another. It was hardly an easy thing to attribute to chance, even if she believed in such a thing. She found it quite unlikely that they had met or even been in the same place at once and had not noticed one another, for she was rather distinctive in appearance, prone to garner attention, and his presence had drawn her from the moment she had entered the room, even without taking his appearance into account. She had come across many Rangers during her journey, so why not him? It was curious indeed, but wondering now was pointless, she thought, as it was unlikely that they would unearth such answers if they did not already have them.<br/><br/>She listened as he answered her question, speaking of his travel through Eriador. It was hardly surprising that he would have a specific interest in the ruined lands of Arnor, of those surrounding it. He spoke of darkness and a Shadow on the move, of a coming war, and his fear that they were ill-prepared. He was not wrong in any of this, as far as she could tell. She, too, felt the darkness, felt the Shadow on the move, the incipience of war. And she, too, recognized that their world was not prepared for such a war. They were weakened, by the aftereffects of the last war, and by the peace that had since fallen, lulling many into a false sense of safety, at least from the one that had once been feared. There was certainly much that could and should be done before the war was upon them.<br/><br/>So, it was almost his birthday? Well, she supposed that was as good a reason as any to return. As was the prospect of being able to rest and think. Although, it seemed that the news of those attacked was disturbing these prospects, at least for the moment. She could not blame him for finding this news disturbing, however. The idea that the enemy grew bolder, enough to attack so close to Rivendell, was quite troubling, to be certain. But for the present, she did not wish to dwell on such things. Not when there was much else that may be discussed.<br/><br/>A smile graced her face once more as he spoke again and she gave a small nod of her head. "You are, once more, quite perceptive, for it has never been in my nature to sit and watch. Indeed, I cannot judge anything more important than preventing the rise of the Shadow, or the spread of darkness across this land," she replied earnestly, her eyes filled with conviction, "If there is a role for me to play in what is to come, if I may serve such a purpose, I would do so gladly."<br/><br/>Was this, perhaps, the purpose Galadriel had spoken of when she had sent Arkala from Lothlorien? She could not yet say, but she began to believe, more and more, that this was indeed her purpose. That it was for this cause, for this time that she had been sent. And her journey until now had been preparing her for the role in which she may soon serve.<br/><br/>She found this prospect rather exciting. To have searched and waited, preparing for this time, and to finally be so close, was indeed joyous. She wished, of course, that it was not in such dark times that her purpose would be found, but if she could serve to bring some light into that darkness, then she would do so gladly, without hesitation.<br/><br/>"Indeed, I believe with growing certainty that this is the purpose for which I journeyed from Lothlorien nearly eight years ago now," she spoke up once more, her eyes focused on the man before her. It was not by happenstance that they had met here, now, when their paths must have come so close to crossing so many times before. Nor was it chance that drew her to him at such a time. No, there was a purpose, there was a reason they had met now.<br/><br/>"When you have sought your counsel and have thought on this purpose you speak of, I would surely like to hear it," she smiled, watching him, noting the way in which he now smiled back at her. It was a smile of understanding. She found that she looked forward to hearing what it was he spoke of, what he now thought on, and seemed to desire so. Indeed, she looked forward to learning what part she might play in what was to come. Whatever that part, she thought that she would gladly serve that purpose, that she would serve him, to whom she was drawn, for she thought that whatever his purpose, it would be a worthy one, and he would be worthy of following.