No sooner had Thofred came out of the healing room did he find himself being approached by a tall man with dark hair and icy blue eyes.  His raiment was of dark greys and greens with studded leather armor, and a massive bastard sword on his back.  All of his clothing had clearly seen better days, but he was no less polite when he approached and bowed to the Dwarf.<br/><br/>"My condolences on the loss of your companions and goods, Friend Dwarf.  I am Galfaroth, one of the Dunedain Rangers of the North.  I heard you had been ambushed by Orcs very close to the borders of Rivendell.  This concerns my Captain a great deal, and he would hear more of this incident that has cost you so dearly.  You will find him in the Hall of Fire where others are already gathering, and most likely in his favorite corner.  I can introduce you to him if you wish," the Ranger said a bit grimly, but it was clear he was doing his best to help someone harmed by the Shadow.<br/><br/>Indeed, newcomers could be seen gathering towards the double doors leading to the Hall of Fire.  One of them was even a Hobbit.  Galfaroth nodded towards the doors as if to encourage the Dwarf to go, and added, "If nothing else, there is breakfast and refreshment inside.  We Rangers keep the Hall of Fire stocked with meats and the like."<br/><br/>Even as this was going on; Arthalion was sensing a gathering of forces within the Hall of Fire.  Already there was Arkala who sat across from him, and who clearly had some of the same desires he had in dealing with the growing Shadow threat.  Yet, these newcomers arriving in the hall now also drew his attention.  One was a man clearly down on his luck of late, and who was staring at his vegetable salad with dismay.  At second glance, Arthalion suddenly realized who had come to Rivendell:  Aerior - a former Ranger that had been banished by his Captain for actions not well suited to the Rangers.  Arthalion could not immediately recall the details, but he knew Aerior had been banished for some time now.  His presence in Rivendell piqued the Steward's interest.  He was not the only one, however, to draw Arthalion's attention.  There was also a Half-elven woman that originally sat alone, but now had a woman approaching in an Elven gown.  This, Arthalion noted, was likely the Dunedain/Hillman Gallind was escorting in.  She seemed to walk as one more use to weapons and battle than to a dress.  Gallind, who had escorted the woman in nodded to Arthalion as if to confirm his suspicions.  This only made the Steward more curious as the woman joined the Half-elf for breakfast.  Nor were they the only ones to show up.  There also entering was the Hobbit Gallind had made mention of, and with him was a young Elf maiden showing him around.  He had to smile as he noted how the enchantment of the Hall of Fire made the Hobbit react.<br/><br/>So many had come to Rivendell, and it appeared from several walks of life.  What had brought so many to the Elven home on this particular day of all days?  Was it as he had suspected?  Had Varda put out the thought of what he planned to do - to draw all these people here with the chance to help him?  Varda:  Queen of the Valar - most beloved of those of Power by the Elves, and it was the one he revered the most.  Every night he sent his thoughts to Her; for he sought Her guidance on how best to deal with Sauron's growing influence across Middle-earth.  One day, he knew he must go to Lothlorien, and there speak directly to Queen Galadriel...for it was said she of all the Elves was closest to Varda.<br/><br/>He turned his attention back to Arkala.  "Arkala, I believe you do have a role to play.  Perhaps more than one, and your help against the Shadow would be more than welcome.  When I have spoken to Lord Elrond; I will seek you out, but I do not believe we shall be alone in this," Arthalion said to his companion with a nod to those who had entered.  "Until such time as Lord Elrond has summoned me; perhaps we should have Celewen invite our guests over.  It may be we can divine their reasons for being here, and such may align with the purpose I have in my heart."<br/><br/>With that said, Arthalion made motion to Celewen, and she came over gracefully.  "You would like me to invite them over, yes?" she said with a knowing smile.<br/><br/>"You see as clearly as your husband, Celewen.  Yes, please invite them to my table, and make sure some of our meats are distributed to those who would have no love for vegetables alone," Arthalion said with a slight chuckle.<br/><br/>"It will be done as you wish, Mellon nin," Celewen answered, and went off to invite each in turn to Arthalion's table.<br/><br/>At first, she stopped with the Hobbit and the young Elven lass.  "Kind Hobbit of the Shire, you are invited to have breakfast with Arthalion and his companion.  He is curious as to your reason for coming to Rivendell, and would know more of such," Celewen invited with a motion of her right hand to Arthalion's table.<br/><br/>"Oooo...to be invited over by the Lord Steward!!!" Tathariel noted with awe.  "I have never been invited to dine with such company!  It is a rare thing for him to invite anyone over for a meal.  He usually eats only with Lord Elrond and such, or alone.  Though he has been gone for a few years from this place."<br/><br/>"Even so," Celewen said with a smile at Tathariel, "he would love to share breakfast with you.  And you, Tathariel, my darling niece, should be helping to gather those last berries."<br/><br/>Tathariel instantly blushed at her Aunt, and the laughed and smiled.  "Of course.  Besides, I have not yet finished my dancing today!"  Then, she turned, and placed a swift kiss on Isengar's cheek before skipping out...once more the carefree maiden.<br/><br/>Next, the Elven waitress made her way over to the Dunedain looking in such rough condition.  "Sir, the Steward has invited you over for breakfast at his table...which will include something better than what you currently have in front of you."  With a slight bow to Aerior; Celewen nodded over to Arthalion's table and made her way over to the next two.<br/><br/>At this table sat two women...one Half-elven by her looks, and the other of mixed heritage...though slightly hidden from most by her Elven gown.  Such was not hidden from one such as Celewen; whose husband was a lore master of some renown.<br/><br/>"Ladies, Arthalion and his companion would be pleased if you would join them for breakfast.  He is very curious as to your arrival in Rivendell, and would know more of the new arrivals so suddenly come to Elrond's hidden valley.  Will you attend him?  It may be his path is one you both should travel," suggested Celewen to the two women, and then made her way off to find some more meats and cheeses for Arthalion's table.<br/><br/>All the while, Arthalion wondered what was happening, and was his hope now closer to being fulfilled.  He still had not yet seen the Dwarf mentioned, but then it had been reported he was wounded, and was likely being tended to by Elrond.  The Steward had no doubt he would be joining them soon in the Hall of Fire.