A few things seemed to happen shortly after starting his breakfast discussion with Master Gallind.  First, another Elf came into the hall...one of the sentinels of Rivendell, and whispered to Arthalion's friend.  Gallind's brows drew together momentarily as if considering the message he had received.  He nodded to the sentinel, and the Elf bowed before withdrawing.<br/><br/>"It would appear more have arrived, and not all of it is good.  Apparently two of them are even wounded.  One is a woman of mixed heritage:  Dunedain and Hillmen.  The other is a Dwarf.  I do not know what is going on out there, but the sentinel assured me that both incidents happened fairly close to Rivendell.  This concerns me, Arthalion.  Rarely do we have such activity so close to our borders.  I shall go and see these new arrivals, and hope I can help them.  The rest I will send here to see if they can refresh themselves," Gallind explained just as another person arrived at the table...this time a female Elf of some travel it seemed.  She introduced herself as Arkala.  The fact that she knew he was the Steward of Arnor was not overly impressive...most Elves and all Dunedain knew this fact about him, but her presence swept over him in such a way he could not explain.  There was something in her keen glance, and the tone of her voice.<br/><br/>"I must tend to the matter I explained about, Arthalion.  My pardon, Arkala, for leaving even as you have just arrived, but leave I must for a short time.  It is good to have you back.  Arthalion will have need of you," and with that cryptic response - the Elf stood, and bowed before leaving the hall.<br/><br/>Arthalion's attention, however, was solely focused on Arkala.  "You would appear to be one of the Noldor, but there is a touch of something more to you.  As for who I am; yes, I am Arthalion:  Steward of the lost realm of Arnor, and I am honored to have you sit with me.  I have recently returned to Rivendell after traveling Eriador for the last seven years - wandering and watching for problems.  What I have seen does not set well with me, Arkala, and now news of two arriving in Rivendell wounded further disturbs me," he answered her...his voice quiet, but though there was a grimness to his tone - there was also a clear hint of curiosity as he gazed steadily back at the female Elf sitting across from him.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold">*****</span></div><br/><br/>Even as he did so; Master Gallind found Lord Glorfindel approaching with a full squad of Elves armed for battle.  "Gallind, Lord Elrond would have you investigate the woman:  Cailiawen.  Her wound has been tended, and she is across the hall in her own room for the moment.  I am off to escort another of the wounded as quickly as I can; for there was an attack of Orcs on a Dwarf caravan," the Elf-lord told him.<br/><br/>Gallind, for his part, merely bowed as the Elf-lord strode on with his companions out of the main hall, and then moved on to knock on Cailiawen's door...only opening it after receiving permission to enter.<br/><br/>"I trust you are feeling better, Cailiawen.  I am Master Gallind...one of the many servants of Lord Elrond.  Pray tell, what has brought you to Rivendell, and wounded no less," he began as he stood before the woman of mixed Dunedain/Hillmen blood.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold">*****</span></div><br/><br/>A young Elven lass noticed the Hobbit entering with some of the Dunedain it seemed, and it made her very curious.  She had only seen one Hobbit since the arrival of Bilbo Baggins with Mithrandir and a company of Dwarves.  That had been an exciting moment in her young life, and now...seeing another Hobbit made the Elf lass smile and dance over to him even as the Rangers moved on.<br/><br/>"A Hobbit!! Here in Rivendell!!  What fun adventures have brought you to us?  Oh, wait, my manners!  I am Tathariel, and I welcome you to Imladris - that which you know as Rivendell.  I trust you are hungry.  I here Hobbits have all kinds of different meals to attend.  The Hall of Fire awaits such as you, and I will gladly lead you there," she said excitedly to the newest Hobbit to arrive in Rivendell.  Tathariel was arrayed in a bright green dress, and barely stood just over 5' - being only in her 17th summer, and not even close to being considered an adult by Elven standards.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold">*****</span></div><br/><br/>Up road Glorfindel on his splendid white horse along with six members of his company to the aid of a single woman approaching with a Dwarf she was carrying to the best of her ability.  With the small company was a litter for the wounded Dwarf she was attempting to help, and two of his sentinels immediately dismounted to help her with her heavy burden.<br/><br/>"Be at peace," Glorfindel told the two new arrivals, and noticed the woman was at least Half-elven by her appearance.  "Both of you are welcome in Rivendell, and your cares shall be made lighter," the Elf-lord continued even as his two companions helped the Dwarf to the litter with great care.  "Those harmed fighting Orcs are never turned from aid here, and we shall swiftly lead you both back to Elrond's home.  Even now he awaits you, and will tend the wounds given you, Master Dwarf," Glorfindel said to Thofred even as he handed the reins to the spare horse he had brought for the Half-elven woman.  "Come, riding will be easier for you, and we can reach Elrond the faster.  You will be welcome to refresh yourself in the Hall of Fire where breakfast awaits you," and with that he signaled his company to escort the two back home.