[ he pauses uncertainly for a few moments, well-aware of how precious things are from people or places that are no longer around. not that thranduil's home is gone the way abelas's people and culture are, but the other elf can't return right now, either, so it's as good as lost to him. still, after a moment, he lifts it, flicking the blade open with a practiced twist of his wrist and taking a few moments to look it over with a critical, interested eye. if it's typical of work from the other elf's homeland, then it's certainly different from what elvhenan had produced. it's.. interesting, though.

the question earns an affirmative noise. ] .. From time to time.

[ he flicks the blade shut again, then offers it back out on his palm, expression sober-- apparently his default expression. ]

At first, largely to protect my own life. [ he remains silent for a few moments, clearly wrestling with what he wants to say and whether or not he should actually say it. at last, though, he speaks back up, voice taking on a gruff note. ] I came to Mythal's service from.. difficult circumstances. Her claim and her mark were not always enough to protect me at times.