This caught Lightning somewhat unaware. Still remaining suspicious of the new comer, she turned to stand by the throne's side. "I wouldn't be surprised if there was a middle," she said, "though you'd be the first I've seen.

The pink-haired sentinel stood ever silent as she listened to what else the girl had to say. When the stranger was done, she spoke, "I wouldn't say I'm the only one," Lightning said. "Spirits still reside here, guardians such as myself. If they're human though, that's where it gets tricky."

Lightning wondered just how much she should share. Honestly, she couldn't help but get somewhat excited that another human being - other than Caius and the paradoxes whom she fought constantly - had entered into this tranquil world. It also made her sad, for if the girl was here, then she must have departed from the world of the living to come to a place like this. That last part was impossible though. If Etro slumbered, what could have guided her to Valhalla? It was Etro whom brought Lightning here; she hadn't come on her own accord. 

"What's your name?" Lightning asked as the silence grew uncomfortable. A first for her. "If you were with [i]him[/i], I'd have sensed it by now. The Chaos taint isn't the most subtle or ... pleasant."