It's all she can do not to look back at the gate when she hears it close. The blue amulet, blue eyes and bluish skin seem strange to her. If it was just Schattenstein, she could write it off as an anomaly... Maybe a family trait? She'd read somewhere that dwarf holds were often populated by extended families called clans. It might explain why they were here on the surface, and clearly denied resources they needed to keep the waystation in good order, if there was prejudice against them from the others.
Of course, that also meant Schattenstein probably wouldn't be much use an ally. But it also meant he'd have need of an ally, which strengthened her position dealing with him.
Arcata was starting to regret not having practiced the tricky business of casting spells without hand movements and incantation. A subtle detection cantrip would be most useful right about now.
Regardless, she slipped off her horse and landed lightly beside the dwarf guard offering his hand.
"Most generous, Lord Schattenstein," she replies. "I've heard much about the fine cuisine of your people, I very much look forward to sampling it."