The lady will just say "You have met those corrupted by Darkness before" and nothing else on the subject.

The tree, indeed, wasn't here before. Just like the magical library, the tree has moved around to avoid the Darkness. Once the area extended, they chose this spot.

It's just the house of witches three, who wish to live in peace - but also like giving presents. She asks that each of the presents the item they picked up, one at a time.