...all right. First I owe you an apology; I didn't know partnerships between people of the same type were disapproved of, here, and whatever I might've implied by that, I didn't mean to.

She definitely doesn't move as fast as an Elda.

He'll slow down. I figured it was a translation problem, you didn't say it like you were implying something offensive. People caring a lot about each other isn't disapproved of, you just wouldn't use the word 'partner', implies things you don't mean.

It's a cultural difference, actually, or rather two of them that tripped me up particularly badly together. Now I know, at least. One of them is kind of central to the thing I need to tell you, though.

I'm listening.

Sigh. Okay, so. I mentioned that the Enemy liked to impersonate you? They also liked to give them hallucinations about pretty much this exact scenario, it turns out - I don't know if you always crossed the ice, I didn't ask about that, but showing up, having been wronged, having part of the Noldor that Maitimo wants to see united. But. She makes a face.

He nods patiently. The Enemy probably saw us coming and was curious how Maitimo, if released, could be expected to act.

Not, uh, curious enough to make it realistic. Because you definitely wouldn't ask for that.

Raised eyebrow. 

In that case I'm not at all sure why the Enemy'd bother - what I want from him is an apology, the things we stole back, and assurance it won't keep happening...

I know. I don't doubt that. But the Enemy was torturing them - not just hurting them but putting them in a position where they'd choose to be hurt. This'd be so much easier if I could just say, here's a teleport spell, if you touch them without their permission they can get rid of you - they don't expect that. They expect you to ask. And that they'll say yes just in case it is real.

Well. If it helps, I want nothing to do with him. 

Sigh.

They're still scared. There's things we can do about that, if and when you do talk to them. Not much, but.

Do you have suggestions?

Be careful how you talk to them. Don't make them guess even for a moment about what you want, especially in the context of reuniting the hosts. Maybe avoid talking about things in terms of what would make you happy, that's how they put it to me the first time. Maybe avoid using their name, I haven't asked for details but they mentioned that the Enemy liked to. I've offered to make sure they don't have to be alone with you - I don't think that's needed but it'll make them feel a little better, there's probably more things along that line that would help, too, if it comes up.

He stops moving things. 

He nods. Thanks. If it's okay with you, I think I - need a minute -

She nods, solemnly and sadly. Would you like me to stay?

I want the Enemy to die.

She cuddles up next to him. Yeah. We're working on it. There's a hard edge to her tone, there.

Does he want to talk now - does he actually want to talk at all, I can always just avoid him entirely - 

They want to apologize to you, and to work on reuniting the hosts. I'm not sure what would happen if you refused to let them, but I don't think they'd be happy about it.

Reuniting the hosts is going to be impossible.

Maybe. They still want to apologize - need to, they said. And when they're calm they seem pretty okay with the idea of talking to you in general - through the portals, I assume, but. They still care about you.

If he says he didn't burn the ships what does he want to apologize for?

I don't know? I've been trying not to ask for details about painful things. Not being able to stop it, maybe.

Fëanáro was a bit of a mess, by the end. I - I believe him if he says that he tried. 

It's still not enough to fix things.

Nod. That's between the two of you. They want to try; it's up to you what you do with that. She hugs him.