Huh. 

We will keep this in mind.

<Thank you> He tries to think of other relevant news. <It tentatively looks as though the Star-Eyed Goddess is allying with my forces against Vkandis, unbelievable as it seems. All resistance in Valdemar has been crushed, but some of the rebel forces managed to evacuate and are in the Pelagirs or in Lineas, which is still holding out. Vanyel's sister is alive. I am not sure if you ever met her. Also, Melody survived! I actually remember her. She was very clever and made it out of Valdemar ahead of the army, somehow, spent a time hiding in Rethwellan. Once we made contact with her she offered to relocate to k'Treva to try to help Vanyel. Do you have any other questions about conditions here?>

The other Quendi in Haven are all dead?

<I think they must be, I have heard nothing. I am very sorry. Though at least Mandos can bring them home, hopefully. Will he need a Gate back to Arda or can he find his own way?>

The plan was to return him but the other Valar when last consulted on this thought that he would find his own way eventually.

<That makes sense> He wants to offer more help but - they very reasonably don't trust him, yet. 

What are your plans at this point?

<Gather resources and intelligence. Prevent the Enemy from acquiring any more territory. Supply any rebel efforts within Valdemar, though I am not hopeful any will remain. Attempt to negotiate with the other gods of Velgarth – namely, Valdemar itself did not primarily belong either to Vkandis or the Star-Eyed, and I doubt its god would have given up territory so lightly. Plan for a future offensive, when it has any chance of succeeding> 

Good skill.

<Thank you> A pause. <Who contacted me back? I thought you had no mages?>

Jisa has no idea what to say! She aims a questioning look at Fëanáro.

A Maia, he says, because a pause before a lie will make it more unconvincing, though it's still not going to be very convincing probably.

It’s not but he can understand why they want to keep their secrets, and lets it slide. <Contact me if you have any further questions, then. Is that all for now?>

I think so. 

He drops the connection. 

"Do we believe him?" Treven says instantly. "Because - if that's true - oh, gods... I'm sorry." 

"If it's a lie the aim would obviously be to get us to get Maitimo. I - don't know whether it's a lie. If the Enemy had Leareth and could extract some cooperation from him it seems like an odd place to spend it."

“We need to get contact with others in Velgarth. People who the Enemy is less likely to have. Compare information.”

“Starwind and Moondance? I think they have an artifact, even, just not paired with this one. Vanyel kept his end with him all the time in case they reached out - he must still have it. But I’ve met them, maybe I can make it work now with this one.”

"That seems good. And they have Melody, too, right, she might have good ideas."

“I hope so. If Leareth was telling the truth about that.” Jisa swallows, swipes a hand at her eyes. “I’m so glad she got out, if it’s true. It seems plausible. She’s smart and careful and...” glance at the ground, “and I know what sorts of things you can do as a Mindhealer, if you’re desperate and trying to hide and escape.”

"We already had non-Leareth confirmation that the Star-Eyed seemed to be opposing Vkandis in this, and we can ask Vanyel's friends there about who survived.

I do think it's suspicious that Leareth asked us to rescue Maitimo. He shouldn't have any reason to suspect we could possibly do that."

"Right, that is a bit odd. I mean, he knows we have you, but...I don't think you could singlehandedly fight Sauron and Vkandis." 

Stef exchanges a look with Jisa. Then leaves a thought public for Fëanáro. Can we speak somewhere private? Jisa and I - might know something relevant to this. 

- sure. 

"I can't even singlehandedly get to Sauron and Vkandis! - actually we can't get to them at all right now, even with Jisa, but let's revisit this conversation before that changes, once we've talked with some more people in Velgarth. - and let's continue not to tell Leareth that the mathematicians are checking his work on the god. If he's really with his organization they'll probably tell him but if he's not, he really shouldn't find out."