"The Valar, on the other hand, have immense attentional capacity and might be able to learn enough to tilt the balance in a short time. Though I'm not sure how to expect them to interact with either side effect."

"That...is a very good question," he says, frowning.

"They can use physical bodies, although they have to operate them manually from the level of protein folding on up. I imagine they could arrange for there to be pain nerves. Affecting their personalities would be... weird. They're already very alien."

"Yes, I'm very concerned about that possibility."

"They might have to ask Eru to what extent they're in danger from that. Maiar have a broader range of baseline personalities but are still strange."

"I am slightly concerned about the possibility of his...aesthetic sense...interfering."

Sigh. "The Valar he seems to see as pets more than playthings; they can get somewhere with him most of the time."

"Promising."

Nod.

"Do you think there's anything else we should discuss before I find you a tutor?"

"Nothing springs to mind."

"Shall I also arrange temporary lodgings?"

"I don't urgently need sleep, but if it's convenient it wouldn't hurt."

He nods and walks over to his desk and opens a drawer and rummages for a bit. "I can get you a cafeteria pass now, and the name of a tutor and the location of a room you can use within a few hours."

"Thank you."

He hands her a brightly colored piece of paper with the words "Admit One" on it in Genoshan.

She tucks it into a pocket of her pretty pretty outfit.

"Is there anywhere in particular you'd like to be in the meantime?"

"I will be most comfortable somewhere pretty. The garden I went through on my way here was pretty enough."

"Teleport again?"

"Or I can walk, as you prefer."

"I have no objection to transporting you."

"Thank you."

There is a crack, and then they are in a garden.

"Thank you."