Ask Ms. Sterling for tutoring in Enchanted Objects (ENCOUNTER, +4)

Feeling more confident after your work with Nadia, you apply yourself diligently to Aurelia Sterling's Enchantments class. After a couple of weeks of successful practice without any manifestation of your wild talent, you figure it's time to ask Ms. Sterling for a more advanced project.

Roll +CUNNING(+4) (+2 Cunning, +2 FRIEND, +1 Forward capped at +4) to ask Ms. Sterling for a project (GOAL) about Enchanted Objects. [Though Ms. Sterling is not in a House, treat her as a Minerval and use Cunning as before]

⚃⚀ + 4 = 9.

When you have an ENCOUNTER, on a 7-9 you will have to convince the person to go along with what you want. In this case, Miss Wormwood has mentioned your name to Ms. Sterling and asked for your help, so either a successful roll to HAVE SEX (another contribution of your seed to the Nurse's projects) or Miss Wormwood's FAVOR is indicated. With that accomplished, Ms. Sterling will assign you an advanced project in Enchanted Objects.

"I've been pleased with your progress, Mr. Mothwing-Marshall," Aurelia Sterling says. Her rings glitter on her fingers as she gestures, and her sapphire necklace gleams on her chest. The light from her office window adds a cool highlight to her blonde hair, while the candle on her desk -- lit for some magical purpose, you suppose -- adds a warm glow to the other side of her face. "I shall have some time..." she touches a finger to one of her rings "...some time a week from now to get you started on a modest project enchanting objects." She takes a deep breath. "I will give some thought to an appropriate programme, perhaps a guardian or servitor...well. That would be for later. In the meantime, Miss Wormwood has inquired if you would be available to help with one of her projects. She said that you had already materially aided her while you were in the Infirmary. I would be pleased if you would extend yourself."

"What...sort of project?" you ask.

Ms. Sterling tilts her head. "Some small thing," she says. "Miss Wormwood said it would not take long. Either the start of the day, or the end of the day. Or perhaps at lunch break. A trifle, compared to the time you have been dedicating to preparations for my class. Indeed, I could walk you down to take care of it now."

You're sure your cheeks are quite pink, since Miss Wormwood must be asking for another bottle of your seed. It's, well, a little much? You take a deep breath. But, well, Ms. Sterling is asking.

"All right," you say, "I'll help Miss Wormwood."

"Splendid," Ms. Sterling says. "This way."

She takes you by the hand and leads you through what you were convinced was a closet door. A breeze tugs at your hair, there's a tilt that gives you a twinge of vertigo, and Ms. Sterling steadies you as you stand outside in the little courtyard between the Infirmary and its private bath house. Looking over your shoulder, there's no door behind you.

Aurelia Sterling inclines her head and indicates the back door to the Infirmary by extending an open palm.

You tap at the door. "Miss Wormwood?" you say.

Roll +DILIGENCE(+2) to HAVE SEX with Miss Wormwood to grant the favor asked of Ms. Sterling, so you can gain a special project in Enchanted Objects.