Miss Hemstitch the Tutor tells you

There's a murmur going through the Enchantments class. Ms. Sterling is absent for the third day running, with Mr. Sharper from House Leontes filling in for basic conjuration exercises. You've asked your House Tutor what's up, since Ms. Sterling promised you a special project to improve your skills, but no answer has been forthcoming.

You weren't so surprised when she was gone the first day. You had left the Infirmary at Miss Wormwood's direction as the Nurse prepared to give Ms. Sterling a sponge bath as she slept on. You had managed to cleanse yourself of the shreds of Ms. Sterling's blue robes in the House Beavertail baths before anyone noticed.

At the end of the class, the little golden mote that serves as Miss Hemstitch's assistant swoops down on you and twinkles in front of your face until you stop. In a little whining voice, you receive directions to follow along.

A sense of growing uneasiness weighs down on you as you follow Miss Hemstitch's assistant to the Tutor's office.

"Please sit, Mr. Mothwing-Marshall," Miss Hemstitch says, indicating the chair facing hers. Her expression is not unkindly, but she looks at you with a firm, steady glance.

The Tutor lights a candle and rings a bell. "Verificatio," she intones.

There's a sharpening in the air, a feeling of watchful focus. You shiver with worry.

She clears her throat. "Mr. Mothwing-Marshall," she begins. "Did you have carnal knowledge of Aurelia Sterling, mistress of Enchantments, and your assigned mentor?"

There's a little bubble in your chest that shivers its way out your lips with the sound, "Yes." It leaves you more uncomfortable rather than less.

"Did you release your seed inside her womb?" the Tutor asks.

Again the answer shivers its way out. "Y-yes."

The Tutor sighs. "Oh, Aurelia," she says, shaking her head.

Your voice and will connect. "What is it, Tutor?" you ask. "Ms. Sterling was to provide me a project. Is there something wrong?"

"Eric," the Tutor says, "You must keep this confidential for the moment."

"Miss Hemstitch?" you say.

She reaches forward and takes your hand. Her grip is warm and firm.

"You and Ms. Sterling may be in significant difficulty," the Tutor says. "We are maintaining a watch to see if Ms. Sterling has conceived from your connection. It may be a few days."

She sighs and releases your hand.

"Aurelia asked to see you," she says.

Your face flushes with warmth and you feel a tightness under your robe.

"Perhaps she has an assignment for you," Miss Hemstitch says. Her brows lower. "Again, confidential." She lets her expression smooth out. "And Mr. Mothwing-Marshall...do endeavor not to get anyone else into the family way? The Nurse should be able to direct you."

You have Ambition -1, Bravery 0, Cunning +2, Diligence +2.

Miss Wormwood the nurse owes you a FAVOR for your donations of seed.

Ms. Sterling, your Enchantments instructor, is your FRIEND assigned to tutor you in controlling your wild talent. She owes you a FAVOR and has promised to give you a project (a GOAL) related to Enchanted Objects.

You have a CONSEQUENCE: PREGNANCY SCARE with Ms. Sterling.

You have 5 XP and may apply ADVANCEMENT.

Roll +CUNNING(+1) (+2 CUNNING, -1 CONSEQUENCE) to ENCOUNTER Ms. Sterling and get your assignment.