Milton nods at the mention of Connor. His reaction is quick, telling. It's obvious that he's already considered the possibility. "Whip O'Brien and I have been involved in several actions on behalf of the domain." One of which, the struggle against the raiders, Jennifer is intimately familiar with. "His value is clear to me, I assure you." Though his intelligence... "I can't claim to be familiar with him beyond those actions. Though he has comported himself thoughtfully in shared social situations." It's clear that Milton is weighing Jennifer's mention of the Haunt. Her endorsement matters. But had she really endorsed the man?
"As for Ms. Wei Lin, I believe she is gone. Which I regret. We'd been working together to address a mysterious threat to the domain, along with Pastor Wells and Ms. Kingsley. She impressed me in the course of that affair..." He'd so looked forward to working with her on that factory visit. A shame.
He moves on, "Speaking of Ms. Kingsley. I've had occasion to speak with her a few times now. She possesses an understated intelligence..." Beneath...whatever that surface is. "I've also spoken with another of your cousins: Ms. Bellemy. Not as much as Ms. Kingsely. She is also quite intriguing. And clearly possessed of keen faculties. Your family is impressive, if you don't mind me saying so." He offers her a smile. Knowing that his compliment to her fellow Haunts is also a compliment to her. Well deserved in this case.
2022-01-19 19:32:35
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Milton rolls 4 to Wits + Empathy (10 Again)
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8, 10, 1, 2, 9
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3 successes
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A delicate word, friend... Milton shifts slightly in his chair. Has he overstepped his bounds? Perhaps. "Indeed...And I apologize if I've used it prematurely..." He does not sound bitter, perhaps slightly chastised. Though, on some level, still convinced in his use of the word.
He listens closely to her advice concerning potential coterie mates, appreciating her perspective. And the momentary change in topic. Though, in the end, it does not touch his true desire...
"Wise words, Lady Notary Hazelton, which apply to many situations it seems to me. I promise to take them to heart," even if it no longer beats.
2022-01-19 19:41:40
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Milton rolls 5 to Wits + Subterfuge (10 Again)
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4, 3, 5, 1, 9
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1 success
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Jennifer can see that, while he is glad for her words, he is looking for something else. Some other reaction from her. He is not quite satisfied.
This is confirmed when she asks directly after his motives. Milton offers her a rueful smile, as if caught in the act. "You have a sharp eye, Lady Notary Hazelton," he says admiringly, "and ear for that matter. Yes, my question--at root--is a question concerning your interest in a possible coterie. While Reeve Durant urged consideration of a less established candidate, I find myself persuaded by knowledge I already posses. Knowledge of your intelligence, your poise, your cunning, and your social acumen." A pause, to let the words sink in. "As you've said: the approach must be scholarly. And a scholarly approach requires data. When I consider said data, you present as the most desirable option in this regard. While I will understand if you are not interested, I would be remiss not to introduce the idea." Had he not already named her friend? No matter how indelicate, he'd meant it.
2022-01-19 19:50:47
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[01] Milton rolls 5 to Manip + Persuasion (10 Again)
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8, 9, 10, 6, 1, 4
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3 successes
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Her words concerning ambition and humility are a relief. He could sigh, though he doesn't quite remember how. Wonderful to hear someone articulate it so perfectly. "I admit, the mentor relationship also excites me. I take joy in being a student. And to have such a teacher as Sacramento would offer is a great opportunity, to borrow your word." A pause. "Having lost my sire so early..." he trails off, seemingly unable to continue. But what he's thinking is: And what good was he to begin with, really? Indeed, Milton's chances of receiving true mentorship from Jacque and the other Sacramento Invictus are much better than they had been with Elias.
He has an idea of who Jennifer is referring to throughout the start of her parable. And then: There it is. His name. Of course. The Lord's only reaction is a wry twist of the lips. What else is there to say?
Besides, there are more interesting hints in the story... "The 'skeleton of the first estate?'" He echoes, turning the phrase into a question. He knows of oaths, vaguely. But nothing about them. Save for what he'd seen that night in the library with Jacque... And Milton is nothing if not curious. "I do not mean to pry, especially when I am still only knocking at the door, but you know me well enough to understand my curiosity..." Indeed, it is a trait they share, curiosity. He does not go on, not wanting to press. Unless she shows herself to be accommodating, of course.
Re: the manip+persuasion roll above, I accidentally entered a '5' in the extended roll field as well as the dice field. I've taken the results of the very first roll here, as that would have been the single roll. Let me know if this is incorrect or if I should re-roll. Sorry about that!