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[babies]

WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK

USERNAME:
pythia

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✉️ text — un: ev.

[volkarin]

I fear this message has come quite late, but I wished to convey my gratitude to you for quite the sporting match of chess during the faire. Hopefully, should the house (and your interest) allow it, we may indulge in a rematch soon.

[babies]

The opportunity to outwit a worthy opponent is not to be missed.

I would be more than honored to test myself against your skill a second time, should your circumstances and time permit. It would appear there are few other challenges worth my pursuit within the walls of this estate.

[volkarin]

The honor would be mine, Lady Jessica.

Indeed, the scope of activities is rather limited. Idle — nigh indulgent — pursuits or else the application of one's mind, perhaps futilely, toward uncovering the secrets this place seeks to keep hidden.

Perhaps tomorrow afternoon, in the little library in the west wing?

[babies]

The pursuits of caged mice.

( watched and observed, like rudimentary and undignified experiments. she had thought she had taught her children to avoid such obvious trappings, a mental fortitude developed beyond the tricks of this manor — evidently, no such hope. )

Your terms are suitable. ( then: ) Do you intend to play for victory, or the pleasure of the challenge?

[volkarin]

[ Caged mice is perhaps a little harsh as far as assessments go, but Emmrich's willing to let it go for the moment. ]

The two do not have to be mutually exclusive, though the question suggests you may seek the former. Or is that too bold an assumption?