Apparently Tranquillina has a diverse collection of smiles that indicate something other than happiness: the current one seems to categorize Gerulf's last response as foolhardy, while admitting that she herself might feel the same way and hence understand. "We are certainly not lacking for resources - that much is well known," she submits. "And in my opinion, my sodales here at Mons Electi are indeed quite accomplished - perhaps more than they are given credit for. We are also not bereft of allies in the world...." If there was any hint of manipulation in Gerulf's response, it has escaped Tranquillina's notice - she's feeling pretty good about things right now.
The conversation moves on to more standard questions and answers about life at Mons Electi. ((Please feel free to continue this conversation in the thread, if you want - I just want to say how it ends while I'm thinking of it - we can pretend everything happens in a sensible order.)) Tranquillina's demeanor changes noticeably: she is extremely interested in anything even remotely related to magic, and even cheerful at times. She does ponder the scars on Gerulf's hands, trying to imagine what might have caused them, but she doesn't really have any basis for judgment. I have to get my hands on a book about Medicine, she bemoans to herself, not for the first time. ((For many Abilities it's possible to make a Characteristic + Ability 0 roll even if you don't have a score in that Ability; but not for the ones with asterisks by their names on ArM5 page 63.))
When the conversation draws to a close, Tranquillina stands up, smoothing her dress out unconsciously. "Gerulf, it has been excellent speaking with you. Know that I plan to support your application for membership to this council, and I anticipate a smooth vote of confirmation. It will be a pleasure to have another Bonisagus around - after only four years, I have not gotten used to being the only one at my covenant."