((I don't have any problem with Stultus's response to Gerulf, as described - but let me OOC point out that Stultus's Magic Theory is actually higher than Gerulf's. So is Stultus's comment erroneous, or calculating? 
))
Stultus will not have much trouble noticing that the more the conversation sticks to Hermetic theory, the more comfortable Tranquillina gets. When Stultus draws comparisons among the achievement of the specific magi in the room, she seems more on edge.
((Now that Fiona and Stultus have had their pillow talk....))
When Fiona and Stultus emerge from the magus's bedroom, Tranquillina clears her throat. "The plan was to visit the Tribunal plateau next, and the salamander's retreat. Then we can take a little break and ready ourselves to head down towards the black rose. But first," she turns to Fiona, "I believe we have an unsettled wager. I propose we now tie up that loose end."
"Let us agree on the exact terms. The path that leads from the mansion past your cottage dead-ends into the main trail which we took up this mountain, forming an intersection. Let us say that we are at the starting line right here, and the goal is to reach that intersection. When our sodalis - " she turns, intending to motion to Gerulf, but finds herself gesturing directly at Stultus's face. With a sigh, she continues, "... when our sodalis Stultus gives the signal, we may make our way down to the intersection, using whatever methods we wish. The first to arrive is the winner. Does that sound correct?"