Startled, Blue Base looked up at the table and back down at her list. It would have been irresponsible to Sponsor someone while she was in the Order, but the war was over now. It was time to pick someone. Turning to her list, she examined the names and found only one calling to her. One similar to her own. "I will take Blue Spectacle, Royal Matron, if you approve."
"Approved and gladly. Now that this has been decided, Red Dynasty - see that you draft the Tapping letter and deliver it to Ice Cream so she can have the bulbs delivered within the next month. Consult with the family members of your bud, if they are in the Organization, and figure out what courting gifts would be most appropriate. Are there any objections?" Looking around the table, Black Diamond closed her files and rested her hands on top of them.
I have a separate, though related, issue I would like to raise," Ice Cream announced, sitting forward a bit. "In light of the war, and what many of these girls went through, particularly in the past year, I've been wondering whether the Initiation should be modified to be less...potentially traumatic for them."
Eyebrow raising in curiosity, Black Diamond gestured for her to continue. "What would you suggest?"
"Personally, I believe the Pots are still necessary," Ice Cream said. "We couldn't very well have a Tulip who had not been Potted. It's necessary to become one with the group, even if there is some fear to be found in the darkness before Spring. However, I'm worried about what might come up during the Interviews. Perhaps we should be more lenient about our methods."
"There are no secrets in our Organization, especially between Sponsor and bud. The Veritaserum is necessary in the regard of harnessing that trust. You don't betray the person who holds your secrets," Black Diamond pointed out, her tone reasonable instead of the accusatory way she usually spoke. "But I agree that we should be more sensitive to their experience. Perhaps we should warn them that there tea has been infused with the potion and not shock them."
Ice Cream nodded reluctantly. It was as much as she had really hoped for. "That would hopefully be enough to prepare them for the experience. Thank you, Royal Matron."
Black Diamond inclined her head, looking at the rest of the court. "Does anyone else have any thoughts on the initiation process? Or shall our Prelate close the ceremony?"