The Principal's Office

[tailor_made]

The door to the principal’s office is open at all hours, although you will only find Hester at the receptionist’s desk from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This is primarily where you can have private conversations with her. Though there’s an actual office in the back, it is always closed and locked.

Comments

[violentenvies]

[he definitely didn't announce himself, and is going to do his best not to let the shiver of unease he just felt going down his spine show as he opens the door and steps inside]

Madame Hester. Good morning. Thank you for your prompt supply of the items I needed for the short mead.

[tailor_made]

Of course, of course. I'm happy to help. [She smiles brightly, seemingly genuinely pleased.]

I hope it turns out well, I asked for the best quality honey we could get. According to my research the type of honey you use can have a huge impact on how it turns out. [Her hair is styled differently from the last time he spoke to her, this time pulled back into a tight ponytail, and, despite the early hour, she's still notably wearing a full-face of make-up.]

Did you need something else or did you just come to chat?

[violentenvies]

I do appreciate your attention to the quality. I'm certain it will turn out quite well because of it.

[as for that question]

I did, in fact, come with another request, if you would indulge me?

[tailor_made]

Mmhmm, it shouldn't be an issue. What do you need?

[violentenvies]

I was hoping to procure a set of barber's instruments for my friend, Monsieur Barker. They are the tools of his trade, and considering the work he is doing for the performance, I believe it would make his life easier if he had them.

[tailor_made]

-Oh.

Barber's tools. For Mr. Barker. Mr. Barker's barber tools. Barber tools...for Benjamin Barker. [Hester purses her lips, a flash of concern playing across her face, but it's quickly replaced by another bright smile.] I'm sure I can get him a set of them. They won't be as nice as his actual razors but they'll get the job done.

[violentenvies]

[....what was that look of concern, and also those repetitions??? ]

...wonderful. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to give them to him myself, if possible.

[tailor_made]

Mmhmm, mmhmm. [She nods, just a hair too quickly.] I might actually be able to get them to you before the end of the day since this will be a lot easier than mead supplies.

this is what not being able to sleep gets me

[violentenvies]

[...listen, Hester, he may not be genre savvy at all, but he is fairly decent at reading people.

So that nodding, combined with her earlier reaction from before, is enough to catch his attention. He steps closer to the desk, a slight frown appearing between his brows]

I...do appreciate the promptness, however...is there something that is strange about this request?

[tailor_made]

Monsieur...Mr. Barker is a perfectly sweet man. Most of the people here are nice people. [Discord not withstanding.]

You've been very nice to me, all things considered, so I want to return the favor with a little advice: be smart about who you trust. That's all.

[violentenvies]

[Salieri pauses, then, taking a moment to study Hester, looking for any details in her expression, where she's looking, what her hands are doing, how she's holding herself, as if such a thing might give him insight as to her motivations for telling him this. If this were dungeons and dragons, he would be rolling an insight check.

It's quiet in the office for a moment as he does this--though he's not going to let the silence linger too long. But he's certainly making no effort to disguise the fact that he's studying her and weighing her words]

[tailor_made]

[Hester is a difficult person to read, even for someone as well-versed in insight as Salieri. It doesn't look like she's making any real efforts to hide her intentions though. Her mouth is set in a small frown of concern, dark brows slightly furrowed, hands laid flat on the desk instead of neatly foldes in front of her.

For all intents and purposes she seems completely genuine in her concerns for him.]

Keep in mind I'm not saying everyone here has ulterior motives at this moment but things can change on a dime.

[violentenvies]

[She's genuine. That is...surprising, and not at all what Salieri expected. He folds his arms, a furrow in his brow, but after a moment, he nods]

...I see. In that case, I will...give your words some serious thought before I decide whether or not to give them to him.

[tailor_made]

[She nods and her smile returns, this time softer than the overly bubbly, borderline intense grin she had before.]

Good. I'll leave it in your hallway locker, you should have it tomorrow morning at the latest.

[violentenvies]

Thank you again, Madame Hester. [he will give her a small bow, then] I wish you a good day.

[tailor_made]

You as well, monsieur.

[But while we're on the subject of insight checks...this could very well be whatever universal translator fuckery is going on but the way she says "monsieur" is pitch perfect French pronunciation despite her clearly American accent.]

[violentenvies]

[....interesting. He'll note that, and then move to take his lead]