Week One

[stagemanagers]

[Yesterday, everyone woke up in a strange place and realized that they'd been kidnapped, and also that everyone else around them may or may not be kinnies? Wow, what a weird escalation of kin drama! Given what some people have seen of Spongebob's freaky arm thing, though, maybe it's not that at all?

Your Assistant Director, Hester, showed off her stuff and immediately had her life threatened by Lumpy Space Princess, who got her life threatened right back. Maybe you should keep that in mind if you decide to pay Hester any more visits! She won't be making another public appearance this week, but as promised, she'll be available for visits and consultation in the Principal's Office during business hours.

If you don't want to chat with Hester, there's always the school to explore! Some of you might also be receiving mysterious coins next to your bedside this week - those must be useful for something, right? There's lots to do, and you all seem like a group who can make your own fun, so enjoy your first week of school!]


Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday


(( OOC: This will be the last mod post for this week! Feel free to start submitting regains for any threads that aren't with Hester. Remember, song threads mean an extra coin! This is a peace week, so get all that CR while you can! ))

Comments

[violentenvies]

Thank you, I would appreciate it. While you do that, I'll divide up this creme brulée.

[barberic]

[Benjamin nods and stands for a better angle, taking the two cups off of the tray and pouring the tea, first for Salieri and then for himself.]

I admit I'm not much of an expert in tea, but this smells lovely.

[violentenvies]

[Salieri can't help but chuckle at that, spooning the creme brulée onto two plates, making sure to place enough of the crisp sugar topping on both, and setting one down in front of Benjamin]

I don't know if I would take a title of expert myself, but that is apparently an herbal tea. I got it from that strange machine in the hallway, but despite that, the tea does seem to be rather good. I hope it ends up being to your liking.

[barberic]

The machine? Interesting. I've heard tell of all sorts of wonders coming from it - perhaps I should give it a shake myself.

[He doctors his tea with a touch of sugar as he takes his seat again.]

What was it you wished to speak with me about?

1/3

[violentenvies]

If you do, I would caution you to be ready to step aside at a moments notice. It occasionally spits out a large number of trombones.

2/3

[violentenvies]

[and now he comes to a crossroads. For a brief moment, Salieri hesitates, mind turning over Madame Hester's words as he has again and again over the past day and a half. He'd been tempted to dismiss it out of hand at first, but...the way that she had acted before he even asked his question puts him ill at ease, not to mention the discussion he'd had with Varian not long after they arrived..."I'm less likely to want to screw things up if it means they end up getting hurt because of something I did."

Yet, sitting in front of Benjamin now, talking as amicably as they always have, only makes the doubt grow in his mind. It is difficult to imagine him being untrustworthy. However...Salieri has met more than enough of those in Court who are perfectly genial, and yet hide their own agenda. Even he himself has done and, in some ways, is doing such a thing.

But could Benjamin ever really be one of those people?]

3/3

[violentenvies]

[...Salieri has not been as successful as he is in Court if he did not exercise proper caution.

Perhaps...it would be best to hold on to some of these items, for now. It has only been a week and who knows how long they'll be stuck here, really. If he gives a portion of them to Benjamin now and the rest a week from now, or two, what's the harm?

That entire internal debate takes merely a brief second, before Salieri is reaching for the suitcase he has on the floor]

Ah, well, I have something for you.

[and with that, he's lifting the suitcase into his lap and opening it, the top facing towards Benjamin, blocking his view of what could be inside. After a moment of rustling, Salieri will pull out a thick rolled leather belt with some leather pockets strapped onto it. They are mostly empty, aside from a couple different combs, hairbrushes and a nice badger hair brush. He sets that on the table, before closing up the suitcase and setting it aside]

I wasn't able to get all of the instruments of your trade, however...I thought you might appreciate having at least some of them.

[barberic]

[Benjamin is too busy contemplating how many trombones would be considered a large number of trombones (in his opinion, 2, unless it's a large outdoor space) to catch the look of hesitation on Salieri's face.

Therefore, when the gift is presented to him, he has no idea that a part of it was withheld - he unrolls it and looks at the assembled objects within, tracing his fingers over the teeth of the combs and the bristles of the hairbrushes.]

This is... very thoughtful of you, Mr. Salieri.

[He takes out a small silver comb and holds it up, the fluorescent light glinting off of its hair-thin, delicate teeth.]

I've found some scissors that I've been able to work with, but these will make that job much easier. The offer is always open to you, sir, if you find yourself in need of a trim. I know after a full week, my own whiskers are in need of some care.

[He tucks the comb back in the case with a fond smile and rolls it back up. If he's disappointed not to have his razors, he doesn't show it.]

I'm sure- well, most of the instruments of your trade were already provided, but you must understand the relief of having them at hand, nonetheless.

[violentenvies]

I can only imagine. [He'll offer Benjamin a small smile, feeling a twist of guilt in his stomach in a way that he hasn't for quite a while. But...he swallows that down, and instead adds sugar to his tea, and takes a sip]

In fact...if you would indulge me, I was going to ask you if you wouldn't mind me prevailing upon you on Monday, before the show? I would hate to go up there in front of everyone not looking my best.

[barberic]

[Unaware of any reason why Salieri might feel guilty, Benjamin gives an enthusiastic nod.]

Of course, I wouldn't mind at all.

[He takes a sip of tea.]

We can discuss what you like when I have you in a chair, then, shall we?

[violentenvies]

That would be wonderful. [that, at least, is more than truthful] I'll put my trust in your capable hands.

[but, perhaps, another topic--] I did also want to ask, how are you finding rehearsals? Personally, that is.

[barberic]

Mm. [He picks up his spoon and scrapes up a spoonful of creme brulee, as he contemplates the question.]

Overwhelming, but I think in a good way. I'm not used to singing being such hard work.

[He takes the bite.]

[violentenvies]

[Salieri nods at that, a touch of sympathetic amusement at the corner of his mouth]

I can imagine. However, you seem to also be adapting rather swiftly. Especially considering that French is not usually a language you've sung in.

[barberic]

Well, no doubt thanks to the skill of my teacher.

[He takes a sip of tea, beaming with friendly gratitude.]

I was afraid that I'd be too old a dog to learn new tricks.

[violentenvies]

[That'll earn a chuckle out of him]

Not at all, as we've seen. I can honestly say that I am well impressed with your work.

[barberic]

[Well, he can tell Salieri won't let him self-deprecate his way out of this, and he's already made his high esteem for the man abundantly clear.]

Well, thank you.

I bet my wife will be disappointed to learn I performed in an opera, and she wasn't here to see.

[violentenvies]

[he absolutely will not let him self-deprecate his way out of this, Benjamin did a great job!!] You could, perhaps, perform your part for her when you see her again, but even so I'm certain she would be quite proud.

[barberic]

She's proud of everything I do. [He takes a sip of tea, then clears his throat around the unexpected lump there. His gaze falls to the table, a fond smile on his face.]

It's an intimidating standard to live up to, to be worthy of what she sees in me. One of my greatest life's works, God willing.

[violentenvies]

[Salieri's expression softens at that. It is shockingly clear how much the man loves his wife, and though his acting was very good for his first time, he's starting to get the feeling that he let his doubts get the better of him]

I have every faith that you will, my friend. Anyone who speaks to you for more than a moment could see how much you adore her. [it's lightly teasing, but mostly admiring]

[barberic]

[He has the decency to look slightly sheepish, at the light teasing, although his smile flags not at all.]

I would wish the feeling of being in love on every man in the world. Perhaps it would even give your plays happier endings. [An equally light, playful tease.]

[violentenvies]

[that makes him laugh, a low chuckle] I'll have you know, I have written my share of Opera buffa, and those endings are always happy. This commission just happened to be for a tragédie lyrique. I can hardly be blamed for that.

[barberic]

[He laughs at that response, not loud but not limited to a chuckle.]

Oh, well that's understandable. Do you have a preference? Of which you like writing more?

[violentenvies]

[he sits back in his chair a bit to consider that]

...I suppose it depends on the day. They each have their challenges, however...Opera buffa is like a light, sweet snack. Like a bit of cake and tea in the afternoon. Easy to throw together something light and frivolous but deceptively difficult to get it just so as to be something really delightful.

Tragédie lyrique is darker, heavier, richer--like a good chocolate mousse after dinner. It tastes deceptively complex but is surprisingly easy to make if you follow the right steps. You can add twists to it--whiskey or bourbon, or fruit, but it will always be the same rich, satisfyingly dark, sensual bittersweet base.

[barberic]

[Benjamin sips his tea while he listens to his friend's explanation. The analogy eludes him, somewhat, not being used to fine, frilly little desserts, but it's easy enough to understand nonetheless.]

I see. That's a very interesting analysis of the difference. Perhaps - if you still remember one you've written - you could play a piece from one of the lighthearted ones sometime. After this performance, of course, and only if you feel like it.

[But, well. You know. Murder school. Maybe something a little haha funny to lighten the mood.]

[violentenvies]

[listen he's famed for having a sweet tooth what do you want from him.

But he does pause to consider that idea]

I believe that's something I certainly could manage. I have some Opera buffa that would be quite quick to throw together, if need be.