[Strange, airy. It's fine, she's strange, too, but just in other ways. Now, she crosses her arms, looking at this man with growing skepticism. Is she supposed to take the title of Director and Janitor suiting her as a compliment?]
Hold on, hold on. Uh... maybe you don't understand how it works here, Steinbeck. Firstly: You don't have your own name? Usually that's what people introduce each other by. Some real spy nonsense vibes you're giving off, now.
[Steinbeck hums under his breath at Jesse's skepticism as if he thinks he provided a perfectly acceptable answer that shouldn't be questioned in the first place.]
Who am I? Director, I am a traveler. A tourist if you will. I have my own home so worry not, I have my own place to return to. One must maintain their household regularly.
But the Oldest House was such an exciting name.
[As if to emphasize, Steinbeck looks up at the ceiling, spins around, arms spread wide, embracing the oddity of everything.]
I wanted to take a look! Ah, but I've settled in the lobby to see if anyone would give me a tour. Normally I'd just lead myself around but I find that I am in want of some company. I hope that isn't too much of an ask, Director.
[Oh, so this guy's a dramatic one, she thinks, as he spreads his arms and gives himself a spin. Well, maybe he's in good company, but Jesse isn't one for dramatics -- not usually. She's just used to seeing weird and unusual things crop up in the Oldest House, though she supposes the last uninvited, unusual guest was... her, in what feels like an age ago.
She heaves a little sigh.]
I think you're missing what I'm getting at here.
[So she tries again.]
People don't just come in here and waltz around, asking for a tour. This place isn't open to the public. So what I'm really asking you is this, Mr. Steinbeck: why should I be compelled to really show you around?
[And, in a way that is less business than mercenary, more cautious than greedy:] What's in it for me? For the Oldest House itself?
[Ah, now that's a smart question, Jesse. When it comes to people, no, creatures, like him, if he's asking for something, it's best to take advantage and ask them for something in return before fulfilling his request.
Steinbeck puts one hand on his hip, thinking.]
Well, for one thing, I asked. [Kind of. Sort of. In a very roundabout way.]
But I concede. I should not be touring without paying a fee. So in that case Director, what is it you and the Oldest House would need the most?
[He holds up his hand to list off suggestions with his fingers.]
Fortifications? Additions? Connections? Subtractions? All very broad offers on my part yes, but you'll find that I'm very creative and generous.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
A pleasure, Director Jesse Faden! Or Assistant Janitor Jesse Faden. Hm, yes both suit you well. Remind me to ask you about the latter.
[He draws his hand back and sweeps one of his long crimson strands behind his ear.]
Now then! I think I've decided. I'll be borrowing a name as long as I'm here just to make it easier on the both of us.
[He puts a hand over his chest and gives a sweeping bow.]
For the time being, call me Steinbeck.
[Somewhere in a different reality, a high school teacher snaps her pencil.]
Director, would you kindly give me a tour of your home?
no subject
Hold on, hold on. Uh... maybe you don't understand how it works here, Steinbeck. Firstly: You don't have your own name? Usually that's what people introduce each other by. Some real spy nonsense vibes you're giving off, now.
Secondly, who are you, exactly?
no subject
Who am I? Director, I am a traveler. A tourist if you will. I have my own home so worry not, I have my own place to return to. One must maintain their household regularly.
But the Oldest House was such an exciting name.
[As if to emphasize, Steinbeck looks up at the ceiling, spins around, arms spread wide, embracing the oddity of everything.]
I wanted to take a look! Ah, but I've settled in the lobby to see if anyone would give me a tour. Normally I'd just lead myself around but I find that I am in want of some company. I hope that isn't too much of an ask, Director.
no subject
She heaves a little sigh.]
I think you're missing what I'm getting at here.
[So she tries again.]
People don't just come in here and waltz around, asking for a tour. This place isn't open to the public. So what I'm really asking you is this, Mr. Steinbeck: why should I be compelled to really show you around?
[And, in a way that is less business than mercenary, more cautious than greedy:] What's in it for me? For the Oldest House itself?
no subject
Steinbeck puts one hand on his hip, thinking.]
Well, for one thing, I asked. [Kind of. Sort of. In a very roundabout way.]
But I concede. I should not be touring without paying a fee. So in that case Director, what is it you and the Oldest House would need the most?
[He holds up his hand to list off suggestions with his fingers.]
Fortifications? Additions? Connections? Subtractions? All very broad offers on my part yes, but you'll find that I'm very creative and generous.