a post that I stole from bakerstreet

[rarelogic]

The Winter Festival Meme

Brrr! It may be (literally) freezing outside, but that doesn't mean you have to stay cooped up indoors. In fact, with the beauty of the fallen snow, the many holiday celebrations, and the myriad activities one can only do in cold weather... many might consider winter to be the most fun and romantic time of the year!

1. illuminations
Who doesn't love a light show? Decorative strings of lights dazzle when they adorn houses, trees, or festive sculptures.

2. hot drinks
Wassail, cider, cocoa, mulled wine... 'tis the season to indulge in something warming from the inside out!

3. winter sports
Whether you're a snowboarder or a skiier, festival competitions are your time to shine! Or perhaps you prefer something more low-key, like sledding or ice skating on a frozen pond with a friend?

4. snow art
Do you wanna build a snowman? Your imagination (and the temperature sensitivity of your materials) is the limit when it comes to snow angels, ice sculptures, and snow sculptures!

5. snowball fight!
The age-old tradition of pummeling your friends with icy cold projectiles!

6. holiday market
Keep your fingers warm with a hot drink while you get your shop on!

7. Santa's village
Wait - those aren't real elves, are they?

8. new year
Put on your sequined best and wait for the ball to drop at this year's New Year's Eve bash!

9. hatsumode
Don't forget to wish for good luck at your first shrine visit of the new year.

10. wildcard
Anything goes!

stolen from bakerstreet

Comments

disclaimer and notes!

[rarelogic]

I am but a mere baby at playing herr lock sholmes. this is very much a voice-testy thing. please forgive any missteps, I'm working on it!! But on the same note, please don't hesitate to point out any issues you might see :sob: thank you in advance for playing with me and dealing with me being a slow POS!

I'm up for basically anything here, whether you want it to happen in Jolly Old England or if Sholmes has made a daring trip to Japan for #9, I'm good. Either leave me a top level or let me know if you'd prefer I write one!

[2] (HELLO there)

[professorbestie]

[It's mid-Winter in London and Yujin Mikotoba is also there! Why? Don't think too hard about it. He's staying in 221B Baker Street for a while because hotels are expensive and that attic room is available again, since Ryunosuke got enabled into returning to Japan. (All according to keikaku???)

Regardless, with the weather outside so frightful and the fireplace so delightful, it's the perfect day to stay inside with hot cocoa. Yujin is preparing just that. It makes a nice change from Iris's herbal teas and since he's staying as a guest, he might as well make some more effort to pull his weight around here. Two steaming mugs in hand, he enters the living area.]

Sholmes?

hello!! I'm sorry in advance :sob:

[rarelogic]

[ Whatever possessed Mikotoba to stay around after Susato and Naruhodo left, Sholmes definitely was not about to complain. That said, what he did find appropriate to want to complain about was the weather. While snow was indeed good to see footprints in, at least, for a marked amount of time, there were certainly no mud spatters to follow on any rapscallion's trouser legs (and that includes his own, mind you)--

Perhaps this is not what he should be thinking about right now as he looks out the window (what he can see around the beast of his analytiscope).

He hears Mikotoba as he enters the room, and he certainly smells the cocoa - and the presence of both is confirmed as he turns and tries to put the snow from his mind. The power of observation is a wonderful thing. (This is barely observation, this is seeing the obvious, Sholmes...)

While his annoyance at the snow isn't gone, it's easier to deal with when he sees his partner. After all, one must make the most of all the opportunities they have, and this is certainly not one he expected. ]

Cocoa today, Mikotoba? Couldn't bring yourself to dip into Iris's tea archives while she was out, or perhaps something else possessed you to make that selection?

Nooo, no apologies, only fun!

[professorbestie]

[Yujin doesn't mind snow, personally. He doesn't view it the way Holmes does, which is to judge it by its usefulness during investigations. Instead, his biggest concern is his own personal comfort. While he hates to get his shoes covered in wet sludge, it is awfully soothing to look at. These things balance each other out in his opinion. One can't have everything, he learned that the hard way throughout his entire life. Even now, while enjoying the company of Holmes and Iris, he misses Susato dearly.

Though he strides across the room, he pauses near the trunk-turned-coffee table, tilting his head with a smile.]

I was simply in the mood for it. The weather is to blame for that, I suppose. [He gestures to the settee about as much as his full hands will allow.] Will you join me here, or shall I have to deliver the drink to your desk?

[rarelogic]

[ The gesture is noted, and so! ]

Why at my desk when the settee is much more comfortable?

[ Were this not Mikotoba, he might consider his Stradivarius better company, and perhaps fallen into A Mood because he couldn't go out to play, so to speak. But this is Mikotoba, and that is cocoa, and though it may not be as good as his bar of caramel, he'll take it. Besides, the windows were letting in something of a chill...

Herlock is quick to cross to the centre of the room, already reaching for one of the cups of cocoa from Mikotoba's hands. ]

Sit, dear friend. You hardly need to wait on me. I will not keep you from your chocolate.

[ that now, he himself is in somewhat of a rush to drink. ]

I KEEP TYPING HOLMES INSTEAD OF SHOLMES FASDKLJASF

[professorbestie]

How kind of you, dear fellow. Here I was, caught in an agonising wait.

[In truth, he was waiting because the hot chocolate is just that; hot. So be careful, friendo, don't rush into this one! Tongues may be burned. Still, he allows Sholmes to take the mug from his hand and steps over to the settee to make himself comfortable. His eyes fall on the metal trunk and as often happens, he's somewhat overcome by bittersweet nostalgia. Those adventure years truly were some of the best of his life, weren't they? And perhaps it's selfish to feel that way; he has his job and his daughter in Japan now. Those ought to be the best aspects of his life, shouldn't they?

He tears his gaze away from the trunk to fix Sholmes with a smile.]

Be careful, please. It's only just come off the stove.

9!!!

[judicialassistant]

[ It is a very exciting time at Mr Naruhodo's brand new legal consultancy. Susato could hardly believe it when the telegram came, and it was Mr Sholmes, of all people--coming to visit to the new year! When she told her father, he was skeptical, but playfully so. He told her not to get her hopes up, until she actually saw the man, but then he appeared, just as promised. Bonus: Iris was in tow!

Some days after they have settled in, Susato gifts them with their own kimonos for hatsumode. She explains that, per tradition, they will be visiting their very first shrine of the new year, in hopes that it will bring them good luck and no murders.

While Iris excitedly caught up with Ryunosuke, she got to spend some time with Sholmes, helping him fit into his kimono. It was pink, not too far off hers. Very subtle, Susato, wanting to match and all. ]

Is it comfortable?

[rarelogic]

[ It's true - with a man like Herlock Sholmes, he could just as easily "forget" about his steamship, be otherwise occupied with a case, or in a fit of the doldrums he has found himself subject to on an occasion or two. (or three, or four, or--) Not to say that so many days on a steamship was at all pleasant, especially when there was a distinct lack of murder taking place. Not at all like the last few times he'd been on a steamship (yes, one of those had been "murder," but the point remains.)

But after arriving, a few days settling in, and adjusting himself to the change in time, it seemed time to get out and about! And apparently preparing to visit a shrine at some point, thank you, Miss Susato. When in Rome, as they say...

The gift of the kimono is quite the surprise but certainly not unwelcome. Sholmes had seen pictures but seen male Japanese clothing rarely as Mikotoba had a tendency to wear mostly western clothing during his stay in London and Naruhodo kept wearing that varsity uniform the majority of the time.

When she takes him aside to fit him with it, he has to admit to being quite impressed. The colour is something he notes as being similar to her own and he rather likes it. What impresses him most is that everything is tied, or looped, and there is a distinct lack of fasteners... Leave it to Sholmes to find that fascinating. ]

Quite, my dear Miss Susato.

[ He manages to answer as he pats around the waist obi tie as if examining the magic that keeps his entire ensemble together. And then he stops, to continue: ]

I can't say, however, that I am accustomed to so much of a breeze about my ankles.

[judicialassistant]

[ Susato chuckles, watching him pat down the obi with such fascination in his eyes. She does manage to look over him, reaching down to tug at his pants to try to close the gap over his ankles. It doesn't work very well, so they'll have to keep him warm some other way. He'll get used to it. ]

My apologies, Mr Sholmes. [ She tried. ] Perhaps we could convince Iris to brew us some of your favorite tea for the walk over, to keep warm. The clouds do look ever so gray outside... It's possible it may snow.

[ Quite the contrary though, Susato sounds excited about this. A walk to the shrine on new years' with your idol, with a sprinkling of snow... She dares say it sounds quite romantic.

As the final piece to this outfit puzzle, Susato hands him his belt with whatever colorful chemicals he likes to keep on him. They shan't need them today, of course, but it is just like him to be prepared. ]

[rarelogic]

[ It would sound quite romantic, were he ever a man to consider that sort of thing. One thing to imagine a sordid affair of a client but another to imagine himself strolling together with anyone arm in arm. Truthfully he's wondering if Susato is going to make him trudge through snow to a shrine with his ankles half exposed and wearing sandals.

No, wait, they had a particular name. Her father told him that at on at least one occasion - Sholmes digs in in the recesses of his mind as he absently takes his vials with a pensive look in his eyes and straps them on, somehow, without thinking. ]

Ge... Get... o? Geta? Yes, that's it, isn't it. The shoes! I'm right, aren't I? [ he doesn't wait for confirmation because of course he is] Am I to wear those as well, Miss Susato? Should it snow, I can't be expected to make sure these clothes remain unscathed by it.

[judicialassistant]

[ Very impressive! She was not expecting Sholmes to know that, though thinking back on it, she has to wonder why not. He was her father's partner for quite sometime and surely it must have come up at least once.

Still, she shakes her head. ]

No, no. You are quite correct! But while we certainly do have geta sandals, we will not make you wear them. I'll be wearing my usual boots myself, after all.

[ It wouldm't be fair to make their guests wear something less comfortable! ]

4 to start c:

[catflapomat]

[ Knowing Iris, she would probably invent a platform that moved up and down like an elevator before she let her 10-year-old height hold her back. Yet here she is, lovingly hanging off Sholmes as he carried her, having a delightful time in the snow.

She has officially built a big-ass snowman that is bigger than herself, and with Hurley's help, she puts on the finishing touch, wrapping a scarf neatly around where its neck would be. ]

There! Now he can keep nice and warm while he guards our flat. At least until he melts.

[ She is not stupid enough to think the snowman will be around long, but she quite likes the work she's done. ]

Should we give him a name?

this is disgusting I love it so much

[rarelogic]

[ It may the case that his shoulders might never recover from this experience, but indeed, Sholmes finds it hard to care overmuch. Not because of the snowman, largest he'd ever seen or cared to see, really - but simply because this appears to be bringing Iris so much joy. (The... joy of fatherhood? Has it changed him so much?) ]

My dear Iris, given his size, the climate and the time of year - we are certainly entering the colder months - we must conclude that he will be around for some time.

[ (Perhaps not so much.) ]

Therefore!

[ he manages to do that thing with his finger he does when he comes up with an idea, and mysteriously does not lose his grip on Iris's leg. ]

A name is most certainly warranted. Perhaps we ought to name him after the King of Bohemia, due to his stature? Or have you a particular idea in mind?

SAME

[catflapomat]

[ She may never fully understand how he always falls back on the King of Bohemia. Still, it brings him such joy that she's ready to concede this snowman's name, if the very suggestion hadn't given her an even better idea.

Iris gasps, though at the same time, looks rather sullen, like she's rather missed her mark. ]

Oh no! If I'd made him a girl, I could have named her after Queen Vicky.

[ SHE WANTS A DO OVER. Then their flat would be safe for the winter for sure. Yes, these are the things a ten-year-old worries about. ]

[rarelogic]

Wouldn't she be honoured.

[ Maybe not. Still, that would have been an idea. It makes Sholmes wonder if they could have made a good likeness of her face. He gazes at the snowman's head for a moment, finger on his chin, until another idea hits him - ]

I have it! Perhaps we ought to name him after Mr Reaper. Tall, and with a chilly disposition. It would suit the man quite well!

[catflapomat]

[ Iris's mouth hangs open, deeply pondering the idea, though it seems she's sold on it rather quickly. She closes her eyes, tapping at her temple with hand that she frees from Sholmes' neck.

Then she taps at his head too, meaning to mimic the gesture, but she just ends up floofing his hair. ]

You really are brilliant, Hurley. The burglars don't have to know he isn't actually the Reaper. Although... hm.

[ He needs something in that case, doesn't he?

Iris looks over the snowman over one more time before she tugs Herlock to get her closer to the face. Then, with her finger, she cheerily draws a singular X, right where it would fall on Barok in real life. ]

Now it looks like him!

6 aka please turn off the inner monologue and just use your words, barok

[discourtesies]

[It's not that van Zieks hasn't celebrated the holidays in the past ten years, exactly, but this year is particularly special, let's say. The combination of the truths he's revealed to the public at large, realizations about his family, and the weight of the Reaper being largely lifted from his shoulders makes his steps feel odd and almost uneasy as he browses London's markets for gifts and other holiday essentials. The scowl is still frozen on his scarred face as always, even if the bitterness behind it is beginning to thaw, bit by bit.

He's considering a brief spot of tea at the nearby café when he notices the detective's distinctive cap and coat in his peripheral, a scant few meters away.

His instinct is to turn and leave, allowing his top hat and cloak to act as a wall between him and the man who's been a thorn in his side a number of times.

He does not do that. He calls out:]

... Mr. Sholmes.

[It's... a begrudging acknowledgement, obvious in the slow way it leaves his mouth, as if he has to drag the name out by force. The vast majority of him would much prefer to pretend he never saw the man at all, but recent revelations have crumbled most of his reasons for loathing the so-called great detective into dust. And... if he is going to have any sort of relationship with his niece, he needs to be cordial with the man who's raised her. Probably.

Only most of the reasons for his grudge have been proven irrelevant, though. It doesn't mean the man isn't aggravating, and he's found a small handful of new reasons to be cross with Sholmes, too! Even so... he is making... an effort. May God give him patience.]

sholmes will certainly make up for his lack thereof

[rarelogic]

[ Perhaps Sholmes had been subtly trailing Van Zieks in an effort to watch over the man, now that they are, ostensibly, family. Or perhaps it's just a coincidence. (But is it ever really a coincidence with Sholmes? Hm.) However, with that said, Van Zieks calling out to him does seem a curiosity. Sholmes had expected to need to get right into the gentleman's face eventually should he want to be acknowledged! ]

Mr. Reaper!

[ He says with a smile as he turns toward the sound of the man's voice. ]

Fancy meeting you here. Certainly not one of your normal haunts, is it?

as is his right and responsibility

[discourtesies]

[It's usually not, but the tunnel-visioned fool that van Zieks is, the thought hasn't occurred to him... yet.]

Certainly the Great Detective is aware of the season and why one might find themselves in the markets more frequently.

[The response is a bit more biting than he may have intended, simply out of habit, but oh well. Though if Sholmes wanted to trade in his deductive cap for the chance to be Captain Obvious for the day, that might be more agreeable than the usual. Hm. No, he'd probably find a way to be his eccentric self then, too.]

... should I assume the same of your reasons, or is there some other strange errand you've found yourself involved in?

[They're off to a great start.]

[rarelogic]

[ Sholmes honestly expects nothing less than biting, or gnawing, at the very least. Their interactions have always been somewhat fraught with a level of tension and animosity that Sholmes finds quite fascinating to both experience and goad on, at times. And sometimes he thinks that Barok van Zieks might feel fairly similarly. ]

There are a great many reasons why a Great Detective such as myself may have found himself in the markets at this particular time of year, but unfortunately neither am I here for any of the reasons you have indicated.

[ Neither to shop, nor on any other "strange" errand, which shopping is not. Though perhaps one might call the reason why he is there a strange errand... but no! No! ]

It happens, dear Reaper, that I am on a case. An interesting pursuit if there ever was one.

[ And then he looks at the man, as if expecting the inevitable followup questions! Oh please, let him go on. ]

[discourtesies]

[... yeah, that was what he meant by strange errand. Because what are the cases that Shomles involves himself with but strange? Surely the man would be bored with aught else. It's a small satisfaction that he was right on that note, at least.]

You clearly intend to regale me with the intricacies. [Does he seem interested? No. Is he telling the detective to shut his mouth? ... only with his expression. With his tone, he simply implies get it over with:]

Go on, then.

[Van Zieks will never admit to feeling any such enticing rivalry with the man, that's for sure—even if it might turn out to be true. He would hate to give Sholmes that sort of gratification.]

6, lmk if you want an edit

[coursecorrecting]

[Well, getting small gifts for his friends and loved ones had been a good idea in theory, and the cute holiday market was also a good idea in theory, and lots of things were good ideas in theory. But there they were, in a market - currently crime free, though this could rapidly change - and Ryunosuke was staring at a...

...at a...

...

...thing...

Some sort of thing. Some kind of crafted thing. Details to be decided, unless you've got some kind of thing in mind.]

So what is that, Mr Sholmes?

[Besides some strangely crafted thing.

This was asked quietly enough that hopefully no one overheard him throw shade at the...thing.]

looks good! let me know if you want me to edit for the proposed Thing (tm)

[rarelogic]

[ Sholmes is generally not someone who goes to a holiday market, though there is something to be said about using such an opportunity to people watch. However, when it comes to shopping at one... Well, one generally needs a bit more disposable income. He has some saved away for this time of year but! Herlock Sholmes, buying gifts at a holiday market? His gifts could never be so uninspired and trite. (No offense, Naruhodo, if this is where you intended to shop.)

His attention is called easily by Ryunosuke's question, though if it were Sholmes asking the question, he would spare no volume or amount of shade, because that certainly is a thing? ]

I would be a terrible Great Detective if I did not know, Mr Naruhodo, but I would be remiss if I missed a chance to have you learn for yourself.

[ Does he know or is he just passing it off? Who can tell! ]

nah, I just keep some backup ideas in case people are like 'idk ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ drawing a blank rn'

[coursecorrecting]

[It was a good idea in theory, okay? There's a lot of literature that talks about holiday markets filled with artesian handcrafted goods, and so he had gone into it with some hopes of maybe finding some nice gloves which are a good size and a good color and don't require too much thinking. Because holiday shopping is tough, and the confectionery was slammed, and online shopping wouldn't be invented for quite some time yet.

Shopping is a struggle.

Shopping is a struggle and London is unkind.]

Thank you for your...consideration, Mr Sholmes.

[And guess what- rather, who else is a struggle.]

Well, it's clearly a case of some kind. And it's clear, which means whatever you're supposed to put in it are things you're supposed to see...it would make it easier to keep track of whatever it is you put into things, wouldn't it? I mean, if everything was made of glass.

[You wouldn't have to open up your wardrobe to find your shirt, you could just look and see if it was inside maybe this glass technology isn't the worst idea...]

[rarelogic]

That you're supposed to see... I suppose one could see it that way, though I am not quite certain that's the desired intent. What, pray, would fit in such a small container?

[ Sholmes gives a tilt of his head, thinking that one over. No, it's less about being supposed to see the contents, and more want people to see, in this particular case. But he leaves that unspecified. Surely he'll get there soon enough. ]

And while you are one such who needs a great deal of assistance finding your things, instead of knowing precisely where you've placed them... Imagine if the attic was walled in glass. Oh no, no, no. It wouldn't do. Though, it begs the question: would a glass house count as having a single window, or no window at all?

[ he's going to get off on a tangent at this rate. ]