rarelogic | a post that I stole from bakerstreet

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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?

Edited 2021-12-19 00:51 (UTC)

[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.]

[ 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. ]

[... 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.]

[ But he loves gratification so much. Why can he not be humoured with gratification, this once (well, every time, ideally, however-) ]

I'm afraid this time, I cannot!

[ Ahaha ha haha ha, mentally, as it were. ]

This case is of utmost secrecy, and I cannot divulge too much. I'm sure you understand the need for confidentiality.

[ mostly because it has to do with Lord van Zieks himself, and indeed, what he might purchase for one (1) Iris Wilson. Yes, that's right, a case set upon him by his dear daughter herself. The Case of Spoiling The Christmas Surprise.

He says this all with the most patronising smile he has in his repertoire, of course. All in the hopes of continuing to goad the man on in some respects. ]

So tell me, good man. Who are you shopping for? You needn't hide it if it's for me.

[Somehow... that answer is even worse than what he expected. Van Zieks brings a hand to his forehead, thumb and index finger on his temples.]

You truly have a talent for aggravation.

[And yet, he did this to himself, fool that he is. He could have ignored the man and been able to blame any interaction entirely on Sholmes, but no. He had to open his mouth, and now he's paying the price.]

I assure you the thought was far from my mind. You may consider my gift to you the fact that you are not arrested every time you interfere with a crime scene.

[Does he actually have that authority? ... maybe, maybe not. Also of note is the descriptor of every time, leaving room for future threats.]

a post that I stole from bakerstreet

sholmes will certainly make up for his lack thereof

as is his right and responsibility

no subject

no subject

I am so sorry for lateness on this

joke's on you i'm even later