OPEN POST; [ HERLOCK SHOLMES / TGAA ]

[retroductions]

(( hold you in my dreams ))

Comments

[retroductions]

[Aha,,]

My hand, my dear.

[he left it on the mantel, she will have to release him]

[velluminous]

[ she lets go, but honestly, is there even enough time for another puff before the door opens? ]

1/3

[retroductions]

[Surprisingly... yes!

Because as Sholmes crosses back to the mantel to retrieve his pipe, the doorknob to the front door jiggles. Jostles. Turns, but never quite the whole way, because-]

[bestbuds]

[-poor little Iris has been locked out, and her key to 221B does not seem to be working. Neither adult within the flat can see her yet, of course, but no doubt they can hear her baffled huff, and perhaps can imagine her putting on hand on her hip in disbelief.

She calls out to Sholmes from the other side.]

Hurley! Why have you gone and changed the locks? What are you up to?

[retroductions]

[And here comes Sholmes, approaching Sprezzatura to offer his pipe, though his face cracks into a wide grin as he responds to the closed door—]

Iris, my dear, did I not say that I’d have you practicing the critical art of lock picking sooner rather than later? Well, it is sooner right now! Come, come, this is an easy one.

[Well, it seems Sprezzatura has enough time to puff from his pipe, after all.]

[spelljam]

her first time hearing the girl's voice, and it's "Hurley." she whirls on Sholmes in something like startled disbelief, taking the pipe yet not bringing it to her lips just yet. ]

You lock her out?

[ she didn't notice him doing that. ]

[retroductions]

[She wouldn’t have, because-]

Oh, yes, I changed the locks this morning before I picked you up at the station.

[These are just normal happenings in 221B. The knob jostles again, and the sound of a little huff on the other side of the door — but neither party seems terribly concerned, so Sholmes’ faith must be high, indeed.]

[spelljam]

[ so she has truly stepped into the middle of what seems like a perfectly normal day. after all she went through to get here, life goes on.

it's a comfort. ]

And you have taught her this lock-picking?

[ she will never forget the sound of him working her door open in Basilisk, after she'd died in Wei Wuxian's heart. ]

1/2

[retroductions]

[Then she will also recall that she interrupted his lock picking at the time. It’s clear Sholmes has no intention of doing the same with Iris.]

Of course. She may be my daughter, but she is also my ever reliable assistant. It’s only natural that, in time, she learns all the skills that might bolster her own efficacy — not that she is terribly lacking in much at all!

[He chortles. The doorknob still jiggles.]

[bestbuds]

[And then swings open to reveal Iris! Bag carried in the crook of one arm, while the other reveals a set of lock picking tools.]

Honestly, Hurley, you—

[!!]

Oh! Why didn’t you tell me you were having someone over?

[spelljam]

[ !!





she can't help it. she simply freezes in place, holding Sholmes' pipe just barely to her lips ]

1/2

[retroductions]

[He gently nudges her with his elbow, though still grinning at Iris.]

Marvelous work, my dear. That lock was hardly a challenge at all for one such as yourself — I’ll have to install something far more complex the next time around!

[He straightens, pushing up at his cap (which isn’t there; old habit.)]

But for now, introductions are in order! Iris, you’ve finally a chance to meet Sprezzatura Vaux! And my dearest Sprezzatura, this is my foster daughter, loyal assistant, and talented writer of all my tales, Iris!

[bestbuds]

[For now, never mind that what she sees does not match the description of what Sholmes described to her, Iris simply… GASPS.

Is it really her-?!]

[spelljam]

[ ... takes a drag on his pipe. such a small and delicate-looking girl, all bright colours and tailored clothes. it is clear from first glance that she is very loved.

no, it was clear just from walking in and looking around. the space equally tailored to them both, too.

she has to say something now, though. think! ]

Da. That is me, Ms Vaux.

[bestbuds]

[That she is loved is very clear, indeed. Sholmes speaks warmly and proudly, and there is so much care put into her wellbeing that it exudes as happiness. The simple bright-eyed excitement that all ten-year olds possess if they lead contented lives, never mind how mature Iris is for her young age.

She gasps again, more delighted than surprised this time.]

Oh, Hurley, it’s just like you said. She even has a Russian accent!

[Or something close enough to it. Iris hurries up to Sprezzatura, not even bothering to close to door, still holding both satchel and lock picking tools her a hand apiece. The question of why she isn’t blue and horned still lingers in her mind, of course, but she’s polite enough not to blurt it out yet, and too excited to care. Maybe Hurley was making a joke; it wouldn’t be all that strange.]

What a pleasure to finally meet you, Ms Vaux. [(already churning up nicknames in her mind)] My name is Iris Wilson. I’ve heard so much about you from Hurley.

[Would she like a tiny curtsy because she’s getting one]

[spelljam]

[ she really calls him Hurley! to this end, a little bit of blinking before she realizes she's being curtseyed to. she brings up the hem of her skirt and returns the motion. ]

And he speaks to me very fond things of you, Miss Iris.

1/2

[bestbuds]

Oh, not nearly as fond as you, I'm sure. [Wait for it.] Sprezzie!

[retroductions]

[Aha, he should have warned her about the nicknaming. Though Iris can get away with anything, being Iris.]

[spelljam]

S... Sprezzie...

[retroductions]

[lol,]

Iris loves to assign nicknames to those she’s fond of. No doubt you’ve noticed “Hurley?”

[spelljam]

Da. That one... surprised me.

[ don't just say that in front of her!! ]

[bestbuds]

But “Hurley” is perfect! That’s what I’ve always called him. “Daddy” makes him cry. [Sholmes just chuckles at that as she continues-] And I think “Sprezzie” suits you, too.

…Oh, unless you’d want me to call you something else?

[ARE YOU GOING TO DENY THIS CHILD HER FOND NICKNAMES]

[spelljam]

[ DADDY MAKES HIM CRY? no!! she's going to cry! ]

Well...

[ sholmes, help her!! ]

I suppose... it is... fffff...ine...

1/2

[retroductions]

It’s perfect, Iris!

[Is that helping?]

[bestbuds]

[She grins, giggling a little.]

Hurley and Sprezzie… Oh! [She seems to remember the items she’s holding.] You’ll have to tell me even more about yourself over tea. Hurley’s told me you’re an academic.

[Of MAGIC.]

I’d like to hear all about your studies, Sprezzie.