OPEN POST; [ HERLOCK SHOLMES / TGAA ]

[retroductions]

(( hold you in my dreams ))

Comments

[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.

[spelljam]

[ suddenly she can't stand the idea of talking about her studies to this young girl. that she doggedly pursued her life's work until the day it was taken from her, and has flagged in that pursuit ever since? ]

Oh. I am on leave from my studies for now. Another time.

1/3

[bestbuds]

On leave...? Oh, because you're visiting us in London, you mean?

[retroductions]

[And this is where Sholmes deigns to step in a bit more helpfully than before.]

There are times in which even the most diligent of minds require somewhat of a sabbatical for the sake of renewal and reinvigoration. Indeed, to apply oneself too strenuously all the time leads to a decrease in efficacy more often than not.

But besides that... you've all the time in the world to ask your questions over tea. Hm?

[bestbuds]

[Iris, though her questions and wonderments are aplenty, would certainly not leave them all tea-less. She nods, holding up her small little shopping satchel.]

Of course. I've purchased a few new blends, too. Sprezzie, what sort of tea do you like the best?

[spelljam]

[ her gratitude wells up; had she her tail, it would wend its way around Sholmes' ankle in silent thanks. instead, she drifts one hand towards him and brushes the knuckles against his hip, where his little vials rest. ]

I like black, with spice. You are making your own?

[bestbuds]

[Sholmes gives her a fond, knowing smile, offered in the space between Iris moving to her side of the room, setting her things down, and remarking brightly-]

I have a whole collection of my own blends, some a bit more successful than others. But only the best for our guests; Hurley gets all the experimental ones.

[And he probably takes them proudly.]