OPEN POST; [ HERLOCK SHOLMES / TGAA ]

[retroductions]

(( hold you in my dreams ))

Comments

[velluminous]

Da, he has played for me...

[ after she died. her throat closes up—not that she would have told Iris this otherwise—and so she stands and nudges their teacups away from the edges of the trunk.

then she holds out a hand for the girl. ]

1/2

[bestbuds]

[She moves around the trunk to take Sprezzatura's hand, dainty but eager. Ohh, she can definitely scent her this close — she smells a bit like one of Hurley's chemistry sets. They were made for each other!]

Then you know that he's very talented when he's actually trying!

[retroductions]

[In a sudden burst of fluttering papers, Sholmes stands upright in the background, holding violin and bow in both hands.]

What censure from my own assistant! I am always trying, Iris. [sometimes just badly] But I will give it my all for this "recital" in particular.

[Ahems, stepping closer to them.]

Now. Are you ready?

[velluminous]

[ Iris' small, gloved hand in hers. she feels a sudden and infinite affection for her, bordering on something deeper she cannot yet name. ]

Come, come. I will lead.

[ over the girl's head, she meets Herlock's eyes. I love you. ]

[retroductions]

[And it’s a look that cuts right through him in the best way possible — warm, belonging, loved. There’s a smile on his face as he meets her gaze, but one glinting in his eyes, too. And I love you dearly.

But what is unspoken can be made clarion clear through music itself. He intends to play exquisitely for two of the most important people in his life, and so, putting bow to string, a melody (skip to simple chanson, I can’t timestamp in mobile cry) is gladly woven into being.

Iris is happy to hear it, but as instructed, she waits for Sprezzatura’s lead.]

[velluminous]

[ hand in hand, her nape pricking with the clarity of the song. she might cry a little more if the hatred of it didn't kill the ability so well.

she lifts Iris' arm to guide her towards where the room is clearest, and immediately into a gentle spin. ]

[bestbuds]

[Everyone in 221B loves a good dance, and Iris is no exception to the rule. She's smiling and bright as Sprezzatura leads her to a section of the room where there's the most space to dance—Iris' side, of course—and laughs in surprise as she's guided into spin.

A full circle, pink pigtails swaying. When complete, she looks up at her adoringly.]

I'm so glad you've finally come to visit, Sprezzie!

[It's going to be so much fun with her around!]

[velluminous]

[ is this love? ]

Ohh. [ pulls her close, one hand to the back of her head, to gently turn them both about the room. ] I am, too.

[bestbuds]

[She’s small, still a child, and so the way she reaches up to keep hold of Sprezzatura makes it seem more like a hug as they turn about the room, in tempo to the violin.]

We can do this every evening — until you get tired of it, anyway. And if Hurley isn’t stealing you away on one of his adventures.

[velluminous]

[ she thinks her entire heart might rattle out of her throat. or that she might swallow it.

she's perfect. ]

I would be sure to make it home to you every night, little flower. Just for this.

[bestbuds]

[That makes her happy.]

Good. Then you can tell me all about what the two of you have been up to!

[It's not as though Sholmes spares Iris of every outing, but he certainly never takes her on the more morbid, dangerous, or tiring ones.]

Perhaps I'll write you in as a character in my next tale...

[velluminous]

What?... No, I am not wanting to be in any books...

[bestbuds]

No? Ohh, but I've always wanted to write in a romantic interest...

[velluminous]

To Herlock Sholmes?

[ a meaningful glance his way as they turn about the room ]

I do not think ladies of London would take well to that. [ ........ ] Do it.

[bestbuds]

[Blinks, then laughs.]

You want to want to make the jealous? Hurley has eyes only for you, but…

[Well, it might be a little amusing.]

[velluminous]

Yes, but I want them to writhe in envy.

[bestbuds]

[Hm! she says.]

That shouldn’t be too difficult. He’s head over heels for you, so it’ll be easy to describe his infatuation in detail. The two of you will be inseparable — just like you are now!

[velluminous]

[ she melts into a smile and they turn about the room once or twice more before she moves Iris into another spin. ]

But I will be intelligent woman, too.

[bestbuds]

Well, that's a given, Sprezzie! Intelligent... [She smiles at Sholmes, who smiles back as he plays, as they take one more turn around the room, and she spins once more, too.]

...mysterious, thoughtful... But still so very kind.

[velluminous]

[ NOOOOOOOOOO she's too darling... ]

With perfect daughter?

[bestbuds]

[Oh the DOTTIR word

Iris has been excited about Sprezzatura's arrival for a while now, and this has been reflected in her demeanor every second since she returned to 221B today. But what she says now makes something altogether different arise in her smile — the delight of an unspoken want being fulfilled, and the happiness that blossoms from it.

Her reply, simple:]

Yes! Exactly that, too.

[velluminous]

[ her heart wants to burst. Herlock was right about this girl. ]

Our girl.

[ an impulsive woman is she: she sweeps down lower and lifts Iris off the floor in a true embrace, and spins them both around the room once, face buried in pink pigtails as they bounce ]

Hhah, I thought—

[bestbuds]

[She laughs in delight, picked up. Sholmes, too, beams in the background, but refuses to interrupt their moment — besides, he must finish his piece to the end!

Iris is slight, easy to lift; she puts her arms around Sprezzatura as they spin about.]

Y-you thought what?

[velluminous]

[ once, twice in a circle, and no longer in time with the music Sholmes plays ]

That I would never be mother. I did not wish to be.

[ with one arm hooked beneath Iris' legs, she can sway them both gracelessly around the room. she's a strong little lady. ]

1/2

[bestbuds]

[The music is reaching its conclusion, anyway, so the twirling is well-timed with the decrescendo of the melody.

Wow, she really is strong. Maybe stronger than Hurley? (low twinky bar) She would wager that she is!]

Really? But you make a wonderful one already.

[She's known Sprezzatura for one thread and would die on this hill.]