[Trifling, petty things. It certainly sounds like it, the sort of mundanities that Holmes would rather not deal with. There is a reason that his own "business" only requires clients to visit, tell their tales, and for him to rush out the door and begin investigating — that is, if it is of any interest in the first place.
All of this fussing with patrons and contractors and upkeep is well beyond both his ken and desire. She's a stronger personality than he, in that respect.
The theater approaches, just a block away.]
It sounds as though it is a matter of stubbornness. [Or liability, if one were to be practical about it. But he is keen to side with her on this, because why wouldn't he?] Have you no one that might be present in your stead?
[ Aglaea truly has an addiction to politics. Somewhere in all her complaints, she probably enjoys having the clash of wills just to make herself feel alive for a moment. ]
To tell it true, I would prefer to spend my extra financial resources paying those who would do menial labor for me, than waste it on another idly wasting time. If I spin it right, this gives me time to enjoy my reading.
[ It's more romance novels. Trashy, poorly written ones. We all have our amusements. ]
Trite as my excursions are, I am somewhat excited to experience the labors of your work first hand.
[Her reading, is it? She's as well-read as expected, but he cannot help but think of her preference for romance novels... (no doubt this will be something that he will also give thought to in a future thread lmao.)]
Well, one should always make room for one's passions.
[Even if they are trashy romance novels. Holmes has no clue just how trashy they are, of course, but he has no real interest in such things. He does idly muse that she and Watson would have something to talk about, though — a reader of silly things and a writer of silly things.]
How fitting that my "labors" shall guide us here today. For where else do the most dramatic sequences of life itself happen, but on stage?
[Eventually, they reach the theater, and he opens the door to let her in first like a proper gentleman he's been raised to be. It's no grand establishment, humble in its own right—this is no Sanctum, after all—but the lobby is open and welcoming enough. Warmly, amber-lit.]
Should you take to the art of investigating, perhaps you'll consider a career change? I am in need of a partner these days.
[ If there's a tradition to hold the door open like a gentleman, Aglaea doesn't know it. Without a thank you, she enters the space and presses her fingers to her sternum. ]
This is certainly different from the "theaters" of my home. [ She allows her threads to fill the space, slipping under the cracks of doors and feeling the costumes stuffed away in the back. There are a few people here as well, mulling about their business.
She decides to ask, turning toward him. Her hand gestures outward. ] Do you enjoy the theater, Holmes? It's been some time since I've enjoyed a play.
[ She remembers inviting the Trailblazer, who had been a foreigner in her land, to see a play once. It has been nearly a year since then; too busy with her work in Amphoreus for regular indulgences, and too poor in the Diadem to afford to see one since. Then again, going to the theater alone is rather dull. ]
[Her threads will inform her that it is a small theater, but no less active. There are dressing rooms and backstages and the stage itself and costume racks and box seats and even a little bar from which patrons can order during intermissions. It has the life and rhythm of a place where stories are told, and all the effort that goes into it.]
I am not opposed to the theater on occasion.
[He steps forward, then past her, gesturing for her to follow down the main corridor. His pace is not as hurried as it was outdoors, though.]
Though I much prefer an opera hall. Especially when a violinist has taken the stage.
[Though the art of deduction will always be his first choice, the art of music absolutely takes second place.]
Oh? [ She says, clearly with interest as she follows after him. ]
I do enjoy music. A companion of mine was quite deft with the violin herself.
[ Her companion, an elegant Fish you might say, is one she misses very, very deeply; but it has been hundreds of years since those feelings mattered. It seem somewhat fateful in the sphere of Aglaea that of the Romances, Holmes would choose music. ]
Is that so? I play, as well. My Stradivarius was not generous enough to take the multiversal trip to this world with me, but should I find my hands on another instrument, I would be happy to perform for you.
[His fingers itch for the strings, from time to time. Which is better than itching for something else, at least.]
I am no concert performer, but I do not consider myself to be merely amateur, either.
[His playing is a slight point of pride. But just slight.]
[ It seems they both enjoy having strings at their fingertips, although they are clearly very, very different strings. ]
I would enjoy that, [ as much as she can enjoy something. ] The threads can be quite good at finding things, as you know. Perhaps I will pay more mind to music shops for you, on the off chance that there is a decent violin for a modest price.
[ The only caveat to this plan is she has no idea what makes for a good quality instrument, so she may just send him on occasional goose chases. ]
[He actually quirks a smile at that. It is nice of her to offer, but he cannot help but retort.]
My dear, I am not sure that "decent violin" and "modest price" often exist in the same breath. I would not be opposed to your aid, of course, but it is more likely that one will fall into my lap as a reward for a case well-solved.
[This is not bragging; this is just what happens to him a lot.]
Though that requires solving cases in the first place. Building a reputation is key, which you are no doubt assisting me with now, and that is all I ask for.
[Well, speaking of cases to solve! Down the hall and past a pair of double doors, they enter the theater proper, stage and all. It is empty, but well-lit and tended to. The curtain is drawn, however, so it is difficult to see what is on stage, though her threads may sense that the starting scene of a performing show is already set up. It depicts a lady's bedroom, ornate and cozy, with a large mirror beside the bed.]
[ Hmm... it would make sense that he would be fortunate in such a way. Although, she will keep it in mind regardless. She does enjoy finding things... That is one of many reasons she agreed to this.
With her threads well ahead of them, fast as they are, Aglaea is already well acquainted with the room they step into. It is definitely very different compared to the open air theaters in Okhema, although she still finds the room interesting. She hums sweetly as she moves down the aisle. ]
I hope they won't mind a pair of curious onlookers. [ She approaches the stage, turning her back to the stage before girlishly lifting herself up onto it. While not a beautiful movement, there is charm to it. Her fingers slip under the heavy curtain and lift it high. Her thumb brushes over the velvet. ]
I nearly envy the fabric quality of their curtain. I wonder if they would miss it, if it were to go missing as well?
[That "unless..." might as well be lit up in neon lights, hanging above her head, for how Holmes can clearly intuit it. He had seen the result of all her sewing and tailoring efforts already, and he knows such thick and velvety material must be tempting.
He huffs an almost-laugh.]
I imagine they might have a few words for you, should their curtains suddenly run off and be made into a dress.
[Allez hop! Up he goes, all long limb hopping atop the stage with very little effort, though perhaps with about as half as grace as Aglaea — it's an unfair comparison, though.]
The proprietors are very aware of my presence here today, so do not worry about threats of trespassing. Shall we continue, then? There is a large mirror behind that curtain, and I think that is of particular interest.
[ It would also be a truly bizarre undertaking to try to steal an entire theater's curtain by ones self. But it has been some time since she has seen so much fabric at once... it makes her miss the days of frivolous tailoring.
She smirks, her weird sense of humor luckily well-received. She says nothing, though her empty eyes do seem to stare briefly at him. She follows his recommendation, ducking under the curtain and holding it up long enough for he, too, to catch its end and follow in after her.
He elucidates the mirror, so she approaches it plainly, her hand tracing its frame. ] This, no? Might I ask what about it intrigues you?
[It is a large and ornate full-length mirror, and those with particularly keen powers of deduction will note that the bottom is scuffed as though it has been moved around quite a bit in its time. This, of course, is not surprising — it is a prop in a play, after all.
But that is not why he brought her here. Holmes can see that, of course, but he cannot view things in the exact same way as herself.]
I was told that for all but one of the productions, everything is as you see it right now. And during that one instance, all that was changed was the mirror — replaced by another of its ilk. So, the question is: why was this one temporarily whisked away? For repairs? There is no trace of previous damage done to either the glass or the frame, and no one I've questioned remembers it ever shattering.
[He wonders if something had been done to it before it was returned. She could intuit this with eae from him, if she wanted — as well as the fact that there is something pinging magical about it, assuming her threads can determine it. Magical but... distant.]
[ She nods softly, her threads regarding him as he speaks and the mirror as it is explained. She is quiet, thoughtful. And then decides to offer her own small explanation: ]
As you may realize, the Threads will curl for even a particle of light, and it is that which allows me to "see" color. They are unfathomable in the detail they offer me of the world around me. Yet, I cannot always trust my threads – and it is not unreasonable for them to lie to me, as the eyes of any other can occasionally "trick" the mind. There are those who can hide their hearts from me in a lie. An illusion crafted by this world has already once slipped by my senses. [ It bothers her that the illusion had pulled the wool over her unseeing eyes, but that's neither here nor there. ]
I mention as much, hoping you will understand what I say may not always be what is most true.
That said, for this mirror... I do, indeed, feel some small quiver in the airs around it. Not unlike how a vocalist holds a hum in practice, yet naturally pitchless.
[ Her threads stretch further, searching for the alleged mirror of its ilk. ]
[ She nods as well, understanding. Although her prowess for observation lay in the intricacies emotions give, it's certainly a stance she can appreciate. How Romance of her. ]
I fear that this resonance it has is, unfortunately, nothing I can grasp more upon than what is at the surface. The combustion of an engine can seem as much magic to the threads as a stellaron harbored in a body. [ The hell is a stellaron? She quickly moves on: ]
Holmes, if I may ask. Have you taken the time to investigate the mirror which matches the one here? [ She gestures toward it as she steps closer to him. ] It does seem the piece of the puzzle that is not present.
It's all right, he can ask later. Her analogy is not completely lost on him, besides.]
I have not. [Raising his brows.] Though it has occurred to me to go looking, if I were in the company of someone who could locate such faraway items with more ease than I.
[ She only sort of knows what a stellaron is, anyway.
It's such a wonderfully (un?)subtle way to make the request that she can't help the smile that, miraculously, touches her eyes as she regards him. A small gesture of the hand suggests she already has a mind for where they need to look.
Luckily, the route to the basement isn't so far off – stage right and a single turn to the left will take them to the somewhat creepy, narrow stairs down to the basement. There's spiderwebs everywhere. Can we stop the fancy weirdo from playing with spiders?! Well, since someone has recently passed down these stairs, yes, for now. ]
You should be looking for a beige sheet down here. I can't be certain it's the mirror in question, but its shape and size seem reasonably close.
[The brightness that reaches his own eyes is luminous, likely heard in his tone if not reverberating in his very spirit. Holmes is—as she no doubt has recognized—the type to get very excited about a case making promising progress, and he knew for a fact that her presence here would not go amiss.
That energy still does not dissipate even as they descend down said creepy, narrow stairs to the basement. He's wandered into worse places by far.]
In which case... [He adds in response to her description.] These eyes will need a bit more light to see by.
[At the bottom of the stairs, he sees a light switch, flicking it on as the room floods with brightness. It is musty down here; not unused, of course, though there are parts of the basement clearly ignored over others. But in the far corner, perhaps there is a large item with a beige sheet draped over it.]
[ Aglaea offers a light cough as she fans dust away from her face before beelining toward their objective. ]
There are certainly a great deal of props here, [ she comments idly, her head turning as if to "look" at her surroundings. ] And it's all quite dusty. I suspect a rummage sale would do them more good than most of these items do currently.
[ As she narrows on their quarry, she moves promptly ahead of him. It is wedged deeply between two tall and wide stacks of boxes. An easy object to miss, and suspiciously hidden! As she speaks, she hesitates to reach between the cracks to draw it out. ] This, however, seems comparably less dusty than that which is around it. And I fear out of my reach. Holmes, your arms are somewhat longer than mine, would you mind?
[ As a seamstress, it is incredibly important to be strangely in-tune with the exact measurements of every person she meets. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
All of this fussing with patrons and contractors and upkeep is well beyond both his ken and desire. She's a stronger personality than he, in that respect.
The theater approaches, just a block away.]
It sounds as though it is a matter of stubbornness. [Or liability, if one were to be practical about it. But he is keen to side with her on this, because why wouldn't he?] Have you no one that might be present in your stead?
no subject
To tell it true, I would prefer to spend my extra financial resources paying those who would do menial labor for me, than waste it on another idly wasting time. If I spin it right, this gives me time to enjoy my reading.
[ It's more romance novels. Trashy, poorly written ones. We all have our amusements. ]
Trite as my excursions are, I am somewhat excited to experience the labors of your work first hand.
no subject
Well, one should always make room for one's passions.
[Even if they are trashy romance novels. Holmes has no clue just how trashy they are, of course, but he has no real interest in such things. He does idly muse that she and Watson would have something to talk about, though — a reader of silly things and a writer of silly things.]
How fitting that my "labors" shall guide us here today. For where else do the most dramatic sequences of life itself happen, but on stage?
[Eventually, they reach the theater, and he opens the door to let her in first like a proper gentleman he's been raised to be. It's no grand establishment, humble in its own right—this is no Sanctum, after all—but the lobby is open and welcoming enough. Warmly, amber-lit.]
Should you take to the art of investigating, perhaps you'll consider a career change? I am in need of a partner these days.
[That's half a joke.]
no subject
This is certainly different from the "theaters" of my home. [ She allows her threads to fill the space, slipping under the cracks of doors and feeling the costumes stuffed away in the back. There are a few people here as well, mulling about their business.
She decides to ask, turning toward him. Her hand gestures outward. ] Do you enjoy the theater, Holmes? It's been some time since I've enjoyed a play.
[ She remembers inviting the Trailblazer, who had been a foreigner in her land, to see a play once. It has been nearly a year since then; too busy with her work in Amphoreus for regular indulgences, and too poor in the Diadem to afford to see one since. Then again, going to the theater alone is rather dull. ]
no subject
I am not opposed to the theater on occasion.
[He steps forward, then past her, gesturing for her to follow down the main corridor. His pace is not as hurried as it was outdoors, though.]
Though I much prefer an opera hall. Especially when a violinist has taken the stage.
[Though the art of deduction will always be his first choice, the art of music absolutely takes second place.]
no subject
I do enjoy music. A companion of mine was quite deft with the violin herself.
[ Her companion, an elegant Fish you might say, is one she misses very, very deeply; but it has been hundreds of years since those feelings mattered. It seem somewhat fateful in the sphere of Aglaea that of the Romances, Holmes would choose music. ]
no subject
Is that so? I play, as well. My Stradivarius was not generous enough to take the multiversal trip to this world with me, but should I find my hands on another instrument, I would be happy to perform for you.
[His fingers itch for the strings, from time to time. Which is better than itching for something else, at least.]
I am no concert performer, but I do not consider myself to be merely amateur, either.
[His playing is a slight point of pride. But just slight.]
no subject
I would enjoy that, [ as much as she can enjoy something. ] The threads can be quite good at finding things, as you know. Perhaps I will pay more mind to music shops for you, on the off chance that there is a decent violin for a modest price.
[ The only caveat to this plan is she has no idea what makes for a good quality instrument, so she may just send him on occasional goose chases. ]
no subject
My dear, I am not sure that "decent violin" and "modest price" often exist in the same breath. I would not be opposed to your aid, of course, but it is more likely that one will fall into my lap as a reward for a case well-solved.
[This is not bragging; this is just what happens to him a lot.]
Though that requires solving cases in the first place. Building a reputation is key, which you are no doubt assisting me with now, and that is all I ask for.
[Well, speaking of cases to solve! Down the hall and past a pair of double doors, they enter the theater proper, stage and all. It is empty, but well-lit and tended to. The curtain is drawn, however, so it is difficult to see what is on stage, though her threads may sense that the starting scene of a performing show is already set up. It depicts a lady's bedroom, ornate and cozy, with a large mirror beside the bed.]
no subject
With her threads well ahead of them, fast as they are, Aglaea is already well acquainted with the room they step into. It is definitely very different compared to the open air theaters in Okhema, although she still finds the room interesting. She hums sweetly as she moves down the aisle. ]
I hope they won't mind a pair of curious onlookers. [ She approaches the stage, turning her back to the stage before girlishly lifting herself up onto it. While not a beautiful movement, there is charm to it. Her fingers slip under the heavy curtain and lift it high. Her thumb brushes over the velvet. ]
I nearly envy the fabric quality of their curtain. I wonder if they would miss it, if it were to go missing as well?
[ A very, very silly joke. Unless.... ]
no subject
He huffs an almost-laugh.]
I imagine they might have a few words for you, should their curtains suddenly run off and be made into a dress.
[Allez hop! Up he goes, all long limb hopping atop the stage with very little effort, though perhaps with about as half as grace as Aglaea — it's an unfair comparison, though.]
The proprietors are very aware of my presence here today, so do not worry about threats of trespassing. Shall we continue, then? There is a large mirror behind that curtain, and I think that is of particular interest.
no subject
She smirks, her weird sense of humor luckily well-received. She says nothing, though her empty eyes do seem to stare briefly at him. She follows his recommendation, ducking under the curtain and holding it up long enough for he, too, to catch its end and follow in after her.
He elucidates the mirror, so she approaches it plainly, her hand tracing its frame. ] This, no? Might I ask what about it intrigues you?
no subject
But that is not why he brought her here. Holmes can see that, of course, but he cannot view things in the exact same way as herself.]
I was told that for all but one of the productions, everything is as you see it right now. And during that one instance, all that was changed was the mirror — replaced by another of its ilk. So, the question is: why was this one temporarily whisked away? For repairs? There is no trace of previous damage done to either the glass or the frame, and no one I've questioned remembers it ever shattering.
[He wonders if something had been done to it before it was returned. She could intuit this with eae from him, if she wanted — as well as the fact that there is something pinging magical about it, assuming her threads can determine it. Magical but... distant.]
no subject
As you may realize, the Threads will curl for even a particle of light, and it is that which allows me to "see" color. They are unfathomable in the detail they offer me of the world around me. Yet, I cannot always trust my threads – and it is not unreasonable for them to lie to me, as the eyes of any other can occasionally "trick" the mind. There are those who can hide their hearts from me in a lie. An illusion crafted by this world has already once slipped by my senses. [ It bothers her that the illusion had pulled the wool over her unseeing eyes, but that's neither here nor there. ]
I mention as much, hoping you will understand what I say may not always be what is most true.
That said, for this mirror... I do, indeed, feel some small quiver in the airs around it. Not unlike how a vocalist holds a hum in practice, yet naturally pitchless.
[ Her threads stretch further, searching for the alleged mirror of its ilk. ]
no subject
As you described it, yes, it is not unlike how the eyes might trick the mind. For those who do not know how to properly apply the art of observation.
[man who will gas u the art of obseration every time, all the time]
Any data you can glean for me will be helpful, all the same. We can worry about accuracy later.
[She will sense, perhaps, that one of those threads will wrap around the faint form of a mirror... in the basement?]
no subject
I fear that this resonance it has is, unfortunately, nothing I can grasp more upon than what is at the surface. The combustion of an engine can seem as much magic to the threads as a stellaron harbored in a body. [ The hell is a stellaron? She quickly moves on: ]
Holmes, if I may ask. Have you taken the time to investigate the mirror which matches the one here? [ She gestures toward it as she steps closer to him. ] It does seem the piece of the puzzle that is not present.
no subject
It's all right, he can ask later. Her analogy is not completely lost on him, besides.]
I have not. [Raising his brows.] Though it has occurred to me to go looking, if I were in the company of someone who could locate such faraway items with more ease than I.
[Eh? Ehhh?]
no subject
It's such a wonderfully (un?)subtle way to make the request that she can't help the smile that, miraculously, touches her eyes as she regards him. A small gesture of the hand suggests she already has a mind for where they need to look.
Luckily, the route to the basement isn't so far off – stage right and a single turn to the left will take them to the somewhat creepy, narrow stairs down to the basement. There's spiderwebs everywhere. Can we stop the fancy weirdo from playing with spiders?! Well, since someone has recently passed down these stairs, yes, for now. ]
You should be looking for a beige sheet down here. I can't be certain it's the mirror in question, but its shape and size seem reasonably close.
no subject
[The brightness that reaches his own eyes is luminous, likely heard in his tone if not reverberating in his very spirit. Holmes is—as she no doubt has recognized—the type to get very excited about a case making promising progress, and he knew for a fact that her presence here would not go amiss.
That energy still does not dissipate even as they descend down said creepy, narrow stairs to the basement. He's wandered into worse places by far.]
In which case... [He adds in response to her description.] These eyes will need a bit more light to see by.
[At the bottom of the stairs, he sees a light switch, flicking it on as the room floods with brightness. It is musty down here; not unused, of course, though there are parts of the basement clearly ignored over others. But in the far corner, perhaps there is a large item with a beige sheet draped over it.]
This way, my dear.
[To the mirror(?)!]
no subject
There are certainly a great deal of props here, [ she comments idly, her head turning as if to "look" at her surroundings. ] And it's all quite dusty. I suspect a rummage sale would do them more good than most of these items do currently.
[ As she narrows on their quarry, she moves promptly ahead of him. It is wedged deeply between two tall and wide stacks of boxes. An easy object to miss, and suspiciously hidden! As she speaks, she hesitates to reach between the cracks to draw it out. ] This, however, seems comparably less dusty than that which is around it. And I fear out of my reach. Holmes, your arms are somewhat longer than mine, would you mind?
[ As a seamstress, it is incredibly important to be strangely in-tune with the exact measurements of every person she meets. ]