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Hello, Miss Aglaea. If you're not busy sometime in the next few days, I was wondering if you might be interested in making a trip out into The Fringes sometime soon.
[ Formal and vague, though he has an invitation to offer here shortly. ]
[ Formal and vague, though he has an invitation to offer here shortly. ]
It's good to hear from you, Sunny.
[ You thought she'd forget about Sunday's favourite nickname!!! OH-HO-HO, she most certainly did not. ]
I could probably make some time for it, if you don't mind being flexible with me. The contractors are being difficult, and I can't afford to turn away a student.
[ You thought she'd forget about Sunday's favourite nickname!!! OH-HO-HO, she most certainly did not. ]
I could probably make some time for it, if you don't mind being flexible with me. The contractors are being difficult, and I can't afford to turn away a student.
[ There is an instinctive wrinkle of his nose at that, no matter how much he enjoys talking to Aglaea. He really had so hoped that nickname would be forgotten. ]
Of course, whenever is best for you will work for me.
[ Time for a slight pause on diffusion zones, since - ]
Aside from the difficulties with the contactors, how is construction faring?
Of course, whenever is best for you will work for me.
[ Time for a slight pause on diffusion zones, since - ]
Aside from the difficulties with the contactors, how is construction faring?
[ Too bad this is over text or she'd know better, because now it will be back, again. Someday. ]
Good. Luckily the technical maintenance is out of my hands (or unluckily), leaving me to focus on the presentation of the place. I do wish the final location had been in a less concerning neighborhood, but I suppose there are worse places I could have ended up with.
Good. Luckily the technical maintenance is out of my hands (or unluckily), leaving me to focus on the presentation of the place. I do wish the final location had been in a less concerning neighborhood, but I suppose there are worse places I could have ended up with.
[This will begin as several of his cases have begun in the past: simply, and with an interruption.
Where is your place of current residence, Ms Aglaea? Wherever it may be, there is a knock knock knock knock knock on the door.]
Where is your place of current residence, Ms Aglaea? Wherever it may be, there is a knock knock knock knock knock on the door.]
I have no doubts that'll be the case.
[ He has complete faith! And - ]
Indeed I was sorting through some of the rumors posted about various diffusion zones that've appeared. There was one in particular which seems like it's an event of some kind. Aside from the market, that would be something new to me if you might also be interested in exploring it.
[ He has complete faith! And - ]
Indeed I was sorting through some of the rumors posted about various diffusion zones that've appeared. There was one in particular which seems like it's an event of some kind. Aside from the market, that would be something new to me if you might also be interested in exploring it.
[ Although Aglaea is busier now than she ever has been since her arrival in the Diadem, a day of rest is always necessary. She had already finished her first bath of the day (yes, there are multiple), as well as her first meal, and very nearly picked up her first garment of clothing to lay stitches upon. However, each of these firsts is interrupted by a determined shiver along the threads.
Thick around her home and the paths that lead to it, she's protective of the space she resides. That Holmes is marching toward her room with some intent is interesting. So she carefully sets her working tools back down. She brushes her hands over her skirt as she stands, grateful that she still dresses for company even while she's home alone, and moves to open the door. Her simple, quiet morning, interrupted—
Holmes gets out all five knocks before Aglaea very promptly opens the door. She smiles, ]
Holmes.
[ Surely he anticipates that she knows he approached? ]
Thick around her home and the paths that lead to it, she's protective of the space she resides. That Holmes is marching toward her room with some intent is interesting. So she carefully sets her working tools back down. She brushes her hands over her skirt as she stands, grateful that she still dresses for company even while she's home alone, and moves to open the door. Her simple, quiet morning, interrupted—
Holmes gets out all five knocks before Aglaea very promptly opens the door. She smiles, ]
Holmes.
[ Surely he anticipates that she knows he approached? ]
Edited 2026-02-13 08:35 (UTC)
[A simple, quiet morning, unduly interrupted. That is the Holmes way; one need only ask his roommate Watson to verify, not that such a thing is possible now.
But indeed, they are mirror images of each other, as neither shows signs of surprise. She, that he is here; and Holmes, that she is not shocked to see him. The detective's lips flash a flicker of a smile. For his part, he is dressed plainly but on the verge of smart casual—clean, pressed slacks and a white button-up—as his Victorian habit dictates. (And even this feels painfully odd to him, but that is neither here nor there.)]
Ms Aglaea. Do forgive the intrusion. I would have called upon you first, but [I JUST DECIDED NOT TO TBH] I was already in the area. I hope I'm not interrupting...?
[Hm, based on what he observes, he does not appear to have interrupted anything particulary pressing.]
But indeed, they are mirror images of each other, as neither shows signs of surprise. She, that he is here; and Holmes, that she is not shocked to see him. The detective's lips flash a flicker of a smile. For his part, he is dressed plainly but on the verge of smart casual—clean, pressed slacks and a white button-up—as his Victorian habit dictates. (And even this feels painfully odd to him, but that is neither here nor there.)]
Ms Aglaea. Do forgive the intrusion. I would have called upon you first, but [I JUST DECIDED NOT TO TBH] I was already in the area. I hope I'm not interrupting...?
[Hm, based on what he observes, he does not appear to have interrupted anything particulary pressing.]
Oh, I wouldn't say a surprise exactly.
[ But: was he hoping not mentioning what it is immediately might generate some intrigue? Absolutely. ]
I hear there's a wedding space somewhere out there. If nothing else, it might provide some inspiration for decoration for the bathhouse.
[ Or... something like that. ]
[ But: was he hoping not mentioning what it is immediately might generate some intrigue? Absolutely. ]
I hear there's a wedding space somewhere out there. If nothing else, it might provide some inspiration for decoration for the bathhouse.
[ Or... something like that. ]
[ Her own smile grows a touch wider as she listens. Although potentially not a lie, there's something about his defense that feels, well, perhaps not wholly truthful. The smile betrays an affection or an amusement, small as the glimmer of emotions is within her. ]
I wouldn't say that.
[ Unlike Holmes, Aglaea has adapted to the modern fashion from her own arrival, but perhaps there's something to be said about the timelessness of men's fashion. Not that she has donned her old garb much (if at all) since her arrival when her closet was far thinner. Smartly dressed in a mustard turtleneck and brown pants, her head rests briefly on the edge of the door as she regards him. ]
Would you like to come in out of the cold, Holmes? I confess, my room is somewhat disorganized, but if you can look past that....
[ Her room is not just a bit disorganized. It very much looks like she has converted it into a tailor's shop that she slapped a bed into. Someday she will have a clean motel room to call her own. ...Maybe! But, if he agrees, she'll open the door wider for him for elaboration. ]
I wouldn't say that.
[ Unlike Holmes, Aglaea has adapted to the modern fashion from her own arrival, but perhaps there's something to be said about the timelessness of men's fashion. Not that she has donned her old garb much (if at all) since her arrival when her closet was far thinner. Smartly dressed in a mustard turtleneck and brown pants, her head rests briefly on the edge of the door as she regards him. ]
Would you like to come in out of the cold, Holmes? I confess, my room is somewhat disorganized, but if you can look past that....
[ Her room is not just a bit disorganized. It very much looks like she has converted it into a tailor's shop that she slapped a bed into. Someday she will have a clean motel room to call her own. ...Maybe! But, if he agrees, she'll open the door wider for him for elaboration. ]
Really?
Well, it likely won't surprise you, I do enjoy weddings. Seems a strange occurrence to have out in the Fringes, but perhaps that is as much a tell of my own ignorance regarding their workings.
Depending on the wedding's adornments... it does seem like it could be an interesting thing to visit. Let me clear my schedule properly. Would tomorrow work for you?
[ She wouldn't call herself lacking for inspiration as much as she is lacking for supplies and, to tell the truth, she might not be above stealing the decorations outright, if it makes sense to. ]
Well, it likely won't surprise you, I do enjoy weddings. Seems a strange occurrence to have out in the Fringes, but perhaps that is as much a tell of my own ignorance regarding their workings.
Depending on the wedding's adornments... it does seem like it could be an interesting thing to visit. Let me clear my schedule properly. Would tomorrow work for you?
[ She wouldn't call herself lacking for inspiration as much as she is lacking for supplies and, to tell the truth, she might not be above stealing the decorations outright, if it makes sense to. ]
I had a feeling you might.
[ Or more than a feeling - Romance and everything included, of course. ]
I won't pretend to understand how anything decides to make an appearance in the Fringes, though this does seem to be a different event than most. Tomorrow should work quite well for me. I'll pick you up around mid-morning, if that also works for you?
[ Or more than a feeling - Romance and everything included, of course. ]
I won't pretend to understand how anything decides to make an appearance in the Fringes, though this does seem to be a different event than most. Tomorrow should work quite well for me. I'll pick you up around mid-morning, if that also works for you?
[It is a little white lie, and one he does not mind spinning even if she can see it. For what it's worth, let her interpret it as proof of his eagerness — which is indeed sincere in every movement, in even the lilting manner of his speech.]
Come now, disorganization is often proof that one's mind is focused elsewhere, on more compelling things. You should see the state of 221B when a particularly interesting case is brewing.
[Though that, too, is mostly Holmes' fault more than it ever is Watson's, much to the chagrin of their poor landlady.
Anyway, he does nod and step in, and it is clear that the "bit" was an understatement. But he rather likes having things to observe and pick apart; clearly this is more a tailor's outfit than a living quarters, which says something for the aforementioned priorities.]
And here I thought you were going into the bathhouse business. Are we feeling entrepreneurial enough to... [Pokes at a random bolt of cloth nearby.] ...also look into becoming a seamstress?
Come now, disorganization is often proof that one's mind is focused elsewhere, on more compelling things. You should see the state of 221B when a particularly interesting case is brewing.
[Though that, too, is mostly Holmes' fault more than it ever is Watson's, much to the chagrin of their poor landlady.
Anyway, he does nod and step in, and it is clear that the "bit" was an understatement. But he rather likes having things to observe and pick apart; clearly this is more a tailor's outfit than a living quarters, which says something for the aforementioned priorities.]
And here I thought you were going into the bathhouse business. Are we feeling entrepreneurial enough to... [Pokes at a random bolt of cloth nearby.] ...also look into becoming a seamstress?
[ Since her last visitor, the room has gotten better and worse in different directions. Clothing of all manner hangs from different spots; some disassembled and pressed, others still in good shape. The makeshift, PVC pipe hanging rack at the back of her room has become thick with clothing – shirts, skirts, dresses and more, their qualities dubious. Two mismatched tables are pressed together at the side, but it's clear her bed is the largest workspace available, and not forgotten in its usefulness.
Bolts are here and there in the room, thanks to the improved access to Acreage and crafting cloths, but it's not nearly as many as she'd like. Instead, it seems Aglaea has fashioned a great deal of her clothing by salvaging the uglier or filthier things she'd found at the second hand store into her own works of art. Amidst the crafting of clothes, Holmes may also spot some knitting projects and small, patchwork dolls.
Although fabric drapes the scene, small things like loose threads or wrinkles are decidedly left out. Her kitchen area is immaculate and unperturbed by the fashion tornado.
She laughs softly as he takes in the many sights of clothing. ] I confess, as I have spent more time in this city, it occurred to me that I am too particular with my Romance to let it become a commodity. Tea?
[ Water freshly boiled, it wouldn't be hard to pour. ]
Bolts are here and there in the room, thanks to the improved access to Acreage and crafting cloths, but it's not nearly as many as she'd like. Instead, it seems Aglaea has fashioned a great deal of her clothing by salvaging the uglier or filthier things she'd found at the second hand store into her own works of art. Amidst the crafting of clothes, Holmes may also spot some knitting projects and small, patchwork dolls.
Although fabric drapes the scene, small things like loose threads or wrinkles are decidedly left out. Her kitchen area is immaculate and unperturbed by the fashion tornado.
She laughs softly as he takes in the many sights of clothing. ] I confess, as I have spent more time in this city, it occurred to me that I am too particular with my Romance to let it become a commodity. Tea?
[ Water freshly boiled, it wouldn't be hard to pour. ]
Come now, I spy a meticulous nature amid all this chaos.
[Indeed, he could run a parallel against his own tendencies, that there is reason among the chaos, a precise pattern to which only his own mind knows and adheres, though it might be indecipherable to an outsider. Amid all the clothing and reassembled fabrics made into something far more wearable, he knows this, too, must be case. Aglaea never struck him as a careless sort; and this is not a careless kind of mess. Especially given that there are places deliberately immune to the disorder, such as the immaculate kitchen.]
That may lend itself to business more than you believe, though if the heart isn't in it, I will admit there is little point.
[Ah, tea though. It is tempting, but Holmes raises a hand to figuratively nudge the notion away.]
I hope you'll forgive the audacity, but no. Indeed, I have not come here for a sit-down chat — but rather, to see if you were interested in something with a bit more excitement, and a venture that would take our feet to the cobblestone [or asphalt] sooner rather than later.
[Indeed, he could run a parallel against his own tendencies, that there is reason among the chaos, a precise pattern to which only his own mind knows and adheres, though it might be indecipherable to an outsider. Amid all the clothing and reassembled fabrics made into something far more wearable, he knows this, too, must be case. Aglaea never struck him as a careless sort; and this is not a careless kind of mess. Especially given that there are places deliberately immune to the disorder, such as the immaculate kitchen.]
That may lend itself to business more than you believe, though if the heart isn't in it, I will admit there is little point.
[Ah, tea though. It is tempting, but Holmes raises a hand to figuratively nudge the notion away.]
I hope you'll forgive the audacity, but no. Indeed, I have not come here for a sit-down chat — but rather, to see if you were interested in something with a bit more excitement, and a venture that would take our feet to the cobblestone [or asphalt] sooner rather than later.
Edited 2026-02-16 22:01 (UTC)
See you tomorrow, Miss Aglaea.
[ And tomorrow it is: Sunday will show up at the time agreed upon having not thought twice about being the one to drive, bright yellow station wagon and all. He's maybe smiling a little to himself while leaning across the bench seat to open the door for Aglaea, having not forgotten her feelings on the color (and still being greatly entertained by it now and each time he's thought of it since).
Fortunately, they aren't going to anywhere where they'll need to be inconspicuous when nothing about this vehicle is made for it. On the plus side, should they find any decorations that they might be able to salvage they'll certainly have the storage for it!
The drive itself is on the longer side as it turns out, but the directions he'd written down in neat script onto a piece of paper after reading about this place on the Forum turn out to be impressively exact. After that travel they arrive and he parks after backing in - both for the ease of possibly moving items and in case it turns out they need to make a fairly quick escape. It's possible he's (finally) appropriately wary of what might be out there.
But - ]
This is much nicer than I'd imagined. Though... I couldn't tell you what I'd imagined, [ Sunday adds with a slight chuckle as they walk into what seems like the building's lobby. That much is true since he'd had no real expectations though this is rather lavish as he reaches out with a gloved hand to brush fingertips against the large leaf of a potted plant. ] I suppose I also thought there'd be guests here for some reason.
[ And tomorrow it is: Sunday will show up at the time agreed upon having not thought twice about being the one to drive, bright yellow station wagon and all. He's maybe smiling a little to himself while leaning across the bench seat to open the door for Aglaea, having not forgotten her feelings on the color (and still being greatly entertained by it now and each time he's thought of it since).
Fortunately, they aren't going to anywhere where they'll need to be inconspicuous when nothing about this vehicle is made for it. On the plus side, should they find any decorations that they might be able to salvage they'll certainly have the storage for it!
The drive itself is on the longer side as it turns out, but the directions he'd written down in neat script onto a piece of paper after reading about this place on the Forum turn out to be impressively exact. After that travel they arrive and he parks after backing in - both for the ease of possibly moving items and in case it turns out they need to make a fairly quick escape. It's possible he's (finally) appropriately wary of what might be out there.
But - ]
This is much nicer than I'd imagined. Though... I couldn't tell you what I'd imagined, [ Sunday adds with a slight chuckle as they walk into what seems like the building's lobby. That much is true since he'd had no real expectations though this is rather lavish as he reaches out with a gloved hand to brush fingertips against the large leaf of a potted plant. ] I suppose I also thought there'd be guests here for some reason.
[ No sense delving into the complication of Aglaea's Romance and her finicky nature for dress. Always in the back of her mind, dreams of a tailor shop buzzed. If it came up, she might elucidate her feelings more plainly. For now, he's right: there's little point.
Her head tilts slightly as his hand goes up before her arm wraps around her chest and opposite fingers touch her lip, curious about the intentions he has for his visit. The paints them... in a fog, she would describe. Even from the first offer, it's a dangle of intrigue, no doubt a mind seeking another like-mind out. Her smile flutters behind her hand. ]
Excitement? At my age, excitement is more often a mask for trouble. [ But she's teasing. Her hand flicks away from her mouth and reveals her soft smile. ]
I suppose I could change my daily routines for something new. Let me fetch my things. [ Barely through her sentence, she starts to move around her room. Wallet, keys, a bag with only a few items within it. Her finished clothes are revealed for a moment as she searches her closet for the beautiful and warm jacket made with mismatched black fabrics. Her golden hair will be wrapped in a knitted hat shortly. ]
Her head tilts slightly as his hand goes up before her arm wraps around her chest and opposite fingers touch her lip, curious about the intentions he has for his visit. The paints them... in a fog, she would describe. Even from the first offer, it's a dangle of intrigue, no doubt a mind seeking another like-mind out. Her smile flutters behind her hand. ]
Excitement? At my age, excitement is more often a mask for trouble. [ But she's teasing. Her hand flicks away from her mouth and reveals her soft smile. ]
I suppose I could change my daily routines for something new. Let me fetch my things. [ Barely through her sentence, she starts to move around her room. Wallet, keys, a bag with only a few items within it. Her finished clothes are revealed for a moment as she searches her closet for the beautiful and warm jacket made with mismatched black fabrics. Her golden hair will be wrapped in a knitted hat shortly. ]
[ Outside the dreary city, it's almost a fashionable car to arrive to a wedding in! Not that anyone out in the Fringes really cares about style or pizazz, regardless if they notice their passingby. Since it's a wedding, Aglaea at least took the time to dress somewhat appropriate for the occasion, in the event that blending in did matter, wearing a floral top underneath a smart blazer and matching pants. She's been working on her professional attire for the opening of the baths, and so it seemed fun to exercise some of it while the items were at their newest.
She hums in answer as she waits for her threads to fill the lobby and paints the picture of the room they had entered. ]
Perhaps it is a wedding in setting alone? I can't say I mind the quiet. The purposes of these Fringe adventures are to gather supplies, no? [ Her head turns toward him for a moment. ] I think I would feel somewhat ill-at-ease were I feel as though I were taking from a true celebration.
[ Cold, but not wholly heartless. Her shoes, equally smart, click against the floor as she moves a little further in. She breathes in what her threads cannot sense for her. ]
It smells wonderful. I believe this is what they call Greek cuisine; nearly the same as what I grew up with in Amphoreus. Perhaps they'll have a desert I've been missing since then?
She hums in answer as she waits for her threads to fill the lobby and paints the picture of the room they had entered. ]
Perhaps it is a wedding in setting alone? I can't say I mind the quiet. The purposes of these Fringe adventures are to gather supplies, no? [ Her head turns toward him for a moment. ] I think I would feel somewhat ill-at-ease were I feel as though I were taking from a true celebration.
[ Cold, but not wholly heartless. Her shoes, equally smart, click against the floor as she moves a little further in. She breathes in what her threads cannot sense for her. ]
It smells wonderful. I believe this is what they call Greek cuisine; nearly the same as what I grew up with in Amphoreus. Perhaps they'll have a desert I've been missing since then?
Edited 2026-02-17 02:44 (UTC)
Excitement and trouble are oft intertwined, but that makes the venture all the more valuable if there’s a twinge of danger to it.
[All the best mysteries are the ones that refuse to be unravelled, and sometimes violently at that. But this is only ever a reason to push forward, to ferret out the truth with stubbornness, and he is glad that she seems quite willing to entertain him.
Indeed, it did not seem to take much effort at all.
It is not like a gentleman to hurry a lady—well, most of the time, anyway—and so Holmes will patiently watch her gather her things, all the while making use of the passing seconds to continue their conversation. He’s grateful for her eagerness, of course, but it is equally intriguing to see. It reminds him a bit of Watson, who never fails to join him when he asks, though it is not as though Aglaea has the opportunity of knowing him for years to have earned that trust.]
You’re quite quick to agree. Do you not even wish to learn the details behind the request before rushing out the door with me, or does a mystery truly compel you that much?
[All the best mysteries are the ones that refuse to be unravelled, and sometimes violently at that. But this is only ever a reason to push forward, to ferret out the truth with stubbornness, and he is glad that she seems quite willing to entertain him.
Indeed, it did not seem to take much effort at all.
It is not like a gentleman to hurry a lady—well, most of the time, anyway—and so Holmes will patiently watch her gather her things, all the while making use of the passing seconds to continue their conversation. He’s grateful for her eagerness, of course, but it is equally intriguing to see. It reminds him a bit of Watson, who never fails to join him when he asks, though it is not as though Aglaea has the opportunity of knowing him for years to have earned that trust.]
You’re quite quick to agree. Do you not even wish to learn the details behind the request before rushing out the door with me, or does a mystery truly compel you that much?
I've heard there's a chocolate river out in the diffusion zone.
[ Unknown to her, in other lives, Aglaea has been many things. Still, always, a woman draining of her humanities, but now and again, a more vibrant woman; one who abandoned her home and follow a Kitten into the shadow of adventure. Is the Diadem not just another life she is learning to lead, without the burden of politics or responsibility?
So, when he points out her eagerness, a small, sincere smile glimmers through as she bends over a drawer with her things. It is a skosh embarrassing. She straightens to "see" him, always a little performed, but clearly for trying. She coils a scarf around her neck as she speaks. ]
I suppose I simply have a good feeling about your proposal, and my sewing can always wait for another time. It would be rather rude to waste your time with indecision which is not there.
However, [ she leans forward slightly, expectant but charming, ] that doesn't mean I expect no elucidation from you, Holmes.
So, when he points out her eagerness, a small, sincere smile glimmers through as she bends over a drawer with her things. It is a skosh embarrassing. She straightens to "see" him, always a little performed, but clearly for trying. She coils a scarf around her neck as she speaks. ]
I suppose I simply have a good feeling about your proposal, and my sewing can always wait for another time. It would be rather rude to waste your time with indecision which is not there.
However, [ she leans forward slightly, expectant but charming, ] that doesn't mean I expect no elucidation from you, Holmes.
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