The Valley of Fear: Loyalty

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

Canon: The Valley of Fear
Title: Loyalty
Author: hisietari
Rating: G

I must admit that I wasn’t surprised to learn about Moran’s position, I, who knew the benefits of a faithful companion so well. Nonetheless, I couldn’t help but wonder about the extent of Sebastian Moran’s loyalty. Would he, like my Watson, not just accompany Moriarty into crime, but also scold him for the resulting dangers he deliberately took upon himself?

Comments

[debriswoman]

I think comparisons between the two pairs are fascinating. Plenty of room for speculation:-)

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

Just what I thought, too. :) I've always wondered if Moriarty and Moran only worked together because it was convenient and their skills matched, or if there was some kind of sentiment involved.

[ennui-enigma.livejournal.com]

I always imagined Moran as only being loyal for tangible benefits or possibly b/c Moriarty blackmailed him with one of his past dark secrets. But, the relationship could be more, I admit. Interesting speculation. Thanks for the mental stimulation!

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

Personally, I always thought there was a sort of appreciation between Moriarty and Moran. The prof pays Moran more than well, I don't think he'd have to with all his connections, and I guess Moran wouldn't think of leaving as long as everything works well. Besides, he seems pretty emotional in "The Empty House", despite Moriarty having been dead for years. Could be personal, but I'm quite sure that though their relationship was purely business-related to begin with, and they certainly don't trust each other, they know what their combined talents are worth, and that they wouldn't get half as far on their own than they do now.

[ennui-enigma.livejournal.com]

mutual admiration and respect for each other's talents, maybe?

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

In a certain way, yes. But not without condition. Not without conceit, and a certain belief that each one is still the best in their own field, which is not shared by the other.

This is just my imagination, but I think their relation to be quite strong, but also having explosive (excuse the pun) aspects which might have come forth if Holmes hadn't put an end to it before time. I can imagine them arguing and splitting about matters, or Moran teaming up with other criminals against Moriarty in some dark, self-destructive mutiny. Pretty much anything mafia history has shown, actually. Still, they would never completely destroy each other's organisations, smaller groups would have formed, with the results of gang wars not unlike what happened in America only a few decades later. Fascinating yarn, but all the more lucky that there was a Sherlock Holmes at hand, and Moriarty is so fond of diving holidays.

[ennui-enigma.livejournal.com]

LOL!
I can imagine Sherlock Holmes as a mutual enemy was a bit of a bond b/t Moriarty and Moran. Have you ever written a fic expounding on your proposed relationship b/t the two? It would be interesting!

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

Now that you mention it, no, I haven't. I guess I should, though for other reasons than being interested in Moran (though he's fascinating on his own). I've been toying with self-knitted characters for a while who'd require more work on Moriarty and his circles. Thanks for the input! =)

[ennui-enigma.livejournal.com]

Yes, you should :) If for no other reason than I would like to read such! (just kidding). I think you have some original insights and it would be interesting. let me know when you get around to writing such :)

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

Oh dear. XD;; So far I guess I'd stick to this community anyway, I'm usually not doing fanfiction. Holmes, however, broke that ice. Uh... I participated in the "Empty House" fanfiction contest, but didn't win, and non-winners are supposed to be published online at some point, I guess that's one story longer than these 60-words-ficlets at least. ^^"

[ennui-enigma.livejournal.com]

Hey, if you participated in the Empty House contest then we know you have the ability to write more than a 60 word ficlet :=) Let me know when they finally publish the "extras". Love to read your work!

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

Hahaha, indeed. Everything else is a matter of... let me stick my head under cover. ;P

Thankies! (^///^)

[ennui-enigma.livejournal.com]

Funny! I know you've got talent! Too late to hide :-P

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Good question! My own guess would be no. Watson is a very different companion, and a very different person -- a helper, a healer -- while Moran is a killer for hire. I can't imagine he'd be too protective, but you never know, I suppose...

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

I never compared them so much before I read "Valley", I think. It was a sort of rhetoric question that came up when I engaged in my favourite activity with stories, analyse character relations. From there, I thought I should give Holmes these thoughts, as it's a million times more interesting when one of the characters involved muses about this topic.

Come to think of it, I'm probably also influenced by Neil Gaiman's "A Study in Emerald".
http://neil-gaiman.tumblr.com/post/18264921054/a-reminder-that-you-can-read-a-study-in-emerald

60 for 60, week 57: The Valley of Fear

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User spacemutineer referenced to your post from 60 for 60, week 57: The Valley of Fear (http://dispatch-box.livejournal.com/187976.html) saying: [...] ul entries already. We hope to see your thoughts on the story and your 60 words on too! Loyalty [...]