The Speckled Band: A Quiet Pipe

[methylviolet10b]

Author: methylviolet10b
Rating: PG
Character(s): Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson
Summary: Holmes smokes, reflects, and marvels.
Warnings: Very slight spoilers for SPEC.
Word Count: 60, plus a quote from the original story in italics.
Author's Notes: 60 words of my own inspired by one of the canon stories. Sorry this is later than usual this week; I was out of town.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.

SPEC – A Quiet Pipe

“But we shall have horrors enough before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more cheerful.”

We sat comfortably in our sitting-room, watching the night. I advised against lighting a lamp, the better to see the signal when it came. The only illumination came from firelight and the occasional glow from our pipes.

I marveled at Watson’s quiet bravery. I understood the dangers ahead. He did not, yet sat ready to follow me all the same.

Comments

[debriswoman]

You set the scene beautifully:-)

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you! There are so many lovely moments in SPEC, it was hard to choose one for this entry. :-)

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

And despite what was to come, you do make this sound quite cheerful.

[methylviolet10b]

It was certainly cheerful compared to what was to come. ;-) Thank you!

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

Spot on!

[methylviolet10b]

Thanks!

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Oh, I love this quiet moment spent smoking. Holmes's admiration for his companion is always delightful. Thank you!

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you! That little mention of them smoking together before venturing out to Stoke Moran really caught my imagination this time. I'm glad it worked for you!

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

This is a beautiful mental image, the two of them sitting and smoking together, their pipes flaring orange in the darkness intermittently as they wait for action and danger.

[methylviolet10b]

As always, my dear, you read my mind! Due to word constraints, I had to cut my description of Watson's face briefly illuminated at intervals as the tobacco in his pipe flared and faded, but it was definitely part of the scene in my head. GMTA! ;-)

Thank you!

[ennui-enigma.livejournal.com]

Captured the moment well in writing! Nice :-)

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you!

60 for 60, week 4: The Speckled Band

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User spacemutineer referenced to your post from 60 for 60, week 4: The Speckled Band (http://dispatch-box.livejournal.com/197360.html) saying: [...] by A Quiet Pipe [...]

[snycock.livejournal.com]

Very well drawn. I always like to see moments when Holmes appreciates his companion. :-)

[methylviolet10b]

Me too. Thanks!

[bwblack.livejournal.com]

Suddenly I'm wondering how one has a loud pipe. Although, I suppose I can work that out. My grandfather blew smoke rings and we giggled a lot and I suppose that wasn't quite the quiet introspective pipe Holmes was planning. Although, I imagine my grandfather wouldn't have bothered to blow smoke rings if he were't trying to make us giggle.

I really do love this quiet moment between men. I think of them having some nerves that night not just for what is coming but the general irritation of sitting in dark silence and it's nice to have this quiet moment where Holmes reflects on just that, what the night is to bring and how game Watson is for the whole adventure.

[methylviolet10b]

I seem to remember descriptions of some pipe-smokers sucking on their pipes, but yeah, it's an odd turn of phrase belonging to another era.

Thank you!

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

What a beautiful scene, all the more so in contrast to the happenings ahead which Holmes already plays through his mind. I wonder what's worse, knowing what's coming, such as he does, or expecting everything and more, the Watson way?

[methylviolet10b]

I know *I'd* prefer to know what might be coming, but I have no idea which Watson would prefer. Given that he stuck with Holmes all those years, he probably preferred adventuring in ignorance. ;-)

Thank you!

[firthivated.livejournal.com]

"I marveled at Watson’s quiet bravery. I understood the dangers ahead. He did not, yet sat ready to follow me all the same."

A perfect summation of the Holmes/Watson partnership.

[methylviolet10b]

Aw, thank you so much! :-D