The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist: Particular Enjoyments

[methylviolet10b]

Author: methylviolet10b
Rating: PG
Character(s): Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson, Mr. Woodley
Summary: Holmes reflects on the outcome of two visits to the Surrey countryside.
Warnings: Mild spoilers for SOLI.
Word Count: 60, plus a quote from SOLI in italics, plus an extended-play version (100 words).
Author's Notes: 60 words of my own inspired by one of the canon stories.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.

SOLI – Particular Enjoyments
"What should I have done?"

While Watson exclaimed over my contusions, I felt glad it had been I, not him, who had thought to go to the public-house. Not that I doubted Watson would have emerged the victor. Woodley would not have prevailed against him, for my Watson is a formidable fighter at need. But he would not have enjoyed the fight, and I did.




Extended-play version (100 words):
"What should I have done?"

In truth, my Watson had not done so ill as I implied. I thought as much then, but much more so the next day. While Watson exclaimed over my contusions, I found myself glad it had been I, not him, who had thought to go to the public-house. Not that I doubted Watson would have emerged the victor. Woodley would not have prevailed against him, any more than he did me, for my Watson is a formidable fighter in his own right. But he is no pugilist, and he would not have enjoyed punching Woodley’s brutish face, as I did.

Comments

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Although had it been after they discovered what Woodley's plan was I suspect Watson would have been as happy punching him as Holmes was. As it was I think Holmes was right.

[(Anonymous)]

I agree.Watson would have been happy punching him in that case...

[methylviolet10b]

Yes, definitely. Thanks!

[methylviolet10b]

I suspect you're entirely correct, Watson would have enjoyed thrashing him had he been confronted in the village tap-room and known what a villain he was. But since he couldn't have known, it's just as well it was Holmes.

Thank you!

Sunday, 5 May 2013

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User thisprettywren referenced to your post from Sunday, 5 May 2013 (http://holmesian-news.livejournal.com/285133.html) saying: [...] by (Holmes, Watson | G | ACD) Particular Enjoyments [...]

[maple78.livejournal.com]

Certainly I read The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist by Arthur Conan Doyle.But I did it long ago.I forgot everything:) That's why this time I reread the story to understand your ficlet.(This time I reread the story first and then read your ficlet.)

Yes,Holmes enjoyed the fighting against Woodley.These are particular enjoyments:)

[methylviolet10b]

And I am particularly thrilled that you took the time and trouble to read Solitary Cyclist because you wanted to read this ficlet. Wow! Thank you so much!

[debriswoman]

An interesting take on the scene, with Holmes acknowledging Watson's skills, and kinder heart.

Nicely done:-)

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you! I really wanted to work in the contradiction between his earlier, harsher words and his concluding, comforting "Well, well, my dear sir, don't look so depressed." - but 60 words didn't allow me enough room to get there, and even the 100 word extended-version wasn't quite enough to work in the actual second quote. I'm glad that some of the idea came through even without it. :-)

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Oh, yeah! I love imagining Watson winning that fight against Mr. Creepazoid Woodley. Holmes doesn't think Watson would enjoy punching Woodley's face in, but I think he might be surprised.

Terrific idea for this one. Now I'm just going to be imagining an AU version where this happens all day. :)

[methylviolet10b]

I think Watson would have absolutely enjoyed it, had he only known what a villain Woodley was. And I would love to read your AU version! :-D

Thank you!