A Holmesian Solstice

What a unique and beautiful story! The backstory you gave Watson was nothing I've ever considered before, but it reminded me just how young Watson was when he made these huge life decisions. The gambling story shed such light on the strange combination of his conviviality, recklessness, honorable determination to make good on his word, and adventurous spontaneity -- he would have been something of a walking time-bomb of a young man, wouldn't he? I also adored the details about Mary's childhood, and I love the thought that they traveled together to the mountains. The lush detail with which you drew the scene really brought it all to life, as did Holmes' profound admiration for Watson and his melancholy appreciation that he had not yet grasped all of his friend's mysteries (and likely never would). The sense of fatality is still looming over it all, but this was a lovely moment, a last happy memory of shared intimacy for them both to hold onto through the dark years ahead. It was impeccably written, and I just loved seeing them together on that beautiful promontory, drinking tea and sharing secrets one last time. Thank you so much for writing this!