escordvi | Even if I wear a disguise

Entry tags:

Even if I wear a disguise

Who: Sherlock and others
Status: Open
Where: Eltrut
What: Sleep Now in Sapphire and catch all stuff
Warnings: None

MANTA: Gen: Sleep Now in Sapphire

[ How quickly one gets used to sleeping for more than a brief few hours every week. However, Sherlock still has a problem. His newfound ability to sleep is locked to his apartment because he needs:

Moon Pal
2 Doppelplushes (debatable sleeping assistance)
Comfort Blahaj (large)
Mr. Trunklops Jumbo Plush (even larger)
Huggable Tapir Plush
white winged horse feathers

If he needs to go anywhere else for a case, he'll have to either bring all that with him or go back to not sleeping ever when elsewhere.

Thus, the MANTA Board posting, as vague as he kept it. (He's embarrassed. He's an adult now. He shouldn't need so many child toys to sleep, and he didn't want to put it out there for everyone to see.) Hopefully, someone can help him make this more manageable.

In the meantime, Sherlock has done a little apartment rearranging in preparation of having people over. No, he hasn't cleaned the place. Objects still lay scattered or piled everywhere. Sherlock covered his clue wall with a bed sheet, and he cleared off a second chair for someone to sit in.

Someone knocks on the door and Sherlock hops to his feet. ]

One moment! I'll be right there.

MANTA: Gen: Puppy Love

[ Sherlock brings a three-headed puppy (H) over to the Conservatory. As much as he wants to keep the puppy at his apartment, even he realizes that keeping an animal that grows to the size of a horse is a bad idea. However, he couldn't leave the small creature with the irresponsible breeder nor could he take all of them to the Conservatory.

He ended up claiming the one that reminded him the most of Toby, and now he walks the Conservatory with a little puppy at his heels and a stick in his hand. ]

Come now, let's see what a doggy like you can do. Fetch!

Surasthana Cafe

[ In some odd corner, Sherlock sleeps curled up with notes and books strewn around him and the empty mug or two of coffee. He mumbles in his sleep uneasily despite the feather tucked into his casebook turned pillow. (An accidental test of a single feather's efficacy to provide good dreams while keeping away nightmares) What is he up to this time? ]

Wildcard

[ Want to do something else? Write a prompt or drop me a line at Sherry's journal,

aviekokyre, or on Discord @ aviekokyre and we can plot something out. ]

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[ How is this cat so round? It defies science. Rosseland will get the requested pets. Sherlock might be more of a dog person, but he gets along with most animals. Land animals at least. ]

I fear I would only disturb Rosseland's rest then at best. At worse, Rosseland will be flung from me as I startle awake.

[ He still fails to see how it will help despite how pleasant it is to pet the round, purring cat. ]

And would I not then need to sleep near you whenever I... we take a case beyond Eltrut's shores? Wouldn't you rather be alone with Heizou?

[ Sherlock may be naive about relationships, romance, and sex, but he knows they would probably prefer each other's company and the things they can do together in private. Sleeping near your bestie's boyfriend does not seem to be proper in any way. ]

You'd be surprised how persistent cats can be when they demand a nap.

[It's said with an amused lilt to his tone, but when he speaks again, it's more serious.]

Well, the idea would be that if Rosseland is able to help you sleep, then you may perhaps be able to get a feline companion of your own to help. As much as I'd like to loan you Rosseland for a little while, I'm afraid he is far too attached to my hat to give him up entirely.

[Rosseland begins to purr deeper, and even begins to knead some biscuits into Sherlock's leg in approval of the pets. And Sherlock's not wrong; it would be a little difficult for him to come by every night as well.]

That being said, if the comforting weight of a sleeping cat won't help... I could always attempt a little hypnosis to help you sleep. It's not one of my specialties, but it's something I've picked up in my magician training. If you're agreeable, we can give it a try.

[ He's never had a cat make biscuits upon him before, so he tilts his head slightly when it starts. However, he doesn't stop the petting. Sherlock is about to reply about how he already has Basker to care for over at the Conservatory. He doesn't think he could care for two animals...

The easy going talk flips near instantly the moment Lyney brings up hypnosis. Sherlock's body tenses, and while Sherlock tries to keep his expression neutral, he wears his heart on his sleeve too often when troubled. ]

No. Not hypnosis. I can't. It is similar to how I cannot simply drug my body to sleep and remain so. I can't.

[ Trauma, he has it. ]

[Ah, that's certainly a reaction. So attuned to spotting changes in others, Lyney's able to spot the way Sherlock reacts to his suggestion even despite the other man's attempts to hide it. There's something there, for sure, and though he's curious Lyney isn't in a position to pry. Especially since Sherlock is a friend. So after a brief pause he nods.]

Alright, we'll scrap that idea. I'm sorry if I upset you with that suggestion; I wouldn't have made it had I thought it wouldn't help.

No, no. You didn't know. I didn't expect you to know. It's...

[ Sherlock doesn't even know how he wants to explain it. Even he knows he's being difficult, but he wouldn't be Sherlock Holmes if he made things easy for the people around him. He just can't be like that. ]

It's part of the reason why I live in the dark. Do not think it is a matter of distrust either. I even refused a sedative from my Watson, and I perhaps trust him the most. Though once he persisted in administering it and said he regretted doing so after I woke.

[ John looked like a kicked puppy over the guilt he carried. Sherlock knew it wouldn't happen again. ]

[Lyney hums quietly as he listens, nodding slowly. When Sherlock explains himself, he offers a sad, yet understanding, smile.]

It's quite alright. We all have scars to bear, some deeper than others. And far be it from me to cause you discomfort in aggravating those old wounds. We're trying to find a solution, not a trigger.

[There's no malice in his voice, no accusation. Just understanding of the weight those invisible scars leave on a person, how they cause one to act and react the way he did. Archons know that Lyney himself has his own share of scars, scars he'd probably never fully heal from. Who is he to judge another for what they've gone through, when his own life has its fair share of shadows?]

[It's why, rather than pry, he shakes his head and offers an apologetic shrug.]

Then aside from offering up my suggestion of a feline companion, I'm afraid I'm all out of ideas. Sleep charms aren't something I'm terribly familiar with, let alone able to create. I apologize if this ended up being a grand waste of time for you, my friend.

[ Huh. The only person who Sherlock felt understood the magnitude of what he's gone through, even without knowing all the details, was John. There is a certain camaraderie that comes when two people wake in a cabin from their own night terrors and see their expression so plainly mirrored on the other. Sherlock has only seen the hints in Lyney, but more and more, he thinks he's found a kindred spirit in that manner. ]

I would not say it was a grand waste of time. I got to spend some time with a friend and met possibly the roundest cat in existence.

[ He's still trapped by that cat as Lyney has said it is rude to move when a cat sleeps upon a person. Sherlock is also hoping that "friend" is an apt enough term to use in return. He's still adjusting to having friends, even after all this time. "My friend" could simply be a manner of speech and nothing more significant. ]

If this solution was simple, I wouldn't have had to put out a MANTA request for it. Do not let it dwell in your thoughts for long. I may just have to forgo sleeping again when away from Eltrut. I have done it before and for much longer stretches of time.

[As if in reply to Sherlock's comment, Rosseland lets out a content meow, purring deeply under Sherlock's hand. Lyney chuckles good-naturedly.]

I admit, it's been good to spend time with you as well! And Rosseland sure seems happy to have met another friend. It's still a shame I wasn't much help to you. And while I understand burning the midnight oil, I would hate to see you suffer from a lack of sleep. If only I could recreate the effects of your magic objects somehow, then I--

[Suddenly he stops, trailing. An idea suddenly forms in his mind, and he lets out a thoughtful hum.]

These enchanted objects... they help you, yes?

They do. I begun to collect them not expecting much. It was more of a passing fancy and curiosity, but then I managed to amass enough of the enchantments to counteract my nightmares. Heizou likely told you how I slept multiple days straight once it happened.

[ His body needed the sleep, and Sherlock did not fight it. He looks down at Rosseland. The cat is the picture of contentment and relaxation. ]

The objects didn't simply remove the bad dreams; they coaxed me to have pleasant and gentle ones. They worked better than I ever imagined or dared to hope for.

[Lyney nods, his expression brightening once more. He grins playfully, his former bravado returning.]

Well then, the solution is simple, isn't it? If these enchanted items work for you, then the solution is to simply continue to use them!

[He takes a moment to pull off his hat with a flourish, and after holding it aloft for a moment, he lets go... and the hat hovers above his hand for a moment. He taps its top, and a small bag, not unlike an oversized coin purse, drops into his awaiting palm before he grabs his hat and twirls it back onto his head in a smooth motion. All the while, he talks to Sherlock.]

When approaching your problem from that angle, then it simply becomes a matter of carrying your belongings. And as luck would have it, I have a solution for you right here!

[He holds up the pouch in his hand.]

Tell me, have you ever heard of a Magic Pocket before?

[ When Lyney starts to perform with his hat once more, Sherlock's grey eyes lock on every movement, trying to observe every facet of the act and the hat. That pouch could not have been in the hat along with the cat. Where could Lyney have stashed it before it "fell" out of the hat? This is slight of hand... right? (In this world, he cannot be sure anymore.) ]

No, I don't think I've heard of such an item mentioned before nor have I read about it.

[ Sherlock thinks back to all the strange items he had encountered thus far. Nothing came to mind, and he hadn't see a pouch like this before. ]

[Where did it come from? How did it get there? Alas, a good magician never reveals his tricks, and the sight of Sherlock's confusion makes his own grin widen a bit. Ever the showman, even with his impressive sleight of hand; he COULD use his Vision, but that would be cheating. Still, with the pouch aloft, he moves to open it.]

Well, this particular item is something I helped create back in Fontaine. It's a curious item that holds a large amount of items within it. This one is smaller and designed for smaller objects, but I've also made them larger as well.

[He opens the pouch, and begins reaching in and pulling out objects from within and lays them on the table. A couple decks of cards, a legitimate coin pouch, a long prop wand, several handkerchiefs, a box of cat treats (which draws Rosseland's attention), a small bag of candied fruit... items that could possibly fit within a pouch the Pocket's size on their own, but not altogether as they are.]

Back in Fontaine, there was a crisis that had threatened the nation, so I helped create these magical objects for the people to store any supplies or belongings they may need, in case they needed to make a hasty escape. But, I figure that now, it could help you with your problem! Rather than lament not being able to replicate the effects of your enchanted sleep aids, why not simply create something to discreetly carry your tools with you wherever you go?

[ He wants to know! It's a puzzle he needs to solve, and every time Lyney pulls something from his hat, Sherlock gets more evidence to analyze.

And now he has something entirely new to analyze as well. The pouch is harder to explain by slight of hand. The repeated action should give Sherlock more information, but it doesn't. Somehow, Sherlock can understand this magical pouch works differently than Lyney's magic hat, though Sherlock wouldn't be able to explain why he thinks that. Lyney confirms this soon after, and at his new solution, Sherlock's grey eyes brighten. ]

A hasty escape is what I worried about when considering to travel with the items. I cannot guarantee how safe an expedition will be, and danger is likely. I would hate to bring them only to then abandon them should a situation turn dire. I would be left in a worse state than I would be if I avoided sleeping.

[ And that would be the worst outcome. Sherlock can't depend on being able to collect these items again. ]

Exactly how much can a pocket hold? No, perhaps the most expedient way would be to just show you all the items together.

[ He moves to get up but abruptly stops. No, he can't disturb Rosseland. ]

A hasty escape is definitely something to consider. It's what I had in mind when I was creating them. You need to move quickly when a giant flood is imminent.

[He pulls out a few more items; a couple bottles of water, a multitool of some kind, a little clockwork bird that looks to be Freminet's work, and finally, after giving the pouch a little shake, a small woven mouse toy which plops from his hand onto the floor. The toy draws Rosseland's attention, and he ends up hopping from Sherlock's lap to go and bat at the little cat toy. He's finally free!]

Well now, that would depend on the size of the pocket. The exact specifications are a bit lost on me, but I designed them to carry, oh, roughly about ten times their size? And at full capacity a larger-sized magic pocket weighs no more than a full backpack, though of course the weight inside of it can vary.

[Now that the small pouch seems to be empty, he offers it to Sherlock to investigate.]

This one here may be a tad small, but if I can gather enough materials, I'm sure I could make one big enough for your needs.

[ He can't help it. Sherlock shudders at the idea of a giant flood for a number of reasons.

Freed from Rosseland, Sherlock stands and motions for Lyney to follow him to his bedroom. It's just as messy as the rest of the house with the personal clue board covered by a hanging bed sheet. The feathers are pinned on that sheet above his pillow. Most of the plushies lay flopped over in some fashion on his bed. However, two are nicely sat upright: the doppelplushes of John and Jon. ~~He plays favorites even if they technically do not have any sleep enchantments on them.~~ The largest plush by far is Mr. Trunklops Jumbo Plush which sits on the ground near the bed and reaches the mattress. Sherlock brings the pouch over to it once he's done examining it and not figuring out how it works. There is a noticeable size difference. ]

This one is the greatest challenge. I can't carry that everywhere.

[With Rosseland preoccupied Lyney moves to stand and follows Sherlock into the bedroom. The clue board draws Lyney's attention, but he doesn't comment on it; instead he hums and looks to the plushies, taking in their size. That Mr. Trunklops plush is definitely big, but it shouldn't be a problem. He nods to himself as he looks over the items.]

Well, the bad news is that little Pocket I brought is going to be far too small for our big friend here. [Even if he could squeeze the other plushies into the bag, this big guy just won't fit even if Sherlock tried squishing it.] But, the good news is I could make one that does. It may take a few days and I'll need to find the materials to do so, but it shouldn't be too difficult for me to pull off.

[ Behind that bed sheet is a tangled web of clues relating to the mystery that is Sherlock Holmes. Heizou has seen it, has seen himself pictured as part of it. Maybe some day Sherlock will feel more comfortable sharing that tangled web that reveals his madness and threatens everyone's perception and trust in him.

(He'll have to either remake the clue board or do something else with it when he moves to a new place, but he doesn't know that moving is in his future.) ]

Are the materials something I could help you with obtaining? The Pocket would be for me, after all. I should shoulder some of the effort.

[ Yes, Lyney will get rewarded for the MANTA quest, but this feels like Lyney will be going beyond what he'll be compensated for by the request. Should Sherlock give a tip? ]

[Sherlock is definitely an interesting enigma, but he's also a friend. And Lyney knows better than to pry into the dark secrets of a friend when he doesn't need to; Archons know he has his own share of secrets as well. So he can elect to politely ignore it for now, to respect Sherlock's own privacy. But he shakes his head, resting a hand over his chest.]

Oh, there's no need; most of the materials I usually get Freminet to collect for me, and the rest are ones I could find simply enough. Besides, I don't think it's fair to ask you to work for your own request.

[ Also there are sketches of a dark god with the face of a cephalopod, huge wings, and sharp claws. No one else needs that to haunt their nightmares. Even Sherlock debated putting the Old One to paper lest he somehow inflict the horror on another. ]

If you are sure, then I will not press further. Give Freminet my thanks for his help.

[ The young man is all too eager (fearful?) to do what others tell him to. It worries Sherlock a little because that speaks of a harsh past. ]

Should someone find another solution, I will send word to you. Although, I may then request a pocket for my own use beyond this need.

Of course. Many of the required materials I need are found in the sea, and there's none I know who enjoys the depths of the ocean quite like my dear brother. I'm sure he'll be happy to help.

[Truthfully, he knows how Freminet is, and while he and his sister Lynette came to the House of the Hearth after the prior Director was replaced, has a clear idea of the traumas of Freminet's past. It's part of why he is so protective and caring of Freminet, and knows how much the ocean can help calm him. It's why he has no problem asking Freminet to do diving tasks, since he knows it'll help Freminet as much as Freminet would help him.]

Well, then I should prepare to make a few, then! Who knows; having a few extra on hand could prove useful.

[ Sherlock blanches when he hears that the materials are found underwater. No, that is not something he will be able to assist with after all. Good on Freminet for finding joy in such an activity. If Sherlock could someday not black out upon being even partly submerged underwater, that would be progress enough for him. ]

If nothing else, you can make use of the pockets to make sure you have enough supplies for any long term outings away from the main hubs.

[ Although, Sherlock now wonders. What would happen if a Magic Pocket is placed within a Magic Pocket? Surely, infinite storage isn't possible... is it? ]

But of course! After all, it doesn't hurt to be prepared, be it for an excursion, and emergency, or even a vanishing act!

[Honestly, Lyney wouldn't recommend it; he has feeling bad things will happen if one were to do that...]

I'll let you know as soon as they're ready, then?

[ BUT SCIENCE, LYNEY!! ]

Yes, that would be wonderful.

[ Sherlock is still curious how Rosseland fits in the hat, and he eyes the hat with an analytical eye before he catches himself. ]

And thank you Mr. Lyney. I appreciate you doing this.

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Even if I wear a disguise

MANTA: Gen: Sleep Now in Sapphire

MANTA: Gen: Puppy Love

Surasthana Cafe

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