From V Tsuion: Fairy lights
Flames licked the last remaining log resting on the ashes of the nights previous logs. The embers were glowing red against the dark wood and white ash. Holmes was curled up in his chair like a rumpled coat, gazing into the dying fire. I was settled on the settee with a book. It was an ordinary night, save for the day and the hour. True, I have written about our odd hours, but...
Holmes threw a glance at the clock. He twisted his pipe from one side of his mouth to the other. I tapped a finger against the side of my book. Nothing could distract me, yes a distraction was what we both sought. The pendulum clicked in a mockery of our plight.
All at once, Holmes sprang to his feet. "Watson! The window!"
I leapt up. We'd been waiting for this. He threw back the curtains to reveal a still dark street- my eyes widened at the sight of a low flickering flame. How Holmes had seen it, I would never guess.
The light twinkled and sparked in the street before it was joined by another. And another. Soon, the cobblestones were ablaze with glittering sparks. They were beautiful. Even without any sort of coordination or design, the wands of light managed to sway back in forth in such a way as to suggest a great flock of fairies.
"Beautiful, Watson." Holmes said. "To think that simple chemistry could be utilized to such a brilliant effect..."
"The snow makes it all the more luminous I think." I agreed with him wholeheartedly, as the scene was quite breathtaking. We watched in silence as the progression continued. After a long moment, the earlier lights began to dim and then die. One by one the sparklers went out and the street was lit only by lamplight once again.
"Breathtaking." Holmes said at last. "But do you know how I would wish to commemorate the new year? Do you know what sight would cheer me most of all?"
"What Holmes?"
"The inside of my eyelids, Watson. I'm off to bed at once. I am exhausted."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Happy New Year, Holmes. Let's celebrate it your way. See you tomorrow old chap."
"No, Watson," my friend grinned. "See you next year."