A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Many thanks to all those who have sent such encouraging reviews and comments this year.
Prompt from Wordwielder: Anew
The haunting notes of Auld Lang Syne quavered across the frosty night air of 1893. Under Holmes' skilful ministrations, the violin's high notes danced, twinkling with the stars; and the low notes dived, disappearing into black chasms. His woollen layers and tattered overcoat could not disguise his gaunt frame and the haunted shadows around his eyes. Fingertips stained with dirt and time poked through his gloves, lovingly caressing the strings and guiding the bow.
"Look, Mother!" a young girl exclaimed as she stopped to listen in wonder to the lonely violinist standing in the village square. Her mother halted with her daughter from their hurried errands. The music tripped into her memory and pulled out laughter, tea, and hugs. She held her girl tight. A tear rolled down her cheek.
A carpenter plodded into the village with his four-legged beast of burden laden with firewood. The worries of the world etched themselves into the lines upon his leathered face. His shoulders drooped with the weight of long years of hard labour. Both man and beast paused to appreciate the musical soliloquy. Pictures of a baby cooing at his feet and a woman who smelled of fresh bread and summer shimmered before his eyes. "Margaret," he whispered. He rolled his shoulders back and strode with renewed purpose onward. The furry donkey glanced back at the stranger murmuring in the language of music about days of yore and hopes of more.
"To happier days ahead and reunions with our lost loved one, old pal," the stranger whispered hoarsely. The clock struck midnight, snatching up his words and summoning in 1894. But, the donkey heard. He blinked and flicked a fuzzy long-eared goodbye.
Happy New Year!
To happy days anew with Sherlock Holmes and continued mystery in the year to come.