Fic Rec: Game Nights

[pipmer1.livejournal.com]

Title: Game Nights
Author: Random_Nexus
Pairing: Gen
Length: 6700 words
Rating: Teen
Warnings: None
Verse: Sherlock BBC

Author's summary: John's meeting with Greg, Molly, and another DI from NSY for game nights. Sherlock's feeling a bit jealous and has to figure out what to do about the problem.

Reccer's comments: The AO3 entry is locked and only accessible to those with an account, so an alternate link to their LJ is here: Game Nights


This is very cute and funny. John meets up with Greg and others for a Dungeons and Dragons game night at Greg's flat, leaving a note for Sherlock who is, of course, stuck in his mind palace and unaware that John has left. Most of the story takes place during the game itself as John and his friends play the game. The names and characters the players have chosen for themselves are amusing and apropos; I found myself giggling and thinking 'but of course, what else could they have chosen?' Sherlock comes out of his mind palace to find John gone, and decides to find out for himself what these game nights are all about. But instead of just coming to the front door and knocking like a normal person, he sneaks in by breaking into Lestrade's bedroom and spying on everyone as they play.

The funniest part of the story happens when Sherlock surprises John by accepting his standing invitation and tagging along for the next game night. The reveal for what character and name Sherlock has chosen for himself is epic, and the very last line? Priceless.

Enjoy!

fic rec: Arcana

[verdant_fire]

Title: Arcana
Author: rosa_acicularis
Pairing: Sherlock/John, Sherlock/fem!John
Length: 46159 words
Rating: Mature
Verse: BBC
Author's summary: Sometimes, her grandmother has said, in the simplest, strongest of magics that’s all that’s required – a sacrifice and an intent. Her blood, and his words: I want to forget.

In which Joanna Watson is a witch, Sherlock Holmes is himself, and every spell has its price.

Reccer's comments: I really have never read another fic like this one.  The descriptions of magic and the feel of it in this fic are truly astonishing; it's one of the best magical stories I've read anywhere, published or not.  The language is frequently so beautiful that it stole my breath (as did the UST!), the razored loveliness of the emotions and relationships cuts like mirror-glass, and the worldbuilding is indelible.  It makes my mouth fall open in wonder every time.  It's a stunningly beautiful piece of storytelling, and I remain a bit gratefully in awe of it.

Warning: this is a WIP and hasn't been updated since June 2013.  rosa_acicularis hasn't forgotten about it, but please don't let its status put you off; the current chapters stop at a natural pausing point, and while there's no true resolution yet, there's no cliffhanger either.