Thistle launched himself onto the bed and licked Bramwell’s face eagerly, barking with joy.

“Time for bed. Christmas beckons.” Mycroft gave her a gentle smile.

Mycroft stayed up a little longer to help turn the room into the Christmassy wonderland that Esme had grown up with.

B: “I’ve missed you!” He was beaming, breathless with giggles.

“Thank you. Just be aware that he is very cantankerous when he’s injured.”

Mycroft accompanied her, and they found Sherlock still very loopy on pain meds and half off the bed. “Brother. Come now, back into bed.”

The main living room had been transformed with wreaths and garlands and decorations and there was an impressive amount of gifts under the tree.

Annie and Carsen found her first and wished her a Merry Christmas, Carsen getting the fire going properly.

S: “I care not for food… Nor do I wish to stay here…” He tried to sit up with a groan of pain and fumbled to find the painkillers - not realising Mycroft had them.

Bramwell cuddled him close, tears in his eyes. He’d really missed his dog.

S: “Need more meds. MYCROFT - WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY MEDS?!” He yelled, not seeing the man in the doorway. “Quiet, brother. I’m here, and it isn’t time yet.”

C: “Firestarting is a pesky business. You’ll get the knack for it soon.”

B: “It feels wonderful. Especially as it’s sunny. Was India very hot?”

S: “It’s not about being ‘out of here’, silly! I like being with my brother, sometimes. I just need more pain meds.”

C: “Partly. Your father helped.”

B: “I much prefer to be cold. Being hot is no fun.”

C: “We wanted to give you a surprise. And Sherlock, of course. He’s still very much considered a young man.”

B: “Just had to. Stayed in the shade a lot. Or inside. Father didn’t like it much. He wanted me to command the fields one day, to watch the overseer…” He couldn’t finish, shuddering at the memory of the cruelty.

Carsen gently squeezed her shoulder and went to make some hot chocolate with the good cocoa he’d squirrelled away for special occasions.

Sherlock was first up, full of energy as always. He smiled at his niece and sat opposite her, warming himself by the fire. Mycroft wasn’t too far behind him.