221B Recs

Title: Chanson Triste
Author: fengirl88 On Ao3
Pairing: Ella/Anthea
Length: 603
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Verse: Sherlock BBC

Author's summary: Anthea's love of French is one of the things Ella can't share.

Reccer's comments: I admire Ella and Anthea's relationship in the series Sleeping Beauty, but have highlighted this particular ficlet because of the musical references. Clearly fengirl88 is quite knowledgeable about classical music, including the vocal repertoire! She's selected a chanson [French art song] that fits one aspect of Ella and Anthea's relationship: both women work long hours in highly stressful, important jobs. To have a someone in whom, according to that chanson, "moonlight lies dormant,/A gentle moonlight of summer", someone full of "brightness" who can soothe and support their lover through sorrow and pain is priceless. There's also a little meditation on perfection vs. "good enough" in life and work that illuminates the nature of their love.

I heartily recommend listening to the recording linked at the bottom of the page. If you do not speak French, I'd also use the lyrics and their translation listed here.