Alde Beriel [Queen of Hearts]'s Story

"What is life, if it isn't a game?"
If a child is provided with nothing, he will invent his own games, using anything available.

That was all.

There was nothing more to it, nothing personal or vindictive, she was just bored and needed to play, that was all.

That has always been all. There is nothing more to it, there never has been. She doesn't kill because she wants to, she feels nothing even when she brings the blade down - but she kills because she needs to, its a game and its amusing to see the blood splutter and gush in all directions, even though her dress always get dirtied, and even though she can taste something wet and salty on her tongue, and something hot running down her cheeks, She wonders what it is, but never bothers enough to find out, because she hates the colour red and wants to get clean as soon as possible, and this is just how the world works.

* * *

She sat on a throne, surrounded by a sea of dolls.

"I'm bored." she announced to no one in particular, making a murmur go around the room. This might have been strange if the 'dolls' really were dolls, but in reality, they were the Courtiers of the Queen of Hearts, sovereign ruler of Wonderland, ruling the land with an iron fist clad in a gentle smile and innocent eyes.

To her, they were faceless, nameless dolls. Toys meant for her own amusement that never amounted to anything. Things she broke and threw away as she pleased, because that was just the way of the world she lived in.

And they were all broken. She knew because she had been the person to break them slowly, the gentle smile never fading from her lips even as crimson dripped down them.


"Its boring to play with the same dolls again and again, isn't it, Little Rabbit?" she addressed her favourite doll, and the only one who had a name among the crowd, completely disregarding the others, who shivered as a sweet smile - even sweeter than the normal ones -, which could only mean one thing. The Queen was plotting something, and that something was going to involve a lot of sadism and pure evil.

"But that's fine, just fine. Because new ones will be arriving soon. Will you prepare a message for the Chains? Tell them I want to play a little game."

[OOC: Oops, sorry didn't see this place. XD I'll edit the post I did earlier. :L)



Rabbit jumped in his seat once he realised that it was him that the Queen was addressing. He widened his eyes before mumbling out a reply which sounded very much like, "Yes, C-Certainly... Your Majesty!" Rabbit pitched up his spectacles before discreetly shuffling out of the room, slipping out of the door and taking care to close it quietly afterwards. He tried to make as little noise as possible but despite his efforts the boy still flinched when he heard the lock click into place. His head was reeling from possible ideas of this game the Queen was planning, and that smile... Rabbit was more than aware of the meaning behind such a sweet smile. It always meant that something bad was going to happen.

But he couldn't think of that now, he had a duty to do.

Once he stepped outside, he breathed out a sigh of relief, stress had resided in his stomach during the whole period of the meeting and had accumulated until the end. There was always a tense atmosphere in that certain room but it was understandable, everybody, her Courtiers and White Rabbit himself, was acutely aware of the Queen's short temperature and what could happen if someone was unlucky enough to trigger it. Once he felt an unwinding sensation in the pit of his stomach, he started to walk again. Rabbit then began to quicken his pace until he was at a hurried jog. He then dived onto the floor where a rush of wind wrapped around the boy's whole figure. It then left as suddenly as it came revealing a rabbit with clean white fur walking quickly on its hind legs. The animal's body was bare except for a golden pocket watch dangling from its neck, Rabbit grabbed the watch with his small paw and twitched his nose realising the time.

She liked the smell - it reminded her of home. But the red colour was too bright, too vivid. She wasn't used to bright colours. She had grown up in a shadowy room, without any colours, and there was no place for red in her monochromatic world. But the palace was a horrible shade of crimson, and that was why she slashed and struck out, wanting to cover the stark red of the walls with something a little darker.
But red on red was still red.

__________

Whispers floated through the air as Alde leaned over the balcony rails. They weren't the usual whispered courtroom conversations though.

"Go away." she flicked her hand idly at the butterflies flocking around her. "I don't need you right now."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that."

Alde turned to stare at the black butterfly that had just fluttered to a landing on her right hand, by far the largest of all those present.

"What to you want, Kuro?"

"Two are here, Your Majesty." the words Your Majesty was spoken in a tone that implied heavy sarcasm or bitterness - or maybe both.

"Really?!" she brightened up. "Which ones?"

"The Form Shifter and the Riddle Maker." Kuro spat, his detestation for the persons in question was evident.

"Aww Kuro, you are always so mean to my dolls! You shouldn't be, though! They amount to nothing - just because they have names and a role doesn't make them People. They are just creatures with nowhere to belong to ... they are not even real." the blonde pouted, flinging Kuro off her hand on to the floor below and stamping him, a smile replacing her pout as she uttered the last few sentences.

"Like you." Kuro hissed, body reduced to a splotch on the white marble floor. "They are just like you." , earning himself another stamp.

"Silly Kuro." Alde sighed, looking genuinely saddened. "You never know when to keep your mouth shut. Now I have to make you again." Leaning down and picking the black splotch that was Kuro, she gently cradled him in her right hand, flitting down the stairs.

"Now where are these two?" she wondered aloud, letting Kuro's body fall from her hand. Just as the little black blotch was about to touch the floor, it shifted into two black wings, which unfurled to show a butterfly.

"You are late, Kuro!" Alde chimed. "Now take me where they are!"

"Yes, Your Majesty." This time around, the words were spoken with genuine admiration and none of the bitterness from last time remained.

Alde smiled gently at Kuro as her body shifted into a storm of butterflies. When she opened her eyes again, she was in front of a male Cheshire and Absolem.

She ran towards them, throwing herself in a hug against both the males, trilling out a "I missed you!"

Withdrawing, she treated them to a hurt look.

"You never visit! But We are so happy you are here now! Shall we retire for some tea while the other Chains ctach up, Cheshire, Caterpillar." she stressed Absolem's role, knowing it would make him angry. But she couldn't do anything about it - he had to remember his role, that he was not human in anyway anymore.

Absolem blinked, he wasn't sure why, but Cheshire turned into a male. He shrugged it off easily however. He had bigger fish to fry. He had to get his mind prepared for the Queen. He wasn't a very tolerant person, and her insistence on calling him Caterpillar was disgustingly annoying. His light-pink orbs scanned the Palace. Why did he even show? There had been many times before that he refused the Queens call, simply exhibiting a blind eye to her notices. It probably wouldn't be wise to do it three times in a row, three times and you're out you know. Ha, I rhymed. I'm a poet and I didn't even know it. Haha, alright that's enough. It's corny now. Once was an accident, twice amusing, thrice annoying. He caught a glimpse of Cheshire's impression on his parlor trick, a smug smirk crossing Caterpillar's lips.

Caterpillar just stared for a moment, his expression baffled, and then he snapped out of his embarrassment, which, he didn't allow to claim his face however, "Absolem! Not 'Abs' or that...other name!" he hissed at the cat, his fist clenching softly. What the hell? Abs? Is he mocking me? I've got them, but he's sure as hell never seen them! Cheshire indeed shook his composition again, but with a chew of his lip and a fidget of his hands, he overcame it, walking in after Cheshire. Calm down, it's her you need to worry about. That woman, not yourself, not Cheshire.

He was just about to say something more to Cheshire, when he was startled by the Queen. Instantly he felt her arms around him, a shiver of disgust coursing up his spine, his face turning pale. How can a touch as simple as one such as this, make me physically ill? She is potent in every right.. Absolem stepped three steps away from the Queen after she let go, contemplating escaping, but alas, he could only run for so long, a year possibly? If he kept his wits, a year was quite possible. Though, a year of being a fugitive, or a lifetime of dealing with these brief encounters? He would have to make due.

He forced a smile, his face appearing anything but pleasant, " Oh, I didn't realize just how long it's been.. my it felt like yesterday you were holding me like so.." he hissed out behind his smile, the words attempting to catch in his throat. It only felt like yesterday because your touch is so scarring. I doubt I'll recover if you hug me again, you royal twit.. He hated the Queen, loathed her. Though, on his own, he had nothing he could do to oppose her. He literally almost exploded when he was called out of his original name. His face was red with anger, his fists clenched, but he held his tongue, for his own sake. He jumped from the ground, floating above them to avoid her touch, if she tried to touch him again. He couldn't stand too much of that! Only that blasted rabbit could seem to stand her company, and that is primarily out of fear if you ask me, "My...my Queen, you're quite...generous. How can one refuse you?" His tone leaked sarcasm, but his expression contradicted it perfectly, he now looked quite sincere, dropping back down to his feet, giving her a gracious bow. He was running riddles through his head to keep his head on his shoulders, literally, "Though, I think the rest are quite naughty, me and Cheshire came as soon as we heard! What does this say of the others loyalty to our precious Queen?" he was going to damn the others to hell for leaving him and Cheshire to suffocate in her company.

The maker doesn't want it; the buyer doesn't use it; and the user doesn't see it. What is it? A coffin

If you had to choose between white and black, what would you do?

Would you choose the monotony of kindness?

Or would you let yourself go, seeking only the spice of variety, uncaring of who you hurt on the way?

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alde giggled.

"It means they show what you are too afraid to." she said happily. She knew both of the men would bristle at that remark, which was good, because Caterpillar's words hurt. Just a little, though. She had gotten used to it, after all. And she wouldn't have it any other way - it was simply too boring otherwise.

She knew they all hated her, but it didn't matter, just as her own feelings didn't. They were all prisoners in a messed up world. She had gotten top of food chain, and she was going to have her fun even if it meant damning all of them by using her position.

Its just what He wants you to do.

She dismissed the foreboding voice in the back of her mind with a practised ease. She had been doing it for far too long to try and listen to it now.

"Or maybe they just think separation makes the heart grow fonder?" she added, sickly sweetness back in place again.

If only you could truly believe that, instead of merely pretending for their benefit.

"Shall we proceed to the Tea Room?" she asked, a delicate eyebrow arching. No one could fault the Queen of Hearts' hospitality - at least, not until they incurred her wrath. Things tended to snowball from there on.

Not waiting for an answer, she glided towards a wall without any doors, calling out, "Kuro, show us to the Tea Garden, please!" as she did so.

Immediately, a portion of the wall - roughly the size of a smaller than normal door, was covered with fluttering blue butterflies, before they flew towards the three, revealing a white door with golden trim that opened as the butterflies disappeared into the opposite wall.

She stepped in the room, beckoning the two Chains in over her shoulder, not bothering to look back.

OOC: Please post in the Tea Garden after this, Caterpillar and Cheshire. Just thought I'd point it out in case you missed the new Place^^;

Cheshire

Cheshire shrugged nonchalantly upon Absolem's outburst, continuing through the door. "It's merely a nickname," he spoke evenly, not intending anything by his words, just offering truths, "Everyone has them. Not everyone likes them, but I've never seen anyone complain as much as you." He stopped once inside the palace and turned to face the Caterpillar, "Why is that?" Instead of meeting Absolem's face it he found himself trapped within the arms of Her Majesty. Immediately he stiffened upon contact. Everything within him seemed to scream and stir, demanding him to transform into something to fight against her grasp. Though difficult, he managed to control his alterations. Alright, he thought, disguarding what he previously donned nice upon being touched, If I'm never pet, hugged or prodded again, it would be too soon. The Queen's voice drooled with innocence, just like everything else about her. How one such as her became, ruler of his Wonderland he couldn't recall, but he knew better than to take things by appearances only, especially from her.

He watched from the corner of his eye as Absolem retreated a few steps, a sharp twinge of panic surging through him thinking the Caterpillar was going to leave him alone with the Queen. Dealing with her was bad enough, but being alone with her was a different story entirely. He did NOT want all her attention on him. Upon seeing the Caterpillar float instead as if fearful of the Queen, he allowed himself a tiny chuckle of both humour and relief. He allowed Absolem to speak for him. Let him have her attention for the time being. His tone and theatrics kept Cheshire curious. He gave the man props for his cruel, yet innocent display. He definitely had courage..or was just stupid. Those things we're so alike it's hard to decipher one from the other.

His smile broadened upon Absolem's calling the other chains out. Aren't we a little rat? He mused to himself. Not that he cared really, as long as it wasn't his head on the line. His eyes went to the Queen, it was her turn in this facade of polite cruelty. He disliked her remark, "It means they show what you are too afraid to." He wasn't a coward. He hated all this round about way of speaking. Tip-toeing on eggshells wasn't for him, but he wasn't stupid enough not to tread carefully. The Queen was quick to anger and though it was hilarious seeing anyone angry, the Queen's wrath was fatal. So he took the comment in stride, not allowing his smile or pose to falter. He did, however, grin more upon the sound of tea. "That sounds wonderful." He spoke with excitement, meaning every word. He couldn't remember when he last had tea, or anything 'civilized' to drink for that matter. Come to think of it when was the last time Hatter invited him for tea? He hadn't seen the bloke in a while.

He leaned towards Absolem, his feet now off the ground, "Ha. It was a good idea to come early. Now look, we get tea." He floated around the Caterpillar and dared to float next to the Queen his happy gaze studying her. Talk of tea sparked his interest, causing him to temporarily forget the care he should be taking. "I can't remember what it tastes like you know. I imagine it must be good, since most all of my Wonderland seems to drink it." He was cut off from his monologue by the thousand or so black butterflies. He couldn't help but swat at the few who flew pass, twirling about in the air using his momentum. It was instinctual, the bit of play, something he couldn't help. Though he knew he might be treading on thin ice he really didn't care..too much. He willing to risk a bit of fun in the Queen's palace. What was life if it wasn't worth risk?

"It is true that Her Majesty can be quite... intimidating at times. Although, if I were truly afraid for my life, I would not have came with merely Cheshire. I would have come in a much larger swarm, that much I can assure you." He faked a hurt expression, he was scared of her, but he was far from being a coward, "If I were so cowardly, would I be this honest with our lovely Queen?" He wasn't actually lying. He found her cruelty to be quite lovely, until it was directed at him or Cheshire. Cheshire was one of few that he enjoyed the company of, "I am quite enjoying your company." he added, his eyes sparkling as he gazed upon the Queen with admiration, as long as she kept the word Caterpillar from her lips. He was good at this game, he was good at pretending, just as she was, but he was only partially pretending. Absolem saw wonders in everyone he met, he just rarely spoke of them. He however knew, his usual quiet broody behavior might anger the Queen, angry was not a good emotion to stir from her. The normally quiet Caterpillar was flirting, trying to charm her, even if only for his own amusement. He liked seeing her irritated, not exactly angry, but he definitely was one who enjoyed stirring up anyone he'd get the chance to have in his grasp, even one that had his neck in her own grasp. Life isn't fun without a little risk afterall.

"Would you like to hear a few riddles Mi'lady?" he asked, his eyes were calm now, and he looked to cheshire floating about. They at least had that much in common. Both could float about the room freely if they wanted. It was a useful antic. It kept you out of others reach, those who were bound to the ground. He followed into the Tea garden, his fuscia eyes darting around before relaxing, his only sign of panic. He gazed at the flowers with admiration. Despite being such a sadistic tease, flowers were a weak spot for him, he was unsure why. Possibly instinct. Possibly because their lives were so short and his was so drawn out..

Oops, double post^^;;

If she could have snorted, she would have. But she had quit doing things like that a long ago, ever since she stepped foot in Wonderland.

.... no, it was a little after that, wasn't it? Right after she had been told who she really was.

"Thank you for the offer, Absolem, but We have something to tell the both of you."

As long as the Caterpillar was trying to be nice, she supposed she could play along. Plus she was feeling a little tired right then, from all the work she had been doing ... opening up portals to the Outer World did require a lot of energy. It was draining, even for her,

"Do sit down." she gestured towards the red velvet sitting stools surrounding the low table set in the middle of the room with a lazy flick of her hand, going to sit in the higher stool at the head of the table. "Kuro, take care of our guests."

Ignoring the sudden storm of butterflies flitting around the table, revealing teacups and sugar bowls. she was feeling generous today. If she hadn't , she would have stamped out each of the beautiful, filthy insects under her heel.

"We'll share a secret with you two, because you were so quick in responding to us." she addressed the other two. "The Queen of Hearts hadn't always been the Queen of Hearts. But it has been so long, We don't even properly remember who or how the person called 'Me' used to be." she paused for a moment to compose her words. It wouldn't do to show them too much weakness. It never did to show anyone her weakness.

"Its the same with you two, isn't it?" she asked gently, waiting for an answer, biding her time so her words could sink in.

Cheshire

He floated into the little garden, appearing and disappering above the patches fauna. In his forest it was the plantlife that kept him company. He rather enjoyed listening to their chatter and songs. He wondered how these plants would be, kept within this domestic environment. It saddened him some, seeing how trimmed and proper they were, unable to grow and spread to their hearts content.

He looked at Absolem and caught his expression upon observing the fauna and appeared beside him. The Caterpillar was definately a hard one to figure out. There was passion within him, that much was certain. Why the creature kept himself bottled up he couldn't understand. Despite the cold demenor, he did feel a strange companionship with Caterpillar. Perhaps it was the trials they endured together? The ridiculously long hike to the palace to sharing a common Queenly enemy.

He hovered above the seats the queen had offered, not wanting to sit just yet. There was a slight paranoia he had being within the palace. Though the palace was big, it was still like being in a cage. He found himself looking everything over, making a mental note of how he could make a quick getaway incase one was needed. Her Majesty's comment drew his attention and he couldn't help but smirk with amusement. He quickly got himself in check, he didn't want her to see how ridiculous her 'revelation' was to him.

"Indeed, I have no memory of my past, Queen," he spoke with mock disappointment, "But, no one is who they used to be. That's hardly a secret."

Alde ignored Cheshire's sarcastic remark. Now was not the time to get angry. She had something to do, and she needed both of them. Alive and intact. Because experience had taught her that while people tended to listen better with one of their limbs missing, both Cheshire and Caterpillar would probably reach their breaking point if she tried. And she wasn't about to let this wonderful game go to waste because two powerful Chains had gone wreaking havoc through Wonderland.

"Indeed we don't." she offered, taking a measured sip of her tea. "But don't you want to?" she smiled at Caterpillar - Absolem, she supposed she could call the other by his given name for a while now, as a peace offering for being honest with her - "Apparently you do. That's exactly where this game I proposed comes in."

She took a deep breath. "Through certain means, I have secured ten people from the Outer World. Ten of the most powerful Chains will be Contracting with them. The rules are simple, eliminate the other Contractors - and you and your Contractors are free to go to the Outer World."

She paused a moment for effect, before continuing.

"That's what you'll tell them. But because you two were so nice as to not hide from Little Rabbit, I'll let you in on a little secret. You see, the winning Candidate isn't going to go anywhere. Its only the Chain that gets to walk out of Wonderland. The Contractor is going to stay back here and take the place of the Chain they were Contracted to."

Now to make the game a little more interesting. Alde idly wondered what they would do. Both Cheshire and Caterpillar were unpredictable people - hell, all of the Chains were - and telling them this little extra bit of information ... would prove to be rather a dilemma for them, wouldn't it?

And it would be an even larger dilemma for the other Chains when they finally got to know, after forming emotional bonds with their own Contractors. She didn't really know why she had told these two the truth already - well, a part of it, at least - but she didn't particularly care.

It would be boring to watch everyone stumble through the same things, wouldn't it?
She needed to play around a little bit more, because after this would be ...

"Think carefully on it." she muttered.

Cheshire

He knew he was pushing his luck with the Queen and was pleasantly surprised when she didn't react in any way. Whether she was planning something horrible worth the 'attitude' he and Absolem were giving made him wary. Either way, he decided that it would be in his best interest to remain quiet and actually listen for a bit, though he couldn't help but snort at Caterpillar's comment of the White Rabbit. What was it that everyone saw in that horrid creature? Something so absent of colour, was unnatural. Rabbit was like a ghost, only showing up to scare people with awful messages. Even his eyes were horrid, like pools of blood. He shook his head from the images and put his mind on the conversation at hand.

Only the Chains get to leave, eh? He humphed. The information was very interesting. "So," he said, now slowly descending onto the previously offered stool, "Kill anyone who stands in the way and the survivor gets to leave?" He couldn't help the doubt which crept into his voice. "How does leaving help us discover our past selves?" In all honesty, Cheshire rather enjoyed living within his wonderland. He had no attachment to the unknown realm Her Majesty spoke of. True, finding out who he once was was..tantalizing, but he was in no hurry to leave. Personally, if he were to win anything, it would just be to have the Queen off his hide. With her out of the picture his Wonderland would be perfect. He grinned widely at this, hoping the others wouldn't catch on to what he was thinking.

His ears twitched upon hearing Absolem's resolve. He supposed the comradely he felt was one way. He found himself shrugging. It's not like he had any real ties anyway, but he still felt his heart sink slightly. He decided he would play along, if just for the competition. It would be an amusing thing, a regular human. A strange twist in Wonderlandian events.

Absolem's eyes scanned the Queen, a faint sparkle passing through, he really enjoyed making others uncomfortable, even when he was in danger of losing his head. His eyes then closed as he took another calming drink of tea, oh how wonderous it felt on his sore throat. He almost let out a content sigh, but he knew better, he used his better judgement.

"Ah, quite wise advice if I do say so myself your highness." he had the faint hint of a smile, glancing to Cheshire, "I really detest that I have to go against you however, but please, by all means, may the best win?" he offered his hand. His comments earlier seemed to bother the cat, this was Absolems best way of apologizing, seeing as he never had to before.

You think you have me in your web, like a helpless insect in a spider's web, well my lovely arachnid. I'm letting you believe I am trapped, caught in your web.. but caterpillars aren't often prey to spiders..

"Hmm, interesting. I don't value many lives of my fellow chains, so for the most part...it shall prove a minor guilt." He wasn't lying, there were only about two or three other chains he would regret harming, "Though, fighting them will be the difficult part, can't say I know where I stand on the bar..what do you mean eliminated from wonderland?" He tugged at his collar, did she mean...off with their head...executed?

Cheshire

He furrowed his brows. Had the Queen simply grown bored? What was the point of this game? Was she trying to weed out his Wonderland? She only invited the strongest Chains and they were supposed to fight to the death..at least that's what she was leading them to believe. Were they the Chains she felt most threatened by? Was she wanting to replace them with more complacent humans? He had to admit, this revelation sparked a warm feeling within, being feared, especially by the Queen.

He balanced easily on the stool, his feet crunched close to his thin body, making it easy for him to rest his arms on his knees. He sat this way for a while as the Queen kept yabbering, going over everything in his head. His attention was shaken however by Caterpillar's words. 'May the best win?' He stared at his outstretched hand and struggled to keep from spitting back a sharp reply. He had too much to think about and such words were useless when being the loser of this game meant death. Instead, he ignored the hand and bore heavily into the man's eyes. They revealed both a sadness and a warning: Be wary. Cheshire didn't have trouble defending himself, even if he knew killing was the only option, but at the same time he didn't want it to be meaningless.

He took the teacup offered to him, swishing it about in the cup. Suddenly anything gifted to him from Her Majesty seemed awful, regardless if it was tea or not. She kept mentioning the 'Creator of Wonderland'. What did she mean by that? Was there someone more powerful than her? Did he dare ask about it? He shrugged. If he could possibly die for her game then what else was there to lose. "So, Whose this 'Creator' you keep speaking of Queen?"

Duchess Sophie


The Duchess paused in the middle of spinning her boy around as the doors to the palace opened, revealing a swarm of butterflies. Oh how she loved the way they flitted here and there, so whimsical and merry.

"Follow me if you please," came a voice from the center of the swarm.

"Oh, so very polite too," she exlaimed with delight, dropping her boy and proceeding to follow the butterflies down the hall.

It had been such a long time since she'd been here, she supposed that was what came from working on literary masterpieces at all hours of the day though. As her thoughts turned to new ideas for her stories, the butterflies led the group into the Queen's tea garden, the Duchess took note that the Queen was not alone, sitting with her were Cheshire and the Caterpiller.

"Oh no!" she scolded herself mentally, "I musn't refer to him as that. It's Absolem."

Having corrected herself she turned her attention to the garden surrounding her, it truly was a beautiful place, she pondered the idea of emulating it at her own home but decided that the pigs and momeraths would simply mess it up.

"Oh what a delightful place, your majesty," she said to the Queen with a curtsey, "It has simply been too long."

With a start she began to look for her son, she was sure he had been there when she had entered the palace. Turning round she saw him once again holding the hand of Destra.

"Of course you remember my son," she continue, gesturing at her boy, "I just couldn't bear to leave him at home."

Having finished the required plesantries she cu of the flow of her conversation, waiting for one of the others to say their bit.


Sinistra/Tweedle Dee


Sinistra gazed in wonder as the Duchess rambled on and on.

"How does she not run out of things to say?" he thought to himself, brushing an imaginary speck of dirt off his coat tails.

He began to think of ways he could trick the chains in the garden, a shiver of excitement running down his spine at the thought of a prank, but nothing came to mind.

"It's probably for the best," he considered, "The Queen might take offence to it."

Thinking of the kind of punishments the Queen would make him endure was enough to make him squirm with discomfort. it took a moment for him to realise that the Duchess had stopped speaking.

"Finally," he exclaimed in his head, "She must have run out of air."

Now was the time to suck up to her and possibly embarass his brother at the same time.

"How very nice to see you again," he said, with a bow, "We would have been here sooner but Destra refused to leave without his nightlight."

He had to stiffle a laugh as he watched the fury blaze within Destra's eyes.

"The White Rabbit told of a game your majesty wished to play with us chains," he continued, smiling.

He fell silent then, curious to find out what the game was. Knowing the Queen, probably something brutal.


Destra/Tweedle Dum


Destra bristled with rage at his brothers remark, hopefully the Queen wouldn't take such an obviously false statement to be true. Feeling the Duchess's boy squeeze his hand he took a deep breath.

"Contrary wise," he said with a quick glare at his brother before turning back to the Queen, "We were told your majesty wished to play a game with the chains by the White Rabbit."

For a moment he couldn't tell if his statement had mad him sound smarter than his brother of if it had just sounded plain stupid but then decided it didn't matter, the Queen wouldn't care about something as small as that.

"The truth of the matter," he said in a very serious tone, "Was that we encountered the Crow again and were in hiding when the White Rabbit found us so it may have taken him a while to discover our location."

Fear began to gnaw at his insides as his mind turned to the image of that black silhouette against the sky, drifting lazily in the breeze.

"I hope your majesty can forgive us for being late," he finished, turning his gaze away nervously to look at the Duchess's son.

The boy had stared at the Queen the entire time, never shifting his gaze, as if trying to read her mind. As soon as Destra had finished speaking he had switched back to Destra.

"It's odd," thought Destra, "But he doesn't seem to fear the Queen at all. I'm sure even the Duchess does to some degree."

Absolem took note of Cheshire's reaction to him, simply withdrawing his hand. He wasn't one to press further into emotions if he didn't have to. He hated getting his hands dirty afterall, figuratively and literally speaking. He merely smirked into Cheshire's gaze. Absolem wasn't one to easily forgive being given the cold shoulder while trying to be civil either, but for the most part, he overlooked Cheshire's reaction to his statement, it probably sounded cruel and grotesque, not caring about dying, but then he just moved his hand to his teacup taking another calm sip. He was forever in a calm state, until one called him Caterpillar. It was quite preculiar how he managed to maintain this, even when it was obvious the Queen touching him made him uncomfortable, or anyone for that matter, yet he seemed to be able to compose himself, even then.

When the Queen mentioned not dying, his smile turned to a frown behind the teacup, the lower level.. it took everything inside the Caterpillar's being to keep from shivering. He'd heard stories, gruesome stories, but if no one escaped, how did these stories ever become rumors in the first place? He assumed they were exactly that, just stories that someone bored came up with.

"I don't plan on it, although having friends in this wonderful place we call Wonderland, I am not one to trust myself with a commerade, especially when the lower level is involved, too risky, too many things could go wrong having to fight eachother in the end would just be pointless, would it not? Too many emotions and setbacks, it's not quite my or Cheshire's scene if it's not rude for me to say so, but I am quite glad you mentioned it my queen, I shall definitely keep it in mind." He was talking less and less frequently, holding up less and less of his charming and flirty behavior. He was becoming his normal self slowly but surely. Tea seemed to bring out his natural side, it was just way too calming.

Then the Dutchess and those two twins came in, Destra and...oh yes, Sinistra. his eyes scanned them over, and as if he just knew the Dutchess was about to call him Caterpillar, his eyes simply narrowed warningly. He then turned his gaze back to the flowers and teacup, He too wouldn't mind remaining in wonderland if the Queen would merely grant him immunity to her antics.

Cheshire

Boredom was never a good thing, especially when it came to Cheshire. He had been trying so hard to keep himself in check for fear of Her Majesty, but now things were getting dull. Questions were left unsatisfied and he was itching to find the answers for himself. He glanced at Absolem, choosing to let the man ramble. He could only imagine how his mind must be whirring.

His ears twitched at the abrasive sound of the Duchess and he watched the other Chains stumbled into the Tea Garden. He growled under his breath. He had been in the palace for far too long and was beginning to get fidgety. Knowing that the Queen was going to have to repeat herself he couldn't help but feel himself stir within. He loved change. Even if it wasn't always good, it was different. Change was a relief, never repeating, never mundane. Just knowing something others didn't was fun, until he was obligated to share that information. He floated into the air once more, leaving his full cup of tea behind. The air around him vibrated and colour swirled about him like ink in water.

He was completely lost in the swirling hues, only his bright yellow eyes visible. They looked at each character within the room with an almost insane gaze, happy to once again fall victim to his theatrics. His sudden bright smile broke through the mist and he followed it out to land before the newcomers. Now female, she bowed extravagantly, keeping her crazed eyes on the creatures before her. She understood the Queen may object to her..abruptness, but tossed the thought aside. She was finished playing the pawn, waiting in dread for the Queen to direct her horrid game. Now that she knew the stakes she would take matters into her own hands. "Welcome, creatures," Her grin seemed quite sinister. Thanks to these fools, she'll have to endure another bought with the Queen, "Thanks to your tardiness Her Majesty is now a victim of repetitiveness," She sighed dramatically, allowing her body to go limp and float into the air, "As well as poor Cheshire.."

Duchess Sophie

"Well now, there's no need to be rude, Cheshire," said the Duchess, "I came as soon as I could."

Taking a seat at the table she listened to the Queen's explaination. It was a wonder thing to hear that there would be ten new people in wonderland for her to meet but the talk of the Lower Levels put a bit of a damper on the situation. Still, it wasn't every day that one could make new friends.

"Why how delightful, new aquaintences," she said, "I simply cannot wait, the poor dears will be wandering around alone and confused. Tell me where they are, I must go to them."

It was all she could do to keep in her seat, every instinct told her to run out of the tea garden and go search for for the the new arrivals but she knew that she couldn't without angering the Queen.

"I can't bear to stay here knowing there are people out there that are lost or confused," she thought to herself, tracing the designs of the chair with her finger.

The game, she concluded, would prove to be very interesting if not difficult, she wondered if she was up to the challenge, surely one of her status would stand a better chance than the others but somehow she wasn't convinced.

"I'll simply have to win," she thought, "Even if it's just for the sake of my boy."

Absolem was drinking his tea when the Queen looked to him, raising his index finger instead of his pinkie, a subtle change, but it was his way of showing, he'd be quiet. He put the teacup back down. Watching the Tweedles, then Dutchess, she was so much like the Queen it made the sugar in the tea he'd previously drank turn sour. He however turned his attention to Cheshire. The cat was going through it's usual dramatics, so he simply watched, waiting for the Queen to finish her description. Rather nice how he can turn into a she within meree moments. Though, he can also do the reverse in mere moments. It's curious if I do say so myself, and in fact, I do. He tried to watch the transformation, but the mist made it impossible, a light frown on his face. How is it done..? He shook it off, his fixated expression switching to someone else, Destra and Sinistra. He looked between the two. If that one is Destra and that one is Sinistra, what is the defining feature that helps one tell these two apart? The hair is parted to opposite sides, I do see that, but hair is so fickle. Anything else..

Absolem sighed when he could no longer avoid talking, the Queen would want everyones answers, so he decided to go after Dutchess, "Well you can write my name down, either of them, as long as it's not put on a jersey." he cringed at the thought of having his team named, 'Team Caterpillar.' His mood instantly dampened, a shiver running down his thin physique, "I am definitely participating." If it means getting away from the likes of you, I'd cut off my own foot. You're not an ugly girl my Queen, why must you act so? His eyes narrowed as he tried to discover the reason behind her cruelty, something that has sent him chasing his own tail for decades.

Destra/Tweedle Dum


Destra stared at the Queen blankly, disbelief running through his mind. The Lower Level, just hearing the name made him want to shiver. What on earth had made the Queen think that anyone would accept playing the game when that was the risk, they'd have to be mad. Then again, considering it was the Queen, he and all the other chains knew there was really no choice.

"Perhaps this isn't all bad," he thought with a smile, "It might mean that I get a chance to put an end to Sinistra, if not personally."

Just the thought of having a legitimate excuse to put an end to his brother sent adrenaline racing through his body. Finally he'd be able to get revenge for the Rattle.

"Well your majesty," he said, bowing his head, "It would be my pleasure to join in this game of yours."

Turning his gaze to Sinistra he wasn't surprised to see the same murderous fire blazing in his eyes that raged within his own. A force within him hungered for blood and only his brother's would suffice.

"I look forward to the games begining" he said with a smile, already planning out different situations in his head.


Sinistra/Tweedle Dee

He shivered excitedly, trying his hardest not to get up and dance, finally he would be able to get rid of Destra and along the way he'd get to play tricks on all the other chains. The prospect of so much fun was almost more than he could handle.

"I'm definitely going to participate," he said, gripping the sides of his chair in an attempt to control the shaking, "When do we start? Where are the humans?? I can't wait any longer."

Taking a deep breath he calmed down a little, aware that his brother was looking at him. As the two locked eyes he tried to show as much rage and hate in his gaze as possible, trying to portray his intent.

"I'm going to destroy you," he thought. Never had he been more certain of anything in his whole life.

He knew that he could and would do this, for the Rattle. Ice flowed through his veins then as the Rattle appreared in his mind, sorrow always seemed to accompany any thought related to that incident and he wasn't surprised. Noticably downcast he returned his attention to the Queen.