Tea Garden

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?

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.

Absolem blinked a bit, he could have easily made such an assumption, and always had. There was no way she was always the Queen of Hearts after all. Physically impossible and just morally corrupt. What kind of world would that be cursed to be? He smirked to himself sitting down, his green locks shielding his eyes as he took in the information. So none of the chains were chains, I assumed this to be true, but I had no proof until just now. Heh. It's a glorious feeling to know you were right from the beginning.

"I unlike most, remember my name. Though I remember nothing else, your Majesty. I suppose thats why I am obligated to cling to it so very dearly." He admitted, he was sure she would notice if he lied, and that wouldn't be good, now would it? He looked over to Cheshire, who he had caught looking at him previously, but decided feign stupidity to the action. Cheshire was quite the opposite of him really. Does that mean I was like Cheshire before I came to Wonderland? Dear god I hope not! Cheshire was quite expressive, outgoing, and quite the charmer, he himself however was only those things when he was toying with others, amusing himself. It was all a mask he wore in order to entertain himself and those around him. He could not express his feelings properly. He couldn't talk to others so openly, touch others so freely, and feel perfectly natural about it. He kind of envied the Cheshire Cat, but in another aspect, he didn't. It was quite a curious thing actually, the way he felt towards this cat. These mixed feelings aggervated him a bit. He liked the Cat's company, it managed to make him ponder a lot more than he normally does, which to Caterpillar, pondering on life was the greatest joy.

Absolem grinned at Cheshire's remark, "Yes, we all are quite different than we probably were in our human lives. I bet you were quite snobbish in your previous life, seeing as your statement would mean you're the contradiction of who you once were. Like the doppleganger of your previous self. It would be quite interesting to remember at least, I mean of course, what kind of people we all were. "

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.

"Can one really hide from that...adorable white ball of fuzz?"

Alde's lips twitched. She couldn't decide between being amused by thinking what Rabbit would do if he heard somebody addressing him that way, and being angry that somebody else was talking of one of her favourite toys like that. In the end, she decided to settle for a small quirk of her lips and a neutral shrug.

"You might want to change your opinion on that if you want to get out of Wonderland." she said, noncommittally, even though her heart was racing. She knew both of them were smart enough to know she wasn't telling them the whole truth, but .... but it didn't matter. Because who would be stupid enough not to take this chance for freedom? Even if they could tell, they didn't have any choice.

"Are there any rules? Also my Queen, if death is not allowed, how shall one judge the winner? I'm quite..curious. This sounds about up my alley. I love a good game, for games are riddles in disguise."

Her smile widened. There now, Absolem. It seems I've already caught you.

"There are no rules as such. And I don't remember saying deaths aren't allowed ..." she gave them a sweet smile that she knew would creep them out. " The Chains can only fight other Chains, and Contractors must face off against another Contractor. That's the only thing to go in the way of rules, I suppose .... Also, you can't force your Contractor to fight against their wills. If a Contractor refuses to fight, their Chain will be eliminated from Wonderland."

It was then that Cheshire spoke up.
"Kill anyone who stands in the way and the survivor gets to leave? How does leaving help us discover our past selves?"

Oh, you are a tough nut to crack, Cheshire.

Alde nodded. "Exactly. And as for that, I can't tell you the details, really. But this is what the Creator of Wonderland told Us. We shall clarify once the other Chains arrive. Speaking of which ... Kuro, do direct anyone who arrives here, won't you?"

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?

"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?

Alde gave Absolem a sweet smile. "Don't worry, they won't die. That would be too easy now, wouldn't it? They will be kept as prisoners in the Lower Level."

Nobody really knew what was in the Lower Level ... not even she herself. The Lower Level was where all the defiant Chains were kept, and no one had ever made it out of there. There were rumours, of course, but Alde had learnt not to pay attention to baseless rumours a long time ago.

"But you will have to wound them mortally for them to be considered 'eliminated' - both the Chains and the Contractors. And I don't really care if you make alliances" - she said, noticing Absolem's apparent reluctance to hurt Cheshire, supposing she could give them some lack - " but be careful who you choose to ally with, because if you are eliminated, you'll meet with a fate much, much worse than a simple execution or even death."

She ignored Cheshire's question - "So, Whose this 'Creator' you keep speaking of Queen?" - and went on, "Of course, if you don't want to fight, you could just band up against me and try to eliminate Us - we're taking part in the game too, you know - but then no one will be going anywhere. Besides, We are not really a threat to you, because We have no wish to free Ourselves of Wonderland. As for your question, Cheshire, " - she finally decided to acknowledge his very pertinent but impudent all the same question - " the Creator is the one who created all of Wonderland - though We are pretty sure that information is redundant, this is all We can say for now."

"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?

Alde gave Absolem a sweet smile. "Don't worry, they won't die. That would be too easy now, wouldn't it? They will be kept as prisoners in the Lower Level."

Nobody really knew what was in the Lower Level ... not even she herself. The Lower Level was where all the defiant Chains were kept, and no one had ever made it out of there. There were rumours, of course, but Alde had learnt not to pay attention to baseless rumours a long time ago.

"But you will have to wound them mortally for them to be considered 'eliminated' - both the Chains and the Contractors. And I don't really care if you make alliances" - she said, noticing Absolem's apparent reluctance to hurt Cheshire, supposing she could give them some lack - " but be careful who you choose to ally with, because if you are eliminated, you'll meet with a fate much, much worse than a simple execution or even death."

She ignored Cheshire's question - "So, Whose this 'Creator' you keep speaking of Queen?" - and went on, "Of course, if you don't want to fight, you could just band up against me and try to eliminate Us - we're taking part in the game too, you know - but then no one will be going anywhere. Besides, We are not really a threat to you, because We have no wish to free Ourselves of Wonderland. As for your question, Cheshire, " - she finally decided to acknowledge his very pertinent but impudent all the same question - " the Creator is the one who created all of Wonderland - though We are pretty sure that information is redundant, this is all We can say for now."

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.

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."

Queen Of Hearts

She smiled, secretly holding back a sigh. Smile, smile, smile ... she was starting to get sick of the smiles.

That's a true sign of madness, starting to get sick of yourself. Soon enough you'll be mad enough for me to...

Blocking out the relentless voice in the back of her head, she directed her attention to the March Hare. How ... rude of her to be so late. She wondered if she could execute her?

"How sweet of you to finally join us." she chimed, stressing the finally. "You are going to participate because if you win, you can be free of Us and Wonderland - the things you seem to dislike enough to make a late entry even though the price could be your head. And you will be participating to win because if you lose, you will be dragged into the Lower Level - the Jabberwocky's dominion. Last but not the least, you will be participating because 'no' is not an option. It never is with Us, actually."

Finishing her tirade ( in her terms ), she concentrated on the situation in the Great Hall. The Cheshire Cat had already found a Contractor and was gone. He ... she ... whatever, never did enjoy staying in one place for long. And what a contractor Cheshire had, too. One that he/ she could apparently tell was female, but one that had appeared male to the Queen and - she was sure of this - everyone else around her. A fitting partner.

Speaking of fitting, her Little Rabbit had found someone quite similar to him. She smiled a private, genuine smile, before it suddenly became twisted like all her other smiles.

Aren't you glad they seem to be getting along?
I wonder what he will do if he wins the game? Will he really be willing to leave her behind? The Little One is too kind for his own good ....

She directed her gaze to Absolem and the boy with him, eyes widening in surprise. This boy ... she remembered that he was the only one she had actually hand-picked. He interested her, with his strange way with cards and the fact that he had a world of his own, even within Wonderland. Before entering the Great Hall, he had manged to enter The Garden. The one that was forbidden to even think about, and quite possibly forgotten by everyone but her.

Considering the last time she saw It had been at the time Wonderland was being morphed into what it was now, that wasn't really surprising.

She saw the Duchess with a girl who had long silver hair, a sword, a .... shark? plushie and a very rebellious demeanor, immediately understanding the Duchess' reasons. Pfft, this should be interesting, indeed.