entranceway | The Seventh Gambit

[The Red Queen appears on the video standing, poised, in the entranceway in front of the giant cookie Christmas tree. She gazes at the camera for a moment, as though waiting until she has everyone's attention, before speaking. Her message is broadcast on both the real side and mirror side networks simultaneously.]

Good morning, dear Real Things. I've been remiss so far in not appearing before you. By way of apology, I've arranged for a special holiday treat for you all. Dear Bill has implemented it beautifully.

[She raises both hands and gives a quiet clap before lowering them again, clasped in front of her. She's smiling serenely.]

Let me also say that the dear Mirrors are invited over should they wish to enjoy the festivities. You do deserve to have fun some of the time. I've even arranged special gifts for you a little later on.

In parting, I will give you this advice: Do not overindulge. Too many sweets before bedtime can upset your stomach and ruin your dreams.

[There's another brief pause, which she spends smiling, as though letting her words sink in. Then the video ends.

She will be available over the network to answer responses, but should anyone venture to the entranceway looking for her, she will not be there for in-person audiences.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[WOW HELPFUL. She sure does notice how many you're not answering.] Very egalitarian of you, and clearly in line with the rules of chess. Speaking of, is there a reason the Queen of Hearts is a playing card motif rather than a chess piece?

Edited 2017-12-26 02:29 (UTC)

Because there are only two sides in chess and because middle children are rebellious and disagreeable.

[....seriously.]

So did she choose the name?

She does believe the heart motif is hers and hers alone.

Where did you come from? Do you have parents?

You could say we came from the same place, but that would be a bit disingenuous. After all, a card comes from a deck and a chess piece comes from a board.

[...that is so not remotely helpful.]

But you're not literally cards and chess pieces, right?

[She chuckles and it's hard to know if she's laughing at the idea of literally being a chess piece or laughing at Georgia's line of questioning in general.]

The word "literally" is not always applicable. Do try to think of things a bit more abstractly.

[SHE HATES ABSTRACTIONS.]

Is there anything solid you can tell me?

Solid? There are many things I could name, but I think I have tried your patience enough.

[SHE'S NOT WRONG.]

Can you at least tell me what the fuck I'm supposed to do with the wooden plank you gave me?

Have you tried hitting something with it?

[What.]

No, I don't usually hit people with random planks of wood that show up in my room. It's some kind of weapon?

That is why I said "something."

[Never mind that she calls them "Real things" and "Mirror things."]

But perhaps you should start?

Will it... do something? What sorts of things should I hit?

What about something that's already broken? Just to test it out.

...okay.

[She sounds dubious, but she doesn't think the Red Queen is fucking with her. Well, aside from the part where apparently she's allergic to straight answers, but that's nothing new.]

I'll get right on that. Thank you for your time.

You're very welcome. I'm sure we will speak again in the future.