The Ninth Gambit

[alltheways]

[The Red Queen is not smiling. Her hands are folded in front of her, her expression serious, almost hard.]

My dear Real Things, I have a request.

[She raises a hand as though reaching out for the hand of another, appealing to anyone watching.]

It seems that my sister’s battle lust will not be satisfied without a fight. Despite my wishes otherwise, I must implore you to help me. However, I do not want to force you.

[And she could, one way or another, if she had to.]

I would like volunteers to assist me. But I must be honest: this time, I cannot guarantee your safety. This is not a challenge to take on lightly. As much as I abhor the idea, I may need you to fight for me.

[She folds her hands again, her expression saddened.]

I will do all that I can to protect you, whether you fight for me or not.

[Note: If you have volunteered your character, you can either respond here to ICly volunteer or handwave a conversation with the Red Queen about volunteering. Characters who were not OOCly volunteered within the allotted time frame can still respond to this post; just be aware that late volunteers will not be accepted.]

Comments

[alltheways]

I will be able to inform you within a short while.

[thecourier]

[Sigh. Thanks, he guesses?]

Sure. An' since yer askin' fer our help an' all, y' mind answerin' a question?

[alltheways]

What question is that?

[thecourier]

Why d' y' even care so much about what happens t' any of us?

[alltheways]

Though it may be difficult to believe, given your wish to return to where you were before, I do care about your well being.

[thecourier]

Sure y' do, but that ain't answerin' the question I asked.

[alltheways]

That is because why is always a difficult word.

[The Red Queen looks thoughtfully at him for a moment.]

You are in my realm, whether you wish to be here or not. As such, you are...not my subjects, but people under my care.

[Her expression softens a little.]

And each you is a you worth caring about.

[thecourier]

[He studies her, cautious curiosity pinching at the small muscles around his eyes. Despite how long he has been in this place he's made a point of not getting involved, in any way, with people like the Red Queen - every time he's got himself mixed up with any kind of power structure it's always ended badly for him - but maybe it's time that attitude changes.]

What's bringin' us here, exactly. Gotta excuse me if y' answered these questions before. I don't read the local rag.

[alltheways]

I do not mind answering your questions in the slightest. Though my answers may not always satisfy you.

As for what brings you here, the easiest answer is that Wonderland itself does so.

[thecourier]

Gettin' answers at all is more satisfyin' than not. [Got to ask the questions to get any answers, so here he is, asking the questions.]

Y' talkin' about the Core, or somethin' else?

[alltheways]

I suppose it would fall under "something else." The Core is an integral part of Wonderland, and it keeps this world turning, so to speak. But it does not decide all things.

[thecourier]

So what is bringin' us in here? That somethin' y' can tell me?

[alltheways]

It is something I would tell you if I could. But it is difficult to say.

[thecourier]

[Sigh..]

Just difficult t' say, or y' don't wanna say it, or y' actually can't? 'M gettin' some mixed signals here.

[alltheways]

My apologies. What I mean is that the best answer I can give is "Wonderland brings you here." But this is vague and not a satisfying response.

[thecourier]

... Got that right.

[He's not actually sure she's trying. She could have nothing to gain by lying to him, but how would he know?]

So, Wonderland brings us, but y' don't know how, or why, an' it's nothin' t' do with you or her or Alice, or any a' the other natives that like t' give us riddles now an' then?

[But--]

... Did Wonderland bring you here?

[alltheways]

We have always been here, one way or another.

[She smiles gently.]

I'm sure it's frustrating, not being able to get the answers. But I assure you, I am doing my best to help.

[thecourier]

Ain't really givin' me much t' work with here, ma'am, gotta admit.

[Look, he'll be polite, at least.]

Can y' tell us anythin' about how this place works?

[alltheways]

For now, I will tell you this: You perceive only two sides to this place. There may be more that you do not see. Those hidden places--they may have answers.

[thecourier]

[Well--... okay. He wasn't actually expecting to get anything out if it, but... that's something.]

... Huh. [The Real side, the Mirror side... and...]

Thanks... I think. No clues on how t' find these places forthcomin'?

[alltheways]

I must apologize, but no. Even I don't know everything.

[thecourier]

[Sigh.]

'Course not. Keep y' posted.

[You know. Maybe.]

[alltheways]

If I learn anything new, I shall be sure to share it.