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

[choosetruth]

She was queen for a while, correct? I hear it didn't go well.

[alltheways]

You are correct on both counts. Alice, the dear girl, isn't ready for such responsibility.

[choosetruth]

She said someone appointed her to the role. Who could have done that? And why?

[alltheways]

Wonderland itself could have done so. Perhaps because there were no other alternatives at the time.

[choosetruth]

Did she have your powers?

[alltheways]

By nature, a Queen commands a great deal of power.

[choosetruth]

[Are you fucking kidding her.]

Cute evasion, but you won't shake me that easily. Did she have your powers? Or specifically, I suppose, your sister's? [She raises an eyebrow behind her sunglasses.] Are you going to make me specify which sister when we both know you know exactly what I'm asking?

[alltheways]

You're overthinking it, my dear. A Queen is a Queen, even if that Queen is Alice. We have the same power. It is just a matter of how to use it.

[choosetruth]

So she crossed the eighth square, then?

[alltheways]

In a manner of speaking.

[choosetruth]

But she's not a queen anymore.

[alltheways]

Thank goodness.

[choosetruth]

Would you lose your powers if you weren't queen anymore, then?

[alltheways]

I suppose, if I were not a Queen, I would simply cease to exist.