Wonderland: Day One

[wonderlandian]

The residents of Paradisa who ventured into the lobby on the 13th would find something new there; a mirror spanning an entire wall. Given recent happenings, who can blame them if they're cautious? Trouble is, this mirror seems to really want to bring people in, because you don't have to get too close before you're through the looking glass.

Once you've gone, you may find that you're not quite yourself.

[Directory:
Mirror|Queen's Courtyard|Queen's Castle|Tulgey Wood
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[Notes/Reminders: Type 1 and Type 2 characters will believe they are Wonderland natives. All characters, including those not entering Wonderland, will be able to use their journals; Wonderland "natives" will think it is a communication device exclusive to Wonderland, although communication between Paradisa and Wonderland through the journals is absolutely possible. You may NPC any number of Tulgey Wood creatures, except for the Jabberwocky.]

Comments

[unnaturalpause]

[It doesn't take him as long as it probably should to get through the maze, he enjoys puzzles but he knows a story like this and he's a bit paranoid because of it.

Especially when he hits the castle and it's all cards everywhere.

Oh he hates his life, he really does and he's avoiding mirrors for the next decade.

It takes him longer to get near the throne room as he explores though, it's all unfamiliar things in the castle and he tries to memorize what he can of it. But he's just passing by when he hears a very familiar voice yelling about tea.

Which prompts him to actually enter the throne room when he otherwise wouldn't have as it's all garish colors and his head STILL hurts from that trip with Giotto, and he just stands there near the entrance staring.]

Helen? [It's said rather loudly so she can hear him but he's confused. Why is she here?]

[teratologist]

[Her eyes snapped to the sudden intrusion, she leaned a bit and looked this way and that.]

If I find a Helen rest assured I will have her beheaded and laid to rest next to you. GUARDS! [She hollered for her cards to come and apprehend the invader.]

[unnaturalpause]

[His face went through a myriad of different expressions at that from shock, to betrayal to down right confusion, before he got a hold of it and held his hands up in the air.

Okay time to figure out what to do, what to do...]

You're right, I'm sorry my lady. [It's quick and he bows to her, hoping this works. Please don't kill him, Helen.] I mistook you for a woman I'm rather fond of. [Understatement, James.] I have tea, not the best in the world but it is something, if you would care for it.

[He's paranoid he'll never have tea when he needs to relax, alright? Don't judge him carrying tea bags with him.]

[teratologist]

[Her brow arced with that and she rose from her throne to stalk forward. The dress was yards or red and white and black with the repeating heart pattern done to death from neck to hem.

There was...something about him, something familiar in a dreamlike way. That made her cross but then he mentioned tea, and that brightened her foul mood considerably.]

Perhaps you are of some value after all.

[She leaned close, inspecting him with eyes that glinted with equal measure brilliance and instability.] Well, let's have it then.

[unnaturalpause]

[He has ears, he heard her issue with her servant. And well, he's not about to travel around without tea, even in bag form.

So he just stayed bowed until she leaned forward and he grinned ever so slightly before straightening up and fishing out the tea bags from his jacket and approaching her and then offering them to her, noticing her attire and keeping his thoughts to himself about it.]

It's not as good as proper tea, unfortunately I'm not one to carry that sort around on my person. It should get you through your lack of it though, and not have to resort to coffee. [There's a slight glimmer of amusement in his eyes but it's held back by worry. He's been through these things before, people lacking memories and the like and he's just taking it carefully.]

[teratologist]

Proper tea isn't for me, entirely too proper now isn't it? But this, [she snatched up the tea bags and dangled them in front of her like jewels to be admired.] will do just fine for the time being.

Come along, you will have tea and play croquet and tell me all about you and this strange improper tea. [Her arm laced through his and the contact made her shudder momentarily, so odd that nagging feeling of remembrance.]

[unnaturalpause]

[Yes, you just take those Helen, he's going to just roll with this and not tell you about it later. And hope you don't remember threatening to behead people.] Perhaps, but I think anyone who dislikes coffee with a passion, deserves something better then that.

[But that's neither here nor there and he lets her take his arm and he rests his hand hesitantly on it. He's nervous but that's not going to stop him from being a gentleman.] Do I dare ask what you use to play croquet here?

[teratologist]

Coffee is noxious, toxious, horrid stuff. I cannot abide it.

[There was a pause at his touch, brows furrowed but she didn't speak of it.]

Why...Flamingos and armadillos of course....how in Wonderland else would you play?

[unnaturalpause]

Worst thing to be discovered, coffee. Black sludge.

[And yet he's close to two people who drink it regularly, sigh. And he smirks slightly at that pause, squeezing her arm gently.]

With mallets and balls, or at least that was how I was taught to play. [And he's just wincing at that yup. Sigh, Thad was going to go on strike if he heard this.]

[teratologist]

Mallets and balls? Plain, wooden ones?

Sounds terribly tedious. I prefer things more colorful, with more flare. The King has hurried along to set up our game, I'm sure he'll have room for another to join us.

[unnaturalpause]

Painted, not plain. [Just yeah not as colorful.

And he can't help the slight wince at that. Of course a Queen has a King, but still.] I'm certain he would, or I can sit to the side and tell you all you would like about tea and myself if you prefer.

[teratologist]

[Finally she could no longer stand it.] You are too familiar, have I beheaded someone in your family before?

[unnaturalpause]

[He's thankful he's not drinking anything as he's rather certain he'd have spit it out at that.] No, no you haven't. [How do handle this...] Though it's possible you've seen me before, as I said you remind me of a friend of mine, a very good friend of mine and I've been a long time admirer of you.

[teratologist]

Admirer you say? Long time? Well, well, well..that is a fish of a different color then. You must have come to court and we've seen each other in passing, I never forget a face! Usually.

[unnaturalpause]

Yes, a long time admirer. Though I haven't spoken in court often enough I expect for you to notice me, I like to keep quiet unless my opinion is truly needed. Or you are in danger. [...Yeah just going with that. Yup.]

[teratologist]

Ohhh the plot thickens! Admirer and protector? This makes you more suited to be a Knight! I think we actually may have a potion coming open for that. [So difficult to remember all the little people you send to their death you know.]

[unnaturalpause]

[Oh yes, of course. So many little people, so little time to know them.

He's not sure if he wants that position either, but he's not about to argue it.]

In a fashion I suppose you could say that, though I'm a bit more interested in scientific and scholarly pursuits.

[teratologist]

A man of intelligence? Best not to make friends with the Caterpillar, that is the wrong sort all together.

[unnaturalpause]

[He really should learn not to ask questions but still, he'll ask because he's curious.] I pride myself on it yes, and being curious. Why should I avoid the Caterpillar?

[teratologist]

Foul thing considers itself an intellectual but spends all it's time puffing on a hooka and speaking in riddles. Wretched time waster if you ask me, which you did, so there you are.

[unnaturalpause]

[Oh wonderful, okay he's just going to nod.] Riddles can be interesting but tiresome, I can see why you say as such. [And a pause as he thinks.] I know someone with a vice for fine wines, not as terrible a time waster as your Caterpillar, though a bit more vocal about his complaints then it I imagine.

[teratologist]

Mostly tiresome. Come now, less talk of such things and more talk of who you are and how you came to be here at my court.

[unnaturalpause]

[That gets a shrug.] My name is James Watson, and I arrived here rather unexpectedly recently, at least for me being here. I got a bit lost while walking.

[That's a lie, but if it keeps her talking welp.]