Tradition (Memento Mori)

[Virgil Montage]

Today was perfect. Vast open blue skies save for a few clouds here and there, the sun up in the sky, officially turning the day from morning to noon. Punctuality was time’s middle name. Arriving neither too late nor too early – exactly right on the dot. Despite the loss of memories whilst being summoned in this silly little war, he still remembered the die hard tradition of having his afternoon tea. He didn’t care if he was supposed to be on the clock monitoring warriors of Cosmos or plotting their downfalls for Chaos. Unless he had his tea fix, then he wasn’t doing jack shit. Nothing went better for the day than a nice cup of black tea.

Sitting down in one of the empty chairs next to a table, Virgil held the tea pot’s handle with utmost tender care as he tipped it over as the spout hovered over an empty tea cup. Amber colored liquids came pouring out of the dainty tea pot and into the cup; the fragrance of freshly brewed tea permeated through the finely set up table, randomly placed dead center of the surface of the fortress. Baked goodies such as two or three sliced cakes, assorted fruit, and muffins sat decorating the table on what looked like expensive china plates.

Another successful brew if he did say so himself. Each time he concocted his afternoon tea, it was truly never the same, and not all of the time did the blend taste as succulent as the last. Still, the Hatter was rather pleased with the results he got. Reaping his rewards, he placed the yellow floral designed tea pot back down on the table, only to take up the tea cup filled with his favorite drink. With his free hand, he picked up a spoon, and scooped up a bit of sugar, and dumped the content into his cup. With four consecutive stirs his cup was ready. If there was anything else in the world that satiated Virgil’s fixation it would no doubt be black tea. Nothing else gave him bliss save for the evening torture session back at home but we’ll put those figments away for the time being. It was tea time.

Ignoring the obvious questions on how the Mad Hatter got the furniture, accessories and items outside in the first place, he took a small sip of the delicacy in his cup. With a triumphant sigh exhaled from his lips, he closed his eyes in contentment. “Perfect,” he mused, breathing in the intoxicating aroma.

[Memento Mori]

It seemed she wasn't alone on this ship today. Atop the grand airship was another, one who gave off a vaguely familiar vibe. It might just be the manner of dress, as the man was dressed very formally but in a way that stood out. To Memento Mori, the man seemed to be in his own world, ignoring his surroundings and making his own out of the situation. After all, why else would you set up chairs, a table, and a tea set on top of an airship? Key words; on top of. The man piqued her curiosity, and so she'd make the most of her own time here.

Appearing behind the man with only a light click of her shoes on the metal surface of the ship was Memento Mori, wearing her nice dress shoes as the interior of the ship deemed them appropriate. The wind was toying with the hem of her skirt a bit, but she kept it in place with her hands folded together in front of her, fingers lightly gripping the inside of the hem. Her braids were swaying slightly and every now and then a silver lock would pass over the blue eyes looking at the hatter oddly calmly.

"Might I suggest some place a little more peaceful for your tea? The view here is certainly scenic, but it is a little bit windy," she spoke up politely behind him, taking note of what was on the table. Sweets, baked goods particularly, and a full tea set. The tea itself seemed to be black tea, but it wasn't the standard brew. His own creation, perhaps, but it definitely had the basis of black tea in it. Judging from the multiple chairs, it seemed that the man may have been expecting others, or was perhaps just prepared in the event others arrived. Either was possible, as Alice did something similar by always leaving two empty chairs open at her own small tea table. One of course was for her, in the event she ever decided to sit down (which she didn't), and the other was for any guest who may randomly show up at her doorstep.

"Are you expecting any others to attend?"

[Virgil Montage]

This was heaven. A small smile graced his features as if captivated by the tea’s alluring fragrance. His obsession with tea, and not just any tea, black tea, was considerably strong. Even if he was in the heat of a battle, when the clock struck noon, then it didn’t matter if the battle needed a conclusion, he was taking a break for his tea. Habits were really hard to break – no matter where you found yourself at. He couldn’t fathom why he loved it so, his memories were vague on his infatuation with the amber colored drink. Memories could be taken away but feelings still remained. For the most part, Virgil was in his happy place.

“Hm?” he quirked. Out of the corner of his turquoise eyes he spotted a figure right behind him. In the most elegant fashion a gentleman could muster up, he put his tea cup down back on it’s china, then putting it down onto the table right in front of him. The Hatter shifted his body slightly on over to get a better look at what appeared to be a young lady standing right before him. He took a double intake of his unexpected guest – noticing right off the bat the distinctive traits of her appearance that piqued his interest. Her hair was the prominent feature that stood out the most – it was white as the purest snow.

Her poise, her peculiarly calm demeanor, and the way she dressed daintily – even as a maid. Amusement illuminated within his aqua hues for eyes. He pondered for a moment if she truly served someone, a noble or someone who had significance to her (obviously besides the deity she was summoned for). There was something else about her that brought forth a tinge of nostalgia that he couldn’t place a gloved finger on. “Why, good afternoon, milady,” he greeted, an affable, yet formal smile formed upon his lips. He stood up properly to properly greet his guest, tipping his hat off for her. The black feathers decorated in his hat swaying slightly in the process. “Perhaps… but pish posh, my dear. It’s quite a beautiful day, and the wind provides just enough of a breeze to cool off the bloody ol' sun. Oh, what am I doing? Allow me to introduce myself, I am Virgil Montage. I’d say… ‘Tis not good staying all cooped up inside – why it’d drive one absolutely bonkers.” Like he had any room to talk.

With a small bow, keeping his hat on his head, he gestured for his lovely new found company to have a seat, and join him for tea. He listened intently at her following question. “No. Not at all. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared, no?” he mused, pulling out a chair for her, before taking his own seat back at the table. He couldn’t pinpoint it exactly on what it was that made him slightly wary of the girl but he got a good idea of what it could be – the essence of harmony was bestowed upon her. A warrior of Cosmos, no doubt. The Mad Hatter was rather pleased to have encountered one of the many opposing warriors who stood against his god.

This should be interesting.

[Memento Mori]

The man certainly knew his manners, and spoke with a strange formality similar to that of his attire. It wasn't a stiff formality though, but retained a form of casualness to it. Really, it was just plain strange, but she was actually used to it. Alice spoke in a somewhat similar manner, casually formal, but hers was tipped off with a mix of kindness in it. Now that she got a good look at this man though, she noticed the flair in his attire and the personal tastes to it. Two cards in his hat among the roses and feathers, white overcoat to contrast with the black hat, which in turn had buttons on the cuffs shaped like card suits, and overall was dressed for showy formal rather than practical formal.

Pulling out the golden pocket watch from her apron pocket, Memento gave it a good look before deciding she had time to oblige the man in his obvious request. After all, he pulled out a seat for her and wasn't expecting anybody else. Certainly he had a point; being prepared was never a bad thing. After all, she had arrived, didn't she? Who was to say another may not show up in a similar manner. It was around this time though that she noticed something about this man; he had a feeling similar to that of the armored man she had met before on the Pathways. A Warrior of Chaos, it seemed. Well, conflict wasn't necessary right now, so she'd avoid it as much as possible.

"I have time to spare, so I will accept your offer, Sir Montage," she spoke up, putting the pocket watch away before giving a bow of gratitude. She then moved over to her seat, her steps light, and quietly took her seat, making sure to adjust her skirt properly. She took a look at what was presented before her, deciding that since the tea had not already been poured, she would make use of her own cup. No reason to dirty his for her sake, and she had a bit of a natural preference towards it anyway.

"You may call me Memento Mori, and I hope you do not take offense if I use my own cup," she politely added as she raised her hands as if she were holding a cup and saucer, and in an instant exactly that appeared in her hand. They were both plain silver, polished to a mirror shine (which actually showed their reflections in it), and their shape was simple but elegant. Setting down her cup and saucer, she picked up the tea pot and poured herself a cup, a small silver spoon appearing in her hand as she set down the pot and took about a half spoon of sugar to add to the tea before beginning to stir it.

"I noticed that the tea has the fragrance of black tea, but it seems to have a hint of something else. Might I ask what you added to the brew? I might wish to make a pot one day for m'lady to try," Memento added on as she finished stirring, setting the spoon down in the saucer and closing her eyes for a moment to properly take in the scent. Definitely black tea, but she wondered what else was in it. It was interesting, and she'd give it a try once she found out what was in it. Perhaps Alice would like it as well.

[Virgil Montage]

Turquoise eyes flickered with amusement. Mild curiosity dancing in his eyes as he noticed her observing his flashy formal attire. He took no heed of it, finding that fashion did make a statement, however one took it was their opinions. His smile curled wide across his lips, delighted of the girl’s kind acceptance to join him for a spot of tea. He pondered quietly, watching as she took out a golden pocket watch, monitoring the time, as if on a timely schedule. It amused him so because it looked endearing. With her pale complexion, and stunning starlight locks for hair. The air around her was familiar as well. Still, his thoughts were quickly diverted back to the matters at hand. Nothing pleased him more than to have company, and share the very same enjoyment he took quite a pleasure in indulging in. It was rather ridiculous on how obsessive one could be, especially over a drink. Yet his insatiable love for black tea was quite notorious.

“Splendid! Splendid!” he chimed merrily. The Hatter followed a rather unique set of codes as far as fighting went. So long as the afternoon tea was being held, there would be no fighting, for the sake of protecting tradition, and his tea set. It was a time for peace, and enjoyment. Virgil had with him now everything he could ask for, black tea to drink, and a lovely companion to share that said tea with. As Memento Mori took a seat, Virgil returned back to his own, picking up his own cup from sitting down patiently, waiting for him to sip it away. “A pleasure, milady Memento Mori,” he stated proudly, raising his cup to her, before taking another swig. The Hatter prided himself as a great host for his tea gatherings, and wouldn’t try anything underhanded, what he drank from his pot was not anything different than what the maid had poured into her own. “By all means, go right ahead, no offense taken.”

His eyebrow quirked up against at the instant appearance of a cup, saucer, and tea appearing out of thin air. Lowering his own cup from his lips, he observed the subtle use of her abilities take place. She had control over an element that did not seem possible to control. Then again how did one control time when it is constantly flowing? Never stopping – always in a constant motion. Time did not hold a long attention span waiting for nobody, no matter how ill-prepared they were. It only made getting to know her better the more desirable. Harmony certainly knew how to pick them especially in this particular cycle. “Ah yes, you are quite observant. I personally make my own blend of tea, adding something new to my creation each time. Fruit extracts or perhaps some exotic herbs. Today’s brew, I added a new ingredient,” he explained so passionately, “The leaves of the Enge, a native plant from home.”

The hilarity of the very word escaping from his lips. Native? Nothing was truly native to Wonderland. Whatever Chaos absorbed was tossed away into Wonderland, and it meant an abundance of new things were collected for him, including lush greenery to experiment on concocting the perfect blend of tea. Though he was rather piqued on how Memento Mori would take the subtle words he laced through this conversation. Providing for her just a slip of the tongue to allow bit by bit the information she was searching for. There was no doubt that her intentions were all along is to gather as much information as she could. He didn’t mind giving her answers so long as she asked. “I do hope you don’t mind me asking, but to whom do you serve?” he asked generally.

[Memento Mori]

When Virgil told her what was in the tea, Memento Mori moved to take a sip of the tea and pretended that it wasn't anything special to her. However, in her mind, the mentioning of that plant instantly told her why this man was so familiar: they were both from Wonderland. In hindsight, it made sense, and explained why the man's fashion and mannerisms were so normal for her. In a way, he was like Alice, and somewhat like her as well. By comparison to what she's seen of the other worlds, they are extremely out of place, existences that differ from others and could only truly hail from Wonderland. Thankfully, this discovery did give her some ease of mind.

"Indeed, mixing the Enge leaves in certainly gives it a distinctive taste. It's just the right amount as well; you certainly know how to make a good pot of tea," she commented as she set the cup down after the first taste, letting the flavor sit on her tongue for a bit as she analyzed it. Definitely would be something good to make for Alice once she made it back home. In the mean time, she began to wonder if she should hint at it for Virgil in return. If he hadn't established it already, then most likely this hint would give it away if she were to do it.

"I'm sure you aren't referring to Cosmos and Chaos with that question, because I do not doubt that you are aware of our standings in the war," she began to answer Virgil's second question, taking another sip of the tea as she thought on how to give him an actual answer. If both of them went back to Wonderland, if this man was truly the type that suited Chaos, then she didn't intend to get rid of Alice's safety. However, on the same note, if the man wasn't truly like that, then she didn't intend to jeopardize his own safety. Really, there was only one right answer to the situation that seemed even slightly logical.

"I serve m'lady whom resides on Memory Lane, forever enjoying the joy of her childhood and I serving at her side," Memento Mori answered, maintaining her same composure as she drank more of the tea. She was lying and she very well knew that. However, if the man would threaten Alice's safety, throwing him into Memory Lane would keep him at bay. If not, then they could get him out before it was too late, and he wouldn't truly be in any danger. It was something of a win/win in her eyes. Hopefully this would work out in her favor. She truly had nothing against this man, but he served her enemy and may possibly pose a threat to Alice. As a maid, she could not betray her mistress.

[Virgil Montage]

There was a glimmer of delight illuminated within his turquoise eyes when he watched Memento take a sip of the tea he brewed for the afternoon. Like stated before, the Mad Hatter was easily elated by his black tea, and he had to make it every afternoon. The herbal properties blended all together in liquid form washing down his throat, and throwing away his cares to the wind, it was pure bliss. It reminded him of what lingering humanity he still had left in him. The least he could do is show it in front of others in that manner - if only for that one meager moment in the scenic afternoon. He couldn’t tell what was ticking in her thought process but he was going to assume otherwise that she connected the dots. She was a clever one, and it tickled him so to have such a sophisticated conversation between one another in a civilized manner.

The other side of his personality was completely sedated for the afternoon. Gold had gotten the hint that tea time was off limits to get hostile. Silver was at his prime with the utmost poise in each movement he made. Taking a dainty napkin, he dabbed his lips softly to remove excess droplets of tea before returning his attention back to the White Rabbit. He smiled softly at her gracious compliments of his proud creation for this special afternoon. "Why thank you, milady, you’re most kind," he humbly accepted her compliments, “I do hope that it suits to your mistress’s liking.”

His turquoise eyes flickered with interest as she began to answer his question. Oh yes, he was perfectly aware of their opposing sides, and it further enhanced his confidence that they were both from Wonderland. “You’re as clever as you are beautiful, my lady. Under normal circumstances, we should be opposing each other, but so long as I hold my afternoon tea, I refuse to engage in any sorts of combat. Right now, you’re my guest, so long as I trust you agree that there is no need for hostility. However once you leave, the next time we meet, I believe you know how it works out.” He took another sip of tea, lavishing in the sweet refreshing nectar that brought bliss over his frame. It was his gentleman’s code – something he picked up from being raised in the Mafia. The Hatter’s insatiable love for black tea became a tradition in itself, which helped keep him stable as far as his mental state goes. It was a rather odd trait, but we can’t have some serial sociopath running rampant killing people twenty-four/seven, right? Right.

His thoughts danced with curiosity at the mention of Memento’s mistress living in Memory Lane. Even Virgil himself could admit that on Memory Lane – it was more than devastating to be forever locked within your own childhood. Not that the Mad Hatter had to relive what was his childhood, the phases of how he lost his sanity, and becoming the Mafia Boss that he was now. She was lying straight through her teeth. He didn’t think anything of it, taking note that this maid was ardently faithful to her mistress. Virgil for now bought the story, due to the sheer fact that it was only a means to confirm the fact that they stood on opposing sides. “You’re mistress is truly blessed,” he commented, “To have such a faithful servant fight for her – especially for a war that goes on for eternity. I take it that you fight for her through Harmony to end the suffering that goes on in Wonderland thanks to Chaos. Should you continue with such convictions, then we’ll no doubt bare arms against one another in the future.”

For now, he was only showing the cards that they’ll be dealt with later. In the mean time, it was still pleasantries, having just enough time to spend away, enjoying the lack of troubles that plagued their sides. If only for that one afternoon. Funny how tea could spark up such a rather simple yet subtly ornate conversation between enemies. The Mad Hatter was enjoying every second of it.

[Memento Mori]

A small nod followed by another sip of the tea was Memento Mori's response to Virgil's remark about violence at tea time. There really wasn't a need to state what was already stated; her speaking in response would only be reiterating what Virgil himself said. There was no need for violence right now, and frankly she could be quite satisfied with that. A time to sit down for tea was one of peace, and introducing violence to that would just ruin the flavor. Obviously the Hatter didn't want to do that and the same could be said of the Rabbit.

In his words though, there was an understood promise. When all was said and done upon this day, the two would leave without killing one another. They would be departing today on a pleasant note despite being enemies, and the fact they were enemies would only apply the next time they meet. That would be the time where they would fight, and she would be prepared for that time. Based on the man's attire, a vague theme was coming to mind, which could serve as the theme for the man's style of combat. It was just a guess really, but it was a logical one. She was open to other possibilities, but right now the most likely was a playing-card theme.

His next statement though began to trigger a thought process similar to that of when she met the armored one. Fighting through Harmony to defeat Chaos? It could be explained in such a way. Truly though, it was but a coincidence that she was summoned by this Goddess to fight her natural born enemy, whom was also the maid's enemy and the enemy of Alice. Judging from the way he worded it, it seemed he may have thrived on the suffering brought about by Chaos within Wonderland. It was his declaration that her convictions would make them enemies, not so much their sides. She was uncertain of what this man did when he was in Wonderland, but it only confirmed just how opposite in sides they were.

"It matters not the means through which I fight for m'lady. My only purpose is to serve her; the method, the medium, none of it matters. So long as m'lady's desire is fulfilled, then I will have accomplished my mission," she began, taking another sip of the tea before setting the cup down on its saucer, three fourths of the tea now gone. Her hands were now folded in her lap as she shut her eyes for a moment, before reopening them and meeting the Hatter's gaze.

"It would not matter if I had been summoned by Chaos, nor if any amount of my memories had been erased. M'lady's wishes are imprinted upon my soul, and if Chaos would have wished for me to turn my back on that, he would have nothing of me but an empty shell of a being. But of course, then I would serve no use and be dismissed regardless," her explanation continued as she took back up the tea cup. There wasn't much point in explaining Alice's desires; this man had the gist of it figured out already, and that aside, revealing any more could perhaps endanger her.

"But if I may, I would like to ask a question of yourself, Sir Montage. What exactly brings you to fight for Chaos, seeing as we both are aware of his deeds?" Memento asked as she sipped her tea, curious of how the man would answer. This could give quite a bit of enlightenment to his purpose, should he answer truthfully. Most likely if this man knew the horrors of Memory Lane, he already knew that Memento Mori could not have been able to serve her mistress in such a place. Thus, the possibility did exist that he would lie to her to make things equal. However, part of her believed that given his understanding of the situation, he would see her actions as a necessity to perform her duties, and move passed such a triviality.

She too was enjoying this discussion.

[Virgil Montage]

The dark haired gentleman allowed a free hand to rise up to his head to clasp in between his middle, index finger, and thumb onto the rim of his hat catching the abrupt breeze bristling on by. His blissfully jubilant demeanor lavishing in the sweet excess of tranquility the mood was - almost - wishing that it'd last longer. Alas the clock was ticking, and the sands of time were running on and on and on. Nothing pleased him so than to meet an understanding between one another. He would hate to ruin the pleasant atmosphere he worked hard on preparing for the afternoon. Memento Mori's silent nod was nothing short of an agreement of their mutual understanding.

Perhaps there was some meaning behind this sudden meeting? Perhaps fate was telling him that there was opportunities opening up for the Hatter. It made the meaning behind this encounter rather sweet just like the tea brewed for the occasion. Virgil lovingly picked up his saucer, and cup, raising the amber colored drink up to his lips taking another good gulp, finishing down his drink with a pleasant sigh. His relaxed form leaned back to rest his frame onto the back of the chair as he listened quietly as she voiced her convictions earnestly. Her words were calculating, and analytical.

The silver haired woman spared no expense in her words explaining her purpose here in this dimension. A maid who lived only to serve, to ensure the happiness of her mistress, and cared little of whatever she used so long as her mistress's wish was fulfilled. The thought brought up mixed emotions that the Hatter didn't seem to fathom. Could such a person from Wonderland bring such joy to another in a world filled with misery and despair?

It was almost ridiculous on how strong her will was to come here of her own free will on the wishes of another woman. Still, it reminded him as clear as the day's sky that they shared more than one thing in common. It was a shame that their beliefs would drive a wedge in between their contact from this moment on. He couldn't help but chuckle as her last statement. We already have empty shells romping about our ranks as it is, he remarked mentally. He could understand how some managed to stick around, but otherwise, he saw a good sum of the warriors of Chaos as mindless fools, who knew not of going about strategical means of destroying the enemy. Not that Virgil was any better, he was having a tea party for goodness sake, but he didn't see anything wrong with his social event.

He knew right away that he wouldn't be able to escape being asked about his purpose here, fighting for Chaos as devotedly as he did. His goals, his intentions, and... overall presence here were obviously not as clean or something an upright standing citizen would look up upon. A smile curled up upon his lips, the maid was a certainly a brilliant lass, so he was sure she'd be able to understand the next choice of words to explain his purpose.

"I run an organization that recycles tossed away matters that find it's way into Wonderland," he began to explain, "Chaos has been a wonderful contribute to my business, in fact, helped my humble group expand throughout the lands. We help those who've lost their way and find places they could call home." He spun his words around twisting lies in between truths beneath answering Memento's question. A mafia boss who thrived on the misery of others who suffered at the hands of Chaos while being plunged in a world filled with disposed fragments the God of Discord consumed. He collected spoils from things tossed into the world. There were those who did like the way things were run by the mafia, where anything was up for grabs, and resisted from having the Mad Hatter take what he wanted. He made sure that the rebels would be taken cared of in the utmost efficient way possible. He believed that fighting in this war was going to be exactly the same deal as dealing with rebels back at home.

"I believe it's only fair to give credit where credit is due. Without our God's kind patronage, my organization would not run as efficiently as it does today," he conclusive voice finished, flashing a small smile.