Dark Meetings:
(1911 A.D., The Royal City of Hearts, The Land of Hearts, Wonderland, the Realm of Ishrakie)
The night is horrid and wet as thunder booms from the lightning-scorched sky. The Piper had promised an alliance with another leader of great power from the lands far beyond the western horizon of her kingdom but how is that possible? There is nothing outside Wonderland, and if there was, I would know about it. It's Impossible, it's preposterous she thinks to herself. The Red Queen continues to pace the length of her War-Room, growing more nervous by the second, until at last there comes a knock. A white rabbit in a fine suit enters the room accompanied by some members of her royal guard.
"Your Majesty, the foreign delegation has arrived. Do you need more time or shall I show them in?" asks the rabbit in a deeply formal and refined tone.
What should I do? Perhaps the Piper lies, and this is a trick. Maybe I should order this delegation beheaded right now, or maybe I shouldn't. A war of questions and uncertainty wages in the Red Queen's mind as she ponders what to say. She paces the length of the War-Room one more time and then answers.
"Yes, show them in. I am ready. I can do this." The Red Queen takes a moment to recompose herself in a much more dignified and authoritative manner as the rabbit goes to retrieve the delegation. After a few minutes, the Red Queen can hear the approaching sounds of the delegation's heavy footsteps.
The door reopens as the white rabbit reenters the room once again.
"Presenting his Grand Magnificence, Captain James Hook, Pirate Lord of the Neverlands and his Honoured First Mate, Pirate Lord Smee," announces the white rabbit with a low bow of respect to Captain Hook and Smee.
"Lord Hook, Lord Smee, may I present her Royal Majesty the Red Queen of Hearts and Supreme Sovereign of Wonderland," continues the rabbit, gesturing the two men's attention towards the Red Queen.
The Red Queen curtsies respectfully to the two men as they both bless her with deep bows conveying equal respect to her. The Red Queen gestures for them to rise and be at ease.
"Allow me, dear Queen, to state before any formal negotiations begin that it is an honour to be here in your wonderful and no doubt powerful kingdom. I look forward to the solidifying of an alliance between our two realms. I am sure that together there will be nothing that can stand in our way. To conquest! To glory! To victory!" proclaims Hook, his tone a powerful mixture of respect and confident determination.
"You are indeed welcome, Pirate Lord Hook. I too have looked forward to this day. Shall we begin negotiation?" asks the Red Queen, extending her hand.
Hook strides over to her coolly.
"I would love nothing better," declares Hook, shaking her hand firmly.