Jervis sighed, bitter snows passing by the windows of his Hatterdasherie cruelly, without end. Times like this made him pine for winters in Wonderland. Theirs were far more desired. Instead of endless crime, bitter snowstorms and foreboding night eternal, Wonderland was filled with powdery snow, outdoor tea parties and the Queen Of Hearts' Yule Gala. And of course, Alice by his side... What caught his mind were the Galas. Eight in all, placed in at regular intervals- an irregularity, by Wonderland's rules. Jervis loved the Galas; the Queen's temper sweetened considerably, all was peaceful and everyone could have a good time.
The bell of the front door tinkled, icy winds cutting through his mindless drifting. His rather depressive spell. "Oh, Ricky, I'm home~" a woman's voice purred, soft and silken like warmed honey.
Sweetly wicked Vendetta. The Vampyric Siren. Their Lady Of the Night- blessed with immortality's gift. He had no idea how he held her vested interest so long, but he had. He counted his blessings- she kept the 'Other' within excellent company, and they bonded as friends. However- much as she tried, with her sweet demeanour, fragile self and maiden-like charm, she was simply not the blonde, bright-eyed Alice he knew and loved..
Vendetta had been away, performing holiday errands of some sort. In his madness, he forgot her words. Now she took apart her bags, humming some Christmas tune. Garland, candles, fake snow, ornaments mistletoe and more- everything needed to transform the Hatterdasherie into an elegant holiday paradise. Something rustic, festive- artistic, if you will. There were presents for the tree she'd brought in. Unusual, given she didn't celebrate Christmas. Curiouser and curiouser still...
"It's not for me, darling. it's for you- and your patrons, of course. This place, with a little artistic flair, could be one of those places you see on a card. Better for business." Decorating began, she doing such things alone. Jervis had fallen too deeply into his depressive spell. It didn't take her long, but she had been correct- the place looked festive, cheerful- yet elegant and artistic. He smiled at her, a smile that didn't quite reach his shimmer-less sky-blue eyes...
"...You're missing Wonderland again, aren't you?" Vendetta poured tea for them both- in Jervis' case, a refill. Sitting in a chair beside him, blood-red eyes studied the eccentric man before her. For once, Jervis couldn't discern her emotional state. That was enough to disturb him.
"Guilty as charged, I'm afraid. Wonderland, a dream unto itself- powdered sugar snow, outdoor tea parties... The Queen Of Hearts' Yule Gala. The only time her temper is sweet, and peace comes." Jervis sighed, slumping back into his chair, staring at the bitterness once more.
Vendetta said nothing; she started the kettle, to make tea. As steam began to rise, her mind drifted to how pleasant Wonderland sounded. Gotham- her home away from home- could be truly dreary at times. Even one such as she found hatred and disdain for it's bleak, grey nature. Her homelands were much more vibrant than even here... A place as colourful as Wonderland sounded simply delightful! And yet, it was not for her...
Her spell broke, the kettle whistling to indicate the water was ready. Idle, she poured a fresh pot. She stood in the kitchen, mind wandered to the dark, depressive corners- where loneliness and fear reigned, breaking her of all she was. Nothing she did would ever be enough, would it? There was only one course of action... It broke her heart, reducing it to dust, but his happiness was paramount to her... Their happiness was paramount, she be damned...
Once more, her spell was broken as a pair of hands stroked her arms from behind. "My dearest Lady, who dares trouble you so?"
"How do you always know, Tetch?" The Lady became defensive, when she heard the voice purring in her ear. Normally she called him 'Hatsy'; calling him Tetch was nigh unheard of. Something must have been really bothering her.
"Written all over your body, my dark darling. Calling me Tetch was the dead giveaway, however."
"My issues are private." Vendetta's voice was as sharp as the ice outside.
"Then I shall abide by your command. Yet to quote a Siren I know: 'I don't have to like it, but I will respect it.' "
The quotation elicited a grim smile. She poured them both another cup, sweetening hers with honey and milk. Both sat by the roaring fire, Hatter surprised to taste light, feminine notes of rose and jasmine. Floral teas were not something he often chose. Nor did he oft choose white tea, preferring black by far. Still, as teas went, she'd made a wonderful choice. Both had sat in silence.
Vendetta finally shattered the silence. "Early as it may be for myself, I'm going to retire. Good evening, you two." With a curtsy, she vanished upstairs- past the barrier that said 'Private'- to the room claimed as her own, when she visited. Both of them decided to retire as well, wishing to take the bitterness of the night and removing themselves from it. Only Cheshire remained, slumbering by the fire- just as she always was want to do.
Days passed, Jervis/Hatter and Vendetta seeing none of one another. Jervis assumed the Lady was busy with her own work; Hatter figured she was avoiding him. Either way, he had been swamped with orders every day, the holiday rush unpleasant as always. It was insane, really- when he was rushed, his work was never the best. Hell, this year he had to hire a temporary assistant, even. A pretty young lady, sweetly shy and golden-haired. For some reason, Jervis didn't want to keep this one, despite being the best Alice yet.
~
Yule came at long last. Not Jervis' or Hatter's thing- neither were pagan. More than ever, this day made his mood dark. Bitter. Not even the wonderful woman who walked into his life could lift his spirits. The duo had awoken to the Lady's wondrous cooking, as usual. She took such good care of them- a shame he subjected her to this.. melancholy, this longing...
Still, he would push the worst of it aside. Lady Vendetta adored this day, so he would smile for her. He'd sat by the fire, beside the little tree she set up. Reaching behind, he pulled out a silver gift bag.
"I can assure you, its nothing much. It's rather difficult to ascertain what an immortal Lady would enjoy. I can only hope you will find it favourable."
"Jervis, you're a sweetheart." The Lady blushed, she accepting the bag. It smelled simply delightful... Delving within, she giggled- peals of girlish delight. It was a custom-made tote, filled with her favourite sweets. Alongside that, a massive scattering of bath products she'd admired- when she thought he wasn't looking. Still farther, a box within. She'd open it, to find a tiny top hat, similarly styled to the ones he affected- a blood-dripping rose in place of a card. Paired with it, a satin choker, a heart pendant custom-made of finest ruby crystal.
Tears sprang to her eyes. "Jervis, I- I absolutely adore this... How did you-"
"You're always trying on my hats. This will be the first of many, my dearest. The choker is one that befits a Queen like you, Your Highness." He smiled softly at her, taking her hand gently. Amusement shone through- playing on the night she first saw his Wonderland.
The Lady couldn't look at him. Emotions ran rampant through her. Eventually, her eyes did lift, meeting his. "I- thank you."
Vendetta handed him a box. Two boxes, actually. "Here, I'm sure you'll find much use and appreciation of these."
Jervis would admire the paper, metallic icy blue with holographic overlay. Delicately, he pulled it off. Opening the box, he saw laying inside a new outfit. The entire works, no less: Undershirt, dress shirt, vest, overcoat, trench coat, slacks, gloves- and even undergarments. All done in a deep, rich black, accented in sapphiric blue. Closer inspection revealed them to be hand-made, customized- Italian in design and execution. The Lady really went out of her way for this.
The second box was considerably larger. it took more time for Jervis to open, but inside he could see... pieces of paper. And boxes- tea boxes, to be exact. The pieces of paper was a list, of all the teas; neatly organized, even. Again, she'd really gone out of her way. In a daze, he looked up- she was petting Chesh. Chesh had been gifted steaks from her. The tigress purred, in approval.
Once more Jervis took her in arm, his lips locked in place to hers. "Dearest Vendetta, you've done so much for me. I simply cannot thank you enough."
"I'm sure you can't. But you can worry about that later, can't you?" Once more, Vendetta's lips brushed Jervis throat. Jervis shivered- gods, she knew how to drive him to distraction... She wasn't deemed his Siren for nothing. In seconds, a rather-irritated Hatter sat before her. In a recent battle, his beloved Queens had been shattered. He was none too thrilled with that damnable Clown. Still, his mood would soften at the sight of the Gothic woman before him.
"Ah, Vendetta- I had been wondering what needed my attention."
"Blessed Yule, my darling. I have presents for you." Here she drew two fresh boxes from the tree, these ones wrapped in metallic red paper. Even the tags said 'To Hatsy'. She went to give him them, to find he had a purple gift bag for her. "I insist, my darkest darling. Ladies first."
A quick peck to his cheek, a small smirk, then she would open it. Moving the blue tissue paper aside, she'd pull out a box of sixteen calligraphy inks, a black leather-bound book, and a pen with custom nibs. She gasped softly, hand clapped over her mouth.
"Before you ask- your old pen looked broken, your inks empty. Replacements were in order."
"To that end, you are absolutely right. I-I haven't found these inks in so long, though... How did you-"
"Now, my darling- even I must have my secrets." Taking advantage of the stunned silence, Hatter decided to open one of the boxes. Inside the box resided a different outfit, similar in composition, but with some differences. The contours fit differently, to start. Sapphiric blue was replaced by vivid crimson. Instead of shadow-black, Hatter had fancied darker smoke greys, which she had this primarily composed of. Having an eye for tailoring, this was as pristine and opulent as one could get. He smiled, finding it to his approval. Then he turned to the other box. Ruby red metallic paper shimmered, rainbows catching his eye. Inside, delicate ruby tissue paper.
Inside lay a beautiful pair of insanely sharp daggers, brand-new. One, composed of deadly-sharp pure white ivory. The other, a beautiful red coral. It even held a small gradient of colour... The handles were reminiscent of thorns and stems, roses in the middle. On the red dagger, a rose of ruby. On the white, a rose of diamond. Both glittered in the light, beautiful yet deadly..
Rare was the instance Hatter had no words. This was one of them. She'd replaced his Queens for him... but better.
When his eyes lifted to meet hers, they landed instead to the choker around her throat. Good show, Jervis- I was concerned you would back out... The Lady truly looked a Queen- he could think of none who deserved it more. Curiously, enough, her eyes shined with anxiety.
"My darling, I.... I have no words. Truly, I am at a loss."
"I- had been worried... you might not like it..."
"Nothing could make me happier, Your Highness. Except for your own." As he spoke, the theatrical streak within him decided to reveal itself. With a flourish, he drew her to her feet. Simultaneously, he dropped into a bow, gently falling to one knee before her. "Perhaps one day I will find the words within me. for now, I know it is far from adequate... but I hope it will do."
The Lady had no real words either. She simply held out a hand, drawing him to his feet. Lips locked in a deep, fiery kiss of passion. From there, they went to share breakfast together.
Their night wound up being highly enjoyable. They took Cheshire to Wonderland, to play in the snow. In time, a tea party was had- what else was new? Vendetta had taken him, after, around the city- she liked looking at the light displays. Externally, the Lady would never reveal this fact. But they knew anyways- and the pair strolled the streets, hand in hand, hot chocolate in tow. Truly a wonderful day- rounded out by dinner made by her, and a relaxing time by the fire.
It was almost enough to make them forget Wonderland. Almost.
In the wake of the rising sun- when the pair retired to bed- Jervis' dark thoughts had come once more. He still missed Wonderland very much. Not even Vendetta was enough to make him stop. Bless her soul, she tried. As he wandered to his room, he saw a mirror lying on the bed, and a little note. Curiouser and curiouser still. Gingerly, he picked the note up.
'Lying before you is a... rather special mirror. One of my own culmination.
To use it, all you need is think of the place you wish to go
most, then close your eyes, and brush your fingers over the glass. I swear to
you- your dearest dreams and wishes will come true.
~ Lady Vendetta'
Jervis eyed the mirror, picking it up to study it more intently. Sterling silver, an heirloom of some kind. The glass held a blackish-violet tint to it, slightly mucking its surface. It shimmered, swirling about, no real reflection coming off of it. Shame, really... Jervis could picture his dearest wish: winter-time Wonderland. The Queen's Yule Gala. Powdery snow. Outdoor tea parties, by candle and starlight. Most of all, Alice, waiting...
Brushing his fingers over it, he hoped its magick would come to pass... Yet, nothing seemed to happen. He shook his head. Lying on the bed, he closed his eyes...
Drifting, floating along in a strange, sightless dream. Rather unlike any he'd had before- flowing on black seas of infinity... The scent of snow stirred him. Had the Lady opened a window? It was cold... but not cold as he knew it...