Dancing on Strings

Defying Reality

People shrieked, recoiling backwards as the beast lunged for the cage, slamming down on all fours and prowling forwards, sniffing the air and growling, peering at the people in the front row, getting so close people's glasses would fog up from its breath until one gentleman fell into a dead faint and slipped off his chair.

Servants rushed out of the shadows to remove the man and wake him up.

Mai watched, her hand tight on the armrest.

So far, the beast hadn't done anything – and The Midnight Troupe would be out of business the second this creature hurt anyone... but there was nothing to stop it from doing so.

At least, there wasn't until the lady cleared her throat and everyone looked at her and she presented... a tea table.

The cage was gone and in the centre of the stage was a table set for afternoon tea.

Moving the tails of her coat aside, she sat down and, after a moment, the beast walked over and took the seat opposite.

Mai and everyone else stared, then started to laugh as the Wolfman took the delicate teapot in his huge hands, showing it to everyone, before scooping in a spoonful of tea leaves.

The lady held up another teapot, lightly jumping up onto her chair and leant forward, one leg kicked up behind her as she poured boiling water from on high down into the pot the Wolfman held.

He put the lid in place and started to shake before removing the lid again and sticking his nose in to sniff it.

The teapot got stuck on his snout and everyone started to laugh as he scrambled to try and remove it and the lady had to stand on the table and pull, the teapot flying off with a pop as she fell backwards, cartwheeling over her chair and landing on the floor.

She held up the teapot and looked inside before turning it upside down, only to find there was nothing inside it.

She stared then shrugged and the Wolfman held up a finger and lifted the silver lid off the centre of the table and revealed a huge teapot.

The lady took her seat and attempted to lift it but couldn't so the Wolfman had to pick it up and pour tea into two exceptionally disproportionally sized cups. The lady's teacup was the size of her head. The Wolfman's was more fitting for a doll.

After that they added milk and sugar, stirring.

The Woflman daintily crossed his legs and offered the lady a plate of scones.

She took the plate, then sneezed dramatically, sending the plate flying.

The Wolfman rushed forwards to catch them.

Most caught on his sharp claws. One missed and he caught it one toe and the last one he caught with the tip of his snout, balancing them all for a moment while everyone clapped before they were returned to their plate and he took his seat again.

Finally, the pair picked up their teacup, toasted, held the cups to their lips and the lights went out.

Everyone started clapping; smiling in delight at the scene they're just witness.

"Oh my, my, my!" The Black Rabbit said, laughing from above, "That wasn't quite what I'd had in mind! There's nothing to fear in a Wolfman having tea! My Lady, you didn't even flinch!"

"I don't scare easily," Mai replied when the light was on her.

"So I see!" he said, holding up his hands in surrender, "Very well, I concede defeat!"

"So easily?"

"I know the battles I can win. How about something more beautiful?"

"What did you have in mind?"