Prelude
Disclaimer: I own nothing in this but the non-existent plot.
One fine Spring morning, in several different realities, many different people received the same invitation. It read as follows:
You are cordially invited to a high tea at Cheshire Pirate's house.
Where: I believe I've already stated that.
When: Tomorrow afternoon.
Why: Because she darn well feels like it. So there!
You are not required to bring anything other than yourself, though if you play a musical instrument well, it would be mighty kind of you to play a jig. There's no need to RSVP; you will all be there whether you like it or not. Afterwards, you will be promptly brainwashed, so that you do not remember anything that happened and everything in your mind will be as normal as possible. See you there!
The note, despite being written in a friendly manner, frightened the soon to be guests but, knowing that they had to go anyway, they went to get ready.