Prologue
"Frabjous Day!" the Hatter exclaimed, joyfully. "Calloo Callay!"
Alice watched in curious amusement as he doffed his hat and launched into the single most fascinating dance the young Londoner had ever seen. But then she had only ever danced the Quadrille so many of the dances of her own world would look odd to her. Her friends were all stood watching the Hatter dance with smiles of joy and amusement.
"What is he doing?" the Champion asked Chess, who had just appeared by her left shoulder, as she gave in to her urge to stroke him.
"Futterwacken" he purred and evaporated.
Alice suddenly felt as if she were being watched and she looked into the Hatter's huge green eyes as he replaced his hat. He smiled at her.
She felt her cheeks heating up and smiled back.
"Alice" Queen Mirana glided over to her, holding out a vial of purple liquid- the blood of the Jabberwocky. "The people of Underland are eternally in your debt- this is for you"
Alice looked at the vial. "Will this take me home?"
"If that is what you wish" Mirana's voice was tinted with sadness- did she want Alice to stay?
She lifted the vial to her lips and was just about to swallow when the Hatter's voice lisped.
"You could stay, you know?"
Alice looked up into his hopeful emerald eyes.
"What an idea; a wonderful, mad, idea…" she looked down at the vial and flipped the cap shut and took the hand which the Hatter offered her and his smile grew at her next statement. "All the best ideas are"