Becoming an apprentice for her father's company was something Alice had never dreamed of doing. The vast sea took her across the globe to where China laid. She had been bit nervous, for this was going to be big, not just for her, but for the sake of her father's trading company. The men in China didn't see women the way the rest of the world did, and it put Alice at a great disadvantage.
"I am certain that trading with us will be a wise decision," Alice said. "Our prices are reasonable, and our items will not disappoint. You have my word on that."
"Miss Kingsley, why I do understand your point of view, this is not up for me to decide. Why it would be incredible to trade with England for the first time, it is a rather hearty risk on our part. We will inspect your goods and how your company operates. Only then, will we make a decision. Thank you for you time," spoke Mr. Brintley of the Big Red Trading Company of China.
Alice nodded, and thanked them for their time. She knew it wasn't going to be much luck, considering they were taking so long to decide. It had been the fourth time since she's seen those men, and they had yet to make a decision. Alice was at a loss for words. Upon returning to the ship, she stared at it, only to turn the other direction. Needing some time to separate herself, and to really think, she walked through the market. It was a busy side of town that she had passed through many times, and nodded to the few she knew.
The market came to a slow end towards the end of the trading district as she entered the more residential district. There were few people wandering about on the cloudy day. Eyes darted about as if she saw something in her peripheral view. It couldn't be. With a light shake of her head, she continued down only to catch a glimpse of the wing of Absalom.
"Absalom," she called to him, and was given some rather odd looks from those that passed by. The butterfly continued to fly forward, fluttering about as if leading her somewhere. Her long blonde hair flowed behind her as she walked with a purpose to find him once more. Turning down the street, she looked back and forth before continuing on her way until the glistening of a blue wing caught her eye.
Continuing after the creature, she came to a halt at the sight of a bottle in the middle of the houses that were there. A smile crept onto her face as she reached down and picked it up. Moving the label that said "Drink Me" on it, she knew what it meant. With a quick glance around, Alice popped open the lid and took a drink of it. Coughing, it was within moments that she had shrunk to a mere six inches. Staring about, eyes widened at the sight of the winged creature that came for her, but it had only made her smile.
"Should have waited, but you are needed, stupid girl," it was Absalom.
"What has happened?" asked Alice.
"Cannot speak of it here. You will hear it when you get there. Climb on."
Her brows furrowed curiously at that, and it peeked her interest as Wonderland was more of her second home than anything. Climbing upon Absalom's back, he took off into the sky. Flying through the market once more, passed the ship and over the ocean. The colors changed, shifting as if almost in a circular motion, blurring them together. Alice looked behind, seeing the people didn't notice the swirling vortex as it took the girl in. Passing through the waves of the ocean, the dolphins chirped at her and sharks tried to take a bite off her arm. A crab caught her dress and clung for dear life, chopping at the ends of the fabric until her foot kicked it away as hard as she could. It wasn't long before she fell farther and farther, wondering if this adventure would be like the last.