Prelude: A New Life
In a Wonderland they lie,
Dreaming as the days go by,
Dreaming as the summers die;
. . .
Two years had passed since she had returned from her dreams. Two long years of utter boredom and womanhood. Nineteen years of age she was now, and the life of the child she once knew was left in the past. However, she knew better than to forget again that wondrous world. How could she come to omit something that made her smile? How can one turn aside euphoria in trade for reality? Was not dreamland what she had always wished for since her childhood?
Has anything changed in two years? Her parents have become more concerned for her not becoming betrothed to a worthy gentleman; and he must be of a higher class full of the constitution and stature to become a dignified husband and a compassionate father. She cast aside whoever she greeted, and turned them down. For her heart was not called to them. Her heart was already taken, and that person she knew would never shatter it.
Deeply regretting the decision she made those years ago, for leaving behind the land of wonder and madness, tormented her daily. Her mind kept saying: 'Alice, do not give in to temptation, for you belong here and not in a fantasy land.' However, her heart said the complete opposite, saying: 'Listen not to what others tell you, Alice, for you and I both know what you desire, and you and I both know that world is much superior to this one.' It was as if she had a two little people sitting upon her shoulders, whispering antithesis suggestions in her ears. Although, who was she to listen to?
I guess a part of her was afraid to return; for she would leave behind those dear to her, but then again that is what she had already done. She was scared she was to forget about the world and once again it would lose its colour and become a wasteland as before. She was fearful to think if one of her friends ended up getting harmed again, for barely she managed to bring back a beloved soul from departing forever into the afterlife. She was afraid for anything bad to happen again.
Not to mention, some time after she had fallen down the rabbit hole the second time around, her mother and father blocked it up. She left it too late. Yet if she could claw away the soil and find it again she would; yet she had already tried and failed, for she forgot where the rabbit hole used to be.
But there was another way she returned to that world. Well, not that world exactly, but the neighbouring realm - Looking-glass Land - a land of order and not of chaos as Wonderland was. But there she could pass the borders into Wonderland, reunite with her darling companions and abide there for the remainders of her life.
But she had tried every looking-glass inside her home, and none of them worked. Was it only fate that led her to this world? Was it only something that could only happen once? 'I must believe in myself,' she said to herself onetime. She thought that if she believed she could pass through the mirror she will end up where she wished. But did she have enough belief in herself anymore?
Yet if she didn't, then there would be no need for another story. There would no longer be a second part of her journey. For Wonderland was just the beginning of something great, and Looking-glass Land will complete it. She has a whole life ahead of her, and so many adventures to embark. And so, if she thought that it was over, soon Alice will know, it was only the beginning...
. . .
Ever drifting down the stream-
Lingering in the golden gleam-
Life, what is it but a dream?
A/N: Here we go, folks, the beginning of a new story. And not just any story, but the sequel to Ruins of the Heart. I hope you'll enjoy it! Two stories will be difficult to keep track of, but it'll be worth it.