The Ball That Changed Everything

Author's Note: I've upped the ages of the characters. Josiah is 21, and Victoria is 16, the age of consent in my tales in Underland.

Once again, Mirana had decided the time had come for a Grand Ball. She hadn't had one in, well…months, it seemed, and they were always so much fun. So she sent out the Decree that all living in Marmoreal were invited to a Grand Formal Ball, which would mean that the Lords and Ladies would have to be dressed in their finest attire.

Arianna found herself inundated with orders for the finest dresses and tuxedos that she could make, and to keep her from collapsing she had hired three assistants to alleviate some of the pressure that had fallen upon her. But she loved nothing better than to make dresses, and whistled a gay tune as she busied herself at her sewing machine, churning out beautiful dresses of every shape, size, and color.

A soft knock on the door made her look up and smile. "Vicki! When did you get back?"

Vicki, who had recently returned from her annual trip with her grandfather, grinned at her sister in law. "A few hours ago. Mum and Dad insisted on giving me a present for my sixteenth. Ari, I know you're extremely busy with making clothes for everyone attending the Ball, but I was wondering….could you make me a dress? I've got some material."

Ari motioned for her to come in, and she entered, placing the bolt of fabric she had in her arms on her work table, and Ari gasped. The material was a blue so dark it was nearly black, and seemed to shimmer with a light all its own. Arianna picked up a corner of the fabric, and gasped. It was almost like…water. "Vicki, where did you get this?"

"Serena gave it to me. It's what they make their clothes out of below the sea. Can you…can you make something out of it?"

Ari tilted the fabric towards her, gasping as it turned a brilliant green-the color of the sea when the sun shone on it. She ran her fingers up and down the cloth, and then beamed. "I can make a dress out of anything, Vicki. I will make the most beautiful dress ever seen on land or sea, and you will be the Belle of the Ball. Now, on to a more important question. Have you seen Josiah yet?"

Vicki shook her head. "Not yet. Is he in your Dad's Shop?"

Ari grinned. "If not there, he's most likely at the Windmill, or hiding from Lady Lavender. I strewth that woman is trying to get her claws into him." Her face filled with sympathy at the stricken look on Victoria, and she came around from the table and pulled her into a hug. "Oh Vicki, when are you going to tell him how you feel? I can see it rolling off you in waves, and yet you keep fighting against the currents." She held up her hand as Vicki started to speak. "I have heard every excuse, and I can offer one counter to all of them. Did you not swear by Time that you would be his, and he yours?"

Vicki sat down, wringing her hands. "He swore to Court me, but I never thought to hold him to his promise!"

Arianna sighed and sat next to her. "For most Underlanders, this would not be a problem. But Josiah and I are the children of the Hatter, and as such we are more firmly Bound to Time than most. If we make a Promise in His Name, we must keep it, no matter what. It is binding. When Josiah swore to Court you three years ago, the Seal was made, and no one can break it."

Vicki sighed. "But…I'm his sister!"

Ari rolled her eyes. "No, you are his sister in law. There is no blood relation between the two of you, so there is no chance of scandal."

"He's five years older than me."

"And your parents are eight years apart chronologically, and Josiah and mine are over fifty years apart if you count the time Dad spent cursed."

Vicki sighed. "I'm scared."

Arianna smiled gently at her. "That is something I cannot help you with, my dear. But I do know that my brother cares deeply for you, and that you are head over heels for him. Vicki, at least go and find him. I'm sure he'll be glad of the company." She grinned. "And in the meantime, I will work on your dress."

Vicki hugged her. "Thank you for talking to me, Ari. And…thank you for everything else."

"You're welcome."

Josiah was indeed in his Shop, hiding. He had just had a most unpleasant encounter with Lady Lavender Sapphire Jewel Windermere, and was sure that he was going to be driven Mad by her simpering voice and fluttering eyes. She had sidled up to him as he was carrying a bolt of cloth for a top hat to his Shop, a wide grin on her face and clad in a dress that he knew would make his sister weep with the sheer horridness. "Good day, Josiah. I was wondering if perhaps you would like to spend some time in the Garden? It's such a lovely warm day, and I could make us a lovely picnic lunch." Her cloying voice made him feel nauseous, and he continued walking, trying to keep down the tarts he had just eaten.

"Thank you for the offer, My Lady, but I'm afraid my father wants me to deliver this bolt of cloth to him right away." That had been a lie, of course-Tarrant had more than enough cloth, but Josiah did not wish to spend one minute longer in the company of this vapid woman than he had to. Luckily for him, Lady Windermere was not blessed with an overabundance of brains, and she accepted his excuse with a smile and a flutter of her long and perfect lashes. Josiah fought the urge to vomit.

"I understand completely, My Lord. Perhaps I will see you at the Ball next week?"

'I sincerely hope not.' But he smiled, turning on the Hightopp charm. "Perhaps." Before she could begin to sigh and simper at him, he took off for his Shop, slamming the door behind him with a sigh of relief.

He had forgotten that the Ball was in a week. He had an outfit all made-it helped to have a sister and father skilled in sewing-and he was looking forward to spending time with his family, but one thing was bothering him. Vicki was not due to return home for another two weeks, and he missed her quite a lot. More than he should, in fact.

He walked over to his bench and sat down, his head in his hands and his eyes closed. He'd begun to notice a difference in the way he acted around her. He'd always felt at ease in her presence, and they could-and often did-spend hours talking to each other. They were good friends. So why was it that whenever he saw another young Lord glance in her direction he would feel his blood boil in anger? Why did he dread the idea of her on the arm of another man? Why did he feel his stomach flutter whenever he heard her laugh?

His conscience spoke up. 'You know why.'

"But isn't it wrong? She's so much younger than me, and we're related."

'Your parents are much farther apart, and you are only related by marriage, not blood. She is sixteen. Ari was married at sixteen.'

"But what if she chooses another over me?"

'She won't. You made a promise in Time's name, and you know what that means.'

Josiah sighed. "I know." He laughed to himself. He had made the Oath half in jest, never realizing that the gangly twelve year old he made it to would grow up to be a singularly beautiful and poised young woman.

A knock on his door made him look up, a bit scared that perhaps Lady Lavender had returned. "Who is it?"

The voice that spoke from behind the door made him leap off the couch. "It's me, Josiah." He ran over to the door, pulling it open and beaming at Victoria.

"Vicki! You weren't due back for at least two weeks!" He stood aside, letting her in, and tried his very best to not focus on the fact that she was still clad in her sailing outfit-a shirt and a pair of short trousers(and he noted, with a surge of affection-the hat he had given her), or the fact that she had some rather shapely legs and curves. "Was…is everything alright?"

Vicki sat on the bench, grinning at him. "It was fine. It's good to see you, Josiah. I hear that you've got a bit of a lavender problem."

He laughed, sitting next to her. "So Ari told you?" At her nod, he sighed. "That woman is going to drive me round the bend. Why she thinks I would be interested in someone as vapid as her is beyond me."

Vicki shrugged. "Well, she is quite beautiful."

"She's got the personality of a dead fish, the brains of a clam, and is about as dull as Absolem. And compared to you, she's downright plain." He gulped when he realized what he had said. Vicki blushed, looking down at the floor.

"I'm…I'm not beautiful." Josiah reached out and gently lifted her chin, gazing into her eyes.

'Why did I never notice how captivating those eyes are?' "Vicki, you are quite beautiful, trust me."

She dropped her gaze, blushing even more deeply. "Thank you." Josiah smiled at her, and she felt her stomach flip flop. She gulped, words pouring from her lips. "Mum gave me half the Shop. I'm now half owner."

"That's wonderful. Are you going to sell your Cordials?"

Vicki nodded, warming up. "I talked to Mum about maybe turning my half into a small café, and since she doesn't brew any dangerous potions, there won't be any danger of…well…accidents. I could sell my cordials, tarts, and scones, and maybe the occasional sandwich. Right now, the only café in Tramalin is run by Mrs. Edder, and the food there is of rather poor quality. I had a scone from there that I think might have been at the Original Tea Party."

Josiah guffawed, and Vicki relaxed. "Would you care to see the new hats I'm making?" She nodded eagerly, and he took her hand and led her over to a table where four dozen hats sat, all in varying degrees of completeness. They ranged in size from small berets to top hats, and nearly every color of the rainbow was represented. Some were simple, with no decoration, and others had ornate feathers, ribbons, and sequins. There were hats for men, women, and children, and even a few baby bonnets. Vicki picked up one lady's hat that was a deep green with a brown feather woven into it, smiling.

"This is quite nice, who's it for?"

"Lady Wrenmore."

Vicki grinned. "It will suit her quite nicely, I think. You have quite the skill, but then again you are Tarrant Hightopp's son."

Josiah smiled. "Yes, but my best work is already being worn."

"By whom?"

He smiled at her. "By you, of course. I don't think I could duplicate that Hat again even if I wanted to. It's just so uniquely you."

"I do love it, and I do make a few ladies envious when I tell them it was made by my oldest and dearest friend."

Josiah was suddenly aware that she had scooted closer to him. He gulped, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "It makes you look like a Queen." He stroked her cheek with the tips of his fingers, and she sighed, leaning into his touch. He gazed at her mouth, which was half open and gulped once more, leaning in.

A knock on the door made him spin around with a curse, and he failed to notice the look of hurt indignation on Vicki's face. But he heard her voice. "Da, what do you want? !"

Ilosovic smiled. "Well, I came to tell you that supper is going to be put on the table soon. Josiah, if you like you may join us." He didn't add that he had seen the almost kiss, but a small smirk played about his lips. "Alannah made enough to feed an army, as usual."

Josiah bit his lip. "Thank you, but I do need to get these hats finished. I will see you at the Ball, though?"

Ilosovic nodded. "You will. Come on Vicki, supper." Vicki reluctantly followed her father out of the Shop, and Josiah sighed.

'Damn it.'

One week later, the Grand Ballroom was lit up. The Royal Musicians were warming up, readying themselves for a long night of dances and music. Torches set in niches cast a soft light over the room, and emitted a sweet smelling smoke.

Mirana, clad in her finest dress, looked over at Mctwisp, who would be announcing each Noble Family. "I think we can begin."

Mctwisp nodded. "Yes, Majesty. Lord and Lady Wrenmore!"

They entered, Lord Wrenmore leaning on his plump wife. She was wearing the hat Josiah had made for her, and it was rather flattering.

Mirana greeted them while Mctwisp continued to announce the Guests. "Lord and Lady Hightopp and Josiah Hightopp!"

Tarrant looked around the room, frowning. "Alice, aren't the Staynes coming?"

Before Alice could say anything, Mctwisp spoke up again. "Lord and Lady Stayne, and Lady Katarina Stayne!" They entered, and Alannah knelt in front of Mctwisp, whispering in his ear. He grinned and nodded. Alannah smiled and scratched his ear, then walked over to where Ilosovic stood with Tarrant and Alice. The latter gave her a look of bafflement. "What was the whispering about?"

Alannah merely smiled. "You'll see."

All the guests had now arrived-except for one, and Josiah sighed when he realized he could not see Vicki in the crowd. 'Perhaps she decided not to come.'

At that moment, Mctwisp gave a short blast on his trumpet, and all eyes turned to him. "Ahem. Lady Victoria Stayne!"

Vicki walked into the Ballroom, and Josiah felt his mind go blank. She was clad in the most beautiful gown he had ever seen. It seemed to be the colors of the sea-green, blue, and black, yet when he looked again it was all one color-a blue so dark it seemed black. The gown itself was simple, with no ornate flares or ribbons, and yet it made Mirana's gown seem plain in comparison. It dipped in the front, showing off the swell of her breasts, and her arms were bare except for a thin bracelet of gold that she had wrapped around each wrist. Her hair fell in soft ringlets around her face, and she had a green ribbon around her throat.

He watched as she seemed to glide down the steps, and the crowd parted before her. His brain kicked in and he realized that she was heading straight for him. For the first time, he realized just how tall she was. She smiled at him, and held out her right hand. "Josiah Hightopp, might I have a dance?" He smiled, placing his hand on top of hers, and bowed, kissing her knuckles.

"It would be my honor, my Lady." He led her out into the middle of the room, and the musicians struck up a slow waltz. They began dancing, and Josiah gave her a soft smile. "You look absolutely beautiful, Vicki. Like a sea nymph." Vicki smiled, and Josiah felt his heart speed up.

"Ari made the dress, and it's the best she's ever done I think. It was Mum's idea to have me arrive a bit late-I wanted to make a Grand Entrance."

Josiah grinned. "Well, you certainly did that!" They danced in silence for awhile, and then Josiah spoke up. "Vicki? Do you remember the Promise I made to you?"

Vicki nodded, staring into his eyes. "I do, and even though Ari told me that you are more bound by Time than most, I will not hold you to it should you decide it was a silly promise made to a silly young girl. But my heart will always be yours, Josiah."

He gulped. "When I made it, I never knew that you would grow up to be as beautiful and amazing as you have. I saw the gangly-but still quite pretty-twelve year old. I should have realized that you would grow up to be the gorgeous and rather shapely lass that you are! It was half in jest, but now-it is different."

"Different how?"

In answer, Josiah stroked her face with his hands, then leaned down and pressed a soft yet firm kiss on her lips. She tasted like honey and spice, and he sighed happily. Vicki wrapped her arms around him, kissing him back, and Josiah felt fireworks explode behind his eyes. He pulled Vicki close, kissing her with every bit of passion he could muster.

Alannah watched as her daughter and Josiah kissed, blissfully unaware of anything going on around them. 'It's about damn time.'