The sun had just set in Wonderland, bringing out many of the nocturnal beings. Distant sounds of birds and the rustling of the near by lake. Cool evening air gently rustles the trees and shadows play on the moon that hangs high against the black, star splashed night sky. While peaceful, this was also an opportune time for one Alice White to try and sneak into the Queen's court to retrieve her crystal ball. One that gave her power to locate a person and to guide her through portals to find said person. The Queen stole it in an attempt to gain it's power.
Blonde curls peeking out of a black hood is the first thing seen before a slender figure walks into the pale moonlight. She is about five feet, four inches and under her cloak she wears all black from her blouse to her leather pants and knee high boots. She creeps up the path, through the mushroom patch and towards the Queen's rose garden. With a flick of her wrist, she freezes the two guards out front before slipping past them. Careful not to touch the walls and be sucked in, she moves with precise grace around the corners.
She doesn't stop until she reaches the vault that sits in the middle of the courtyard. A smirk spreads across her red painted lips, her hands coming up and with a flick of her wrists, palms turning up, she is able to send a pulse of white magic to open the vault before she ascends up the steps. As she enters, she is unaware of the shadow lurking just a few feet away, watching and waiting, perhaps for the right time to strike.
Alice moves quickly through the vault before she comes across the crystal ball that sits upon a shelf towards the back of the vault. Tiptoeing, Alice makes sure she is careful not to disturb anything else, knowing the Queen would find out, but this gave her a head start. She could get far away by dawn. Snatching the crystal ball off the shelf, she turns just in time to come face to face with a leather clad man, a mischievous smirk on his thin lips, his black jacket rustling slight at his ankles.
Quickly, the man snatches the ball from Alice and is darting out of the vault. Oh no, she wasn't going to let this one get away, not after she had gotten this far. Giving chase, Alice runs after the man, back up the path that lead out of the Queen's court. The man looks over his shoulder for a moment to see how far back Alice is and is slightly shocked to see her almost within arm's reach. He just had to get back to the door and he could leave Alice behind, after all, all he was there for was the crystal ball.
"Thanks, my lady, for doing the work for me!" The man calls out over his shoulder and then smirks as he keeps on running.
"Wipe that smirk off your stupid face or I will do it for you!" Alice growls, speeding up before she swings her arm, sending a ball of light at the man.
The light sweeps under the man's feet, forcing him to come to a skidding halt before it climbs up his legs, securing him to the ground. The more he fights it, the tighter his restraints get to keep him grounded. Alice smirks, hips swaying as she approaches the man. Reaching out, she snatches her crystal ball back, her free hand coming up to point at the man who was now staring at her.
"How dare you steal from me! I should leave you for the Queen to find!" Alice growls.
"Come on, you can't do this." The man argues, trying to jerk a leg free.
"Fight all you want, but you won't get free until I let you, if I let you. And I am not feeling too generous right now." Alice snarks, walking a circle around the man.
"Tell me then, how can I convince the lady to release me?" The man gives a charming smile, hoping he could perhaps charm the woman before him.
"First, your name. Tell it to me…" Alice requests, tucking her crystal ball into her black leather satchel that hangs on her shoulder and rests across her chest and sits on her hip.
"Jefferson...at your service, m'lady." Jefferson introduces, holding his arms out at his sides and bows slightly, winking at Alice after and dropping his arms.
"Well, Jefferson, as you can tell… I don't take kindly to people stealing from me…" Alice chirps.
Walking towards Jefferson, Alice lifts her hand, cupping his chin and tilting it down to look at her. When she meets her eyes she takes note of his, how they seemed to hold many secrets, they were quite intriguing, but she knew now was not the time to admire.
"Do you even know who I am, Jefferson?" Alice asks in a sweet tone.
"A beautiful blonde that is going to let me go before I get angry?" Jefferson inquires with a quirk of his brow.
"Cute, but no. My name is Alice and I just happen to harbor the most powerful white magic in Wonderland." I explain.
Realization hits Jefferson, he knew who the woman was now. His eyes give her a once over, taking in small details about her from the raise of her brow to how she crossed her arms over her chest. He would admit to himself and only himself that she bested him for now and he would give credit where it was due. Alice watches Jefferson, looking him over and commenting in her thoughts that he wasn't bad to look at. She knew who he was as well. The Portal Jumper. He was known in certain worlds as a thief, just like she was.
"The Savior of Wonderland… I know who you are, Alice. Only a fool would mistake you for anything less." Jefferson comments, a hint of sincerity in his voice.
"Aren't you a flatterer…" Alice smirks.
"Just being honest. Perhaps we can strike a deal? A way to get us both what we want. That is… if you will kindly release me." Jefferson chuckles.
"How can I trust you? We just met and this could be a trick. That stupid smirk of yours doesn't charm me." Alice mutters, quirking a brow.
"Because I give you my word. A man is nothing without his word. Yes, I may be a thief, but there is still honor amongst thieves." Jefferson explains.
He was many things, but Jefferson believed when one gives their word it was to be honored. Sure he told white lies, but when he made promises, he kept them, it was part of being a good businessman. Alice runs her tongue over her bottom lip before sighing. Releasing Jefferson, she watches him fix his jacket before giving her his attention.
"Cross me and I will rearrange that pretty little face of yours." Alice comments, pointing her finger at Jefferson.
"I'd never dream of it, though nice to know you think I'm pretty." Jefferson teases.
"Oh shut up and come on before we get caught." Alice murmurs.
Jefferson walks alongside Alice down the winding path that will lead them to Alice's hideout, deep in the Wonderland forest, safe from the rage of the Queen. A rage Alice knew was coming. Jefferson takes the time to look around, only having been to Wonderland one other time. This world intrigued him because it was like no other he had seen before. Mushrooms that could make you larger or smaller, giant caterpillars and a cheshire cat that seemed to always be lurking in the shadows. Yes, Wonderland was quite different from the other realms. His blue gaze soon returns to Alice whose hazel gaze turns to meet his for a moment.
"What are you looking at?" Alice asks.
"Just wondering is all." Jefferson responds.
"About?" Alice asks, her right brow quirked for a moment before she looks back into the distance, her hideout just beyond the next hill.
"Why you are stealing from the Queen of Hearts, my dear?" Jefferson chuckles slightly, but it lacked any true humor.
"Because, she stole that crystal ball from me. She wanted power, she thinks that ball is the key to taking my power, but she is wrong. My magic is ingrained in my bones, the only way to take it from me is to kill me. Though I can ask the same of you." Alice explains, shaking her head and giving a chuckle of her own.
"I am doing a favor for Rumplestiltskin. He didn't tell me what the ball is needed for, just that he needs it." Jefferson explains.
Alice stops, causing Jefferson to stop as well as she looks at him, her brow raised. Her eyes show she knows just who is Rumplestiltskin is. She takes a step back, in her hand a ball of white forming.
"You are working for the Dark One? Why?" Alice demands.
"I work for me, this is a favor… one he offered to pay me for in gold. Nothing more." Jefferson explains, glancing at the ball of light and then back up at Alice.
"I know how the Dark One works, I know that favors from him can kill someone. How can I trust that you aren't suppose to secretly kill me? We all know the Dark One lusts for more power." Alice glares.
"Because, I could of killed you when I fell as step behind you during our stroll and I didn't. I could of yell out for the Queen's guards to capture you as I ran, and I didn't." Jefferson explains, blue eyes showing the truth of his words.
"Give me your word, since you claim it is important. "Alice murmurs, holding her hand up, the ball of light still glowing.
"I give you my word, Alice. I am only doing what it is asked, nothing more. He did not tell me who the ball belonged to, just he needed it and it was in the Queen's possession." Jefferson explains, his eyes never once leaving the hazel gaze of Alice.
"Don't make me regret this." Alice sighs, slowly dropping her hand, the light diminishing as she shakes her head.
"I won't. Besides, I don't make a habit of killing beautiful women." Jefferson smirks slightly before motioning for Alice to lead the way once more.
She felt the small blush paint her cheeks when he called her beautiful. Many have told her that, but when it crossed his lips, it seemed different. She had never blushed before, but she was thankful the darkness hid it. The last thing she wanted to do was stroke this fool's ego.
"Well, aren't you a gentleman." Alice teases softly.
"Just honest." Jefferson murmurs softly.
Slowly they approach what looks to be a tree house, built high up in an oak tree, covered by leaves and moss. Jefferson looks over at Alice who smirks as she lifts both hands, her magic parting the leaves and moss as a ladder tumbles down in front of them. She doesn't say anything more as she starts to climb the ladder with a grace she has mastered over the years. Once at the top, she stands up on the wooden plank that serves as her porch. Turning, she looks down at Jefferson with a grin.
"Scared of heights?" She taunts.
"Never, I fear nothing." Jefferson comes back with a bit of arrogance in his tone.
"Prove it." Alice chuckles.
Ducking into her hideout, she leaves Jefferson to make the decision to leave or to come up. Pondering for a moment, Jefferson sighs and lets his curiosity get the better of him. Part of him knew he couldn't go back to the Dark One empty handed. Shaking his head, not really sure why else he was following this woman up into a tree, but he had done stranger things.
Climbing up the ladder, his boots make a soft thud against the wooden plank before the ladder draws itself back up and the leaves cover the treehouse once more. Stepping inside, he sees it was small, walls made of what looked to be bamboo and a floor that was made of reinforced wooden planks. A pile of clothes sits in the corner, next to a small mattress that was covered with a patchwork quilt. A chest sits across the room, which Alice sits upon and watches Jefferson survey the tiny home. He also noted that clearly it was not made for someone of his height as his hair brushed the roof made of leaves and twigs.
"Well, I must say, this is a comfy little place you have here, my dear Alice." Jefferson comments, looking back at Alice.
"It serves it's purpose. Now, propose this deal you spoke of, I am sure the Dark one is waiting on you." Alice crosses her legs as she inquires.
"Eager one." Jefferson chuckles. "My proposal is for you to give me the crystal ball and in return I will split the payment I receive with you." He explains.
"A split… That seems fair, but I must ask what is going to keep you from running off after? Hm?" She asks.
"Come with me. Come with me and I will promise you I will make our little deal worth your while." He offers.
"And how do I know you won't trick me?" She inquires.
Jefferson sighs, resisting the want to roll his eyes. She was a tough nut to crack, but that made it all the more fun for him in a way. He loved a challenge. He knew he had to make a gesture of good faith. bringing up his right hand, he slides the silver and black diamond ring off his index finger and offers it to Alice. He didn't normally make such gestures, but he found himself compelled to with her.
"Here, hang on to it. It's an heirloom and I won't leave you without getting it back. Try a little trust, my dear Alice. Have I not proven myself thus far?' He questions, his hand still extended offering Alice the ring.
"Yes…" Alice admits, reaching out to take the ring. He had proven himself so far, but the last person she trusted tried to kill her, multiple times.
"I only ask for your trust, because we can both get what we want in the end." He smiles, dropping his hand.
"Trust is a hard thing for me to give, I admit. My trust has been given a few times, and those times haunt me because the ones given that trust have tried to harm me." She explains, shaking her head as she gently brushes her thumb over the silver band of the ring.
"I am aware, trusting is never easy, for there are far too many people out there willing to use it to manipulate another. Lucky for you, I do not wish to harm you because you've done nothing to me. Well, aside from anchoring me to the ground and almost leaving me to die, but I forgive you." He flashes a charming, yet genuine smirk.
"I suppose you are right." She laughs, which was a bit new for her, but welcome.
"I am also taking a chance, you are aware? While I have my hat, I do not harbor any other type of magic. You have the upper hand on me, and I know you will kill me if I cross you. I gathered that much from you, ya know, anchoring me to the ground and threatening me." He teases at the end.
"Yes, you are correct. Now, tell me just how I am getting to this other place with you? I have heard about the rule of the hat you speak of. Only you came through, so only you can go back." Raising her brow, hazel eyes curious.
"I will go back, find some poor soul to bring over and you can take their place on going back through." He says simply.
Alice stays silent for a moment, pondering. Jefferson was right, he had not given her a reason to not trust him. He had been honest up to this point. It was a big leap of faith, but she wanted her pay off and to perhaps escape Wonderland. Escape to another world where the Queen couldn't find her. She would be free. After a moment, Alice nods softly.
"Deal. You have one day… if you do not return in one day…" She comments, holding up the ring. "I destroy this and then should you return to Wonderland, I will kill you on sight."
"Has anyone told you how adorable you are when you are threatening someone's life?" He gives her a boyish grin, adjusting his jacket. "I will return in no less than one day from now."
Pulling the crystal ball from her satchel, she slowly hands it over to Jefferson. His fingers brush over her delicate skin as he takes the ball. He notes how smooth her skin was and the glow it carried, she noted his rough fingertips and the gentleness of his grasp. He tucks the ball into his own satchel before giving Alice a small bow.
"Until tomorrow night, my dear Alice." Winking at her.
"Yes, now go before I decide to kill you just for fun." Rolling her eyes, chuckling. She didn't want to admit it, but he was handsome and he had brought out more smiles than she had given in a long time.
"Silly woman, I can only hope you will be the death of me, because it would be a vision." He chuckles.
Before Alice can answer, Jefferson turns and makes his exit, the ladder dropping for him to make his exit before it curls back up. He was going to return to Alice, not just because of their deal, but because he found her intriguing. His curiosity was getting the best of him and he wanted to know more about the woman. For Alice, she found herself hoping he would return. Not just because he owed her payment, but because she found him peculiar and she wished to know more. She could only wonder if this was to be the start of a new adventure.
Author Note: Jefferson and Alice can also be found on Twitter as ArdentPsychosis [Alice] and ScarredHatter [Jefferson] playing out their present day life. This version of Alice is my own creation and roleplayed by me on Twitter.