The soft rays of the sun made their way through the window and lightened up the whole room. Alice took a deep breath as she woke. Blinking, the blonde lifted her head from where she had rested it on her arms and knees. It took her a moment to realize, where she had fallen asleep. She was still on the windowsill instead of in her bed. Sighing silently, Alice straightened herself a little. Her neck hurt a bit from the weird position she had been sleeping in. After yawning and wiping her eyes, she looked around. Dinah was still sleeping at her feet. ,,Strange" she mumbled ,,How did sleep through the night like that"? Now Alice remembered. Absolem had been there, he had talked to her.
Wait, maybe it was just a dream? Alice looked outside. The widow was still a bit open. ,,Maybe it was just a dream" she murmured. ,,Make your choice Alice! Tomorrow noon. I'll be waiting for you" Absolems voice rang in her ears and Alice stood up, waking Dinah in the process. ,,No, it was true"! the blonde buffed out. She really had the chance of returning for a visit, and this time it was her own choice how long she would stay. A wide grin formed on her lips. A few weeks, a few months or maybe a whole year? Alice thoughts were going wild. For a moment she completely forgot her fears of having to say goodbye again. She would be very stupid if she didn't take the offer. Oh how much she looked forward on meeting all her friends again, meeting her hatter again.
Happily Alice walked over to the door and gave a quick glance to her clock. It was half an hour before eleven. ,,Oh dear" Alice stated a bit surprised but casually over the fact on how long she had been sleeping, but continued to head to the bathroom.
A few moments later and after a good shower, Alice went back into her room and opened her closet. Alice had a bunch of fine dresses. Many were in the shade of blue, since it was her favorite color. In the end she picked a long airy dress, that reached down to her ankles. It had a beautiful faded blue like she preferred it. With a few quick grips, she had pinned her hair up into a loose bun. A few curly strands of hair were still hanging down at each side of her forehead and made it look playful and soft. Alice never liked the harsh and strict clothing rules. The young blonde decided to talk to her mother about her journey and would then get going to look for Absolem. With a last glance into her mirror, Alice went out of her room into the living room, where her mother was sitting on the couch.
,,Alice"! Helen looked up ,,You're awake at least". Her daughter smiled at her ,,Good morning mother". ,,Good morning, hah" she laughed ironically ,,it's almost noon. Oh..."! Helen tilted her head in surprise as she realized her daughters mood. ,,What's that? You're smiling"? ,,Yes" Alice sat down next to her. ,,May I you enlighten me of the cause"? her mother asked. ,,Of course"! Alice smile became even bigger ,,Mother, I am going to take a journey again". ,,What"? Helen looked at her daughter completely taken off guard ,,You are going again? When"? ,,Today! Actually pretty soon" Alice smiled even wider, showing her teeth. ,,Today"? Her mother gasped ,,and soon"? Alice nodded ,,Yes! I know it's pretty sudden, but a good friend of mine called me over for a visit and he is going to pick me up at noon". ,,Friend? Visit? Alice"! her mother stood up. Confusion in her face ,,I don't understand quite what you mean. What friend? Do I know him"? Alice shook her head biting her lower lip ,,No you don't...err, It's not important. Anyway, I really needed some time off, and a little vacation is just perfect for me" Alice tried to explain. Helen tilted her lips. She didn't plan on getting in the way. Since she knew how her daughter was handling things. ,,Well, good my dear, you know what you're doing and I trust you. But let me accompany you at least". Alice swallowed. She needed to convince her to stay here. ,,Uhm actually..." Alice stated "that is really sweet of you, but you see.." she fumbled her fingers nervously "I am twenty five now, I am old enough. I just...". ,,I see" her mother broke her off and rose an eyebrow suspiciously. Alice pressed her lips together. She knew quite to well what her mother was thinking now, but as long as it kept her away form following her, it didn't matter. ,,Well" Helen rose her chin ,,I hope I'll get to know that 'Friend' someday"! Alice blushed slightly at a thought of a certain someone but quickly shook it off. She also had to hide a snicker from the way how her mother had emphasized the word, friend. ,,Is he handsome"? ,,Mother"! Alice bursted out. The snicker still swept along in her voice. ,,How old is he"? Helen added. Alice ignored her mothers questions amused. ,,Well, I think I will get going now" Alice straightened her dress as her mother came up to her to hug her. ,,Alright my dear, take care" they hugged tightly. ,,See you mom" Alice smiled at her once more and walked to the door. ,,Oh wait! Don't you want to have some breakfast first"? Helen called after her but Alice shook her head again, laughing. ,,I am fine! thank you". ,,Well ok then. Oh and how long will you be gone"? Alice tilted her head smirking ,,Mom, I'm ok. I will write you". Finally her mother seemed pleased and Alice was able to close the door and get out. Now she had to hurry and find Absolem.
,,Dear, mothers are exhausting sometimes" Alice mumbled to herself as she hurried through the garden. The blonde walked a while until her house was far enough behind her, then she looked around. ,,Absolem"? She called out ,,Absolem are you there"? No answer. Maybe he wasn't there. ,,I have decided" Alice took a deep breath ,,I want to visit Underland for a while". Again she was left in nothing but silence. Nervously the young woman stroked the skirt part of her dress. ,,Absolem"? Gradually Alice began to think that it might have been just a dream indeed. ,,I should have known" she sighed disappointed ,,It was just a dream" ready to turn Alice lowered her head. ,,Where are you going"? A deep voice asked and Alice twirled around. ,,Absolem"! Her face lit up and she ran up to where the blue butterfly was floating. ,,I already thought I had been dreaming"! ,,You think to much" Absolem stated and a even bigger smile formed on Alice lips. ,,Come" Absolem called simply and turned to fly ahead. Alice followed.
A few minutes later, Alice found herself in the middle of a forest. ,,Where are you leading me"? She called but Absolem gave her no answer. ,,You're always like that" Alice panted ,,Only answering when you want to" she kept following the butterfly. Swiping branches and leaves away, climbing over sticks, larger boles and roots. Sometimes she stumbled. Blowing a strand of her hair away, she sighed and put her hand on a large tree to rest a moment. ,,You sure this is the right way"? Absolem tunred ,,Hurry up". Alice lifted the hem of her dress and began to ran after her winged friend.
In front of a small cave she stopped. ,,A cave"? Alice frowned but followed Absolem in. Nothing was to weird for her anyway.
,,Honestly, nothing surprises me anymore" the young blonde kept on walking ,,I only hope this time its not about..." she stopped as suddenly the ground under her feet disappeared and she fell. ,,Falling"! She screamed.
At first everything around her was black since she was falling through a hole in the ground. As Alice lifted her head to examine her surroundings, she found that the walls around her were stony. Next thing that appeared were crystals and gemstones in all colors, sticking out of the cave walls. Gleaming and glittering. ,,Wohw" Alice aspirated. This was new. All of the sudden the stony cave tunnel opened up and she fell straight through the sky again. Not again, she thought, but it was too late.
Alice gave it a high pitched scream as she realized she was falling at high speed. She hated it. She absolutely hated the feeling of falling. Her scream got even louder as she recognized the large trees beneath her. This time it weren't the beautiful cherry blossom trees of Mirana. This time they were forest trees. Big ones.
Ruggedly she sought through the branches. Screaming and whining complains. Suddenly her fell stopped and she found herself dangling on a branch. ,,Whew" Alice breathed out, relieved. ,,Finally I stopped this stupid fa...Ahhh" and the branch she was hanging on broke and she finally fell down to kiss the ground. ,,Ough" she huffed out. Dirt and fallen leaves around her.
A few seconds passed until the young woman crawled into a sitting position. Her hair was now hanging wildly over her shoulders. Irritated and shaken up the blonde swiped her hair out of her face and looked around. She didn't recall anything of this place. She had no idea where she was. ,,Whats up with all this falling"? Alice grumbled a bit annoyed as she stood up on her feed. ,,Great" The blonde sighed as she found her dress ripped and dirty. The fall through the large trees must have ripped her dress here and there. ,,Thank goodness I didn't rip my skin" Alice determined as she started to walk a bit. She had to find out where she was.
,,Absolem"? She called in hope he would still be there but she didn't get any answer. Looking around curiously she tried to find a sign to show her where to go. Nothing. ,,Hello"? Alice called once more but no one answered. Gently the blonde wrapped her hands around her arms as if she was freezing. ,,I need to find a way out of this forest".
Alice was walking a good while until she finally stepped out of the forest. It was already getting darker and grey clouds formed at the sky, telling her it would be raining soon. ,,Oh please no" Alice breathed in deeply. At least she found a sign that said ,,Mamoreal, 10 kilometers". ,,Finally" Alice quickened her steps as she followed the road that lead up to the white queens castle.
About five minutes later, the first drops of rain were falling down. Alice gave it an unpleased sigh. All she wanted was to be save in Miranas castle and see all her friends again. Of course she was more than happy to be back in her Wonderland, but it wasn't a big help to be lost somewhere. After all, Underland was a country and she didn't even know half of it.
It came as it had to and sooner as Alice wished for it, it was pouring down on her. ,,Nice" she murmured as she kept on walking. ,,Ten kilometers..."
More and more the rain started to soak Alice hair and dress until everything was drenched and dripping. Alice wondered how much longer she would had to walk. Now she was indeed freezing and beginning to get tired. I dont want to catch a cold. She thought to herself.
The sky darkened up. Soft thunder echoed through the land and some lightening shoot across the horizon. ,,Oh please let me be there soon" Alice whimpered. Why in the world was it getting dark already? Didn't she leave at noon? Or was the time different here in Underland? It was most likely so. Alice knew other countries had different time scales. China for example. Now Alice began to wonder if Absolum couldn't had let her drop down somewhere near her friends like last time. Now she was all on her own.
Time passed and Alice stumbled further and further. Finally, after an hour, that made Alice feel like a half of eternity, she had reached Mamoreal. Alice recognized the cherry blossom trees. Did they always bloom? Alice shook her head. She just happened to never arrive in winter. The blonde was so tired, she could barely walk anymore, nor keep her eyes open. Alice was so exhausted just from falling and walking. She was sure the rain and the soaked cloth did their part as well.
Alice was now pretty close to the castle door. She managed to knock but as soon as the guards opened the doors, Alice fainted of exhaustion and tiredness and dropped into the arms of one of Miranas maids.
,,My queen! My queen"! The maid shouted through the castle ,,A girl! A girl! It fainted! She's all wet"! It didn't take Mirana long to rush out of her room where she had been dealing with some paper work. Quickly she headed up to the group of white dressed maiden, to see what happened. Gracefully as if she was floating she walked up to the small growd. Concerned Mirana took a look at the thoroughly soaked girl, which was dripping strongly. The blonde hair hang into her face and the dress that seemed to be a faded shade of blue was dirty and ripped at the bottom. ,,Oh my dear" the white queen aspirated ,,poor thing". The maids tried to rise her up higher so the queen could have a better look at the girl". ,,Are you alrigh...ALICE" the queen yelped as she recognized who it was. ,,Oh my goodness gracious" She looked around ,,Get a room ready! And fresh cloth! Oh and towels"!
,,Yes my queen" the maiden replied and rushed into different directions, leaving Alice in the arms of the queen.
The first thing Alice realized when she woke, was the feeling of soft material all around her. I was warm and cozy. She didn't feel wet anymore. What happened? Alice tried to remember. Now she finally recalled the past events. She fell down to Underland and found her way to Miranas castle. It had been raining strongly and she was exhausted and tired. Did she faint? Slowly the blonde opened her eyes. The room was dim but she could see that the sun was already up and shining through the still closed curtains. Carefully Alice turned her head to the side. A smile spread across her face as she saw the white queen sitting next to the bed she was in. ,,Alice" the queen aspirated. Her face was a mixture of concern, surprise and relieve. ,,Mirana" Alice whispered happily. ,,Oh my dear Alice" Mirana came a bit closer. ,,You had me worried" the white queen stated. Alice frowned ,,I don't remember what happened. I found your castle and then...did I faint"? The white queen nodded. ,,My maiden found you. You were completely wet and cold. Alice, what brought you here"? Mirana examined her friend closely. ,,I came to back to visit you all" Alice explained ,,I missed you so terribly much" her expression saddened. Miranas gaze changed into a soft and understanding one. ,,Oh my dear Alice" she said ,,You have no idea. We missed you too". And for a moment both just smiled at each other. ,,I have so much to tell you" Alice told her enthusing. ,,I do so too" the white queen countered with a smile. ,,Uhm" Alice looked at the queen a bit confused ,,How did get clean"? Mirana gave it a light chuckle ,,Don't worry, my maiden washed you and dried your hair. I do hope you got some rest"? Alice nodded returning the smile again. ,,I will give you time to get up and change. I will be waiting at the patio to my garden". ,,Ok" Alice replied and watched Mirana leave the room.
Once the white queen had left, Alice let out a huge sigh. She was back. She really made it back. Her heart started pounding in excitement. Happily the blonde crawled out of the huge bed. Shoved the thick large blanked aside and got down on her feet. She was wearing a nice night gown. White with a lot of lace and a silk ribbon around the waist. Her blonde hair was dry and fell in beautiful curls over her shoulders. Alice looked at herself in the mirror. She couldn't stop smiling. She was so happy to be here.
At the other side of the room was a large wardrobe, a table and a chair. Alice went up to the wardrobe and opened it up. Of course most of the dresses where white. Nevertheless, Alice loved the style of the dresses. She decided to take a pale blue long lace dress. As she had it on, she went back to the mirror to check it. She looked amazing. It suited her just fine. Quickly Alice tied her long bangs back but let the rest of the hair open.
Satisfied with her looks, Alice opened the door and walked down the corridor out to the patio where the queen was waiting.
,,Ah, there you are" Mirana greeted her ,,Please, take a seat". Still smiling Alice sat herself down to a chair towards the queen. ,,I see you found a dress"? Mirana tilted her head. ,,Yes" Alice answered ,,It's lovely. Thank you". ,,You'r welcome my dear" Mirana replied. ,,Now" she began, pouring some tea in their cubs. ,,Tell me, how have you been the last two years"? Alice lowered her gaze, her smile faded a bit. ,,Well, I guess I archived everything I always wanted. I sailed around the world, saw many places, learned a lot..but". ,,But"? Mirana still smiled at her. ,,I just...I just couldn't stop missing you guys". Mirana gave Alice a understanding look. ,,I knew I would miss you...but that much"? Alice looked at the queen. ,,Oh Alice" Mirana aspirated softly ,,We thought the same". ,,You did"? Alice eyes widened a bit. ,,Yes of course" The white queen stirred her tea. ,,Did anything bad happen since I was gone"? Alice asked worry in her tone. ,,Oh no no" Mirana shook her head ,,Not at all, at least no catastrophes". ,,Hm, glad to hear that" Alice chuckled. ,,Yes" Mirana rose her head ,,We all had been glad. Thanks to you Alice, Underland was in peace again. At peace at least". ,,I am so happy I could help" Alice answered and Mirana just kept on smiling at her.
,,So you made it her for a vacation I suppose"? The queen guessed. ,,Yes I did" Alice beamed in joy ,,I didn't think it would be possible. I really thought I would never be able to see you all again. But Absolem came to me". Mirana laughed ,,So he finally reached you"!. ,,Excuse me"? Alice blinked. ,,You don't know"? Mirana tilted her head. ,,What do I not know"? Alice asked. ,,Well he and Mc Twisp kept on looking after you ever since you had left Underland two years ago. They wanted to be sure that you're fine and happy. And Absolem finally found the right time to talk to you". Alice sighed. It felt good to hear that her friends were concerned about her well being. ,,I appreciate it very much"! Alice then countered. ,,I knew you would" Mirana said. A Few moments of silence past in which both the queen and Alice were drinking her tea and enjoyed the time together. Then finally Alice rose her voice again. ,,Uhm...how are the others then..."?
The white queen grinned at Alice. ,,They are all good. Of course everyone missed you. Bayards puppies are grown now, but he has got a new bunch not to long ago". ,,Aaw" Alice gave it a keen expression. ,,You can meet them later if you'd like". ,,Very much so" Alice cheered. ,,Mc Twisp is working as my messenger and is up at the go through Underland. But I am sure he will be back soon to see you" Mirana continued. ,,What about...uhm" Alice took her cup tighter into her hands. She could have sworn she was getting nervous but why? Her throat went dry and her hands sweaty and her fingers cold. Mirana tilted her head in confusion. ,,What about the ha.." ,,The hatter you mean" Mirana spoke the words Alice didn't say.
Are you a fool? Alice scolted herself in her mind. What's gotten into you all of the sudden? You hadn't been that weird two years ago. ,,Are you ok"? The white queen asked and Alice flinched a bit. ,,Oh yeah..yes sorry uhm. So how is he..the Hatter I mean". ,,He is he, if it's that what you meant". ,,So he's well" Alice sipped at her tea. ,,Yes, as far as I know. You know he works for me again. So he's visiting from time to time. I had been asking him a few times if he'd like to move into my castle but he refused". ,,Oh" Alice made. ,,Anyway" Mirana smiled ,,Anything else you want to know"? Alice thought. ,,What avout Thackery and Mally"? Alice commenced again. ,,They are like always. Thackery is as, uhm you know..." Mirana tried to explain. ,,Mad as always"? Alice finished and they both cuckled. ,,Yes" Mirana confirmed. ,,Mallymkun really talked a lot about you. She looked up to you for saving Underland twice". Alice smiled. ,,And Hatter, did he say something about me"? ,,Huh"? Miranas expression got surprised but then she snickered and smiled again. Alice felt her cheeks burn up a little. Mirana remembered how hard it had been for Tarrant after Alice left. She decided to not tell her. It was not her duty to tell her. If Alice was to hear it, then from Tarrant himself. ,,Well He admired you a lot" Mirana told her, hiding her concearn behind her smile. ,,Really"? Alice eyes went big and her stomach tightened in a weird unknown way to her. ,,Oh yes, he couldn't stop admiring you. But all of us do". ,,Hm" Alice murmured and continued to sip her tea. Feeling a bit disappointed. Alice couldn't help but get the feeling that the white queen was hiding something from her. ,,Anything else"? She asked. ,,Well he missed you dearly" Mirana explained. ,,Yeah..." Alice put her cub down on the plate. ,,But look you're back again" the queen cheered ,,Everyone will be overjoyed to see you". Finally Alice smiled again. ,,Come, lets go and meet Bayard and the pupps" Mirana decided and got up.
Alice followed her into the garden. Around a few corners they arrived at a clearing that was surrounded in cherry blossom trees. Bayard was playing with his cubs and his mate but as soon as he saw Alice, he stopped and began to wag his tail vividly. ,,Alice" he barked in surprise. ,,Bayard"! Alice got to her knees to catch the dog in her arms. ,,I'm so happy to see you" Alice laughed. ,,I am too" Bayard rubbed his head against Alice cheek. Seconds later all the puppies came running to the young blonde. ,,Aww you're so cute" Alice called and started to pet one after another. ,,They are gorgeous Bayard" she praised. ,,Thank you"! Bayard and his mate smiled happily.
,,Well well well" another familiar voice broke the laughter and Alice looked up. Out of the air a turquoise striped cat appeared. Grinning widely. ,,Chess"! Alice called out, her heart fluttering in joy ,,My dear friend". The big cat flew around and close up to her face. ,,What a exceedingly pleasant surprise" he said. Alice grinned ,,I know. I didn't think it would be possible, but I am back, I am really back and I am going to stay for a while". Chess grinned even more ,,Wonderful. Hatter will be greatly delighted if he hears those news". ,,I can't wait to see him" Alice beamed. ,,Sure" Chess vanished and appeared around her shoulders ,,Guess I will go and tell the others then" he said. ,,Please do"! Alice patted his head. For once he let her and didn't deflagrate. ,,I See you later then" he called as he flew up and vanished again.
