I know I know. This is a short chapter. There is no M-scenes yet. Yes I meant to capitalize M. LOL. Soon. Like. Um. Chapter 5. Yea. That sounds about right. Chapter 5. *Sigh* Don't you HATE it when the plot bunnies start taking over?? Thanks to the reviewers. Glad you are finding this to be a good story!
Chapter 3
The ship had just been loaded with a shipment to be taken back to England. Trade had been good, the company practically ran itself. Yet she travelled with Wonder, the main ship of the fleet, wanting to keep busy, occupied. The moment she ever set foot on English soil, her heart ached for a different adventure. One that no ship would ever fulfill. Yet there was always a new venture to be tried, loose threads to be tied up, business to tend to so she travelled and pushed the different adventure aside. It helped when Absalom would come to visit. Not that she understood him in his new form. But his simple presence would clear her mind and allow her to keep moving forward.
Yet, it had been three months since his last visit. And now, on this damned ship full of tea – TEA no less! – she was going slightly…well…mad. The smell was everywhere. Sweet tea full of citrus. Distinct Earl Gray. Fresh and earthy green tea. All bound for England and the market there. But the memories the aroma stirred in her brain was for Underland. For her friends there. The Queen. Chess. Hatter…
Sighing, she absentmindedly began scratching at her elbow. It wasn't until a raw pain was felt did she stop, shaking her head as she walked over to the looking glass in her dressing room. The skin there was red and angry, tender to the touch. Yesterday it had been her right wrist, the day before her left ankle. She had inquired after a pest problem with the captain, but no others had an itch as she did.
"Perhaps something in the tea…the fine tea dust in the air..." she mumbled to her reflection as she began to scratch lightly along her collarbone.
"It's not the tea, stupid girl."
Alice spun around, gasping as her eyes landed on a blue butterfly sitting on her writing desk.
"Absalom?"
"Do you know any other blue butterflies silly enough to talk to you?" his low voice sounded bored and irritated but Alice ignored it. Smiling she walked to the desk and sat, leaning in close to her guest from Underland.
"Why have I not been able to hear you before?" she asked as politely as she could, remembering the small creatures outbursts in the past at her stupidity. Alice continued to itch her collarbone, waiting for his reply.
"There was no need to talk before."
"And there is now?"
"Obviously!" Absalom shouted, his blue color sparking brightly with his anger. Alice sat back, dropping her hands to her lap.
"You have been summoned." Absalom continued at a slightly calmer cantor. "You must return to Underland."
"But, there are things…here…I'm not finished…" Alice took to scratching her neck as she spoke, mentally trying to list the reasons why she should stay. Her mother…her mother was doing fine in London, society having welcomed her into it's folds. Her sister…her sister was just fine with a now matured Lowell and a baby boy to look after. The company, of course. She needed to stay so that…so that…
"You have come to the end here, silly girl. No one enjoys admitting it, but this world will continue on without you. There are some in Underland though, who will not be able to carry on without your immediate arrival." At this, Alice stopped her fingers from rubbing against her neck and she focused her attention to the small creature before her.
"Is everything alright? Everyone?"
"What did I just say! Pay Attention! Why Underland should need you is beyond…" Absalom muttered as he lifted himself into the air and began to drift toward the window. Alice stood, watching him go with confusion. Should she follow? Was she to return to Underland only once she had returned to England?
"But how?" Alice spoke loudly just as Absalom reached the open porthole. He turned and sped close to Alice's face, his wings sparking with blue electricity.
"WHY THE LOOKING GLASS OF COURSE!"