Here we are. The most popular name was chosen, so here you have it.

I don't own, don't sue.

When we arrived at the village a pale woman came out. Her skin was tinted blue and her eyes were bright yellow.

"My name is Aria. I am the Leader of this village. Welcome, Champion." I dismounted before bowing to the woman.

"Arise. Please follow me." We entered the quaint little town. It seemed blue was the theme. The buildings were blue, the road was blue, and most of the people were tinged light blue. Our destination was a small building, obviously enchanted. Only Tarrant and Mally followed me in.

"This is the Council's meeting hall. It has been spelled for security and privacy. No one will be able to hear the things we discuss." Four other people sat in chairs around the room. Another woman stood in the corner, silent.

"Meet Councilmen Arn and Kor, and Councilwomen Veris and Sienne. Council, I present to you Champion Alice and her companions…"

"Lord Hightop, Official Hatter for the White Queen and my most trusted advisor, and Mallyumkun, Sworn Knight of the White Queen." I introduced.

"Esteemed guests, welcome." Councilwoman Sienne nodded politely.

"You are here about the child?" Councilman Kor asked.

"Yes. I have been sent here to find her. She is newly orphaned?"

"Yes, her mother was lost in childbirth, and her father passed some time ago. You will take her in as your own?"

"Yes."

"Have you any other children?" Councilwoman Veris asked.

"No. But I will raise this child to the best of my ability, with the protection, blessings, and guidance of the White Queen."

"I apologize if I seem defensive. The girl has been a guest of my house. I fear for her safety."

"Be certain. She will have full protection at all times. She is my number one priority."

"Very well. Abba, bring her." The silent one left, returning with a bundle. Alice gasped. The child was no blue, but rather pale. Her eyes were closed in sleep, her hands clasped under her chin. Gentle curls of black hair rested atop her head.

"She's precious." A tear welled up. "Has she a name?"

"None. When the Queen informed us you would arrive for her we left that honor to you. She is gifted."

"How?"

"She is far more aware than usual. Her eyes change. I believe more will develop as she grows." I nodded.

"You are beautiful. You should have a beautiful name."

"Do not hurry. This is a great decision. The name has power, Champion Alice. You know this." I did.

"Whatever is chosen, I will make sure you know." I was lost in the joy of holding her in my arms.

"I wish we had time to stay. But our mission is long. Alice, we must continue." Tarrant touched my shoulder.

"Aria and the Council, thank you. This girl will be safe with me. I swear it." We were guided out of the town. The child was tucked into a sling against my chest.

The fire burned in front of us. As we continued the baby had woken up twice and gone back to sleep. I was still focused on names. I had an idea.

"Everyone, please listen here." They looked at me. "I have chosen a name." Their gaze grew. "Meet Elsa Ravenna Kingsleigh." She gurgled in her sleep. "Sleep tight sweetheart."

"Elsa, it's beautiful. She'll be very special." Tarrant touched her forehead.

"Of course." Mally stood. "Raised by the Champion and trained by the greatest fighter in Underland." I raised an eyebrow.

"And who would that be?"

"Me of course! Why I oughtta-"

"Oh I know, silly little mouse. I only jest."

"You ought not jest at my skills with a sword."

"I is not so foolish as to doubt you. I will need you. All of you." She woke again, disturbed by Mally's outburst.

"Hey little one." Her eyes met mine. Bright blue, then green, then grey.

"Her eyes change?" Tarrant asked. No sooner had Elsa looked at him than did her hair change to bright orange and curls.

"Curiouser and curiouser." I murmured.

"A changeling perhaps?" Rogue looked closely.

"A changeling indeed, it seems quite so." Tarrant stared at the girl who now bore his own flaming hair. As the council claimed, she was very aware. She knew she was spoken of.

"A beautiful aura." I looked at Rogue questioningly. She clarified. "Many newborns are vague. Their energy is dancing with exploration. But it's generally random. They don't understand their surroundings, they don't process things the same. Elsa here is exploring, but she understands. She has all the beauty of an innocent, but without the randomness." She smiled at the infant.

"She is gifted." I said simply.

"Truly and completely." Her eyes sought me out. In seconds they had turned deep blue and her hair was blonde and wavy.

"Precious." I stood up and walked to the cliff face near our camp. Tarrant stood with me.

"And you were worried about your mothering skills. You are doing great so far."

"I can't seem to get her to settle. Perhaps you could?"

"How?"

"A story. I remember loving your stories as a child."

"A tale of what shall I tell tonight?"

"Something from your past. Tell a story of the time after the Red Queen took over."

"A somber tale if ever there was."

"Yet I feel it is an important one."

"Indeed. I have one to recite." We sat down. I gently rocked Elsa in my arms as he began. His voice was like honey.

"It was long ago, shortly after the Red Reign began, that a few brave servants of the White Queen began to seek out others of their ilk. I was one of those few, aye I was that. The Jabberwocky was soaring the skies, tearing at this and that, and all else in the land that did not bow to Iracebeth. What would I, a hatter do to fight against this great evil then? I was young and bold, enraged and mad. Not the nice, cheerful mad, but truly mad with evil in my mind and vengeance in my heart. So cruel was I to strike at a fly, whose only crime was to land in the palm of my hand and ne'er hurt one since its life had begun. So mean was I to kill that fly, that the vengeance in my heart did soon depart, once I did see, what cruelty hath done to me, and the mark it make upon myself, forever would remain against all else. But that is not our story tonight, oh no, that is just the beginning. Now, here I am, wandering the forests outside Witzend. The old Hightop House upon the High Hill had vanished with the flames. I was with Mally at this time, cheeky mouse that she was. Here we came upon a map. It was a clue to lead us to Marmoreal, where the Queen now ruled in secret. Now, the true location would only be revealed if we passed three tests. First came skill. The tests were in my own mind, so I gazed into a horned serpent's eyes and was sent into my test. I faced five thousand card soldiers, armed with only a tiny sword as my weapon. I struck and danced valiantly for three days. Finally the creature reared its head and said:

"You will serve the Queen well on the field of battle, you will. Go on and continue, and may the Queen soon sit upon her throne once more."

Then came cunning. I faced my darkest fear at the time. The serpent faced me and locked me in its gaze. I wandered a plane of my own terror for three days, and three nights. Each fear forced me to think under pressure and lead me into the next. Finally the serpent looked upon me and said:

"You will serve the Queen well in the halls of her conference. Go on and continue, and may the Queen soon sit upon her throne once more." Finally we reached the last test. It was nobility and peace of heart. Now I was ready to send Mally in. As I told you, peace was rare in me at the time. But Mally, cheeky thing, tricked me into meeting the creatures eyes once more. This time I saw the Queen herself in my vision. She looked at me and asked if I was worthy. 'No.' I said. I was not. For she was sworn against violence, therefore I was not worthy to serve. I was cruel and dark, mean at heart. She smiled. 'Tarrant, the grace within you that drives you to do the right thing is the same grace that drives you to avenge wrong. You are worthy.' When I awoke the serpent faced me once more.

"You will serve the Queen well in the lands of her rule. Go on and continue and may the Queen soon sit upon her throne once more." Mally and I soon found our way to her. She guided us with open arms. The water creature's magic let her see each test. She knew my secreets. She knew my pains. Yeet I was soon one of her most trusted." I looked down. Elsa was sleeping soundly once more. It seemed she'd enjoyed the story as her face was peaceful. Right now her hair was striped, blond and orange.

"She will be a beautiful young girl." Tarrant said softly.

"Beautiful and strong with you to help me raise her."

"Strength comes from within you as well, my dear." I looked him in the eyes. Those eyes had never had anything but confidence in me. Even when I had lost my muchness he had done what it had taken to get it back for me. He believed in me, my Hatter had. Wait, when did I start thinking of him as mine? What? I was lost in those bright eyes.

"Alice?" He asked.

"Huh? Oh, yes? Did you say something?" I tried to hide my blush. I know I failed.

"Only that I want you to know something. You are the most important person in my life. I hope you know this. I am so glad you returned. I would have faded without you here." His voice was soft, barely a whisper.

"You're important to me too, Tarrant." We shared a smile. I knew my blush was growing. I couldn't help it. Something about this man made me feel all shy and nervous. We were still staring when-

"You guys coming back for a meal or what?" Rogue called. I sighed.

"I'm not sure what to think of her."

"Neither am I." He agreed. "She is young. She will grow."

"Hopefully." Carefully we returned to the fire. Tomorrow was another day, but tonight I knew my dreams would be occupied by a certain ginger.