Six weeks flew by in the blink of an eye. Alice's days were filled with preparations. Mirana's staff did the most of the work, under the watchful eye of Alice and Mirana. The colors that were chosen for the wedding were ivory and forest green, china blue accents adding a third color to soften the palate. The wedding would take place in the grand hall, the doors leading to the balcony and gardens thrown open wide to allow as many of Underlands citizens as possible witness the first wedding of the New Age.
The cake was a marble of squimberry and vanilla, the colors swirling together beautifully. Covered in white icing and accented with blue flowers and green vines it was a perfect blend of all the colors that were chosen. Most appropriately, standing atop the cake were two top hats. They were perfect replicas of Tarrant's relic and the new hat that he had made for his bride. Alice thought it was completely adorable, but was sad at the thought that they would be destroyed after the wedding.
"Oh, no." McTwisp chattered. "Tarrant made them. They are as real as any other hat he has made. He wanted to apologize for the outburst regarding your dress, so he made the hats to top the cake."
Tears leaked out of her eyes at the utter thoughtfulness of the man she would be marrying the next day. A handkerchief was dangled in her line of sight by a floating Chess while Bayard's pups, who were half grown, tried to capture the floating cat's' tail. Just as before, the laughter of the Champion rang true through the halls of the castle.
While Alice was meeting with the dressmakers, she knew Tarrant was gone from the castle most days leading up to the wedding. He was out at the windmill repairing his home and making it ready for them to move into once they were married. They would always have a suite of rooms designated as theirs in the castle, but they also needed some place to call their own away from the eyes and intrigue of the court. They were simple people, wanting nothing more than to spend forever together. Mally and Thackery were helping, Chess popping in every now and then to keep things lively. It did Alice's heart good to know what the trio could never be completely separated. Tarrant needed them almost as much as he needed her. She was his future, but they were his past and were able to understand him in ways she may never be able to.
The dress took up the most of Alice's time. There were so many things that she had to put her foot down on. Mirana wanted huge skirts and an imperial train, beading and lace everywhere. The seamstress wanted to make the dress so tight Alice would pass out from being unable to breathe. The designer wanted Alice in ruffle upon ruffle, turning her into a giant cupcake. In the end, it was a compromise of sorts.
Ivory with snow white detailing, the dress was a work of art. The bodice was sleeveless and satin, with an overskirt attached to sweep down her right side. The skirt was full, but not overly so; similar in fullness to the curtain dress Alice had worn at Salazun Grum. The satin underneath was ivory, but the lace dripping over it was pure white, the contrast absolutely stunning to behold. There was no train or veil, but the back of the dress was just long enough to drape beautifully when worn, caressing the floor like a butterfly. Sleeves of sheer lace covered her arms in a cropped jacket style, to be worn during the ceremony and removed for the reception. Her hair was to be pulled back from her face, but left to hang down her back. To top it all off was the beautiful hat Tarrant hat had made her.
"Perfect." Mirana sighed happily as Alice looked herself over in the mirror. There was a sense of peace settling over her now, knowing that all the planning was done. All that was left is for her to sleep the night away and then tomorrow at mid morning she would become Alice Hightopp.
Early the next morning Alice's rooms were invaded by what seems to be every woman in the castle. Mirana was ringleader over it all, giving commands and orders in her soft voice that no one dared to disobey. Alice was scrubbed, soaked and lathered until her skin and hair shone. Her nails were painted forest green, both fingers and toes. Very light makeup was applied, more to accentuate her features than to cover them up. She stood as a bastion of calm in a sea of activity, a living doll as she was turned and prodded to move this way and that. She nibbled on buttery biscuits, careful to not make a mess.
Alice caught a glimpse of her reflection as she was led downstairs. She looked completely different, but still like herself. It was a polished look. She smiled at herself, ready to start the rest of her life with the man she loved.
It seemed like everyone in Underland had show up for the wedding. People and creatures lined the halls, eager to get a glimpse of the bride. Alice thought it was all surreal. Even though she had slain the Jabberwock and saved the kingdom from the Red Queen, Alice still felt like her usual, unimportant self more than not. In public she would put on a brave face, act the Champion, trying to convince herself to believe it. She knew the more she pretended, the realer it would become. It was only a matter of time for her to fully, truly grasp who she was now. Alice also knew Tarrant would help her every step of the way.
Speaking of her groom, Alice paused outside the doors to the grand hall. Mirana, who had been walking by her side, waved her hand, making Alice look at her oddly. Before her eyes, the queens snow white dress morphed, changing color. Alice felt her heart racing, knowing how much she meant to the queen. The White Queen would forgo wearing white, letting the bride shine on her wedding day. Mirana's dress transformed into a deep sky blue, matching the blue flowers on her wedding cake. Blinking furiously, Alice smiled brightly, not wanting to cry as she opened her arms to hug Mirana.
"Thank you." She whispered into the dark haired queens ear.
"No matter, My Champion." Mirana reached out and cupped her cheek gently. "Today is your day. Enjoy it sister."
Alice watched as Mirana slipped through the doors, taking a deep breath. After a few moments of silence, beautiful bagpipe notes drifted through the doors. It was time for Alice to step into the rest of her destiny. Servants flung the doors open wide, sunlight landing at Alice's feet. With a brilliant smile she walked into the sun.
Vaguely she was aware of all the eyes on her, but her eyes were only for Tarrant. He stood tall and proud next to the vicar. He wore his family colors in his kilt, colors that happened to be those that Alice had chosen for the colors of their wedding. A crisp white shirt highlighted his bright orange hair. His top hat had been cleaned and looked lovingly worn just like his shoes, comfortable, serviceable and utterly appropriate. His smile though, Alice knew she would never forget. Completely open and charming, it was a much richer and more meaningful smile than the one he had given her when he saw her in Underland for the second time. His eyes were a crystalline turquoise, burning bright with love and happiness. He was her future, forever.
Looking back, Alice couldn't remember the words they spoke to each other. She did remember the overwhelming love and pride shining out of Tarrant's eyes when he smiled at her. She was wrapped in a blanket of warm love and acceptance. Beside Tarrant in Underland is where she had always belonged. This world and the people in it were her real family. More real than the flesh and blood she had left Above. There were endless possibilities and love.
"Alice, love, my wife." Tarrant whispered gently when it was time to seal their vow with a kiss.
"Tarrant, my darling husband." Alice reached up and pressed her lips to his. Immediately she was lost in him as magic swirled around her body, lifting her hair and tugging at her skirts. Underland was appeased. Alice was one of it's children now, and married to one of its most beloved of all offspring.
I will also be upping the rating once I write the wedding night. Not exactly sure when that will be up, but hopefully it will be up soon.