So This is a very long update. I hope you don't find it boring. By the way there are probably a million typo's, just letting you know i am aware of them. And i have request for you guys. This chapter talks alot about the other Kingdoms of Underland. I wanted to make Underland alot more vast, and lively then just Marmoreal and Crims... I figured out while writing this chapter that this story is no where near done lol. I am going to bring the other Kingdoms into Marmoreal, but my request for you guys is that you help me narrow down the kingdoms you are most interested in into a top 5 other than Crims, Marmoreal, and Ebon. The story will be pretty affected by which Kingdoms we choose to explore more. Sorry about the format my file glitched so i had to do damage control.
"Mirana?…" Alice asked tenderly. She knew they were taking a deep risk. It made her think of when they had shared their kiss on the cliffside. She knew many probably witnessed that scene, but she was starting to see how the people of Underland thought. Mirana wasn't technically queen when she and Alice shared that passionate kiss. They may have been breaking many laws, but under the Red Queen's rule they were all criminals. The people and soldiers respected Mirana enough to let her indulge in her transgressions, because it was her last chance. It truly was Alice realized, wether she had lost or not, from that point forward Mirana was bound by law. Her people let her have her moment, but now she had to give them her life, and abide by law, otherwise why should they do as she command, or not dethrone her. She understood why Mirana had urged Alice to be sutble, but she now realized that was not what the Queen truly wished for. Mirana was about to basically "screw the rules" and have to deal with consequences that would cause more stress then they were currently under. Alice felt slightly responsible for the Queen's slight "lapse in judgment" or "recklessness". Truthfully it was niether, it was just the natural desire to be with the one she loved with out any hindrance, but now wasn't the time.
"I know that you don't want to hide any more than I do, but you were right… We should be careful. I know how much it hurts Mirana, but I will stand by you, until we can kiss without some one having a heart attack, or trying to get you dethroned. I don't want you to risk that for me, at least not until we try." Alice spoke sincerely.
"Good to know, thank you my dear Alice for understanding. Just so you are aware though, I would risk anything for you, just as you have for me." Mirana explained.
"I know that, but there isn't any need for that. No unnecessary risks should be taken don't you think?" Alice said wisely.
"Now your starting to sound like me my dear Alice."
"And your starting to act like me, my Queen." The blonde girl smiled and caressed Mirana's cheek gently. The Queen smiled and put her hand over Alice's.
"I think Tarrant needed to speak to us… I think he said after lunch though. In his studio." Alice mentioned suddenly remembering Tarrant's request.
"Do you know why? It seemed slightly important, but not overwhelmingly so… Than again he didn't really tell me much." She asked the Queen.
"I might have an idea, but I couldn't really say for sure. How about we go to lunch and then meet the hatter." The Queen suggested.
"Sure, so can you tell me about the 15 kingdoms." Alice Asked.
"Sure, but it might take awhile…" Mirana warned.
"I don't mind, lets hear it." Alice encouraged.
"We will talk over lunch." Mirana agreed. The two women went to the dinner hall to see Mctwisp waiting for them with a picnic basket in his hands.
"Ah Your Majesty! Alice I have your lunch. Let me escort you to where you will be eating today." The rabbit said while hopping towards the door.
"What is this Mctwisp?" Mirana asked curiously.
"The Hatter said that Alice and you have been cooped up enough, So insisted that the cook make you a picnic. Shall we?" Mctwisp asked permission. Mirana and Alice smiled, and then followed the rabbit off the kingdoms boundaries, to a beautiful shoreline. The water was so peaceful.
Alice had to look at the water a few times before she finally asked.
"I'm sorry is it just me or is the water silver? Is that even water?…" Alice questioned.
"Yes my dear Alice. Isn't it breath taking? every time I see it I'm blown away it's beautiful isn't it? Oh and yes it is water." Alice nodded in response.
"Here we are my Queen, under the white willow." Mctwisp directed them towards the happiest weeping willow Alice had ever seen. The branches were white, but the leaves were a glimmering silver color. Mirana mouthed her thanks to Mctwisp and he took his leave.
"It's so peaceful, no serene." Alice tried to describe her surroundings.
"This is the Tranquil ocean, our border with the Kingdom of Serenia. The people of Serenia are very interesting folk. They are modest and seem shy, but in a very odd way are quite bold. They stand for peace just like I do, but their strength must not be underestimated. Every king and or queen they have must take the vow to never harm a living creature like I did. The military leaders vow to never cause a war or fight if they don't have to, but their military is one of the largest and strongest in all of Underland. In as far as our history dates back they have only participated in seven wars, and they were on the winning side every time. The ocean kept them pretty cut off from Iracebeth's rule. They just simply stopped trade and kept away until her crown was taken. It was not their battle to fight. In a few days time I'm sure this shore will be filled with people as it once was, but it is few days sail even with our fastest ship, to their shoreline. Our ship should be reaching their shores soon to announce, Iracebeth's fall. In about a week or so all the monarchs or acting monarchs should be arriving in our kingdom Alice. We must choose our allies wisely. This is a very delicate matter. Pierce and I are separating laws, that will be approved by all the other kingdoms. Every kingdom has their own separate laws, but we must find an understanding of laws every kingdom must follow, and what some kingdom's will not follow.."
"Serenia seems like a good enough neighbor. They must respect you very much for taking the vow of peace. Marmoreal and Serenia have had a decent relationship in the past it seems, so they shouldn't be to difficult to appease right? But are you saying 14 other kings and queens will be in Marmoreal soon? There are probably, plenty of you that don't see eye to eye, so how long do these arrangements usually take?" Alice questioned.
"There haven't been many, but the ones that have taken place, have been unimaginably long, as in months. There hasn't been a meeting like this in centuries. I haven't met all the monarchs, but Serenia's King is extremely wise. But it isn't only the monarchs, their heir's will be here as well if they have any. There are a few kings and queens like myself that are still without a 'counter part'. Some kingdom's will definitely want to unite through relationships, and we can't forget Crims… there will be a representative from Crims, but other kingdoms will most definitely want to make their heir a King and or Queen of Crims. It's another opportunity to gain more power and a union between multiple kingdoms. We must also be careful with who we support to rule that kingdom… Crims and Ebon are our sister Kingdoms. Crims is South of Marmoreal, and Ebon South of Crims. Our three kingdom's create the line in underland. We are in the middle so our borders are very important and in a way fragile. The three must maintain a balance so that power doesn't shift to much to any side. When Iracebeth seized my crown she through Underland into a mess. Stayne was Ebon's general, but betrayed his King and Queen by joining Iracebeth, so Ebon and Marmoreal are both rebuilding. Ebon became a disastrous war zone, many inhabitants fled. The kingdom was sealed off to protect the royal family, much like Marmoreal was." Mirana explained while spreading out a soft blanket that was packed with their lunch.
Alice stood against the Willow over looking, the tranquil ocean and then looked in the opposite direction. She had only seen Crims and Marmoreal. She hadn't traveled anywhere else, she never realized how vast Underland was.
"So are the King and Queen of Ebon our Allies? And if Serenia is to the east what is to the west of Marmoreal?"
"Marmoreal, Crims, and Ebon hold similar values, as well as opposite. Marmoreal tries to keep the purity of Underland alive. We stand for loyalty, respect, and the good we believe every one can be if they choose it. Crims has always been about freedom, to fight for anything if it were try to oppress the people of underland. So you can see, when Iracebeth practically enslaved the three center kingdoms, why everything became so chaotic. Ebon has always represented individuality and equality in individualism. Deepest and darkest desires are not frowned upon their. People's vice's can give them power. Ebon can be a little to much and at times very dark, but just as accepting as the people of Marmoreal oddly enough… So Ebon, Marmoreal, and Crims should cooperate well together, in an awkward harmony."
Mirana smoothed the blanket down and then looked at her lover. She set the basket in the center and then walked over to Alice. She took the champion's hand and smiled as Alice looked her in the eye and returned a grin.
"And to the western side of Marmoreal?" Alice asked again.
"Ah yes… Stalwart is to the west, well slightly north west. They are very strong, and natural people. Our border is the Marmoreal forest, which the river of Alacrity cuts through flowing north and south. On the other side of the river is Stalwart. It is more like a jungle once you pass the river which is a few miles wide, making it fairly difficult to pass. There was a stone bridge that was built by the people of Stalwart before Iracebath took the crown, but when she attacked us she had the Jabberwocky destroy the bridge. By the time the Stalwart's would have gotten to Marmoreal they would have been too thinned out and fatigued to reverse the damage the Red Queen had already caused. They would have helped I know for a fact but Iracebeth made it to risky for them. This hurt the Stalwart's pride for sure, and I guarantee you they won't be very happy with Marmoreal, or with themselves with how they feel they failed us."
"Wait that doesn't make much sense?… Why would they be upset with Marmoreal?"
"The Stalwart's are very strong, prideful, stubborn, honorable, people, with a kill or be killed mentality. They are aggressive and not afraid of war, they have a sense of morality, and do not instigate, but are notorious for jumping into a fight as soon as the first punch is thrown. They believed that Marmoreal should have declared war as soon a Iracebeth threatened us. They were willing to fight with us, for they have always held Marmoreal in high regard, but they find us painfully passive. Stalwart more and likely blames Ebon and Marmoreal for our own demise. They may have been right, we could have invaded Crims and appointed a new leader, but we hesitated, and my sister struck. They will more and likely be quite stand offish, they will have their own beliefs and if they happen to agree with us they will admit so painfully, but truthfully none the less. If they disagree which will probably be more often then not, they will not be quiet about it, nor make it easy for us. Their King and Queen are probably two of the smartest people I know, but like I said they act off instinct and gut feelings." Mirana explained.
She leaned against Alice, and looked up at her with her rested on her champions chest. Alice looked down at her Queen and kissed her softly and smiled. She put her arms around the Queen and held on to her in a comforting way.
"So we will have to prove ourselves to the Stalwarts. Give them a reason to believe we are stronger than they think." Alice contemplated.
"Precisely, that is where I thought maybe you could help. You after all you did slay the Jabberwocky, they will look at you with respect for it. Maybe you could show them that Marmoreal is stronger with you here now, and history will not repeat itself. Maybe if you gain their favor they may also favor our union. It is a large maybe, but it is still a maybe. They value what is natural, and I am sure one of the kingdoms less fond of Marmoreal will bring up that it is not natural." Mirana thought out loud.
"Are you saying there are kingdoms that will make their decisions, just to spite you? So something they may not really care about in particular, they will side opposite of you every time? Why just because?" Alice's asked while running her hand through her Queen's hair.
"Well they will definitely keep this meeting going longer than necessary, but if we have more than 80% of the other kingdoms on our side they will yield and move on." Mirana spoke softly while Alice ran her hands through her hair. It was nice to talk with Alice in this manner. It was so right… The informalities of this moment, made the Queen feel so free. She did not want to lose this. Technically they weren't breaking any laws, Mirana would fight to keep it this way… No she would fight to make it better than this, she would make sure it was 'accepted'. There would always be people that disagreed, which is fine as long as they didn't have to hide. The Queen knew that this particular topic, wasn't as important as others and she had to make sure that Underland became a just land.
"Mirana… Maybe we could get some sway by making certain kingdoms think we are against things that we aren't. Mislead them to our advantage." Alice suggested, causing the white haired woman to chuckle.
"I like the way you think my dear Alice, but we must be very careful." Mirana warned.
"I agree. How am I to Identify, who is from where? Ebon, Crims, Stalwart, Serenia?" Alice Listed, while running her other hand up and down the queens back.
"Easily, but we have 10 more kingdoms to go, remember? But I guess I can tell you as we go through the list. Color is very prominent in Underland. Many know me as the White queen which is what Marmoreal stands for. Crims will be represented in crimson (red), and Ebon in ebony (black). The Stalwart kingdom's flag is green, and Serenia is known as the Silver kingdom. They will all be dressed in their royal color's, everyday. The Royalties, will have their crest on in some way, by ring, necklace, or embroidered. The advisor's will also have the crest, but everyone else will be wearing the color only." Mirana leaned more into Alice and ran one of her hands up and down Alice's side. She then drifted her hand over to play with the buttons at the top of her champions shirt.
"So identify the Royal's and advisors by crest, and the kingdom's by color got it. So who is next?" Alice smirked and kissed Mirana's nose playfully. The Queen giggled.
" Lets follow the Alacrity river south to the Kingdom of Aphrodisia. You can Identify them in the color pink. They represent strong desire, in a loving way, but not in the purest way. Serenia and Aphrodisia, will more and likely disagree on everything even if they agree, they will agree for different reason's that do not coincide. Serenia and Aphrodisia's founding kings were brothers, that were polar opposite's, but niether were too keen on fighting so they separated. Aphrodisians are not shy at all, they are very friendly, and extremely proud of who they are but in no way arrogant. They tend to pick their allies and stick with them. They are more artsy then anything, so as long as the can express themselves they should be alright. They have a bit of a feisty personality and definitely stand out. Trade wise they are a very valued kingdom, they have many rare goods that are native to their land only. They also tend to have the tastiest treats and trendiest trades. They are a swayable party, but self sufficient. During Iracebth's rule not only were they protected by the river, and the fact another kingdom is in between them and Crims, but the Stalwart's would never let any harm come to them. Aphrodisia does not have much of a military, but their culture is seductive and enticing. They also offer some questionable services that are illegal in most of the kingdoms, but they embrace the soldiers of Stalwart and vice versa…" Mirana blushed a little at how open the people of Aphrodisia were when it came to intimacy. Mirana wasn't repulsed by them or unaware of their practice's but she believed that such things should be a little more private.
"Wait what type of services? Are you talking about sex?" Alice laughed as her question caused the queens cheeks to light up with a blush.
"You amaze me. You blush as if you would shy away, but you are quite bold in bed, in fact more than bold." Mirana pulled away from her champion and gave her a soft shove.
"Stop it." The queen said in a playful tone with a hint of seriousness and turned her back to Alice. She took a few steps, before she felt the champion's hold around her waist. The blonde kissed the older woman's neck gently and worked her up her jaw. Mirana turned her head to meet her lover with a kiss. She turned around within Alice's grasp and put her hands on the champions chest.
"I do not condone their passion, but I prefer the more intimate parts of my relationship stay private. But yes the Aphrodisians and the Stalwarts are two kingdoms that are bound by love. Centuries ago an Aphrodisian princess married a young Stalwart king, it forever bound the Kingdoms and that bond has never and probably will never be broken. The Queen of Aphrodisia is a fair kind woman. She has two sons, but unfortunately her husband was in Ebon when Iracebeth struck… He died in crossfire. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be searching for another king. A big part of Aphrodisian economic's are their brothels, but the women and men of the brothels are well protected by young Stalwart soldiers. They also have a large economic influence in garments and paintings. The two kingdoms have a bonded land so they removed their border and marked it with a sign."
"It sounds like the Aphrodisans will stick with the Stalwarts, but the Stalwarts won't want to upset the Aphrodisians. We can use this to our advantage." Alice said as her traveled to the small of Mirana's back.
Mirana stopped Alice's hand with one of her hands and pulled it to stretched their arms out to the side, and pushed her other hand firmer on Alice's chest. She made the hand on Alice's chest travel up to her shoulder, she then pushed down signaling that she wanted the champion to sit. Alice obeyed the silent command, but still held on to Mirana's other hand. The Queen followed her lover down and straddled her lap.
"Indeed we can, but lets not get hasty shall we?" Mirana acted as if she were about to kiss the younger woman then past her lips and put hers near the champions ear.
"In order gain the upper hand, we must make sure they do not exploit our weakness's. They are aware of their's Alice, are you aware yours?" Mirana whispered teasing the young girl almost to insanity.
" So… The neighbor kingdom to Aphrodisia?" Alice tried to regain her composure.
"That would be one of our main problems actually. Past the Aphrodisian meadows of adulation through the Obduran canyon of adamancy lies the Kingdom of Obdura. Which has always been troublesome for Marmoreal by the way.. You can identify them by the color brown. They are obstinate, adamant, stubborn, iron willed people. The King and Queen are extremely stoic as is the entire country from what I hear. I have never met them, but I don't believe they have much of a personality. They do as they please, but they are very precise people. No room for failure, they don't care about being better than anyone else they just need to meet their own goals. There military is probably the most intimidating, because they make sure every soldier is as strong as their strongest, and as fast as their fastest, and as wise as their wisest. If you fall short of any of those things you're out. If you're out, you're disowned, so you don't fail."
Mirana spoke seriously, as if she were the general of the Obdurian kingdom as she held onto each side of Alice's collar as if to seem intimidating as she explained, their foes. Alice smirked.
"They seem prideful." The champion opinionated.
"They are prideful, like every kingdom, but not very arrogant, they strive to be self sufficient. Obdurian's believe self sufficiency, starts with self discipline, meaning to not indulge in any unnecessary temptations, because that leads to vulnerability and vulnerability is weakness. So they are the type that mate to survive. The mate chosen is strong where you are not your strongest and vice versa. Sex is not a leisure activity it is a tool to keep your people alive. So they do not Like the Aphrodisians or the Stalwarts. They are quite cold people might I add. Emotion is also weakness, you have it and you use it to guide you, but you dare not show it, for that gives your enemies a read on you. They also believe vows, promises, and the idea of peace is are absurd. Peace is a fantasy, Fantasy's are not practical there for a waste of time. Promises and vows tie you down, keeping you from freedom , there for hindering you from full potential. There is only one promise and that is Life, if you do not value it you will die, If you value it will find you worthy of living. Fight all those who threaten your cause and find others to join you. If they don't join you leave them. Do not try and conquer those who are unwilling. They are very clean sharp looking people Alice, they don't try and stand out, but they are so clean cut and precise that they do. The do not talk if there is no need, so good luck in getting one of them to smile at one of your charming little jokes. The people of Obdura don't really like anyone they just want their lifestyle to be left alone. But they despise Marmoreal for some reason, I don't really know why… but you can bet they will nor agree with anything we want and they are so stubborn, that changing their mind is a lost cause. So we just kind of have to climb over that wall. Speaking of they are one of the strongest kingdoms architecturally speaking and in weapon crafting, that is their main economical trade if you were wondering." Mirana said and tapped Alice's nose playfully.
"Isn't Crims all about emotion and freedom? Obdura seems like a prison, compared to that." Alice observed
"Precisely did I mention that I think the people of Obdura are cold and full of nonsense, but they oddly enough are loyal to Crims, well kind of… The Obdurians will send their young cadets into either Crims or Aphrodisia. They pick who goes where based on where they think the cadets are weakest. If they think a cadet is more susceptible to lust or love they send them to Aphrodisia.
If they find them more susceptible to emotion, like anger mainly they send them to Crims. It is cruel really niether Kingdom allows it or appreciates it but Obdura does it every year.
They will send the cadets to a brothel in uniform they will pay the women to tempt them and to prove they can't be tempted draw their weapons and try and attack the women, The Stalwarts always run them out. Sadly in my eyes not cadet every fails even though I'm sure some of them want to fail.
In Crims they send the cadets into storm the annual Ardorian parade. The crowd says horrible things and attack the soldiers, that go unarmed. Their goal is to march through with out fighting and take the cruelty of the people that hate them. It is saddening, they never fail that test either, but they always come out bruised. After they pass they are officially soldiers." Mirana sighed sadly. Alice sat up and kissed her queen quickly.
"Lets move on the topic of Obdura almost made you bland" Alice joked causing her queen to gawk as if she were shocked.
"How could you ever call me bland! The Kingdom of Ardor is not bland and will never stand for anyone's insults!. Passion is power, emotion is soft, anger is adamant, fury is art! All these things craft us into unstoppable beings. A strong will, with a strong belief can never truly be killed! You may kill us but our death will be loud and remembered in a passion that will never die, because you can never kill passion! Past the rage mountains of Crims, across the furious volcanic grounds of Ardor, lies the passionate people of Ardor!" Mirana explained in a much to animated way.
She clutched Alice's shirt and Kissed her with every ounce of passion she had in her body. She pushed the champion down and continued their searing kiss. She unbuttoned Alice's shirt once and pushed her body closer to the blondes, grinding her hips into her lovers. Alice flipped them over and went to kiss her queen again, but Mirana put her hands on Alice's chest instantly halting the champion. She pushed Alice to the side so they were laying side by side then kissed her again with just as much passion. When the queen broke the kiss she smiled brightly and propped her elbow up so she could her head on her hand. She looked down at her lover and thought about how passionate she really did feel for the young blonde laying on her back, right next to her. Alice looked up at her with a smile, she knew how Mirana felt and it filled her with more passion then she thought was possible.
"I am so sorry my passion blinded me! No I'm not sorry, never sorry and passion is not blind, it is true!" Mirana sounded exasperated.
"I could get used to that type of passion." Alice smirked mischievously .
"Oh my dear you could not handle the passion that comes from an Ardorian. Their love is strong but so is their anger. The Ardorian's are identified in orange, and are currently ruled by a brother and sister. The two are twins, one will want to more and likely leave, so keep an eye on them. The king and queen of Ardor will have their eyes on Crims, surely. They believe emotion should always be expressed. It can get messy, but they do it beautifully. They are painfully bold, yet graceful they don't think anything is boring. If an Ardorian were to describe a rock they would have you thinking it was the most enticing, complex most under appreciated rock in the universe. They are not shy either and quite a convincing group. They are lovers, and fighter, and protecters. Not surprisingly they can be a little manipulative, but as strange as it sounds they come by it honestly. They are manipulative in a non subtle way. They are so full of passion that they light a fire in hearts, and others join them in this. They never have regret because they always act off feeling and what they were feeling in any act of passion is true for it was what they felt. But they aren't reckless, they are carful in how they express themselves and are brutally honest, but they are loyal people. Though extremely eccentric at times they are normally good intentioned, but they do instigate. If they don't like something or another kingdom they will shout it from the roof tops. The people of Ardor are fierce and have never ran from a fight. Every fight is worth fighting, or at least that is how they see it. Ardor main economical feature is oddly enough not a trade. Many people from underland will travel there to watch their theater, or cage fights. The Kingdom of Ardor has a knack for the arts, and believe fighting is just another way to express oneself. Life is about passion, you are not truly living if you do not embrace all sides of your emotion. They believe I lacked passion when my sister to the crown but you, got it back Alice! Show them Marmoreal has passion too, and we will gain respect from them. The hatter is actually from Ardor so he will also help with their respect." Mirana explained that the Ardorian's though strong willed, respect those that are not afraid to stand in what they believe.
"So show the Serenians pure intentions, show the Stalwarts strength, show the Aphrodisians a love without prejudice, climb over the Obdurians, and light a new type of passionate fire under the Ardorian's got it. So who is next?" The younger woman asked as she reached up and caressed Mirana's cheek.
The white haired woman smiled and sat up. She opened up the picnic basket and started to set out the meal that had been prepared for them.
"Ardor's volcanic grounds turn into a bit of a wasteland when you move further south, but it forms into a desert. The Kingdom of Mercurial is built around a very, very large oasis in that desert. Mercuians are a very spirited bunch, but they will evade any attacks directed towards them. They are good at dodging confrontation, in fact they are experts in it. The people of Mercurial are extremely fast, the fastest! They do unfortunately have sticky fingers though… You don't take anything valuable into their land unless it is well guarded or you don't mind losing it. Mercuian's are survivor's, they take to live, but what is surviving if you don't thrive? The kingdom of Mercurial has successfully avoid every large confrontation in the history of Underland. They are tricky people, they have a knack for pranks, and instead of condemning their criminals to death or exile, they prefer to humiliate them. Humiliation can crack a man's pride, and that is what they aim for, but they are careful not to degrade. The king has ruled Mercurial since he was twenty, 15 years ago, but still no counter part. He also has six siblings just so you know. We must watch them closely, Mercuian's are very cunning. You can identify them in yellow."
"So what you are saying is they are thieves, tricksters, and experts in avoidance. They sound like they like to play games." Alice inquired.
"They do indeed. I mentioned they avoid confrontation, but they are some of the most skilled fighter in all of Underland. When engaging in a fight the Mercuians aim to disarm or embarrass into surrender, but never to harm. They are jokester's, but noble. They hold the value of life very high so they never take it. Mercuians never kill, if one has he isn't a Mercuian anymore." Mirana finished setting out their lunch and moved the basket to the side.
"South of them past the desert of Mercurial, over the vain plateaus, lies the Kingdom of Vainglor. Might I add these people are disgustingly narcissistic, and believe that they are above any other kingdom in Underland. Oddly enough they don't really want to expand their borders. They are the largest kingdom geographically anyway, but the don't want a sister or a mate kingdom. Vainglor's argument is that their land is the most beautiful and nothing can be compared to it, it would hinder their beauty. The Vainglors think they are the best and don't take well to being proven wrong, so they make sure it is practically impossible for people to beat them. So they use Obdura as a test they train their soldiers harder than Obdura minus the unemotional tactics. They believe emotion helps a fighter become stronger. Vainglor soldiers are vicious and though they seem beautifully harmless, they are ruthless. The people of Vainglor are economically stable do to their garments, make up, tourist attractions, and divine architecture. They are bold and take pleasure in other peoples envy, and hate it when some one has something better then them, so they recreate it and make it even better. Vainglors are very inventive and intuitive people. They can be identified by purple. The king and queen in their prime were the most beautiful couple in all of Underland. Now they are middle aged and live vicariously through their children, who are apparently divine in their beauty. It is rumored that the king and queen will soon step down and announce their eldest son as king. I do hope they wait till after the meeting to do this, but I do not know. Vainglor will try and beat all of us in everything so, if we show that we submit to them they will respect us, but I am not to keen on that idea." Mirana spoke of them with a scowl on her face.
"We will figure something out." Alice grinned as she began to eat her lunch.
"Now to the west of them is the Kingdom of Mitigate surrounded by the subtle sea. The kingdom is a mountainous island, and I heard it is absolutely beautiful in the most natural way. The Mitigates stand for Humility, but are very wise and strong mountain folk. I would never get on the bad side of a Mitigate, because they can do a lot of damage, but they are humble in victory, and defeat. They have been known to help rebuild lands that they have conquered. It is like they are sorry, but they had too, but now they will pick up the pieces, since you understand now. The people of Mitigate are very gentle beings, but they are full of power. Gentle giants if you will. The Live and let live types. Mitigate can be identified in blue, their king has recently passed in age, and the queen will soon give the crown to her young but oldest son. Mitigate really just doesn't want any trouble. Economically they are known for well crafted tools."
"They seem harmless." Alice gave her input.
"They are if not provoked, if we respect them they should respect us. But it won't be easy to get one kingdom's appreciations, with out pissing off another kingdom. We have to be subtle, I can not engage all of them, that is why you, Tarrant, and Pierce are very important." Mirana explained.
"I understand, but don't we have to worry about Pierce? Do we know his motives or how he thinks?" Alice inquired.
"One step at a time my dear Alice, we will deal with him in time. Moving on to the cliffs of aloofness. The kingdom of Nonchalia. They can be identified by the color gray. To be brief they just do what works. They have are a very nonchalant group, so I am not exaggerating when I say they are only coming to the meeting because they have to. There isn't much else to say about them really." Mirana said just to include them.
"But on the southern west side of Crims, lies the crimson lake which is where the Kingdom of Asperity is located beyond. They stand for fury and are very ill tempered, identified in dark magenta. They get rid of what angers them to put it bluntly. They are very similar to Ardor, but more stand offish. A young fierce queen just claimed her crown. They are a very aggressive bunch to say the least, we should probably just stay out of their way.
Moving on, past the crimson lake more north western through the abundant valley is the Kingdom of Brio. A very fruitful and beautiful land, with equally so people. The represent life and spirit, and hold it in high regard. They are economically sound due to their expertise in medicine, and science. They are always trying to learn more about preserving life. Janine actually, is from Brio. She is brilliant, but many people from Brio are. They can be identified in an aqua green color. The king and queen of Brio have many, many children so they are quite abundant. Brin people disagree with any type of activity that's main purpose is to kill. So The Stalwarts, Aspers, Obdurians, Crims, and Ardorians aren't particularly liked amongst the Brins. Brin people are quite adept fighters ironically, but they fight like the Murcuians in a more serious way though. Murcuians play, Brins disarm and get on with their day. Seldom a Brin will fight for a long time to tire out their opponent if they can't disarm them, but that rarely happens. Brins are nice people, and are pacifists, they value life above all. In other words they don't take kindly to threats, peculiarly enough they will stand up for themselves. It is quite funny though because when a Brio stand up, everyone backs away. Who knew the people of life could make others fear for theirs." Mirana laughed at how ironic Underland could be at times.
Alice smiled at her queens beauty, and how she valued Mirana's life over her own. Life was vauable yes, but not if there was no happiness.
" Past the valley's of brio is the golden ocean of valor. Lastly on the other side of that ocean is the Kingdom of Valor. They represent Bravery. A strong living legend from their shores named Lights came up with a quote that the Valorians live by proudly. You don't have to feel safe to feel unafraid. She most undoubtedly will be escorting the royal family here along with her scouts. Valorians are brave, but not intimidating at all. They do not fear anything, and if something scares them they face it anyway. They do not cower away from things that frighten them. Their distinct bravery is the most intimidating thing about them, for the people of Valor from what I hear are very gentle looking. Honor and loyalty are qualities that every Valorian possess's. They are unwavering allies, if we had been allied with them when Iracebeth struck, she would have been cut down before she could have even ordered the attack. Valorians can be identified with gold. They are the only kingdom in Underland, that allows there king and queen to engage in direct battle, and they do with pride. They would not have there military fight for them if they could not show that they are willing to fight also. Valorian aren't the strongest, but they use their minds in battle. They fight with intelligence, and are allied with Serenia. For ever war Serenia fought, the Valorian's fought beside them, which is more and likely why Serenia has never lost. The people of Valor are not war hungry, but they strive to keep justice so they fight when they have to, but in Underland unfortunately that is more often then not. They are economically sound because their weapon crafting is unique and expertly done. They also have one of the best merchant markets." Mirana smiled when she spoke of the Valorians.
"So we need Valor don't we?" Alice asked.
"Most definitely, If you gain Lights, their prized warrior's favor we may gain an ally that will defend our arguments and allow us to speak with out any one cutting in." Mirana explained.
The two finished eating their lunch peacfully.
"All these politics have my mind a little worn out…" Alice spoke in a curious tone. She walked two of her fingers up Mirana's leg in playful manner, causing the queen to chuckle.
"I happen to know a few things about freeing the mind… it is usually pretty fun." Alice teased as she moved around behind Mirana and spoke into her neck as she sprinkled soft kisses on either side.
"You are quite playful to day." Mirana laughed as she welcomed Alice's affection.
In the distance Pierce was making his way to the tranquil ocean's shoreline to find Mirana. He had heard the hatter had sent her their for lunch, he was hoping to maybe talk to the queen in an informal environment. Something about Mirana was enticing to him. She was an unblemished beauty in a world that could be so unbeautiful at times. She was a delicate treasure in his eyes, and he was to guard it from harm. He spotted the white willow and saw the white figure he was thinking about underneath it.
"Why would the hatter send our beautiful queen out here alone. She could fall prey to any predator that wanted… no… Don't go there Pierce." He told himself. He became a little nervous about being around the queen in such a private setting, but then he saw it.
Another figure with their hands sliding up Mirana's midriff up to her full lovely breasts. The figure was kissing the queens neck and fondling her chest. He moved closer and saw that she was smiling, as she was being violated. No one should lay a hand on something so pure and beautiful.
Then Mirana stretched her arms out and rested her hand on her lovers head who was still behind her. The queen tilted her head to meet her lovers lips. The other figure snaked their body around in front of the queens. HER! Pierce's mind raged. The queen and the champion together!
Mirana began to unbutton Alice's shirt more, when the both stopped suddenly at the sound of a sword being unsheathed and then a second one.
"Tread carefully lad… I would if I were you." The hatter warned as he pointed his sword at Pierce's back.
Alice spotted Pierce and quickly began to redress herself, Mirana followed suit.
"This is not good." Mirana commented.
"I'm aware of that, but I don't fear him. I fear who he might inform more." Alice spoke. She didn't think very highly of Pierce.
"Why is you blade drawn boy?" The hatter questioned.
"I heard some one coming up behind me. So I drew my blade." Pierce gritted his teeth, but he was being honest. The hatter could tell that much.
"Just as a precaution, would you mind dropping your sword?" The hatter asked politely.
Pierce obeyed without hesitation. He put his hands up, to show he did not want and faced the hatter. The hatter stared the young man down and searched his eyes, but all he saw was confusion in the young mans eyes.
"Are you a threat to my queen or the champion?" Tarrant questioned the man in a serious tone.
"I most certainly am not! Though I do find this fraternization completely…"
"Enough! I do not believe he asked your opinion!" Alice cut him off aggressively. He turned around to see the champion standing behind him with her arms crossed. Mirana was standing next to her, but slightly behind Alice. When Pierce looked at the queen Alice moved to stand more in front of her in a protective manner. She also wanted the man to understand she was serious when she spoke to him.
"Who are you to talk that way to me?" Pierce challenged. He put his hands down and faced the young woman fully, and stood taller.
"I'm the Champion of Marmoreal. Who the hell are you?" Alice took a step closer to him, showing that she was not intimidated.
"I am the royal advisor of Marmoreal. And the queen's right hand man!" He said in a raised voice. He took a step and pointed to Mirana to make sure he was getting his point across.
"No I'm her right hand! And you well that would just make you wrong wouldn't it?" Alice recanted and swatted his hand down, and stepped so close to him that they were almost touching. They stared each other down in pure rage.
At this point Tarrant had lowered his sword and just watched the spectacle, he couldn't believe he was witnessing. Alice has her muchness back! Tarrant celebrated silently in his head.
"You will talk to me with respect! You had one duty and fulfilled it. Now you don't do anything productive at all. I don't see you at her majesty's side working your ass off for the well being of Marmoreal. If anything your hurting Marmoreal! Why don't you go back to where your from? You don't really do anything do you?" Pierce vented in her face. His words struck a nerve with Alice. It was just like England, she just lived off her mother, people said. It wasn't true she just didn't want what was socially excepted, and she hadn't found what she wanted yet.
"Hatter!" Alice shouted and extended her hand. He immediately through her his sword.
Pierce jumped back and swept his sword up. They stood with their weapons on guard and started to circle each other. Suddenly Pierce struck with a straight forward jab. Alice blocked the attack and locked her blade with his, she then spun them around to reverse their positions. The move caught the advisor off guard. She slashed downward with a step, he blocked it barely. She struck straight with another step, he blocked again with barely enough time. She swung her blade from right side, he blocked again but her blade cut his left arm a bit, causing him to turn to his right side slightly. She seized her opportunity and push kicked him in his stomach. Pierce landed on his back and Alice pointed her blade centimeters from his neck.
"Yield!" Alice commanded, but the man did not.
"Stand down Alice." Mirana spoke calmly, but firmly. The champion obeyed with out hesitation. She snarled at him and then returned Tarrant's sword to him.
"Stand up Sir Bourne, and sheath you blade please." Mirana commanded. She was surprised with how adept Alice was with a sword, it was a curious thing. Mirana was surprised with what she had just seen, but she couldn't deny how Alice's fierceness in her defense warmed her heart. Pierce stood up and wiped himself down, as if he had not just been beaten by a young girl. He cleared his throat and was about to speak, when Mirana advised him not too.
"I do not want to hear a word out of you other then the answer to the question I'm about to ask you understood?" Mirana scolded.
He only nodded.
"Good. All I need to know, is if we can trust you. Can we?" Mirana reiterated.
"Trust? With what? I am your advisor, if you can't trust me then who could you trust?" Pierce's answer surprised the queen. She realized that even though this man was at times very annoying he was loyal.
"Good I will meet you back in the study in an hour, please take your leave." The white queen requested.
Pierce turned around and began to walk away, but stopped when he was about to pass Alice and Tarrant.
He cleared his throat and said.
"You are quite skilled with a blade. Maybe you could be of use to the Marmoreal military." Alice nodded towards him in acknowledgment, and he nodded back in return then continued his walk back to the kingdom.
" I wanted him to yield." Alice spoke in a bit of a disappointed tone. She wanted to make him discard his pride.
"That would have been something, but he was not going to yield. His training with a blade was Vainglorian, but his stature and poise was Obdurian… That explains why he always so upright, but overly bold. I remember Jacobson mentioning he was from Obdura, but he left when he turned 18. Pierce's mother was from Vainglor, he must have spent his childhood there. However, it seems he mastered the art of the blade under an Obdurian trainer. Though he isn't very skilled with the sword, he is a fair opponent… What I want to know is where the strength I just saw you show came from. Alice a few days ago you could barely even hold a sword up." Mirana inquired.
"If I knew I would tell you… but the truth is I don't really know. I just kind of did what I felt I should." Alice said in truth.
"Alice the reversal move I saw you preform when you locked pierces blade with your own, is a move that take swordsmen years to perfect… It was impressive, but very curious, curious indeed." Tarrant noted.
"Very strange things have been happening with you lately my love." Mirana stated factually.
"I know… Uh Tarrant did you have something you wanted to talk to us about?" Alice asked remembering his request from earlier.
"Ah yes! Let's return to my studio shall we?" Tarrant suggested. The three returned to the kingdom and found them selves in Tarrant's studio with in a half hour.
"I don't have much to say really, but I did what you asked my queen… The vial is in the middle drawer of my desk." Tarrant spoke wearily.
"I will leave you two be, but Alice no matter what you do I want you to know… That you are one of my best friends." Tarrant left the room before Alice could respond.
The champion looked at Mirana in a curious matter.
"Why did he go so emotional?…" Alice asked with a smirk, but it faded to a serious look when she saw Mirana's face. The queen had gotten a vial of purple liquid out of the hatter's desk.
"Though I believe Pierce being out of line about you going back home, I wonder if you have thought about returning there… I do not really want to do this but, I have to present this to you, for it is yours… The blood of the Jabberwocky. It will take you home if you want." Mirana spoke sadly.
"Would I be able to come back?" Alice questioned as she took the vial of blood.
"I do not know my love… I honestly didn't really want to give it to you, but it is your choice." The queen reiterated.
"Why would I ever want to leave you?" Alice asked.
"All I request is that you spend a little more time in Underland… Preferably after the union meeting of the kingdoms. I could really use your help why they are here, and I want more time with you." Mirana admitted.
Alice put the vial in her chest pocket, and cupped Mirana's face. She kissed her forehead and then took a step back.
"You should probably get started on your work with Pierce. I'm going to go talk with Janine." Alice said and took her leave.
The hatter walked in with a questioning look on his face.
"Well?" He asked Mirana.
"I don't know… I asked that if her decision were to leave that she wait until after the union meeting. I suppose we will find out then." Mirana spoke with an uncharacteristically nervous tone.
"My queen if I may give you my opinion… Back at the white willow I witnessed a woman that loves you enough to give up her life for you. She fought for you so fiercely, in my opinion that is not the way one fights for some one if they were planning on leaving." Tarrant comforted.
The queen smiled and silently thanked him, and handed him a silver leaf from the willow. It was still glimmering meaning that it had fallen off and was not picked. Tarrant beamed with excitement. He could make a beautiful hat with this. The queen smirked and then headed to the study.
"Janine?" Alice asked while looking around the young doctor's lab.
"Oh! Hello… You startled me. Is there something else I can help you with." The young doctor smiled softly.
"I was just wondering if you discovered why I healed so fast." Alice got straight to the point.
"No nothing yet, but we did rule out the possibility of accelerated aging. I keep running tests but I can't pin point what caused you to heal so quickly. Why? Have you seen any negative side affects?" Janine asked in a worry.
"Oh. No I haven't seem anything negative, but I have seen or rather experienced other affects. Earlier today I realized that I am must stronger than a girl my size should be, and my reactions are peculiarly fast. I also feel like my senses and reflex's are much stronger." Alice explained with out talking about her fight with Pierce.
"That is fascinating. See the thing about inventive medicine is that it can be unpredictable at times. Good news is that if you haven't experienced anything negative yet, you are in the clear from any bad reactions… The not so bad as much as disappointing news, is that I won't be able to duplicate the effects, because I don't know what caused it. I promise that as soon as I find out anything I will let you know."
"Well thank you. I will let you get back to work." Alice said in appreciation.
I don't want to leave this place… Surely My Queen knows this… Alice thought as she wandered to the study. I would never leave Mirana…
The Valorian quote "You don't have to feel safe to feel unafraid." is a lights poxlietnier song titled 'Lions'. I couldn't resist i wanted to make her a character. :-) what did Ya'll think? And remember any requests of what kingdoms you are interested in will help me narrow down a top five, and we will spend more time on them then others. It's your choice take advantage. And :-( i'm sorry for how long you have waited. Thank you for your patience!