Hopefully this will be the last 5K+ word chapter in a long time. I'm going to be shortening them back to normal size. My trial is over, and I'm happy with the outcome. It doesn't bring back those I lost and my life that I lost, but I'll be satisfied with what I got.
Chapter 11
Forget About the World
Elliot was not expecting the walk to Clover Tower to take so long. This young lady needed to go at a slower pace than his long legs would allow; plus, he was always so used to getting things done in a timely manner. It was almost driving him crazy. No wonder that annoying knight carried her.
They both could see the tower long before reaching the town. The amazing structure could be seen above the trees, which meant they were getting closer at least. Lily was thankful that they were making good timing, and glad she didn't have to second guess the direction with someone like Elliot. Nothing on the path looked familiar, even though they were going in the same direction as the Clock Tower would have been.
"So why didn't you want to stay with us?" Elliot asked the lady, realizing she was much shorter than he'd remembered, now that they were walking side by side. "I noticed you left suddenly last time."
"…I really don't want to talk about it…" Lily replied, not looking at him. She knew the conversation would eventually come up, but didn't want it to be during this long walk.
"If the servants or even those damn kids did anything, I can take care of it."
"Thanks for the offer, but I don't need it." She wanted to add 'what's done is done', but decided not to, knowing it would just incite more conversation on the matter. She didn't know whether to tell Elliot about Blood's attack; or even the incident with the twins. Would he defend them and do the same to her?
"I know you are a lady of few words, but you can tell me anything." Elliot replied, looking at the scenery of the woods. He didn't want to lose the tough guy exterior, but he was beginning to worry about her. She held more of a conversation when Ace were with them, albeit annoyed with him; and she looked like she was beginning to open up near the end of the tea party, but when she's alone with him she seemed to shut down. Was he really that intimidating?
"Thanks Elliot. I appreciate that, but I'm fine." Lily also would not look in his direction.
They continued to walk awkwardly on the path, not saying anything to each other for some time. Finally, the silence got to Elliot again and he had to stop and face Lily. Something was really eating at his conscious.
"Look, I'm sorry about earlier. When I tried to… you know..." He clenched his fists to his sides, almost to keep him from taking her hands in the apology. He also didn't know how he should apologize. The giant rabbit was following orders to protect his family, even if she were an Outsider. Perhaps he was feeling guilty about after the fact and now he won't do it again. Perhaps his actions might cause her to not visit Alice.
Lily stopped, almost running into him and had to finally look up at him. His eyes were tightly closed shut and he had a bead of sweat apparent by his temple. She could see his fists tight to his sides. Was he stressing out over it this whole time?
"…Elliot…" She considered his apology, completely opposite to the way Blood apologized. A proper polite apology verses a stressed out one. Could she believe this apology when the other was a fake? But then again, Elliot thought that Blood's apology was sincere as well. Was he clueless to Blood's hidden words, or is he the same? Then again, she recalled Alice mentioning Elliot's character. She opened her mouth to say something but they were interrupted by a loud noise.
"Elly!" Someone burst out to them from the woods with a cry that she wasn't sure if they were calling her name or Elliot's. A flash of green and orange passed Lily and clenched onto Elliot.
"Oi!" Elliot tried to peal the new person off, but they still held on. "How many time have I told you not to call me that?!"
"Elly! Knight! Knight!" They cried out. "I saw the Knight!
"What sort of man are you to be scared of him?" Eventually Elliot was able to pull this 'guy' off. From the quick 'leap' and confusion, Lily wasn't sure if this distressed person were a boy or girl. They had the high pitched squeal like a girl, and the crying face didn't help. At that moment, he noticed Lily.
"Elly… you have a new friend…?" He looked curiously at her. Another person with animal ears but different from Elliot or Boris. What animal was he? He wore a cute hat, sided to the right of his head, and his clothes seemed to be colorful yet old fashioned. He didn't look much older than a late teen.
Lily then realized that she was being rude without introducing herself. "Uh! Hello! Sorry! My name is Lily M'Lake! Pleasure!" She rushed her introduction, extending her hand to him.
"Lily, this is Peirce, an extended member to the Hatter Family." Elliot introduced the newcomer. Peirce smiled brightly at Lily, taking her hand with both of his.
"You're cute!" Peirce replied unexpectedly. Suddenly, without warning, he leaned in and pulled Lily into a kiss by her extended hand. It happened so fast that Lily lost her balance with her cane and almost toppled on top of the mouse if Elliot didn't act quickly and pulled her away.
"Hey! Peirce!" Elliot lifted Lily off of the ground and held her bent over his shoulder like a sack of flour.
"I just wanted to squeak in a kiss!" Peirce countered, suddenly apologetic but not completely. "She said 'pleasure'."
"That doesn't give you the right to plaster yourself over anyone!"
Lily lay bent over Elliot's shoulder by her mid-drift, completely speechless and confused about what just happened as Elliot yelled. What was up with the random kiss?! No one's ever kissed her like that before! Not that she's never been kissed passionately, not that this was passionate; but they've always been prepared and expected passionate kisses. She adjusted herself to look over Elliot's shoulder, bracing her hands to his back as she did.
"I'm sorry Elly, Lily." Peirce apologized to both. Elliot sighed, shaking his head. "Peirce, go and talk to the boss. I think he has a job for you already. And when you're done, I have one for you as well."
"Yes sir!" An immediate change. The young mouse smiled a good bye to Lily before turning around to the direction of the Hatter Mansion and left as quickly as he showed up. As he ran off, Lily noticed his thin tail for the first time, realizing that he's a mouse. She kept upright and braced to Elliot's back, looking in the same direction as he for a while, still at a loss of words, not exactly sure if she should ask to get down, or just stay there. She still felt the pain from the twin's pit, but afraid that if she mentioned it, it would ensue unwanted questions. But she did not like her feet not touch ground.
"…Eh… where were we…?" Elliot broke the silence, looking around the forest. Hopefully he didn't get lost like the knight.
"…We were headed that way…" Lily pointed in the direction they were headed with her abled foot, careful not to lift her dress in the process. "To the tower."
"Oh right!" he changed his tone cheerfully. In one swift swoop, he picked up the little lady's cane, handed it to her, and continued on their journey in the pace that he wanted. The little missy's weight did not slow him down like it did Ace's.
"Elliot?" Lily waited till he showed some response he was listening, even if he didn't say a word which surprised her. Perhaps because her voice was tentative and he was waiting to see what the question was. But those long rabbit ears could pick up anything. "How big is your… Hatter family…?"
"Well, we of course have Blood! He's the brains and a true leader who pulls us all together!" Elliot started off. "We have the boys, who guard the premises. Peirce! He used to live with us, but he doesn't anymore. Miss Alice is our newest member, being married to Blood. And myself! Oh! And of course our maids and servants in the complex!"
Lily thought about their dynamics for a bit. He didn't add anybody she hadn't met yet, Pierce being the newest one just recently. And aside from all the faceless. But did they have no specific role but to follow Blood's orders? And she had another question itching at her. "The twins…? Who are their parents?" If Alice and the Mad Hatter were married, could the Tweedle brothers be…?
"Like I know? They just work for us, whatever little they do." Elliot answered without much thought on the matter.
"They have no relation to Blood, or anybody?" Lily tried to figure it out. The two young boys looked like they could have some relation with the mad man. Their hair for one, and how they hide a devious side in a similar way. The 'Blood' Family and nickname 'Bloody Twins' also had some relation. Elliot busted up laughing once he realized what Lily was asking.
"Blood and the Bloody Twins?! Ha! I know he and the Missus are trying to start a family, but it's not the Twins!"
"But… Well…" Lily tried to put in words what she was trying to say, but nothing came out except exasperation. How does she even begin to ask about their family life or schooling if she doesn't even know if this world had such things? She felt like any situation with the Sen'ka kids again. If she had animal ears, they would have deflated. Elliot just chuckled and carried on down the trails. It didn't take long for them to make it into a town. The town had a similar feel to the Clock Tower, but with more shops. The same cobble stone paths and store fronts. This one seemed to have more Faceless bustling the streets, although it could have been the time of day.
Elliot removed her from his shoulder and gently set her down. They were just at the innermost outskirts of town. Not at the edge of town limits, but still some distance from the center and Tower.
"Alright, this is where we part ways." The Hare started off. "If you want the Tower, and if I remember correctly, you just go down this road until town center. You won't miss it."
"You're not going to the Tower itself?" Lily asked, looking up at him. She straightened her braid once he set her down, but mainly as something to fidget with.
"Nah. I have business elsewhere just in this area. But if you want, we can meet up again sometime!" He beamed at an idea. "I know they have some really good restaurants!"
"A dinner?" The mentioning of food reminded her stomach that it was empty.
"Dinner, lunch, desserts… hell, even breakfast! It'll be my treat!" Elliot boasted as he thought of all the possibilities. Maybe if he said he'll pay, then it would convince her to join. Lily considered it, hoping he wouldn't be like the rest of the Hatters. So far, even though he had animal ears and each meeting has been short, he's been the most down to earth one there. He and Alice.
"I'll consider it under a condition." She straightened her back in a serious manner. Elliot froze, not expecting this approach. "I know you said you won't try to …hurt… me again. But please! Don't hurt anyone else. At least not near me…" She remembered the Twins, how they played their 'game' but didn't hurt her themselves.
Elliot smile widened, thinking it can't be that hard of a challenge. He may jump the gun one too many times, but he's been practicing his patience. And it's not too tall of an order from the ones Alice used to ask. He straightened his back as well to the agreement, nodding with a hum of a yes. "Miss Lily! I will promise that I'll keep work away from you if that's what you wish!"
This time Lily was taken aback momentarily. She really began to question in her head what his 'job' entailed as a man of the Mafia. Did she really want to know, especially since he said he'll keep it away from her? Perhaps ignorance is bliss. "Thank you. Um, well… I guess I'll be seeing you later?"
Elliot nodded happily, glad he had another buddy to enjoy meals with. Alice has been giving many excuses lately, so it would be a nice change. Plus, Blood isn't one to admit he's the jealous type. They waved at each other as they parted ways, one headed down an empty street as the other continued down the main road to the center.
Lily looked around her as she walked. It was actually a beautiful, old fashioned town. It almost felt 'old world' with the cobblestones and storefronts, but she could see hints of modern such as the light fixtures and fashion. Some faceless ladies wore modern dresses or even pants, but mixed in with others who wore what looked like dresses from a different English era, or eras she's never known existed. Same with the men. But then again, the clothes she seen on the non-faceless, or role holders, were not exactly normal.
Every so often as she passed by the shops, the shop owners would wave and greet her. Just like any store, she figured they were just trying to get business, so in turn she'd smile and greet back. Their facelessness didn't bother her as much as she thought it would. In fact, if she looked close enough again, she could almost witness features for a split moment. Almost like strangers in a dream. And perhaps that's what they were.
As she walked through the town and looking at all the residents and shopkeepers, she noticed something she should have noticed from the beginning. Of all the people around her with different clothes and hairstyles, though each hairstyle were clean kept and not odd like some of the Role holders', she realized she were the only dark skinned one. Some did not regard it, but others she noticed watched her. No disgusted or uneasy looks from what she could tell, just curious looks. Either it was because of her skin tone, her apparent disability, or they knew she was an Outsider. Realizing her vulnerability, she did her best to quicken her pace.
With some help with asking for help along the way, she eventually made it to the front of the Clover Tower. Once there, she realized how ridiculous she may have been asking around, realizing it had a large wall around it and obvious of what it was. She was expecting the same sort of residence like Julius's, but was surprised by how massive the building was and all the people entering and leaving like there were offices inside. It appeared the only way inside was a large staircase leading over the wall. Is it a place of business like a City Hall?
She wanted to come here, and under the assumption that she was going to stay here like a hotel, but now she didn't know what to do. Does she go in and ask around for lodging in town? Did they mean the 'Clover Tower' in a general term like the town name? She sat at an available bench in front of the Tower wall, lost once again.
It didn't take long of her sitting there before a well-dressed faceless gentleman came out of the Tower and greeted her. "Ma'am?"
Lily startled, realizing he was talking to her. She didn't say anything in response except with her eyes, not sure what he was asking.
"I've been asked to retrieve you." He indicated the direction they were to take, back into the large building. "Follow me."
"Follow you? …By whom?" She hesitantly asked, but still got up from the bench.
"By our Lord. He'll explain everything." The gentleman smiled at Lily and gestured politely for her to walk ahead of him. Lily continued to be hesitant, even though she did as he suggested. Is it another Mafia Lord asking for her? The feeling of regret increased; regret of leaving Elliot and the regret of wanting to come here in the first place.
They trekked up the stairs, much to her dismay, and entered the building. The entire building had a mint green and burnt orange or gold color scheme to it, with clovers decorating the floors and walls. Once in the entry way, she saw a large staircase, leading to higher floors. Can't they have elevators or anything easier than stairs? What if she were wheelchair bound? Then perhaps this 'dream world' would be different to cater to her needs.
Once they made it to a certain floor, not sure which one, when the gentleman led her to a sort of waiting room and asked her to sit at one of the chairs available. He went to get her a cup of coffee, and mentioned that his Lord will be with her shortly. At first she did sit, resting her legs from the stairs, but after some time she decided to walk around the room and look at the framed art and shelves of books. The artworks were beautiful scenery, or landscapes with animals in view. Some depicted the animals in the foreground, looking at the scenery, or others with the animals becoming part of the scenery.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" A familiar voice replied from behind her, startling her in the process. She quickly turned around, almost losing her balance if it weren't for a shelf next to her to brace against. She really needed to stop doing that. There standing behind her was Nightmare. She looked quizzically at him, not sure what to say. He smiled at her, arms lazily crossed. So he continued with the artwork. "They are almost dream-like. Getting lost in scenery with no time."
"…Is this a dream..?" She finally asked, glancing around the room to see if anything were out of place. How did she get in the dream realm? Did she fall asleep in the chair? Nightmare chuckled.
"No. You are not dreaming this time. Am I your wildest dreams come true?" He joked as he tried to stand radiantly. Lily was again speechless. Did he just say that? She must be dreaming! To which he cried out. "You're not dreaming!"
"Will you stop doing that!" She in turn cried out. So it was indeed him.
"Of course it's me! Who else?" Again, he couldn't help himself. Lily was about to reply, but decided to say it in her head since he could listen. 'Someone with barriers!'
"I told you I can't help it!" Both were getting frustrated at each other. Lily tried her best to make her mind a blank slate, but her thoughts just kept running and changing at split seconds to random things. Thankfully others came into the room and broke their tension. One was the faceless gent with her coffee and the other a tall man in a black trench coat she didn't know. But he had a face, unlike the other.
"Lord Nightmare! You left so suddenly!" The man with the face called out, an almost jog sprinted him quickly to Nightmare, papers in his hands.
"Lord?!" Lily questioned, looking back at Nightmare. He again had a smirk on his face to her realization.
"Is it so hard to comprehend, Lily?" he tried to keep his composure, but failed.
"You seem to pull it off better than you did with Alice. She knew off the bat how much of a flake you are." The trench coat man replied, providing papers to Nightmare.
"I am not a flake!" Nightmare huffed.
"Then do your work and compose yourself better." He handed Nightmare the stack and before Nightmare could say anything, provided a pen as well. The faceless man gave Lily her coffee and left the room immediately to do his duties.
"Don't give me so much work! The other leaders don't have so much paperwork! You're going to make me sick!"
"Sure they do, they just don't complain about it like you and actually get it done. Now sign here." The man calmly replied.
Lily watched the two interact, not sure what to say or do. She held her coffee, but had yet to taste it. The tall trench coat man got Nightmare situated with the forms and paperwork at an available coffee table, then turned to Lily. "My apologies. Lord Nightmare can be a handful at times."
"…I can see that…" She finally spoke up, not sure how to react with the situation. She's always known Nightmare in dreams since she's gotten here. At the time he was enigmatic and mysterious, especially with the covered eye, but now seeing him in person, he was not what she'd expect.
"I'm Gray, Lord Nightmare's assistant." He introduced himself politely.
"…Lily… I'm sorry, I can't get over the 'Lord Nightmare'. How is he a lord?" Lily shook her head at hearing the term.
"Lily!" Nightmare called out to her. He set the unfinished paperwork aside and went back over to them, trying to compose himself. "As 'Lord' of this place, I need to show my 'guest' around." He huffed at Gray.
"You know your work'll just pile up sir." Gray sighed as he gathered up the paperwork, knowing he wasn't going to get through to him at this time. "But if you insist, I'll accompany you."
"Lily, let me show you something." He led the way to a door that led to farther inside the building. Rooms and rooms filed with many people working and carrying paperwork. It looked like offices, but not ones she's used to seeing. Everything done with pen and paper and no modern electronics found. But she couldn't believe all the shelving with books around. Lily couldn't help but wonder what was in each book.
"As you can see, I'm a domain leader here at Clover Tower. I oversee everything and make sure rules are followed in this country." Nightmare started off, indicating the employees around him.
"You're not instilling much confidence" Lily replied as she watched the other people working. "I've known leaders who've claimed to be the answer and strength we need, but they actually just bullied their way in office."
"I can assure you, Miss Lily, that Lord Nightmare is the farthest from a bully." Gray confirmed before Nightmare could protest.
"Are you saying I'm weak?!" Nightmare gawked. He didn't know whether to be happy being called 'farthest from a bully', sounding better politically, but he knew how to read between Gray's words.
"I'm just stating you don't 'assert' yourself as much as you should." Gray replied coolly. Lily was getting confused of their side conversation but with no other choice, followed them. They made it to a main hall that looked much like a large conference room. They stood at the entry, overlooking the large room. A large table over took the room in the shape of a clover, with four main executive seats at each leaf and stem, and various chairs around. Facing around the main 'Clover Conference Table', circled several elongated conference tables, each seating perhaps ten seats, plus room enough for anybody to stand around the perimeter of the room. Pillars stood around the room, adding to the grandeur effect.
"In Clover Tower, we conduct meetings with all leaders and their select staff." Nightmare watched her look around the room, leaning against her cane, looking at the details in the pillars and conference area. "Conference doesn't start till some time periods from now, once everything settles. Everyone attends, even Outsiders."
"What? Why?" She looked at Nightmare with a serious look for the first time since meeting him in person. Meetings should be conducted with respectable parties, not ineligibles.
"It's the rules." He smiled lightly, then continued walking around the surprisingly large Clover Table.
"I don't understand these 'rules'. Is there a policy book I should look at to know what these rules are?" She looked at Nightmare then to Gray.
"Non-sense. The rules don't need to be written if everyone knows them. Outsiders are an exception but that's what makes you one."
"What's non-sense is what you just said. How would I know if I broke a rule?" She walked around a large pillar, looking at its size.
"The rules are more set for those with Roles and those without in this land. Again, you are an exception."
"…So a Customs and Traditions sort of thing?" She thought about it, still not fully comprehending their ways in this world. But she understood the term customs and traditions within her family. Unwritten 'rules' or 'customs' that need not defining but everyone knew because it was tradition before written language, such as elders eat first, girls not allowed at certain sacred areas, or never touch the drums. But even then, there were no exceptions for those outside her Tribe as far as she knew. Were these similar in a way?
"Precisely." Nightmare smiled at her as she rounded the pillar. She ignored the fact that he read her thoughts on it. "It's something we live by and know by our very being to be true and followed. Though some rules may be broken from time to time. Speaking of rules, how have you been with playing the game?"
"The game?" Nightmare and Lily sat at one of the outer conference tables, Gray just stood next to Nightmare.
"You're pocket." Nightmare pointed at her breast cardigan pocket that Lily completely forgot about. Lily looked skeptically at him, then checked, finding the vial tucked in with the cash from Julius. She removed all contents from the pocket, but stared at the cash, reminded of Julius. She never did speak with him again and never did spend his money. Was he really gone as Ace and Elliot stated? Nightmare ignored the cash, reaching for the vial she pulled out. There was liquid inside, perhaps a third full. "This indicates your game."
"I don't recall that much liquid.." She looked at the vial confused. She wondered if condensation somehow got in it.
"It fills as you progress in your game. Your interactions, your progress, your…" He trailed off, looking at it. For the time she's been here, she hadn't fill it as full as Alice had when she first arrived. "I understand you're still confused at what your role is here?"
Lily nodded as she looked at the miniature bottle. Gray leaned against a pillar near them, knowing it may take some time.
"Why do you think you're here?" Nightmare held the vial in his palm, a gesture that could have been handing it back, or displaying it. Lily was confused, why was he asking her another question when she clearly didn't know.
"I really don't know. In the beginning you told me that I am needed here." She looked at the vial at first, then directly at Nightmare.
"And you are. Even Outsiders have a role in a way. It comes with interaction and involvement." Nightmare smiled at her.
"And I have been meeting others. I have yet to sleep in the same bed twice, even slept in the woods! I get pulled from one direction to another, by different people. I've almost been killed on more than one occasion! I've never…" she trailed off, not sure how to complete that sentence.
"You've never experienced such interactions that could leave strong bonds almost immediately?" Nightmare finished the sentence. He leaned his elbows on the table, and rested his head on his hands.
"What? No! …Wait, what?" Lily suddenly got confused again, not expecting that answer.
"They may be considered dangerous at time, but they all wear their 'heart' on their sleep so to speak. Now I understand you felt threatened and in danger, but could you find yourself still spending time with them?"
Lily thought a bit about it. Blood, the Mad Hatter, definitely not. He felt the most dangerous. Cunning and calculating with a calm exterior. But the other Hatter Family? Elliot, even though he attempted, he suddenly took a 360 and became a different person, maybe even a friend. And the twins may possibly not understand the effects, they did feel bad afterwards. And Ace, well, who could say with him. But Julius, Boris, and Gowland she somehow trusted.
"Let me ask another question." Nightmare started again. "Do you feel admiration from them? Do you feel your responsibilities from before?"
Lily paused again to think about the questions. Admiration from the guys and Alice? She knew she admired Julius and Gowland. But he was asking if she felt them admire her. In a way, it was surprising how they warmed up to her so quickly. "…I thought it's because I'm an Outsider?"
"It helps, yes. But that's how they are."
"Their actions may be brash, but they mean well." Gray replied from over by the pillar. He'd been listening to the conversation and just now pitched in. "Don't pay attention to first impressions."
Lily looked back at Gray, thinking of what he said. Nightmare spoke up again. "Don't let their negative impressions effect your game."
"Lord Nightmare." Gray warn off to the side where Lily could not hear. He'd spent too much time already away from his desk, and paperwork could be piling up.
"I'm fully aware." He quietly replied back. He didn't need to read his assistant's mind to know what he was getting at. They watched as Lily fiddled with her braid absentmindedly as she tried to figure out her game. It didn't seem that she noticed their side conversation or paid no mind to it. Nightmare stood up, followed by Gray. "I'll have Gray lead you to your room."
Lily snapped from her thoughts and look at both men. Eventually she got up and followed their lead towards one of the exits without question.
"This is where I part ways with you, but once you are settled in, come and see me anytime." Nightmare smiled again at her. Gray was about to say something to Nightmare, but decided to remain silent.
"You don't mind me staying here?" Lily asked the reaffirmation. She's slept at so many different places, she was afraid this wouldn't be permanent.
"You can stay anywhere you'd like, but in a short enough time, everyone would be here." Nightmare replied. "Plus, I'll be grateful if you did."
"You can have first pick of a room. I'll make sure it's not far of a walk." Gray reassured her.
They said good bye to Nightmare; Gray reminding Nightmare to return to work while the enigma complained. Even shoving the paperwork into Nightmare's reluctant hands. Shouldn't their roles be reversed? Gray led Lily along the corridor around the parameter of the tower. Before Lily realized, they were on the third floor. When did that happen? This walkway may possibly be an elevated one to higher floors.
"You'll have to excuse Lord Nightmare at times." Gray stated, breaking the silence.
"Yeah. You've mentioned that already." Lily replied. Apologizing for the man must be a habit for him. "So this place also has rooms?"
"Yes, all territories must have sleeping accommodations for large groups. We must play host from time to time." Gray clasped his hands lazily behind his back as they walked.
"Makes sense." They continued down the corridor in silence until Lily asked another question. "What sort of conference is it?"
"Well, it's regarding all business within the country. The topics vary, and others bring their dilemmas to the table. Some may consider it drawn out." Gray tried to put it nicely. "It's mandatory, so even if there are no items, we must still meet."
"Do we get an agenda?" Lily asked. This startled Gray. He's yet to meet an Outsider or anybody outside the office really who was familiar on the topic. He also remembered earlier she mentioned policies and rules. "You've been to conferences before?"
"Yeah, my Tribe goes to them. And bring the information back to Council meetings." Lily began to wonder if this world - if it were a dream - were accommodating her knowledge of such executive procedures. "We follow Robert's Rules of Order and actually have a policies and procedures manual we must follow."
"Amazing! So these conferences may not be to your disliking." Gray smiled slightly. It may have been the first time she's seen this man smile.
"Well, meetings are still boring, even when trying to make them interesting. But I'm glad I'm on familiar ground." She smiled up at him.
"So I'm assuming you're not from the same background as Alice? She's an educated young lady, but these conferences still leap over her head." Gray glanced also at her skin, noticing the contrast to his own.
"In a way, yes. But my knowledge of parliamentary procedure doesn't come from my 'homeland'. It's just what I was raised around and taught, even going to higher education on it. I don't know where Wonderland is located exactly. But compared to Alice's 'homeland', I'm from a different continent. I'm Native." Lily was feeling relieved, glad to have a decent conversation with someone that had some depth to it. The others, though nice, seemed to make her feel out of place and awkward.
"Native?" Gray asked. He's familiar with 'Outsider', but 'Native' would be considered opposite, and she's not a native to Wonderland.
"Native American Indian." She knew it would be brought up, but saying it out loud felt awkward. Like saying something private in public.
"My apologies." Gray apologized. "I've read incredible stories in the library, only believe them to be fiction."
Lily was about to say something, but realized she's doing the same thing to Wonderland. "Yes, well… we are an incredible, strong people."
They made it to a door, at the front of another long corridor. Gray opened the door for her, allowing her to enter first. The room was huge! Could possibly fit half her house back at home! Kept at the clovers and green and burnt orange or gold color scheme as with the rest of the tower, to be expected. But it wasn't over powerful such as the exuberantly decorated room at the Amusement Park.
She walked around the room as Gray explained the accommodations. Room service is available, where the restaurant or café was located down stairs. This was the closest room to the Conference Room, and down the hall, as such every floor, had a balcony for fresh air and scenery. Once he was done with explaining everything, he handed her the key and asked if there were anything else she wanted to know.
"…Earlier, you mentioned a library.." Lily asked tentatively.
"We do have a library on the premises. It's located on the East end, near the offices. If you would like, someone or myself can show you."
There were no other questioned exchanged, so Gray took his leave, allowing Lily to get familiar with the new room. Lily took the opportunity to find the shower, get comfortable in the bed afterwards, and finally be able to relax!