On a chilling night in which a yellowing crescent moon bestowed little light upon the forest below, two shivering figures held dead still against the bare trees of the Enchanted Forest. With masks covering faces, wearing black shawls and mud around any exposed parts. A pair of violet eyes among them scanned the trees for a sign of their awaited visitor. But Aurora couldn't see a thing.

"Ella, I need a light." She whispered. Obediently, Ella reached underneath her shawl, where she had a small cage. Inside was a creature no bigger than Ella's pinky; a faerie, fast asleep and unaware of its surroundings. She handed the cage to Aurora, who gave the cage a quick shake. The faerie rose with an irritating hum and Aurora gently blew on its face. Such a trick would keep the faerie sleepy and not irritated. The creatures light grew brighter and finally, Aurora was able to see several feet in front of her until she noticed a glint hidden in the corner of a large tree.

"Is it him?" Ella whispered.

"I hope so…." Aurora held their tiny light in front of her and quickly began walking toward their glint in which she'd hope to see a familiar being. Not that this creature was someone she wanted to see, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Ella followed closely, rubbing her worn hands together nervously and distant giggling could be heard.

Aurora saw the hat before she saw the Hatter. The glint was due to his cup of tea, which he sipped piping hot, tongue forever scorched. He sat on a throne-like chair, crossed legged and overly relaxed. A long elegant dining table sat in front of him and the sudden chilled air became uncomfortably warm. An herbal aroma stained the air surrounding him. To one side sat the giggling March Hare, who twitched as soon as the girls came within sight.

" Company!" He shouted, springing out of his chair, trampling over plates and cake.

"Hello." Ella held in a shriek, shaking the March Hare's dirt covered paw.

"Mr. Hatter?" Aurora began as the March Hare entertained himself with the sleepy faerie that she gave him. "I needed to ask something of you…?"

"Oh! My dear girl, come sit! Sit, sit come!" The Hatter turned to face her, yellow eyes keeping a sharp gaze upon her, bloodshot from lack of sleep as he forced Aurora into a chair. "Tea?" He shoved his own cup into her hands and set a cake in front of her. "Please please, sit, eat, drink some tea. Company does come in short these days you know. It's nice to unwind. And oh my, right on time too!"

"Yes, Hatter that's what I wanted to talk to you about-"

"You know, you remind me of a friend of mine. Same blond hair, Ha! Jittery jittery."

"Hatter, if you don't mind-"

"Oh yes my dear, yes go on, go on! Drink up though!" He gave her a smile and Aurora wondered if in another time he a beautiful man. She reluctantly drank her tea. The fuzzy feeling came from her chest, spreading slowly, thawing her chills. Suddenly, Aurora was no longer nervous and in a panic. She sank into her chair and took another sip.

"There now, aren't you feeling better?" The hatter asked. Aurora smiled.

"Much."

"Aurora…" Ella gave her friend a look, shaking her head, warning her not to drink anymore. One cup is enough, two is pushing. Aurora nodded and straightened up again.

"Hatter, do you know where the white rabbit is?"

The corners of Hatter's lips twitched. "Rabbit?"

"Yes." Aurora held her breath, watching the slow ticking of his mind unfold before her. She stroked her cup, keeping her watchful gaze on his figure. Mad men are the most dangerous.

"Rabbit…." The smile fell and his sickly yellow eyes became distant. Aurora glanced back at Ella. Her friend was keeping the March Hare entertained with the fairie. "Rabbit." Her heart squeezed and Aurora turned back to watch the eyes go from a nasty yellow to a deadly crimson.

"Ell-" Aurora began before feeling long fingernails snatching her neck. Behind her, she heard a small squeak and Aurora let out a sputtering gasp.

"What would you want with the white rabbit?" His voice dropped to a terrifying bass, low and raspy. Aurora fought to keep her hands at her side. Focus…

"I need…to find… him...," Aurora choked mouth agape in hopes of catching some sort of air. The Hatter's fingers tightened as he brought her closer to his face. The sickly scent of tea burned her nostrils.

"Who do you work for?"

"Hatter…"

He gave her a quick jerking motion and Aurora choked out a small squeak. "Tell me!"

"A prince, a prince… please, Hatter, let me explain." Aurora closed her eyes. "We need time. We're running out of time."

The seconds passed and Aurora was beginning to think he'd never let go, but the grip was released and Aurora drew in sharp and uneasy breaths.

"We all need time, girlie," Hatter whispered, drawing near. He placed his lips on the side of her ear. "Sadly, there is no time left to spare." He inhaled her scent and Aurora suppressed a cringe.

"I need the rabbit." Keeping still, the girl held her fists at her side. The two stayed there, unmoving. "Hatter-"

"There is no white rabbit." He said, pulling away and walking back to his chair. "Not anymore." The eyes had returned to their yellow state, glossed with despair. "She took his life from all of us."

Behind her, Aurora heard Ella step up and place a hand over hers.

"Aurora we should go." The two watched the Hatter grip a cup and desperately chug. Instantly his limbs slumped and he chucked the cup. He seemed unaware of their presence. "We can't stay."

The girl blinked, taking in the information, pieces finally gathering together. "She killed him."

"Aurora, now."

"Yes, she did." The hatter croaked.

Ella began pulling Aurora back, snatching the fairie from The March Hare. "Thank you for your hospitality. We wish you the best."

"You're leaving?" The spark returned to his eyes and the Hatter smiled. "You'll miss tea time!"

"TEA!" The March Hare shouted. "Aha ha! Tea!"

"Tea, yes," the Hatter muttered. "Tea helps with everything. Tea…"