Chapter 3

After many twist and turns along the way , accompanied by incessant arguing, and childish chatter, they arrived in the courtyard of Mamoreal's palace. It was as beautiful as ever with the tea table already lined with those dearest to Alice's heart and one who had yet to earn a special place inside it.

Around the dainty little table sat McTwisp the white rabbit who had first led her to this wondrous realm, beside him at the head of the table sat Mirana the white queen as gentle and wispy as ever.

On the other side of Mirana sat queen Iracebeth her head still big as ever ,but eyes softer and perhaps a little if one should be so bold to say, kinder.

To the left of McTwisp sat Bayard the hound was perched looking as wise and loyal as the last they met and beside him the March hair Thackery was mutering about scone and teacups and throwing things all about.

And on the table near queen Iracebeth little Mallymkun was stabbing her tiny sword into a pastry.

However there was no sign of Tarrant.

" We brought back Alice! "

" No I brought back Alice- "

Tweedledum was cut off by the happy cries of the party ( excluding Iracebeth who only smiled sheepishly)

" I knew she would come back! " Mallymkun scurried to her and made her way to rest in Alice's two cupped hands.

" Who is back?! SCONE." Thackery jabbered chucking a scone at Alice's head which bounced off and fell on the ground leaving blue berry residue behind , Alice only laughed.

" Alice , welcome home." The white queen said in her whistful voice. Her eyes sparkled even more than usual.

" I had a feeling you would come back. " She looked to the cherry tree behind her and saw that oh so familiar widened grin which soon had Chesser's face to frame it along with the rest of the mystical feline.

As soon as all the greetings were finished she enquired as to where the Hatter might be found.

" He still lives in his house by the palace, but he often visites his family's villiage. " Chesser informed her.

" I invited him to tea this afternoon so I expect him to be here any moment. " Mirana's sweet voice brought reassurence as Alice joined her friends at the table. As to anyone wondering the location of the red queen, she had chosen to slip away in all the excited greetings. She still felt guilty for the way she had behaved to Alice ,and felt she wasn't quite ready to face her former adversary just yet.

Sure enough about half past tea time, there was a familiar figure with bright orange hair and a tall purple hat walking towards the party Alice took off in a run to meet him at the gate of the courtyard.

Tarrant furrowed his brow as this tall blonde figure ran straight at him who looked strikingly similar to his dear friend Alice who had long been gone from Underland.

However the shortness of the hair was unfamiliar.

But as the figure was close enough his heart swelled with happiness he could never put into words.

His Alice was home.

He in turn ran to her as well ,and when they met the sun shined even brighter as he grabbed her waist and spun her around he embraced her tightly.

Then something he never expected happened , taking his face in her hands she brought her lips to his in a passionate kiss. His eyes were as big as quarters , then they turned a color they had never turned before, they turned purple, the color of true love.

Everyone else was shocked then burst into joyful laughter and the Hatter blushed slightly remembering they had an audience. Their lips parted and the Hatter decided that was the most wonderful welcome he had ever recieved at a tea party ( or anywhere for that matter ).