Chapter III
Thackery walked in silence as he descended a small hill. Alice swayed on his shoulder with every step he took.
A tense silence hung between them; Alice was still mad at herself and frustrated that she couldn't change her mistake, and Thackery felt like he was the guilty one.
Thackery straightened his back. ''Are you sure it was Stayne?'' he asked uncertain. ''Yes,'' Alice replied coldly gazing blankly in front of her. ''But you don't believe me anyways, so it doesn't make any difference.'' She clenched her teeth as a fresh wave of pain flooded her body.
Thackery turned his head so he could look at her. ''What did you do to yourself?'' he asked concerned. ''I fell from a balcony on a marble floor on my back. But that was several days ago,'' she replied curtly.
She felt too many emotions at once. Anger, frustration, pain mental and physical, guilt. It was just too much.
She sighed and turned to Thackery. ''I'm sorry I'm so crude. I'm just going through a rather rough time now,'' she said softly. Thackery's face softened. ''I understand. I've had those times too. Everyone has.''
He looked back in front of him again. ''We're nearing Marmoreal, you can see the tip of the turrets peeking over the trees.'' He pointed at the forest in front of him.
''I'd say another twenty minutes and we'll be there,'' he said as they entered the forest.
After some time, Alice was able to see cherry trees through the thick dark forest trees and knew they had almost reached the White Queen's castle.
Thackery walked onto the path which led into the castle. The gates were open and the entrance was guarded by two guards clothed in white. The castle loomed up as Thackery neared it.
''Welcome back, Thackery. What's your business here?'' one of the guards asked curiously. Thackery turned just enough so the guard could see Alice on his shoulder.
''Champion, welcome back,'' the guard said. He bowed low. Alice smiled at him. ''Thank you for your kindness. But there is no need to bow,'' she said blushing.
The guard stood up again and nodded with a smile. Thackery waved curtly and then walked into the castle. ''Where should I take you?'' Thackery asked turning his head so he faced her again. ''Take me to the White Queen,'' Alice replied immediately. ''Your wish is my order,'' he replied.
The white walls glinted in the soft moonlight and sent dim rays across the floor. He walked to two big double doors which Alice recognized at once. They were at least five yards high, and three width. A symbol was carved in the pearl white, smooth polished stone.
The huge doors led to the White Queen's throne room. Alice knew this because she had walked through them herself, right after she had stolen the Vorpal sword from the Red Queen and returned it to its rightful owner, the White Queen.
Thackery knocked two times on the huge doors. Alice waited impatiently as waves of pain emerged from her wrist and back. After several moments they both opened inwards at the same time. They didn't creak or made any sound at all.
Thackery waited until they were completely opened then walked into the throne room. He immediately received a warm welcome.
''Thackery!'' Alice recognized the White Queen's, Mirana's, voice. ''Welcome, but why are you here? You only come here when you...'' She trailed off as her eyes caught Alice on his shoulder.
''It can't be,'' she said softly, she stood up from her white throne. ''Hello, Mirana.'' Alice said, a smile forming on her lips. ''My Champion? Am I dreaming?'' she asked herself. ''No Mirana, you're not dreaming. I have returned,'' Alice said. She ignored the pain that continued travelling through her body.
When she realised this person really was Alice, her champion, the threat slayer, Mirana smiled from ear to ear; which strongly reminded Alice of Chessur.
The Queen walked in her own stylish way toward Thackery. ''Well done, Thackery. Well done,'' she said smiling at him. Thackery beamed, ''It wasn't any effort.'' he said.
The Queen hold her hand open in front of Alice so she could jump onto it, and asked, ''I guess you would like to become your normal size again?'' Alice stood in her palm and tried to retain her balance. ''Yes please,'' she replied. ''I'm also hurt, so please be careful,'' she said softly as she clenched her teeth when she swayed dangerously close to the edge.
''What happened?'' Mirana asked concerned. Alice explained her that she had fallen from a balustrade onto marble stones.
''I can fix that for you. Though, I think we should first return you to your normal size.''
The Queen turned and walked through the throne room. ''Thackery if you'd follow me too,'' she said. Thackery watched her confused but followed. The Queen opened another double door, and walked into the kitchen.
She carefully put Alice on the kitchen counter. ''Upelküchen right?'' she asked Thackery, who nodded quickly.
She walked to a cabinet, and opened it. It was a nice cabinet. It was made of dark oak wood and smoothly polished.
She examined the contents. ''Aha, here we are,'' she said smiling. She took out a small cake with white icing.
She took the cake to Alice, and broke off a small piece and laid it before her on the kitchen counter. ''Here you go, just a bite, no more,'' she said warningly.
Alice did as the Queen said and took a small bite. She felt she was growing in length but also in width. Alice looked down and saw herself growing taller and taller but suddenly stopped.
''Feel better?'' the Queen asked walking toward her. Alice nodded curtly. ''Let's get you to your room so I can heal you,'' she said gently. ''I have to see Tarrant first,'' Alice said urgently. The Queen shook her head. ''We should first get you to your room and let you rest.''
Alice knew she wouldn't win the discussion so she didn't even continue.
''Thackery, how would you like to work here at the castle?'' the Queen asked turning around. ''Well, of course I would love to. But what can I do here?'' Thackery asked unsure. ''You will be my personal cook, Thackery,'' the Queen replied. She smiled as she saw Thackery's surprised face. ''A certain someone told me, you can cook very well,'' she added and winked at Alice.
Thackery looked up at her and nodded curtly. You could see he was proud, very proud. ''You can start immediately,'' she said kindly. ''Of course, my Queen,'' he said, then he bowed.
''Wonderful. Alice you'll come with me,'' she said turning back to Alice. She smiled and left the room. Alice followed, but before she closed the doors, smiled at Thackery.
They walked down several corridors. The pain and pressure increased with every step she took.
After some time the White Queen stopped in front of a door Alice recognized. ''I suppose you'd like to sleep in your old room,'' she said smiling as she opened the door.
Alice grinned and waited for the door to be completely opened, then she stepped into the room and greeted the familiarity. ''And I guess I was right,'' the Queen added.
The balcony doors were closed but filled with small panes so there would be enough light.
Alice lay down on the bed just as the White Queen asked her to do. ''I will be gone for some time to get the right items to heal you,'' she said as Alice shifted so she lay comfortable.
She nodded. The White Queen left the room and set for the kitchen again.
She brewed a potion that would let Alice sleep and some other potions that would cure her, and also an ordinary sling.
She quickly returned to the room. ''First, I'll make you sleep. Then I will cure you with magic, then I'll let you wake up naturally,'' she explained as she put the potions on the nightstand.
Alice nodded and closed her eyes. The Queen poured some of the sleeping potion into her mouth and waited until she had fallen asleep and snored softly.
She took half an hour to fix everything. Alice had many wounds on her hand, and her wrist and back were bruised. Even though the Queen would be able to fix them, Alice would have to wear a sling around her arm to let it rest for a day or two.
''That should do it,'' she said as she adjusted the sling so Alice's hurt hand would lay on her chest. She heaved a sigh and quietly left the room.
Alice slowly opened an eye as she felt she was regaining control over her body. She grunted as her arm ached of stiffness.
Bright rays of sunlight shone through the balcony doors and flooded the room. She held a hand in front of her eyes to block the sunlight. But when she did, she noticed someone sitting next to the doors on a wooden chair.
She squeezed her eyes shut to look through the bright rays. She gasped as she recognized the person.
He stepped in front of the doors and blocked the sunlight. ''Tarrant...'' she whispered.
He stood there his expression impossible to read. ''I-I…'' she started.
''Shh,'' he said softly. ''You're hurt, you should recover,'' he said uncomfortably. Alice frowned. ''Are you alright?'' she asked raising an eyebrow.
''Yes,'' he replied curtly. ''I'm fine.'' He walked back to the chair and sat down again. Alice watched him confused, sat upright and leaned against the pillows.
He watched her blankly as Alice tried to grasp her memories. ''I've been gone for two years…'' she muttered guiltily. She looked at her arm in the sling. It felt sore, but it didn't hurt badly anymore.
Tarrant didn't respond to her muttering. Alice watched her feet under the blanket and felt a tear roll down her cheek.
''I'm so sorry,'' she said finally. Tarrant focussed on her as the sun rays were blocked by a cloud. ''For what?'' he asked blankly.
Alice looked at him as another tear escaped her eye. ''I've been gone for two years, how could I be so stupid to forget that time goes by faster here. I'm a stupid brat,'' she said, her voice growing hoarse.
''You couldn't do anything about it,'' he replied. ''Not in your conditions. And why did you come back after a few days? You was supposed to rest at least a few weeks, you could've done permanent damage to yourself!'' he said his voice raising slightly.
Alice watched him stunned, why is he behaving like this? He shouldn't be so angry, she thought tears emerging from her eyes.
Her face hardened and she pulled herself together. ''Do you want to know why I have returned?'' she asked anger rooting in her body. ''Do you want to know why I risked to catch permanent body damage?''
When the Hatter didn't reply and continued watching her blankly she said, ''Because I had a vision of you!'' she shouted her anger erupting inside. ''I had a vision of you, in a dream. I dreamt that everything was dark and I heard your voice calling for me. I couldn't see you, so I started turning around wildly trying to find you, but wasn't able to. Until you stood behind me and put a hand on my shoulder. Then you kneeled in front of me…'' She trailed off as she remembered the kiss.
Tarrant watched her still blankly, one of his pupils slightly askew. She sighed and muttered, ''You kissed me.''
She looked back at the bumps where her feet were covered by the blankets. ''I came back because I thought you were in danger,'' she said softly. ''I don't want anything to happen to you.''
''When I realized I had slept for three days I felt incredible guilty and feared what might had become of you from the heartbreak I caused, the heartbreak you were forced to suffer for two long years,'' she said turning back to him.
He stood up as the cloud in front of the sun shifted, but was once again blocked by him. As the light shone past him a smile appeared on his lips. ''I knew it,'' he said softly. ''You care about me.''
He sat down on the edge of the bed and faced Alice. ''I didn't mean to make you feel guilty, and I've survived the two years.'' He wiped a tear from her face as she smiled at him.
She was so relieved he hadn't changed a bit.
His hand lingered on her face, and he gently stroked her cheek. ''I love you, Alice. And I will never stop doing so.''
Alice closed her eyes and enjoyed his warm hand on her soft skin. ''I love you too,'' she said.
He slightly tilted his head as he looked into Alice's eyes. He smiled adorably, his hat slightly askew and his skin completely pale. He slowly leaned forward.
Her heartbeat sped up as he neared her.
The door opened and he shot back. The White Queen entered the room. She didn't seem to have noticed their moment.
She nodded with a smile to her Royal Hatter, then turned to Alice. ''Finally, you've woken,'' she said softly. ''He hasn't left your side the entire time,'' she said as she beckoned at Tarrant. Alice looked at him as his cheeks lit up.
''Maybe you two would like to spend some time together,'' she proposed smiling wickedly. She knows, Alice thought as she watched her blankly.
''Yeah,'' she said quickly. ''I would love to,'' she said turning to the Hatter. He smiled quickly as his cheeks were completely red. Mirana nodded quickly and then left the room. She shot a quick glance into the room before she closed the door.
''I should get dressed,'' Alice said. She looked in the room searching for her dress. ''Here is a new dress,'' the Hatter said walking to the closet. He opened it and took out a blue one.
He returned to Alice and handed her the dress. He turned around so she could change.
When she had put it on, she realized there was a zipper on her back and she couldn't reach it herself.
''Could you help me?'' she asked turning around with her back to the Hatter.
Tarrant hesitantly turned around and approached her. He reached toward the zipper with a trembling hand and slowly zipped it shut as Alice stood completely motionless. He let his hands slide over her shoulders and down her arms before he let go of her. She turned around.
''I've missed you,'' he lisped as he took her hands. The bluish, green colour of his eyes turned into a soft blue. ''I've missed you too,'' she replied as she hugged him softly with one arm.
He put his arms around her and lay his head on hers.
When they parted, Alice took one of his hands as excitement blossomed up in her body. ''Can you show me your workshop?'' she asked. He watched her surprised. ''Of course I can, if that is what you wish,'' he replied with a smile. They left the room.
On the way they exchanged stories. Alice told him about the story of Snow White, which was a classic hit in her world.
''How can skin be snow white?'' he asked unbelievably. Alice chuckled. ''It was just a made up story,'' she said as he grinned. ''I knew that,'' he replied quickly. Alice sniggered.
His workshop wasn't very close to Alice's room, though it didn't really matter, they enjoyed one another's presence as they laughed about jokes and exchanged many grins and frowns.
They walked through the main hall to a staircase in the left wall which Alice hadn't noticed before.
When the Hatter halted in front of a door he said, ''Can you close your eyes for a second?''
She raised an eyebrow, though did as she was told. ''No peeking,'' he said as he opened the doors behind him.
Alice waited patiently when several moments elapsed. ''Just a second,'' Tarrant said as a low deep scraping sound emerged from the room. After several seconds she heard the door open again.
''Keep your eyes closed,'' he told her. Alice felt his warm hands touching her waist and guiding her through the door and into the room. They were trembling but Alice smiled as she noticed how uncertain he really was.
As she was led into the room, she felt the soft and warm sun shining through onto her face. ''Almost there,'' he said softly.
He stopped walking but didn't remove his hands from her waist. She didn't open her eyes and waited patiently for him to give her a signal that she may reopen them.
But it didn't come. She sensed him shifting in front of her.
Alice felt the warmth of his body nearing as her heartbeat sped up again. She felt a soft brush on her cheek as his soft lips met hers.
She relaxed her muscles as she enjoyed their contact.
A few days ago when she had met the Hatter, she wouldn't even dare to imagine she would, just a few days later, stand in Marmoreal kissing with a mad man.
Though, he's my mad man, she thought dreamily.
When he slowly retreated, she followed him until their lips parted.
She opened her eyes and looked into his soft blue ones in front of her. She didn't know how her face looked but she felt blank.
He took a step backwards. ''I-I'm sorry,'' he said as his eyes returned to their bluish, green colour. She shook her head. ''No, don't be.'' She smiled kindly.
He shifted uncomfortably but smiled back.
''Well.'' He beckoned around. ''This is my workshop,'' he said.
She ripped her gaze off the Hatter, and examined the room. Her jaw dropped as the room smiled at her in all its glory. A round window sat on the left wall and under it an enormous wooden table completely filled by different hat designs, tools and fabric.
In the corner sat a dark wooden closet. The walls weren't white as the rest of the castle, they were red with an interesting pattern of flowers.
The room was filled by hat stands with beautiful hats. She knew the Hatter could do some magnificent things with fabric but these stood out from all his earlier creations.
The tools on the table and glitters on the hats sparkled like stars in a pitch black night sky. The room was flooded with light, the light that shone through the window could reach every corner because of its position in the wall.
''What do you think?'' Tarrant asked unsure. She slowly turned toward him. ''It's beautiful!'' she said stunned.
''Where do you get the inspiration for these?'' Alice asked astounded walking toward the hat stands. ''I don't know. It just pops into my mind,'' he replied. ''But I created those before Wonderland was conquered by the Red Queen.'' He shifted uncomfortably.
Alice turned toward him. ''But what did you do in those two years I was gone?'' she asked frowning. His cheeks lit up as he desperately sought for words. ''I-I, didn't make any hats,'' he said uncertain.
''What did you make then?'' she asked curiously. ''Erh.'' The Hatter really wasn't sure about his actions now.
He kept silent for several moments, and heaved a sigh. ''I can show you.'' He offered her his hand.
She took it, and together they walked back into the corridors of the enormous castle.
The next few minutes were spent on searching the castle's corridors, to Alice it was searching, though the Hatter was completely sure where he was going and which turns to take. Alice didn't really matter what happened around her, she was thinking about what just happened in the workshop.
She thought dreamily and didn't pay attention; the Hatter stopped walking, and Alice walked a few paces further without noticing, only hold back by his hand which refused to let go. She quickly turned around, her cheeks reddening and muttered an apology while the Hatter stood there grinning from ear to ear.
She forced a quick smile, and cleared her throat. ''Is this it?'' she asked turning to the door. Tarrant's grin slowly turned into a gentle smile. ''Yes,'' he replied.
Alice had never been in this part of the castle. The walls were still white, but not really bright; they were more like grey. The doors weren't made from white polished stone, but from wood. The doorknobs where made of glass, and shaped round.
Tarrant turned it which was followed by a soft click. He opened the door inwards. Alice glanced inside. The room was filled with objects that had been covered with sheets. The walls were white, and reflected the light of one single candle in the corner, it gave it a spooky emanation.
Alice could make out several objects in the room under the sheets, like a chair, a mirror, a closet, etc. Though, there was one item she didn't recognize. In the middle of the room stood a wooden table with a small box on top of it.
''What is that?'' she asked. Tarrant let go of her hand and approached the table. ''This,'' he said. ''is what I've been working on.'' He beckoned at Alice to come closer.
She slowly walked to the table, searching his face for any displayed emotion, but once again his face was completely blank.
This can't possibly be a hat, she thought looking down at the small box. Can he do other things than just work with fabric? she thought considerably.
''Before I open this, I will have to inform you that this object is filled with magic, and won't be able to work in your world,'' he said. Alice watched him confused. My world? Why would my world matter in this case? she thought. It's not like… She couldn't finish her thoughts because Tarrant had opened the box.
She gazed at the object as her jaw dropped. ''How…'' She looked at him. ''Did you…'' Then back at the box. She gingerly sought for the right words. After a few trashy attempts she gave up and sighed.
In the box lay a necklace. It was different than any other necklace Alice had ever seen. It was a half-moon made from silver with beautiful carvings in it, in the middle was a beautiful glinting blue sapphire with small white specks in it.
Finally, Alice could think of the right words. ''Did you make this?'' she asked. The Hatter's expression was still unreadable, though you could hear he was nervous. ''Yes,'' he replied quickly. ''I thought you could only make hats,'' Alice said looking up. The Hatter's face finally displayed some emotion. ''I used to only make hats,'' he replied. ''But, I felt you earned something more special.''
''There's no hat I could make that would approve to your beauty.'' His voice grew more confident as he was talking. ''But this.'' He took the necklace from the box, unlocked the chain, and stepped toward Alice.
''I can't take it,'' she said shaking her head. ''It must be worth a fortune, and why would you give it to me? I'm not someone important like Mirana,'' she said. The Hatter's smile turned into a frown. ''Alice,'' he said. He put the necklace back into the box. ''You will never, ever, say you're unworthy for anything.''
''You're more special than Mirana. Not because you're the Champion, but because I care about you.'' He sighed. ''Alice, I love you. And that is something Mirana will never get from me.'' He looked into her eyes. She was smiling and her eyes were watering. ''Of course, I care about her as a friend, but she'll never,'' he paused. ''do you hear me? Never, be more important to me than you are.'' He finished with a small sigh.
Alice smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek. She ran toward him and embraced him tightly with one arm. ''I love you too,'' she whispered. The light of the candle softly flickered and cast dim shadows across the floor.
When they broke apart, Alice turned around so Tarrant could place the necklace around her neck. Again, he slid his hands down her arms, and sent shivers down her spine, though she wasn't feeling uncomfortable, she enjoyed his touch.
He took her hand, and put his head on her shoulder. ''I love you,'' he whispered in her ear, before he gave her a quick kiss on her cheek.
''Let's see how it fits you,'' he said retreating. Alice smiled, and turned around. The jewel glimmered in the soft candle light. Tarrant slightly tilted his head. ''You're breathtaking,'' he said softly.
Alice grinned. ''Well, thank you,'' she said politely as she curtsied. Tarrant took her hand and pulled her toward him. Their chests met and he immediately kissed her. She closed her eyes as she felt his body touch hers.
When they broke apart again, Alice raised an eyebrow. ''What was that for?'' she asked smiling. ''We have a lot of time to make up, two years is a very long period,'' he said wisely. ''Well, in that case.''
Alice kissed him again.
She retreated with shock. ''What?'' Tarrant asked concerned. Alice faced him. ''I forgot to tell you, and Mirana, and everyone!'' she looked around panicky. She let go of the Hatter and looked around wildly. ''How could I forgot?'' she asked her voice overflowing with terror. ''What's wrong?'' Tarrant asked quickly.
Alice didn't reply and continued turning. ''Alice,'' he said urgently. He took her arms and looked into her eyes. She stopped turning and looked into his. ''What happened?'' he asked.
Her panic returned and her breath accelerated. ''Stayne is back!'' she shouted panicky.
Author's note: Another chapter done. As always, I hope you guys enjoyed it. And don't forget to review. If you have any tips for me how I can make my stories more interesting, don't hesitate to let me know.
(By the way, I do not own Alice in Wonderland)
(01-10-2019): Hello, peeps! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, by the way I apologize for taking so long to update. As you might've noticed, it's 2019, yeeh, party. I want to wish you all a happy new year, but just like you guys, I had vacation, and vacation means rest. Even so, I also want to apologize for taking so long to add the Mad Hatter/Tarrant Hightopp to the story, but I just felt I needed a few chapters to create the start of the story line, in which Alice would return to Wonderland. Well, I shouldn't talk so much, but a second time to you all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!