A/N: so uhhhhhh...I started this story almost ten years ago and then life happened but I haven't been able to stop thinking about this story at least once a month for years. So after a lot of thinking and getting a computer once again, I decided to overhaul the first two chapters and make some changes and continue. I don't expect anyone to even read it, it's been so long since I posted the second chapter that really at this point I'm just finishing it for myself. Because honestly, I haven't felt like even looking at my own writing in almost a decade so it feels good to want to be creative again.
I originally wrote and planned this out before the "Through the Looking glass" film was a thing so I'm pretty much going to pretend it didn't happen but I will be cherry-picking small details from it that might be useful.
BoldItalics are flashbacks, thoughts or emphasis are italic
Summary: UPDATING AGAIN AS OF 3/4/21. Alice promised her queen that she would return one day. Now seven years later she has a feeling that something is pulling her back to Underland. But will Alice be able to act as a proper Champion to The White Queen while trying to hide her feelings for her soverign? And how will her sudden return affect Queen Mirana?
The Queen Is In Need Of Her Champion
Chapter one: The Champion Returns
Alice Kingsley sat at the desk in her private quarters aboard The Wonder, where she was supposed to be filling out her Captain's log before they left port; instead, she found herself lost in thought as she stared out the porthole, her mind far away. The past few weeks she had been experiencing a deep, persistent, aching feeling in the center of her chest, just under her breastbone. She had seen the ship's physician and a local doctor when they arrived at port but they had both declared her to be in perfect health for a woman her age. No matter what she did, or the remedy she tried the ache refused to go away and was slowly getting worse.
I bet Queen Mirana would be able to cure this illness. She thought wistfully of Underlandland and the Queen she had left behind those long seven years ago.
Suddenly the ache turned into an intense stabbing pain that made Alice grit her teeth and grip her pen tight enough that for a moment she might break it. As quickly as it came the stabbing feeling was gone, fading back to the dull ache it was previously. Before Alice had time to contemplate the strange happenings further a knock sounded from outside her quarters.
"Enter." She called, moving her logbook aside and sitting up straight in her chair. The door was pushed open and Lieutenant Jackson, her first mate and trusted friend entered, several bound stacks of paper in his hands.
"The last of the cargo is being loaded and tied down now, Captain. Here are the final manifests, verified by both the Harbor Master and myself." He said placing the bundles on Alice's desk. He then stood up to his full height of over six feet, his bulky frame tower over his sitting Captain, saluting quickly. "We're just waiting on Lord Ascot to arrive back on board and we should be ready to leave port within the hour."
"Excellent, Lieutenant, thank you." Alice took the first bundle and began to leaf through it with one hand, the other pulling her manifest book from within the desk. "Have the crew prepare to make sail now, that way we can leave as soon as His Lordship arrives. The Sooner we get back to England the sooner we can set out again."
"Of course, Captain. I've already given the order, anticipating you would want to leave as soon as possible. Especially given our latest run-in with pirates off the South Coast." Alice smiled, Malcolm Jackson was an absolute godsend of a first mate. The twenty-four-year-old man had spent his entire life at sea with his father, who had been Charle's Kingsley's own first mate when he was alive. Jackson grew up onboard The Wonder and knew the ship inside and out and knew the crew just as well. He was intelligent, kind, and quick-witted and had helped Alice keep The Wonder out of danger and her crew and cargo safe since the first day Alice had stepped on board as Captain. Alice had suspected the only reason he was not Captain of his own trade vessel was out of his love and devotion to the ship he called home for so long.
"My wonderful Jackson, whatever would I do without you?" Alice stood and moved to her navigation table and began rifling through the chart and maps there.
"Probably would have run aground off the Australian Coast back in '73." The brunette man quipped, producing the exact map Alice was looking for and holding it out. "Or capsized in the great South China Storm of '75."
At Alice's soft glare he tacked on a quick: "Ma'am."
"Thank you, Lieutenant." Alice took the map with a smirk and unrolled it. "You may go now, cheeky blighter."
"Captain." Jackson snapped a smart salute, a smile fighting at the corners of his mouth, and turned to leave but paused as he reached the door. "Captain, before I go...if I may ask a question out of place? As a friend?"
"Of course, Malcolm. You can always talk to me, you know that." Alice looked up at her friend with concern. Jackson was her closest friend in the world, well...this world perhaps. The other man turned from the door and wrung his hands for a moment.
"Alice, are you quite well? I've noticed you've sent for two physicians in as many weeks, and on this last voyage, you've seemed...distant, more somber. Have you received ill news? Can I do anything to alleviate your burden?" Jackson walked closer and placed a hand on Alice's shoulder, dark eyes meeting his Captain's imploringly. "At the risk of being terribly improper ma'am; I care for you, so greatly, Alice. To me, you're the elder sister I always wanted as a boy."
Alice let out a withering sigh and hung her head, leaning heavily on the navigation table. "In truth? I don't know Malcolm. I am haunted by a melancholy, plagued by a physical pain that won't leave me day or night. Both physicians report I'm the picture of health. That the pain in my chest and my blue disposition are likely signs of homesickness, but I have never wanted to stand on English soil less in my life than I have these past months. Yet no matter what adventure we have aboard this ship, it still feels wrong, like something is missing. Like I'm not where I should be."
"Do you perhaps tire of life at sea?"
"If you asked me that seven years ago I would have kicked you off this ship and right into the harbor, but...now?" Alice shook her head. "Now I don't know what to think. But I worry that if I don't find the root of this ache soon it will grow to be more than I can bear."
"How can I help you?" Jackson stood resolutely at her side, always looking to find the solution and act as quickly as possible. Whether it be a damaged keel in the middle of the Pacific or a mystery illness it would seem.
"I'm not sure it's that easy, my friend. I believe I have some thinking to do, questions that need answers." Alice stood and straightened the jacket and waistcoat of her naval uniform. "And You have a ship to prepare, but I'll let you know if I come to any grand realizations."
Jackson gave Alice's shoulder one final squeeze with a soft smile before he snapped to attention and saluted. "Dismissed Captain?"
Alice nodded and saluted back. "Dismissed, Lieutenant. I'll be on deck shortly."
Lieutenant Jackson turned on his heel and sped out, leaving Alice once again alone in her Captain's quarters. She walked over to the rear of the room and stared out the wide window, running any and every possible solution through her mind. She had one idea of what it might be, but she wasn't sure. Suddenly she saw a shock of red hair bolt up the dock toward The Wonder, Lord Ascot had finally finished his business at the trading post office it seemed.
Well, time to put the matter aside for now, she mused as she grabbed her Captain's saber and swordbelt from where it sat against her desk and belted them on, she had a ship to launch.
Later that night The Wonder sailed peacefully on calm waters, under a star-filled sky. The crew had just finished their evening meal and were moving to complete their evening tasks; Alice was making her nightly rounds, checking on everyone and everything before she ended her inspection at the bow of the ship. All was well.
Well, mostly. Alice thought as she reached up to rub her chest just below the knot of her cravat, hoping to alleviate some of the discomfort; but to no avail.
"Everything ship-shape, Captain?" Came a soft but jovial voice from behind her. Alice turned to see Lord Ascot making his way along the railing, a soft smile on his lips.
"As it always is aboard The Wonder, Your Lordship." Alice gave a slight bow as she spoke. He nodded back and came to stand next to the young Captain.
"Beautiful night, The view of the sky is beyond description all the way out here. So quiet, so peaceful." He remarked almost reverently. Alice hummed her agreement. "I must thank you, Alice. I was wary at first when you suggested I travel with you on occasion, I had never been much of a sailor in my youth. But these few months at sea have been some of the most enriching of my life! Getting to see so much of the world beyond our own shore has done me better than I can think anything else ever could have. And I have you to thank for it, my dear."
"The pleasure is mine, my Lord. You've done so much for the crew and myself, and even my family; we're honored to have you with us, for as long as you would like to sail."
"Oh, nonsense!" Ascot waved his hand. "With your absolutely wonderful ideas, and the new trade routes that mad mind of yours has come up with, it would be criminal for the board and I not to bend over backward to do everything we could for you all. It's a privilege to be here and witness it in person. Though I do admit, I am so looking forward to returning home, I quite miss simple old England."
Alice leaned on the railing, looking out where the stars met the dark water. "I'm glad you're excited to return home, your Lordship. Though you will be missed by all onboard."
"Are you not excited to return?" The older man turned his full attention toward Alice.
"I'm not certain what I am, Sir. I find myself unsettled as of late. I'm so restless and unsure of what I should do next or where I should go that it keeps me up at night. The only thing that I am certain of is that I'm very much Alice. Or at least I think I am."
"You certainly are." Ascot laughed softly. "Well, my dear Captain, know this; I have known you all your life and your father was my closest friend in this life, and I know for a fact that he would be so very proud of you...As am I for that matter. Daughter in law or no. If there is anything I can do to help with your decision, you know where to find me. I trust you have quite a lot of thinking to do before we reach home."
And with that Lord Ascot patted Alice softly, if not slightly awkwardly on the back and left her standing alone again at the railing. As Alice stood and stared into the brilliantly starry sky above she began to ponder over something else Lord Ascot had said.
Home. Alice thought. England is not my home, it hasn't been since my father died. But The Wonder doesn't quite feel like home either, it might have at some point, but not anymore.
Suddenly a thought occurred to Alice. If England and The Wonder weren't her home, then what was? Home was where you felt happy, safe, and wanted. She certainly felt wanted aboard The Wonder, and for a time she had even been so happy here, but that feeling had faded over the years. Alice thought back to the last time she felt at home...It had been almost seven years ago...when she was in Underland. When she thought of Underland the ache in her chest briefly increased in intensity before calming again.
Curiouser and curiouser. Alice decided to try a quick experiment. She thought of England, no change in the ache. She thought of Underland, it flared. She imagined her sister Margaret and her mother, nothing happened. Hatter came to mind and the pain became worse. She thought of Jackson, her best friend; nothing. Then she conjured an image of the one she truly missed most, her queen, the beautiful Mariana of Marmoreal. The pain became so intense that Alice's legs gave out and she gasped for breath as her knees hit the deck, clutching her chest as the pain finally began to subside and return to the deep aching feeling. It was at that moment everything fell into place; the pain was a signal.
Alice slowly stood and reached into the breast pocket of her coat, withdrawing a small metal tin and a folded piece of paper she always carried with her. She thought about the last seven years and how they had prepared her for the future. She had used her travels as not only a chance to properly master the art of swordplay but various other martial disciplines. She had also spent a great deal of time studying the cultures of the world, finding wonder in how so many people could be so similar yet so different at the same time. She truly had become a student of the world in every sense of the expression. She had met foreign dignitaries and dined with royalty, learning the proper ways to comport herself among those born into grace. Alice replaced the two small objects back into her pocket and nodded to herself, everything was clear now. Something was calling her back to Underland, and whatever it was, she was ready, she was worthy. Now she just needed to make the proper preparations, there were things to pack, plans to put into action, and letters to write.
She turned, intent on heading below deck to her quarters when Jackson approached.
"Captain, some of the men will be gathering around the fire brazier for a bit before turning in and we were wondering if you would like to join us? Perhaps regale us all with one of those fantastic tall tales of yours?"
"Just one for tonight, Lieutenant," Alice felt lighter as she descended to the mid-deck with her first mate. Her path was clear now, she could enjoy one last night of frivolity with the crew she held so close to her heart. "There are a few matters I need to attend tonight and early in the morning."
"Anything I could assist you with ma'am?"
"No, these are things I must take care of myself, personal letters and such. Now," Alice clapped her hands and rubbed them together when they arrived where several of the crew had finished breathing life into the iron brazier, the flames curling over the top and spilling out a much welcome warmth. "Any requests gentlemen? Something new? something old?"
"The one about the knight who kills the jbber-hoakey!" The cook piped up from across the fire, several others chiming in to agree with him.
"The champion and the Jabberwocky it is then! Did I ever tell you about the twist in that story?" Alice tucked her hands behind her back as her crew shook their heads fervently. Already hanging on her every word. "Oh yes, you see; not only was the champion sworn to serve the good and kind White Queen, but he didn't realize until it was too late and they were separated, that he was in love with her."
"No!" The cook's cabin boy, Willie gasped. "Does she love him too?"
How will he see her again?" The quartermaster piped in. Alice held up her hands and they all fell silent and wide-eyed. It was no secret that her band of tough as nails sailors were soft-hearted romantics at their core.
"Settle in gentlemen, and I'll tell you all about it, from the beginning…" And so Alice began to retell the story of the champion who slew a monster and fell for a queen, her story. But none of them needed to know that.
The next morning, only a few hours after the sun had risen Alice stood at her desk as she carefully finished sealing the last letter she had written that morning, this one addressed to her mother. She placed the thick envelope down on the tidy desk alongside the other four and lifted her eyes to look around the room, checking that she had missed nothing in her preparation. Two sea chests sat out of the way against the far wall, packed tightly and stacked one on top of the other; one labeled to be sent to her mother, the other to Margaret and her children. Both chests were filled to the brim with fine silks, spices, and many other treasures she has picked up during her travels and purchased as gifts for her family, including several unique toys for Margaret's two young children and even some pipe tobacco for Lowel; who had been the definition of terrified good behavior under the watchful eyes of Alice and her mother. Resting on the floor next to her desk sat a large canvas seabag, tied closed tightly, ready to go at a moment's notice. And laying on the desk, just below the five sealed letters sat her Captain's sword.
After determining everything was exactly where she needed it she walked over to her wardrobe and began to dress in the only outfit that remained inside. A beautiful suit she had commissioned from the finest tailor in Hong Kong and had saved for this very occasion. She quickly set about dressing; slipping the stark white linen shirt over her head, its stiff collar resting just below her jaw, and tucking the bottom hem into the equally brilliant fitted trousers of the same color that came next. She quickly pulled on her freshly shined black calf-length boots and retrieved her silver waistcoat, the inside lined with a plum color fabric so dark it appeared almost black in color, matching dark thread embroidering the edges. After doing up her silver cufflinks she reached for the final two garments inside the wardrobe and made her way over to her dressing table.
She draped her white tailcoat over the back of the chair and dropped the silver cravat on the table. Pulling open one of the small drawers in the table she withdrew the four small throwing daggers she had taken to carrying even since an incident involving pirates in the Gulf of Thailand and knelt to place one knife each in a hidden sheathe sewn into the top of each boot, standing she set the other two on the table and picked up the oval locket made of shining white gold that rested there. She had purchased the locket over six years ago, after paying extra to have an engraving of her own devising etched inside she had worn it on her person every day since; only taking it off to clean it, as she had done that morning. Alice opened the delicate clasp and read the brief inscription inside before quickly snapping it closed and placing it around her neck, tucking it out of sight under her shirt. Next, she buttoned up the shirt front and collar and tied the cravat neatly around her neck. After making sure the knot was straight she buttoned the waistcoat and slid her arms into the tailcoat, settling it smartly on her shoulder. She checked the edges and interior of the cutaway coat, looking for any snagged fabric or loose threads in the dark embroidery and lining that matched that of her waistcoat.
After ensuring every thread was in place she grabbed the two remaining daggers off her table and placed them into the matching sheaths sewn into the interior left side of her coat just above her waist. She then turned to inspect herself in the floor-length mirror next to her dressing table. Not a hair out of place, she had to admit she was impressed with the fit of the garment. The tailor may have looked at her strangely when she commissioned the suit made for her and not a man, and while the special alterations she had requested had raised the price quite a bit; it had absolutely been worth every cent in Alice's opinion. After all, she had to look her best for today, didn't she?
Everything is finally ready, I'm ready. she thought as she reached into yet another interior pocket of her coat and pulled out the small tin and bit of parchment once again, her mind wandering back to the day she had received them.
An overwhelming sense of happiness hung in the air at the chessboard battlefield, the Jabberwocky was dead and the tyranny of the Red Queen had finally come to an end. Queen Mirana gracefully approached her champion, a small vial in hand.
"You have our everlasting gratitude. And for your efforts on our behalf..." The Queen presented Alice with a vial filled with the blood of the Jabberwocky. Alice took the vial and did not respond to her queen's thanks, her mind swirling solemnly. If the Hatter hadn't intervened the Jabberwocky would have killed her, Underland would have remained under the power of The Red Queen and she would have failed Mirana.
"Will this take me home?" Alice asked stoically.
"If that is what you chose," Mirana replied while offering a sad smile as she reached out and gently touched her champion's cheek, not noticing the way the girl leaned ever so slightly into the touch. But before she turned away Alice spoke.
"I will return one day, My Queen. I do not know when, but I promise you,...I will return." Alice bowed to her queen when she finished speaking. Mirana opened her mouth as if to speak but paused and instead closed it with a nod and a gentle smile, before gliding away to stand with the other inhabitants of Underland as Alice raised the vial to her lips.
"You could stay." Hatter offered sadly. Alice turned with a bright smile.
"What an idea...a crazy, mad, wonderful idea." Her smile fell. "But I can't. There are questions I have to answer, things I have to do."
Like become someone worthy of this armor, so I can be the champion Underland deserves, that Mariana deserves. Alice thought. She then drank the blood of the Jabberwocky and smiled again.
"Be back again before you know it." She assured Tarrant. His expression remained flat and he stared at a point to Alice's right.
"You won't remember me." He muttered.
"Of course I will, how could I forget?" Her words had no effect on the madman so she tried a different approach. "Hatter...Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
"Haven't the slightest idea." At this Hatter smiled slightly and leaned forward to whisper in Alice's ear. "Fairfarren Alice."
With that Underland faded away and Alice made her way back to the party. Later that night when Alice returned home from discussing her apprenticeship with Lord Ascot she found a small parcel on her bed. It had no markings on it to derive its origin, it was simply white cloth tied together with a dark bow. Alice opened it to find a small tin that fit in the palm of her hand and a folded piece of parchment. Unfolding the parchment revealed it to be a note written in silver ink, the flowing script read:
My Dear Brave Champion,
Alice, you promised you would return to me one day. When that day comes take the tin that was sent with this letter and smear its contents over any door frame, then walkthrough. This is an easier and much more pleasant method or arrival than falling down a rabbit hole, don't you think? Until that day arrives I wish you the best of luck and utmost happiness in the many adventures you are sure to have.
Until we meet again,
Mirana of Marmoreal
Alice refolded the letter and placed it and the tin in her breast pocket; determined to never let it leave her presence.
A knock at her cabin door brought Alice back to the present. "Enter" She called tucking the note and tin back in her pocket over her heart, where she had always kept it.
The door opened to reveal Lieutenant Jackson and Lord Ascot, the former pausing to salute after closing the door behind them both.
"You sent for us Captain?" Jackson asked.
"Yes thank you for stopping by so early, Your Lordship, Lieutenant. Please take a seat." Alice directed them to the two chairs facing the captain's desk and took her place standing behind it. "We have much to discuss and less time than is ideal to do it in."
Lord Ascot sat first and motioned to her state of dress. "You've put on the "Homecoming suit" you had made, you do know we won't reach England for at least two weeks, correct?"
"And we don't make port for our next pick up for another four days, captain." Jackson pointed out still standing next to his chair.
Alice let out a slight laugh and took her seat, Lieutenant Jackson following suit after. She began to double-check the letters and parcels of paper on her desk as she spoke."Yes, but I won't be returning to England, Gentlemen. Nor will I be onboard when we reach port in Portugal. I'm leaving as soon as we finish this conversation as a matter of fact. I fear I'm terribly overdue as it is, and I can't bear to postpone my departure any longer, even a day. "
"What do you mean you're leaving today?" Lord Ascot questioned, his bewilderment clear. "We're on a ship in the middle of the ocean, where could you possibly go?"
Alice decided to answer his question with her own as she looked up to meet the gaze of both men. "I have a story to tell you, a true one mind you-but I can't help but wonder, will you both think me mad after I finish with it?"
Lord Ascot spared at glance at Jackson before speaking. "Alice, knowing you are the daughter of my brilliant late business partner, after getting to know you so well these last few years and so many of your outlandish ventures proving incredibly fruitful you would be hard-pressed to make me think you are anything other than completely, brilliantly, mad. But to quote an old friend of mine; "all the best people are"."
"With all due respect, Captain; You're absolutely barmy." Jackson chimed in. "But we'd all be dead ten times over if you weren't."
Alice leaned back in her chair and folded one leg over the other. "Very well, But you must let me explain it all through, all the way to the end; no matter how daffed or impossible it may sound. Do you agree?"
Both men nodded and Alice continued. "Lord Ascot, do you remember how as a child, when my father was alive I would often tell him about the strangest dreams I would have, of talking animals, a mad hatter who threw extravagant tea parties, and a tyrant queen with an abnormally large head? And Malcolm, all the fantastic stories I tell of the young knight in a magical land?"
Both men nodded slowly again, quizzical looks on their faces.
"Well it wasn't a dream and they aren't stories created by an overactive imagination stuck at sea. It was all completely real." Both jaws dropped, fighting the urge to interrupt, but having promised to listen they kept quiet.
Over the next hour, Alice told her mentor and her best friend of both her trips to what she called Wonderland but was really Underland. The men listened intently as she described with such realistic delta and memory; the feud between two sister queens-one a tyrant and one kind and just-the champion who did not want to fight and the battle of the Chessboard. Though she was careful to never mention that she was the champion, she merely described herself as one of the observers of the battle. She then explained the correlation she had discovered between the pain in her chest and Underland, and that something must be pulling her back. When she finished all was silent in the cabin, the gentle rocking of the boat the only proof that time had not frozen. After an immeasurable amount of time Lord Ascot spoke first.
"So that's how you acquired those scars on your arm. I thought you didn't have them before you disappeared from the party and suddenly minutes later you did. I thought I was just unobservant and that you might have passed over an angry tomcat but really it was a-what did you call it? A Dander-rat?"
"Bandersnatch." Alice corrected causing Lord Ascot to nod. "You truly believe me?"
"Why wouldn't I?" He declared with a laugh. "It-oddly enough-makes perfect sense. Your absence from the party, your disheveled appearance when you returned, especially how the determined side of you had finally awoken after being dormant for so long."
Alice turned her attention to Lieutenant Jackson, who had not moved or looked up from where he started at the desk since she finished her story. "And what about you Malcolm? Do you believe me?"
The younger man shook his head and looked up. "By all rights, it should make no sense, I shouldn't even consider it as fact and yet…"
He finally met Alice's eyes. "Of course I believe you. It shouldn't make any sense but of course, because it's you; it makes perfect sense."
Alice let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness for that, I don't know what I would have done if you didn't believe me. Well...I know what I would have done but believing certainly makes everything much easier."
"But my dear girl, must you return to the world of nonsense you spoke of?" Lord ascot asked. "What of your mother and sister? And of your position within the company? And frankly, how will you return? Last I checked there aren't any rabbit holes aboard this ship."
"And even if you can get back what about the ship and the crew? Would you really leave us without a captain or direction in the middle of the ocean, Alice?" There seemed to be hurt, almost betrayal in Jackson's eyes as he spoke.
"Fortunately my good men, I have put the proper plans in place to assure that everyone and everything is taken care of and provided written instructions for all." Alice stood from her desk and picked up the first two thick letters offering them to Lord Ascot. "First the personals. These are for my mother and sister respectively, explaining the situation and my decision to go, among other things. Against the far wall, there are my two sea chests. I've filled them with the remains of my belongings and everything I've collected for my family back in England. Will you see to it they arrive at Kingsley Manor safely and deliver the letters there, your lordship?"
"Of course." Ascot placed the letters down in front of him. "What now my dear?"
"Now to business." Alice took the final three envelopes, handing two more to Lord Ascot and the final one to Jackson. " First there My Lord, You will find a transcription of all my stories from Underland. You always said I should sit down with that writer friend of yours, Mr. Carroll, and make a book of it. Well, there you are. If Mr. Carroll finds the story worthy of writing up properly and publishing then I trust you will assist in negotiating a fair percentage of the royalties be paid out to my mother and a moderate finders fee for yourself?"
"How wonderful!" The elder man spoke excitedly. "I know Lewis will absolutely love a chance to write this up, he's been dying to pick your brain since I told him of your first expedition to China. I supposed this will be more than enough to sate him for some time. And the other parcel?"
"In just a moment, your Lordship. First, we must tend to the matter of the ship, the crew, and the missing Captain." Alice walked from behind her desk as she spoke and stopped behind Jackson, touching the shoulder of his naval coat, and began to fiddle with his epaulets. "Why Jackson, your uniform is out of order."
"Out of order?!" The younger man squawked in outraged disbelief reaching up to feel his epaulets.
"Eyes front Lieutenant!" Alice snapped and quick as a flash Jackson turned his head forward and brought his hands down. Alice continued to adjust his epaulets and the Lieutenant insignias on his collar as she spoke. "I'll set it right Malcolm. As I was saying; in normal circumstances, a captain who is vacating their position can name an acting replacement for the duration of the voyage but upon arriving at the port that appointment is void and the owner of the vessel would name a permanent replacement. However, since I am not only the current Captain but the owner of The Wonder any appointment I make is permanent and irreversible by any other outside body. There you are Malcolm, all set to rights."
Alice clapped her hands on the sitting man's shoulder and then continued back around the desk. When she reached it she picked up the Captain's saber that lay across it, studying the sword for a moment.
"And so, as of this moment, I resign my position as Captain and appoint effective immediately Malcolm Reginald Jackson Captain of The Trade Ship Wonder." She extended the saber to the seated man who stared up at her in shock. "Do you accept?"
"Captain?" Jackson whispered. "Me? Captain of The Wonder?"
"There isn't a person in the world better suited for the position. And besides, you already have the outfit for it." Alice winked slyly and Jackson craned his head to see that Alice had replaced his lieutenant's epaulets and insignias with those bearing the rank of sea captain. She extended the saber again. 'Do you accept the position, Mr. Jackson?"
"Yes, Yes!" Jackson enthusiastically took the saber and stood up, admiring it as he spoke. 'Thank you, ma'am! I won't let you down."
"That isn't possible Malcolm, you've already devoted your life to this ship. I know no one in the world could be a better captain of her. Other than myself of course." She smiled and turned to Lord Ascot. "You'll find a copy of my resignation and appointment of Captain Jackson in with your paperwork. And with my mother's there is a transfer of ownership for The Wonder to her name. As well as strict instructions that should any member of the board try to remove Captain Jackson from his position she is to immediately break contract with the company and take The Wonder, her crew and captain to the nearest competition. Sound fair, your lordship?"
"More than fair, Alice." Ascot let out a slight laugh. "We've been trying to get Jackson off The Wonder and in the post of Captain on board another one of our ships for years. It's about time he received his own command."
Ascot held out his hand to Jackson who shook it enthusiastically. "Congratulations Captain, it is so well deserved."
'Thank you, your Lordship." Jackson looked to Alice and quickly buckled the sword belt around his waist, his hand immediately falling to rest on the pommel.
"Just be careful not to hurt yourself when you find yourself "practicing" with it later." Alice smiled coyly at the younger man who blushed. She then gestured to his parcel forgotten on the desk. "As for direction; as captain, you are free to chart your own course, so long as the board is willing to pay for it all. However, I've taken the liberty of jotting down all the other ideas I've had that we've yet to explore, as well as some advice you might find useful. Of course you now also have complete access to my Captain's log, which should provide you with further insight if you need it. And that gentlemen, should conclude the business portion of our meeting."
"But Alice," Jackson spoke up. "You still haven't told us how you plan to get off the ship and make it to Underland. Are you going to swim for it?"
"With this." Alice withdrew the tin from her jacket and opened it revealing the creamy white balm inside. "This was given to me by My Queen when I left Underland last."
"Your Queen?" Lord Ascot asked with a raised eyebrow.
"The White Queen, Mirana of Marmoreal." Alice clarified as she slung the canvas strap of her sea bag over her shoulder. "I don't know how or why, but this feeling I'm having in my chest, this pain. It's pulling back there, to her. I fear that she may be in danger, or that Undlernad has come to trouble again."
"But if the kingdom and the crown are in danger, why not summon that Champion fellow you mentioned? The one who saved the day before?" Lord Ascot had a suspicious smile on his face as he reached up to touch his mustache.
"I think that Champion has been summoned, my Lord." Jackson piped up and walked closer to Alice with a grin. "It's you, isn't it? The champion who slew the monster?"
"Smart man." Alice conceded with a nod. "I was in fact the Champion from my stories. And if I'm right, I still am that champion and Queen Mirana needs me."
"Mirana…" Jackson pondered the name for a moment. "That's that woman, isn't it? The face I've caught you drawing in your personal diary on occasion?"
Alice blushed a deep scarlet and cleared her throat, looking pointedly at the taller man. "I don't know what you're talking about Malcolm, you know I don't draw."
"Of course not," He held up his hands in surrender. "Must have been a fault in my memory."
"I should think so." Alice then took the tin in her left hand and raised it to her nose as she turned to the door of her cabin. She smiled as a scent she associated with her queen wafted through her senses.
"White roses." She whispered.
She then used the fingers of her right hand to smear the white balm over the entryway. She waited a moment and opened the door, but instead of the ship's hallway, she was greeted with an image of the glowing white halls of Marmoreal. She turned back to the other occupants of the room.
"Captain, Your Lordship, I give you Marmoreal Palace."
"My god it worked." Jackson walked over to Alice, staring at the door in awe. "I suppose this really is goodbye then isn't it?"
"It is, my friend." Alice suddenly found herself swept up off the floor in Jackson's arms as he hugged her tightly.
"Oh Alice, I'm so going to miss you, but I know you're going to have such wonderful adventures." He set her-* back down and pulled away, his hands on her shoulders. "Do remember to come back and say hello sometime? When you're not slaying monsters and rescuing damsels, that is?"
"Of course," Alice squeezed his shoulder tightly and turned to face lord Ascot but Jackson leaned closer and whispered in her ear.
"And perhaps you need this Queen just as much as she might need you, eh?"
Alice spluttered for a moment her face a bright red. "I'm still technically the owner of this ship Mr. Jackson. And I would be happy to find a replacement Captain if you would like."
"Just a thought." The other man shrugged with a smile, stepping back.
"Thank you, Lord Ascot, for everything you've done for me and my family. I don't think I can properly express my gratitude to you."
"My dear girl," he held out his arms hesitantly and at Alice's nod wrapped her in a gentle embrace. "I am so proud of the young woman you've become that I just might burst. And if I thought your father would have been proud before, it defies description how he would be feeling now. Whatever the adventure awaiting you, good luck my dear. I promise, I'll see that your mother and sister are well looked after. "
"Thank you, your Lordship." Alice spared one last look at both men. "I'm going to miss you both very much, but I'll see you again, I can feel it."
With that Alice turned and walked through the door. There was a bright flash of light and suddenly Alice found herself standing in one of the Halls of Marmoreal. Alice grinned and adjusted her hold on her Seabag before setting out to find a familiar face and hopefully her Queen.
Alice didn't know how long she wandered the immaculate halls but the ache in her chest had risen to a sharp pain and she was beginning to feel lost in the vast palace when she heard a familiar thumping sound from around the corridor. She hurried around the corner to find Nivens McTwisp hopping in her direction, muttering to himself.
"Hello, McTwisp!" She greeted cheerfully. The White Rabbit continued toward her, awestruck.
"A-Alice? The Alice?" he asked.
"The very same." She replied with a grin. "It's good to see you again.
"Oh, oh my…" McTwisp began panting heavily and before Alice could speak he fell backward and passed out from shock. At that moment another figure entered the hall.
"Oh honestly McTwisp!" Came the voice of Tarrant Hightop as he focused on the prone rabbit. "Can you not go an hour without fainting? I do apologize, dear stranger that you had to witness this but you see, our palace chamberlain has a bit of a nervous disposition."
"Stranger?" Alice asked, crossing her arms over her chest with a smug grin. "And I thought you were worried about me not remembering you, Hatter."
Tarrant stopped in his tracks, his eyes as wide as teacups. "Oh my goodness gracious! Alice!"
With that, he ran at her and swept her into his arms. "It's you! You've finally returned! I knew you would! After all, you did promise and you've never broken a promise! At least not that I know of, but I do know you well. Oh, this year's Frabjous day celebration will be even more spectacular! The people will rejoice and The Queen will be ecstatic and-oh my we must inform The Queen!"
With that Tarrant scooped up the unconscious McTwips and began to tow Alice down the hall, blabbering all the while. "So many have tried to step up as champion since you left but Mirana would have none of them. After all, they didn't have the stomach to harm even a shrub-
"Hatter," Alice called but he didn't seem to hear her.
"-let alone slay a Jabberwocky, unlike you of course! The way you stood against that magnificent beast without even flinching! It was so brave! I remember that day so well-"
"Hatter," Alice called a little louder but it had no effect.
"-Everyone in the kingdom knows of your triumph at the chessboard but since you left fewer and fewer believe you even exist! oh, won't this surprise them! And now maybe-!
"TARRANT!" Alice finally managed to break through to Hatter and pulled them both to a stop. Though she was happy to see her old friend she didn't have time to be dragged all over the palace as the pain in her chest was becoming unbearable. "Calm down Hatter, I'm not going anywhere. Now I really do need to see the Queen, so will you tell me where she is?"
"Ah yes, of course!" Hatter let go of her hand and set McTwips on the ground. He then opened a simple-looking wooden door that opened to reveal an alley of white brick no more than ten feet long which opened out onto a raised dais which steps lead out into an ornate room filled with the elegantly dressed members of The White Court. And there on the dais directly in front of Alice was the sight she had missed most in her time away from Underland. Queen Mirana of Marmoreal sat as beautiful, graceful, and regal as ever upon her throne as she addressed the courtiers. As Alice gazed upon her queen for the first time in seven years the pain in her chest vanished. A slight shuffling beside her brought Alice's attention to McTwisp who had just regained consciousness.
"I just had the most shocking dream. I dreamt that Alice had..." He trailed off as he sat up and his eyes landed on the blonde. "Oh my..."
His body sagged as if he was fainting again but Tarrant hoisted him back onto his feet. "Now there's no time for that Nivens, you must go and announce Alice's return to the Queen."
McTwips nodded and went to walk by Alice who stopped him.
"There will be no need for that McTwips." She whispered. "It looks as if they're almost done and I don't want to interrupt."
"Are you sure?" McTwisp asked just as quietly.
"Positive. I can wait." And with that Alice placed her bag on the floor leaning against the wall and moved to clasp her hands behind her back, shoulders back and relaxed; a slight smile on her lips as her eyes scanned across the throne room.
"We shall leave you to your audience with the Queen then. I will see you soon I hope." Hatter said happily. Alice nodded in response but Hatter didn't see it as he had already ushered McTwips back through the wooden door and into the hall, closing it quietly behind himself.
As Alice observed her gaze kept returning to the queen. Every gesture and shift in body language was taken in by the watching champion. Alice drew her eyes in the direction of the court, looking over each of the loyal nobles when she noticed a discrepancy. Two figures in white cloaks stood on either side of the hall and though they were dressed in the brilliant whites of Mirana's court they carried themselves with an entirely different air; their body language was tense as they shifted with unease, their eyes darting around the room. The queen was drawing the meeting to a close when the mysterious figures each began to draw something from under their cloak. The pain in Alice's chest returned with a vengeance as she realized what was going on. In an instance Alice had drawn the two daggers from her coat and sprinted into the throne room toward the queen and shouted:
"Your Majesty, look out!" The words had barely left her lips when she flung the first dagger at one figure, the second weapon leaving her had a moment later in the direction of the other assassin in the exact same instant two twang sounds rang out through the room. Alice then collided with a stunned Mirana and sent them both to the floor as a scream of distress sounded from across the room and a biting pain exploded in Alice's right side causing her to groan as she hovered over the prone monarch.
This is not good. Alice thought.
Queen Mirana sat on her throne listening to the reports of her advisors. Everything was running smoothly in Underland, the people were happy, the land beautiful once again, and should any resident of Underland have a problem the queen would listen to each and every complaint of her subjects once a week and then do her best to resolve the problem. Frabjous day was approaching once again and the annual celebration was the main topic of discussion at this particular meeting. Planning and preparation, the scheduled arrival of various lords and ladies from across the kingdom, and other such details. Mirana looked around her throne room only for her eyes landed upon the suit of armor and sword to her left, they both still boor the dents, scratches, and purple blood they had acquired almost seven years ago as a testament to the bravery of the champion who had stood against the mighty Jabberwocky and slain it.
The Queen's mind drifted back to that fateful day, the day the Jabberwocky was slain, the day her sister Iracebeth had been dethroned, balance had once again been restored to Underland...the day her champion had left her. It had taken all of Mirana's willpower to not ask Alice to stay with her, but the queen realized that would be selfish as Alice had to blaze her own trail. Discover for herself the person she was and wanted to become. So with a heavy heart, The White Queen had watched Alice leave Underland once again, but it was Alice's last statement that kept her heart from completely breaking. I will return one day, my queen. I do not know when, but I promise you...I will return. The young woman had spoken with such determination Mirana had no other option than to believe her champion's words...well, and make sure she had the means to return when the time came of course. So Mirana had made sure Alice's rooms were always prepared, that way when she did return everything would be ready for her. Breaking out of her daze the queen stood to end the meeting when several things happened in such quick succession that she wasn't able to fully process everything until later.
Someone shouted, "Your Majesty, look out!"
There was were multiple twang sounds, someone threw her to the floor, she heard a thunk from behind her, someone across the room screamed in pain and someone else hovered over her, shielding her with their body. She couldn't properly tell who it was-though they seemed familiar-but she could tell they were panting for breath.
"Are you...injured...my Queen?" The figure gasped and it was at that moment Mirana recognized the golden hair figure hovering over her.
"Alice?" The Queen whispered looking into warm brown eyes.
"A-are you...injured?" Alice persisted, her arms beginning to shake.
The Queen shook her head and Alice pushed herself to her feet before helping the queen up, her left hand pressed tightly to her own right side the entire time. Sounds of a struggle drifted from across the throne room. Mirana was slightly shocked when she was pushed behind her champion who now had drawn a third dagger from her boot with her right hand, her left leaving her own side to reach back and rest protectively on the Queen's waist. Mirana then realized where the shouts of pain and struggle were coming from as she saw several guards apprehend a man with a dagger sticking out of his left shoulder while the struggling was coming from a woman on the other side of the hall who was trying to tear herself free of the dagger that went through her tunic and into the wall, pinning her in place while several other guards rushed her. The guards quickly overwhelmed her and the assassins were escorted from the throne room to the dungeon where they would await questioning and trial. The members of the court had all frozen in place not sure what was going on or who was standing so protectively in front of their queen.
"You may take your leave," Mirana said to those assembled before her. They all quickly dispersed talking quietly to one another about what they had just witnessed. As soon as she finished speaking she turned her attention to her champion who remained in front of her, unmoving. Mirana observed how Alice's breathing had turned into ragged gasps, that her entire body was shaking horribly and she seemed barely able to keep her grip on the dagger. Mirana placed her hand over Alice's resting on her waist. But when their hands touched The Queen noticed a wet substance coated her champion's hand. She let out a small gasp when she looked down to see the blood staining Alice's hand. She then remembered how the blonde had clutched at her side moments before.
"Alice?" she called gently while trying to turn her champion around. "Where are you injured?"
"I'm f-f-fine...Your Majesty." Alice said, keeping her right side out of Mariana's view. The queen took in how Alice's face was deathly pale and her brow was covered in sweat as her shaking became so intense that the dagger slipped from her fingers, clattering to the marble floor. Mirana forced Alice to turn completely revealing a large bloodstain quickly spreading across the right side of her coat and the end of a crossbow bolt that poked out through the material.
"Alice..." Mirana gasped as she began to formulate a plan. She did not get far however as Alice muttered;
"My...Queen I..." Before her eyes rolled back in her head and she collapsed. The queen quickly caught her champion and shouted for the guards who ran over and took the injured woman from their queen. Mirana noticed Alice's chest still rose and fell but it was incredibly labored.
"Quickly, take her to my chambers; I will be there shortly." And with that, she lifted the front of her dress and ran for the kitchen. She had a small alchemy table in her chambers but the one in the kitchen was much larger and had all of the supplies she might need. After bursting into the kitchen and gathering everything she would need she ran as fast as she could without tripping over her dress back to her chambers. Once there she ordered the guards out and set her supplies on the alchemy that one of the guards had wisely moved closer to the bed, where the bleeding Alice lay. Mirana walked over to Alice and as she set about tending to her champion she whispered;
"My brave champion, I have waited too long for your return just to have you leave me once again."
A/N: Yeah so some changes were made, I added a lot more in the scenes before Alice returns and created the character Malcolm Jackson. but yeah if anyone is reading this let me know what you think, I'd appreciate it.