New chapter. this is where Marissa and Tarrant arrive at Marmoreal. Perhaps this chapter contains more than you expected? ;) enjoy and review!

Marissa

Marissa stared up at the beautiful white castle, it's outline visible because of the setting of the sun. It seemed to shine with a lusterous glow. It reminded her of the moon. But the moon isn't as white and not nearly as beautiful, said Marissa's voice. She's become quite fond of it now and didn't mind it. Well, I don't agree you with on your second opinion, Voice. The moon's beautiful. You just got to be at the right place, at the right time and with the right person. She told it. You have a valid point there, the voice said. Marissa smiled smugly.

"So what do you think?" asked the person beside her, wrenching Marissa from her inner conversation.

She turned her attention to Tarrant. "It's more beautiful than my mother described it in her stories. Actually, I don't think she gave Underland enough justice for it's beauty." Marissa replied.

Tarrant smiled. "Underland is known for its marvelous beauties. Including the White Queen herself. Although she would never admit it. She's too kind for her own good, I'm afraid."

"Speaking of the queen, when will I meet her?" Marissa asked curiously.

"As soon as you want, if her majesty isn't busy. Let's enter the courtyard, shall we?" Tarrant replied literally pulling Marissa towards the castle grounds.

Marissa took in the images before her as they entered the courtyard. Everything was white! What a surprise. Her mother wasn't joking when she described the castle's exterior to be fully white with hardly any other color. It must take a lot of work and dedication to put all this together. Marissa just stood there, admiring the beauty of everything around her. She was lost in it all. She seemed to have that strange sensation that she was in a dream. It was too good to be true. Dearie, it's real. Don't let it decieve you. The voice said. Marissa sighed.

"Is everything alright?" Tarrant asked.

"Yes. It's perfect, actually. I just get the odd feeling that I might wake up and this is all a figment of my wild imagination." Marissa replied sadly.

Tarrant put his hand on her shoulder. "Don't you worry, lass. It's not your imagination."

"I know, Tarrant. It's just hard to believe." she said.

"Please, just call me Hatter. It's much more comfortable than Tarrant." Tarrant said.

"Alright, Hatter," Marissa said, letting the new name roll across her tongue, letting it get used to the sound.

The Hatter suddenly turned his attention to the castle. Marissa looked in the direction he was and saw the most beautiful woman she's every seen.

"Who's that?" Marissa asked.

"That, my dear, is the White Queen." The Hatter replied.

The queen approached and a wide smile spread across her pale face. She was dressed in all white. Even her long wavy hair was white! It was no wonder she was the White Queen.

"Hello, your majesty," Marissa greeted with a small curtsy.

"Just call me Mirana, my dear. It's an honor to meet you. We've been waiting for you for quite some time." The queen said.

"Hello Mirana. Pleasure seeing you again." Hatter said, bowing.

"Hello, Tarrant. It's always a delight seeing you. You always seem to brighten my mood when you're around." Mirana told him, giving him a gentle smile. She turned her attention back to Marissa. "You just be very tired. Normally, I would introduce you to my courtiers and guards and give you a tour of the castle, but it's been quite a day, I suspect." She said.

"Yes, I am very tired. Would you happen to have a room I can stay in?" Marissa asked.

Mirana laughed. "Of course! There's plenty of room! Come with me and I'll show you to your room." She answered then to Hatter,"You're welcome to come back tomorrow, Tarrant. But you must be tired as well. Go home and get some sleep."

"Of course. Goodbye Mirana. Marissa, I'll see to it that we get aqquainted more tomorrow." The Hatter said, turned and headed to wherever his home was.

Marissa turned and watched as he left, an emptyness filling inside her. He reminds you of the father you never knew, doesn't he? Said her voice. She sighed. Yes. For some reason, I feel so close to him. It's weird. She told it. Well, it isn't really. I guess you're heart is trying to replace those vague memories of your father with the Hatter. It suggested. Perhaps. But my real father will always remain in my heart. Marissa said. Very well. The voice said, seeming as it was leaving.

"Marissa, dear, are you alright?" Mirana asked, wrenching Marissa from her thoughts.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just sleepy is all." Marissa answered witha yawn following close behind.

"Very well. Come now. I'll see you to a room and get you aqquainted." Mirana said, walking towards her castle.

Marissa trailed after her. They entered the castle and walked through many halls before they stopped at a pair of gold double doors. Marissa stared in awe at them. She has never seen such a wonderful sight such as this!

"This is your room. Go on in and get dressed for bed. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow. Goodnight." Mirana said, leaving Marissa by the doors.

Marissa grabbed the handles of the doors and pulled them open, revealing a very beautiful but very white room. Look at that bed! We will definately be getting a good night's rest! Exclaimed the voice. Marissa chuckled and walked towards the bed. A night gown was laying on top of it. She pulled off her dress and put the gown on. It was very soft and felt as if she was wearing a cloud. Marissa pulled back the covers and got under them, pulling them close to her chin. She reached up towards the latern by her bedside and dimmed it down to where it barely lit up the room. Immediately afterwards, she fell into a deep sleep.

My chapters are getting shorter, I know. I'm sorry about that though. I've just been insanely tired lately and not much into putting everything into full blown excitement and details. And I proab;y won't be posting for the next week or so. I've got testing and such going on and a lot of projects due. Anyways, review and I hope it's to your liking.

XOXOXO

-Katelyn