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To all of you who have either reviewed, favorited, or alerted this story: Aww you guys are awesome! You have no idea how much it means to me, really makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside... That and encourage me to write more, of course. ^^
Alice waited until she heard the door click shut and the sound of footsteps die away. Since shrinking, it seemed every sound was amplified, it resonated with the quality of an echo. Small or large, she heard most everything. Which in the rather precarious position she found herself in currently, proved to be advantageous. She would be able to tell if that man... Stayne, Commander Stayne, as she'd heard a voice- possibly a guard's- address the man whilst they'd been crossing over what felt like a rather flat expanse, which from experience in carriage rides, meant a moat or a bridge. Which meant they must be at court.
The mentions of 'Her Majesty' had confirmed her suspicions, and she thought back to the earlier musings from the character's she'd met thus far, including the White Rabbit whom she'd first met, to the later visit with the Hatter. If she was indeed in the Red Queen's castle, she was in no way among friends. For whatever reason the Queen wanted her, and she simply could not let that happen. She had to get out of there, and fast. She would need the Hatter's help as well... But first, to get out of the pot.
Sighing, she looked up at lid. After a moment of consideration before she reached up, using the bundle of surrounding cloth to give her height as see pushed with all her might against the lid, using the three holes as handles. Gosh it was heavy... The smooth marble proving difficult- too difficult- to gain a steady grasp onto; her hand kept slipping. After a few moments of groaning and grunting in her futile attempts, a misstep caused her to slip and plop back down into the cushion of cloth, the former remains of her dress. She lay there a moment, panting and groaning at the injustice of it all, momentarily cursing the Hatter for making her so small and weak.
Catching her breath, she sat up once again. Alright, the lid was ruled out as an option, but what about the spout? It was rather wide, at least from within the teapot, though if she recalled correctly, most spouts would narrow as the tea poured, so there was a possibility that it would not work, but, she had to try right? Standing once again on the pile, she pushed her head into the spout, glancing upwards. The opening seemed large enough at the top, at least by the standards of her head. Her body would be the part of her that would be put to the test. That and of course if- when- she exited from the spout, how would she reach the ground safely once again? Who knew how the Knave had positioned the pot. For She could fall to her death! Unless of course... Glancing curiously at the cloth beneath her feet, she grabbed one end, before swiftly tying it around her waist and chest, making sure to tighten at the end. There, it would act as a harness and keep her from slipping off the spout. Once she had exited thepot, she would simply use the string to drop safety to whatever surface the man had placed her on. Unless of course he'd placed her on a ledge... Best not think about that Alice, she scolded herself.
Certain in her decision, she placed her hands on either side of the hole, she pushed herself upward, quickly using one hand to grab the part of the spout in front of her, whilst keeping another hand behind her. A moment's pause to ensure she wasn't slipping- no- good, and she once again started the climb, following the pattern of using her leg to push her forward, one hand quickly reaching out in front of her, and another always near her side. She tensed slightly as she reached the opening, taking a deep, calming breath, once more thinking this was a dream, she had nothing to worry about, before she pushed her head and shoulders in. It was tight, but it was sufficient. Sighing with relief, she reached out one hand to grab onto the outer rim, using her leg and hand to push forward- only to be suddenly lurched forward, head and all towards the dresser surface- aka the floor in her case, maneuvering only just as to land on her rear instead of her head. She cried out with a painful yelp, as there was no longer a cushion on which to land on, only the hard wooden surface of the dresser the teapot was positioned upon. Ugh, she thought, she really had to stop falling here. Then again, she mused, it should have worked, she should have been able to climb down, but it had been interrupted, by what had felt like a small earthquake. But what...
Then she heard it. The footsteps, or running rather, which seemed to make the ground and dresser atop it shake, which subsequently included. She glanced anxiously at the door. No, Stayne couldn't have met with the Queen that quickly, could he? No, it was probably someone who was merely taking a root that lead from the same corridor beyond the room, yes that was it, the steps would go away in a few minutes... The footsteps stopped, and she relaxed slightly. There, she'd been right, she had plenty of time still to run and- At that precise moment, the door handle shook and she panicked. Oh no!
Thinking quickly, she ran across the dresser towards a long, most likely situated there to call upon servants. She jumped, using the cord to slide down and propel herself safely onto the ground. Not stopping for a moment, she ran towards the nearest cover- the window curtain, which reached the floor. She managed to cover herself fully from view inside the corner, positioning herself only just as to be able to spy. She caught her breath just as the handle turned, and a figure stepped into the room. Immediately she knew it was most certainly not Stayne.
S~s~S~s~S
The Queen sat, regally positioned on the giant throne, gazing down at Stayne who knelt respectfully before her. She had already been informed of the Hatter's capture, all except of course for the teapot, which the courier had most dutifully left out. This brought a sense of relief to Stayne, who enjoyed the feel of control in secrecy. Since her rise to power, Iracbeth had become much more bold, more controlling. She was no longer shy to act, rather she was now most impulsive, acting like a petulant child. Most feared her for it, while Stayne merely admired her for it. Though it didn't her any less irritating, sadly. Lately he seemed the only one able to assuage her, if only temporarily.
He did not dislike Iracbeth- at least not to the fullest extent. He simply... Disdained from her. He felt the smallest hint of loyalty, if only because of the fact that she had been the first to look upon him without disgust, without judgment. She accepted him fully for his flaws, and above average stature, and rather than scorn it, seemed to adore- perhaps even love- him for it. He had found in her a willing partner in both morals and company. Because of that, he did not completely hate her. No. But the attraction that had led him to her at first- the hidden darkness within, now released, had started to make him lose some of his former, if only slight, attraction. At the foremost of his mind, he could not let her become more than a means to an end. Though however childish she might have been at times, he dared not underestimate her. She could just as easily betray him, as he her. He had to remain independent, for his current position, however apparently secure, could always change at any moment. Her favor once lost, was lost forever.
Because of that, he could not afford to disclose or confide all secrets, such as the girl. It would have led to yet another absence of control when it came to Red Queen's Kingdom. Besides, the girl could have nothing to do with Alice... But still remain an excellent bargaining chip with the Hatter, leverage in order to ensure compliance. And should the time come, when the girl was revealed, either incidentally or to suit his own purpose, he could simply lie and said he'd found her later. After all, he was still her favorite, the most trusted courtier to the Queen. Another thing to be grateful for.
"Why did you not come directly to the main hall upon arrival?" The Queen asked quite suddenly, stopping Ilosovic in his musings.
"I found it necessary to compose myself before entering upon my lady's presence. My state of dress had become disheveled the terrain and I dared not insult your Majesty with such a sight." He spoke with the quick, silky tones of an expert liar, using flattery to ebb the suspicion from her gaze.
The Queen smiled, though it was tight. "The court thanks you for your consideration." In a hushed, seductive whisper she added. "Though you know how much I enjoy your company, disheveled or otherwise, especially disheveled." For a brief moment the look she gave him could almost be considered tender, before returning once more cold, along with her voice which rose. "And what of the prisoner?"
"The Hatter will be interrogated shortly. Though the girl was not found among the property, we still have reason to believe they have knowledge pertaining to her whereabouts."
"And that filthy Rabbit-" The March Hare. "Was he captured as well?"
A moment's pause, as Stayne considered telling the truth but thought of the possible gauged reaction.. The Hare had always been a coward, skilled in escaping to avoid possibly damaging situations. He would probably be at the White Queen's castle by now. Something which would most certainly upset the Queen. However, deviating from the Truth would only cause suspicion, such he wasn't willing to risk. Tensing, he answered. "The Hare escaped..."
The Queen stood at that. "You let him escape? Idiot!" No longer did her gaze hold affection. "He's most likely on his way to see my darling sister..."
"It is of no consequence your Majesty." Stayne said in his more assured voice. "There is sufficient guard in the forest between the neutral zone." The neutral zone was a direct boundary between the two kingdoms. It was protected by the oldest and strongest magic known to Underland. The way Underland worked was that is would alter or change according to the needs and benefits of its citizens. Before, in times of peace, there had been no such need for neutral territories. It had all been one passage, separate only by the forests and villages of citizens in its past. However, with the fall of the Red King, and subsequent attack upon the White Queen's castle, Underland had changed. A new White kingdom had been built, clear across the Red Kingdom, and the powers of the ancients had awakened such that it had created the Neutral Zone, a place where neither monarch had jurisdiction. Most likely it was to prevent true harm from befalling the two remaining Heads of Power. No one from the opposite party could enter the zone with harmful intentions towards the other monarch, thereby limiting its use to diplomatic function. Subsequently opposite parties were required to take longer roots in order to gain access to the kingdom. Nonetheless, the Queen had taken every precaution to seal off access to the neutral zone from those who were in allegiance to the White Queen, setting up round the clock guard and traps. If anyone dared to attempt it, a sentry could be sent forth immediately, and capture of the foolish creature would follow. And if he took the long root... "The Hare will most likely stay in hiding for the time being. He's a slow witted creature- the tail, as one might call it. The Hatter is the true leader of that gang of lunatics. If we get him to reveal the Hare's location, it might lead to finding the girl..."
The Queen considered him a moment, before some of the tension left her face, which remained stoic. "Very well, you will have two days to gain the truth out of him. After which, I expect answers and a full report. Do not delay. If you do not succeed, I will be forced to take matters into my own hands. And that could become very unpleasant. Meanwhile, send out the guards. I want more search parties." She warned with a look. "You may go."
With a quick bow of his head, the Knave stood and turned to leave, only to stop as she called. "Oh, and Stayne?" She said, voice soft once more. "I am need of some amusement this evening and request your attendance at dinner tonight. My chambers at eleven. Do not be late." Nodding resignedly, the Knave left, stomping off into the shadows towards his room. All thoughts of the girl were gone temporarily, his only thoughts on how the Queen would require him to 'amuse' her later on that evening. He felt uncertain as to how he should look up the invitation: Either with pleasure or dread, both equally justifiable, though neither showing true dominance. Though really, he should have been more used to by now...
S~s~S~s~S
As Stayne neared his rooms, he sensed something was off. It was the feeling that something had changed while he'd been in the throne room. There was an unusual, unpleasant fragrance surrounding the door, a bodily odour that was putrid to say the least, as if someone had been leaning too long against the door. Most likely one of the courtier's, who all seemed bent on making their presence known and obvious. They were all nothing but fake, babbling, spineless, brown nosing idiots who had nothing better to do than... The sound of the bed creaking set him into action as he threw the door open, only to find upon his bed a woman, splayed out, fully clothed and with surprisingly large ears that were obviously fake.
"Drusila." He said the name with disgust, closing the door, and throwing his gloves and vest onto an empty chair, ignoring the woman before him. "I told you never to come in here again." It was not an unfamiliar sight. Many a woman had attempted to seduce and tempt him, most always for some form of personal gain. He occasionally took up the offer, under discretion of course, except those who were either eyes to the Queen, or utter gossips, as the woman before was. She actually seemed genuine in her desire. Though no matter how many times he'd threatened her and threw her out, she still persisted.
"Oh Stayne." The woman pouted, sitting up off the bed. "Why do you push me away? You know I can't resist you." She purred, in what she assumed was a seductive manner.
"I'm not interested." He clipped, moving to change his shirt, only to be stopped by her hand grabbing a hold of his arm.
"Why do you pretend to hate me so?" She asked petulantly. Another child.
He sneered, shaking her hand off his arm, and moving away towards the wardrobe. "Who said I was pretending?"
"Oh Ilosovic." She giggled irritatingly. Stayne stiffened. He hated giggling, almost as much as he hated people using his name. "We both know how this game will end." She spoke, eyebrows wagging suggestively as she moved to place her hands upon his now tense shoulders. "Why don't you save us all this trouble, and simply admit that you lo-"
Her next words were cut off as he grabbed her by the wrists, pushing her hard against the wall, painfully so. "Don't test me." He snarled, eyes dark. "I'm the queen's favorite. One word from me and it will be off with your head. That and your ridiculous pair of ears. Now I warn you..." He spoke, leaning down closer to her face, noting the brief look of terror in her eyes. "Stay away from me." With that pushed himself away from her.
The Lady with the long ears huffed and patted down her now ruffled sleeves. "One day, I'm not going to come for you anymore. And you'll regret that." She spoke with conviction, though her eyes and voice trembled, ruining the effect. Knowing the battle was lost for now, she turned and exited the room, her heels clicking upon the tiles as she half-ran away.
As her footsteps faded out, Ilosovic relaxed and proceeded to exchange his now wrinkled shirt with a newly pressed one from within the wardrobe, placing the vest and leather gloves on once more as he finished. He noted resentfully the shirt too smelled of the putrid scent he now knew to be Drusila's. Really the woman was obsessed with him. No matter. Changing his thoughts, he turned towards the teapot upon the dresser, wondering in a moment of panic if Drusila had noticed it. It was oddly out of place in the elaborate room and he cursed himself for not thinking to place it less obviously within the room. At that moment however, he noticed something sticking out oddly from the top of the spout, into the bowl... A ribbon? Curious and suspicious, he tugged upon the loop at the end, noting the way it was tied almost like a harness. A harness, as if someone had used it to climb out... His eyes narrowed as he confirmed his suspicions by pulling the lid, revealing, as expected, an empty teapot. He growled in outrage and turned to glare upon the room, eye searching.
Alice, who had kept hidden behind the curtain, spying upon the individuals in the room. First she had watched and waited anxiously as that woman- Drusila, as she knew her now- had entered, browsing briefly along the room in a bored manner, waiting it appeared, though making it impossible for her to attempt to escape. The woman was so nosey, she'd even opened the wardrobe next to the window and subsequently, the curtain where Alice stood, proceeding to touch and smell one of the shirts- it really was rather disturbing. That is of course, until she'd heard the Stayne's footsteps, which had proceeded to lie back against the bed, positioning herself most curiously upon the bed, resembling a painting she'd once seen at a museum of a woman in the nude. She'd watched curious at the exchange that followed between the Commander and woman, watching with terror and wonderment of his treatment of her. He truly was cruel... But what else could she expect from the man who was searching for her? Then of course Stayne as he had changed- she had blushed slightly at the sight of his bare chest. Scarred and muscular, rippling with the force beneath. She had never seen a man's chest displayed so openly, even if it was brief.
And finally watching with apprehension as he saw the teapot, pulled on the string, and finally lifted the lid. Oh dear! His sudden growl sprung her into action. Oh no, she had to move. Lifting her skirt high, she quickly moved to climb from behind the curtain. His gaze was currently focused behind and around the dresser, as well as the bed. He hadn't looked towards the window yet- but it would only be a matter of time, if she could just move quickly enough she might be able to get through the crack...
"Where are you little doll?" Stayne's booming voice called. Oh dear... "Come now, I won't hurt you." He continued. "I simply thought we could have a nice little chat... Perhaps over some tea?" He said, the words teasing, but the voice most serious to the likes she hadn't heard. It was deadly.
Alice, who took no time to stop, simply continued forward, stopping herself from crying with relief as she reached the top of the window sill. She noticed the window was open, with ample enough room to escape. Leaning across, she noticed some rose vines entwined just a few feet away. Now, if she could only just swing towards it... However, just as she was about to move, she felt a small tug at her side, fearing the worst she turned, groaning when she realized her dress was caught in a nail. Panicking, she tugged fiercely upon the thread, which simply refused to break. "Come on, come on." She whispered tightly, pulse racing, breath shallow she pulled until finally pulling free, flying back towards the window where she was sure to fall outside- only to feel the cold touch of glass instead of the air. Shocked, she turned back, noticing the window had closed, but most importantly, she thought with dread, as she felt the rush of hot breath, that Commander Stayne was now in front of her, hand poised against the glass, the other poised against the wall at her side.
"Trying to escape, are we?" He asked, tutting. "Naughty." He barked a laugh, his gaze turning sinister. "I'll let it go this time, but I suggest you play by the rules from now on, or I might be forced to become... Unpleasant." He smirked. "Now that I have your attention, let's get on with the game shall we? I ask, you answer. I'll give you a simple one to start: Who are you?"
Phew, that took a lot of energy. It's really late right now so I'm gonna try to edit one of the days, once I have some time... And I know I promised I'd deliver... And I tried, I tried, but the characters just... Got away from me. Next time it's a definite.
Now then, what do you think? P.S. Any input on whether or not I should keep true to the 'Um' idea or place a new alias for our dear heroine? I'm trying to think of a possibly suitable alias but it's hard getting something that just fits with the character and still seems like it was thought up off the top of one's head... Please send me ideas if you have any, thank you in advance.
As always, thank you for reading. Please comment and review!