I'm quickly getting this up before our internet is switched off! but i'll be back on next week or week after! Appreciate the reviews and story adds etc!

When Lena awoke the next morning, she momentarily forgot where she actually was. Disorientated, she sat up and gathered her bearings. The empty spot beside her and the lingering smell of tea, musk and something altogether unique reminded her that she was in another world, in a mad mans' house and had been sleeping on the floor.

The sounds of kitchen clattering broke her from her thoughts and suddenly a wonderful aroma drifted through to Lena's nostrils. Her stomach growled and mouth watered; it had been a while since she last ate. Standing, she then walked to the living room door, nightgown swishing and headed toward the alluring scent

~.o.0.o.~

Tarrant worked away at breakfast, trying to keep his mind clear of thoughts from when he had awakened this morning. He had felt so relaxed that he had thought he was in a dream, but alas it was Lena, holding him as if she had done it for years. He had jumped up from his spot and scurried to the nearest wall, backing up against it with wide eyes. Lena had not stirred, thankfully. It would have been too awkward to face her then. So he thought he could make up a good excuse for not being there when she woke: he was being a gentleman and decided to make her breakfast. Of course, he would have done it anyway, she was such a pleasant guest and he enjoyed making her happy while in his care. But still, the closeness had somewhat unnerved him. It was very un-lady-like to touch a man like that who was not the lady's husband, however pleasant the sensation may have been! That and Tarrant now felt the heavy heart of guilt. He had eyes and heart for only one woman and just because she wasn't here did not mean he was free to dally with other women!

'But she might be dallying with other men in her world' said a voice in Tarrant's mind. 'Why should she stay loyal to you? She didn't know you loved her, she sees you as a friend. She went back home and probably forgot who you are'.

"Shut up, shut up!" whispered Tarrant to the voice. How dare it try and sneak into his mind and try to unleash the madness that clung to his brain like inky black tar.

"Tarrant?"

He spun around, the madness and dark voice suddenly silent. Lena stood in front of him, her hair tousled and nightgown creased from sleep. Calmness swept over the Hatter at that moment and he felt a wide grin spread across his face.

"Miss Lena! Good morning, you're just in time for breakfast." he said, removing pans from the stove and turning back to the table at which Lena had just sat down at. "I do hope you like scrambled egg, it's rather a specialty of mine." He began serving the egg on some of Thackery's homemade bread which he had toasted and buttered.

"I do, very much! It smells amazing, Tarrant! Thank you" exclaimed Lena, eyes wide and eager to have something to eat. Tarrant suddenly felt bad, he hadn't offered her anything to eat last night, but it had slipped his mind since he was thinking of all the troubling things that Nivens had brought to his attention. Lena appeared to be savouring every bite of his cooking, so he smiled and sat down to start on his own food. After a few moments of silence, Tarrant spoke up.

"I trust you slept well, Miss Lena?" she nodded.

"I did, and please, just call me Lena." She said smiling. Tarrant didn't know how to reply to that smile, so he only smiled back and continued on with his breakfast. Lena continued to look at him though; he could feel her eyes trying to pry out his thoughts.

"Did you?"

Tarrant froze. He reluctantly glanced at her before staring at his food again, which suddenly seemed less appealing.

"Yes, I slept rather well" he lied.

"Oh, that's good." She replied flatly. It was obvious she wasn't convinced.

The rest of their breakfast continued in silence, until Tarrant began clearing the dishes and Lena offered to help him with the washing up. It took a bit of convincing him, but eventually he gave in and they both set about their task. It was lighter hearted than the breakfast, the two new friends had found it amusing to flick water at each other and once their silliness had calmed down, Tarrant had begun telling Lena of Marmoreal and how beautiful it was.

~o_0_o~

Breakfast was awkward to say the least. But washing up had been fun for Lena. And it seemed the Hatter found it fun too. From what he had told her, this place they were to visit today; Marmoreal, sounded wonderful and the queen sounded so graceful. Lena could hardly wait, but remembered she didn't have anything clean to wear today. She said as much to Tarrant, who only replied with a knowing smile and an offered hand. Lena took it and let him lead her back into the living room. He stood her in front of the sheet-covered object she had seen before.

She saw him swallow nervously.

"I really hope you like it"

Her heart beat faster. What had he made now? He lifted the sheet and Lena's breath caught in her throat.

It was beautiful. A royal blue dress was presented before her, the neckline narrow and plunging to a modest level. The arms were long with a little white lace at the ends. The skirts flowed out from the hips and finished just ever so slightly above the ground. To finish it off, a wide, white silk sash had been tied around the waist and trailed down the back of the skirts. Lena began to wonder what material the dress was made from, when she suddenly took in Tarrant's attire for today. The jacket that was purple yesterday was now a royal blue, the same royal blue as the dress and the patterns of jackets also appeared on the dress.

"Tarrant, you are amazing. This dress is amazing!" Tears leaked from her eyes and she hugged him. He appeared taken aback but eventually hugged her back. After releasing him, she looked up at him and said "Thank you. But why make it with material like yours?"

His face fell. "You don't like the material?"

"Oh Tarrant I love it. I just wondered why."

"It was the only one in my collection that I thought was perfect for you."

"Really?"

"Yes, although you would look lovely in anything I'm sure. Even mud." He laughed his mad laugh and Lena giggled with him. This man grew more random and mad with every passing moment. It was wonderful though, so Lena couldn't complain.

After what seemed like hours, Lena finally stood in front of the bathroom mirror, washed and dressed in her new attire. The bath had proven to be her favourite part of the cottage, with the wonderfully hot water that seemed to undo all the tension knots in her muscles. She'd used the soaps that Tarrant had provided her with; scents of roses and the one she had caught when peering into the rabbit hole. That one had pleasantly surprised her and now she revelled in the smell that now lingered on her hair and skin. Lena had decided on leaving her hair in its natural waves but parted it at the side. She decided it looked good with the dress. In fact she thought she looked fantastic today. Something she had never been able to admit to herself, but the dress did fit perfectly and gave her a sense of strength. It complimented all her curves but at the same time kept her looking modest. As for shoes, Lena simply used her sandals again, so once they were on, she went to re-join the Mad Hatter to prepare for their journey.

A/N I can't find the link again for the dress i described, however, if i do find it by next update, I will put it on...it's based off a wedding dress and i thought it was beautiful. Anywho, enjoy and keep reading and reviewing!