I want to be

Just like you;

So kind,

So gentle,

With a heart

Overflowing

With endless amounts

Of unconditional love.

~ I Want to be Just Like You

Tarrant walked proudly beside his father Idris. A smile was spread wide across the teen's face, showing off his gap-toothed smile. Head held high because he, Tarrant Hightopp, was the youngest Hightopp to ever receive the title of Expert Milliner before the age of twenty-five! He was only seventeen and he had his own business.

He still helped his father, of course, but it was still considered a great achievement to be famous in his own right. Soon Idris would stop making hats and retire. That meant Tarrant would be the royal hatter!

Today was special. Today, Tarrant was going to Marmoreal to prove that he could take on the responsibility of being the royal hatter. Idris had given Tarrant the task of preparing hats for the entire royal family, all by himself! The hat must be what the customer ordered, as well as show off Tarrant's skills and tastes.

The royal family was finally having a celebration - the first since Queen Irene died. Even with King Evander's questionable health, for his heart broke with the death of his wife, there was to be a celebration. Princess Lily's fifth birthday was coming up, a very important event indeed.

Tarrant carried one very special hat box in his hands, which he patted fondly at the thought of his little friend's birthday. He desperately hoped she liked her hat. His gift from a poor hatter to a princess. Out of the corner of his eye, Tarrant inspected the boxes his father carried and the ones his younger brother Vaughn carried. Nothing was toppling and the boxes looked like they were still whole. Good.

The footman at the gated entrance of the palace bowed to them as they reached the top of the stairs. "Welcome, Masters Hightopp. Right this way, please."

Tarrant looked at his father momentarily for direction. Should he take the lead of the procession? Idris jerked his head slightly in the affirmative. Bursting with confidence once more, Tarrant quickly followed after the footman.

They arrived at a large sitting room. No one else was present, which relieved Tarrant. He could set boxes down and double check to see if all the hats were secure and in the right condition. Maybe make some last minute alterations?

"The royal family will be here shortly, Masters Hightopp."

"Thank you," Tarrant nodded to the man and busied himself with his hatbox and the hatboxes his father and brother held. "We are prepared for them whenever they arrive."

The footman stepped out again and Tarrant set to work. He lifted lids off of the boxes for the adults and fussed over some ribbons that had wilted or flowers that were wrinkled. When Vaughn reached for Lily's box, Tarrant's eyes flashed red. "No!"

Vaughn jumped in surprise and shock. Even Idris looked startled. Tarrant's eyes reverted to green as he took a deep breath and released it. "I'll take care of that one personally," he insisted.

Idris shook his head. "Boy, there was a reason we named you 'thunder'."

Tarrant smiled sheepishly. "Brawd, brother."

Vaughn smiled pleasantly back and replied, "Think nothing of it."

Tarrant moved to Lily's box and was about to lift the lid when the door opened and the girl in question flew in with a grin on her face. His pale hands quickly covered the lid and he felt a bit flustered at not being able to look at it now. How could he make last minute adjustments with the inquisitive girl standing before him?

"Tarrant! Tarrant! Mummy says you have a hat for me!" Lily's arms wrapped around him in a large hug. She tilted her head back so she could look at him. "What is it? Can I see it? Can I?"

"Uh - well -" Tarrant stuttered as he gazed down at the girl with sunshine hair and warm brown eyes, "You see - Li- Princess Lily - I have to wait you see - and -"

"But it's for me!" Lily protested, her eyes widening to the point she knew always caused Tarrant to acquiesce to her wants.

"Lily," Mirana chided as she glided into the room, followed by Sudhir. "It is not proper to burst into a room and it is not polite to demand to see one's present before the giver is ready to give it."

The all too familiar pout that Lily was known for formed on her features as she looked over her shoulder at her mother.

Mirana sat down and said, "Lily, release poor Master Hightopp before he topples over. Come sit with Mummy."

Reluctantly, the princess' hold relaxed before she stepped back completely. Before she could step away though, Tarrant had swooped her up into his arms. Lily erupted with laughter and giggles as Tarrant tickled her. "Yoo'll gie yer present suin enaw, ye wee terrur!" he assured her before setting her on her feet again.

Lily hugged him once more before running to her seat beside Mirana. Sudhir chuckled as he sat on Lily's other side and gave her his own quick hug.

Tarrant glanced at his father to see if his actions had affected his chance at becoming a royal hatter. Idris was smiling, shaking his head, but still smiling. "Yes, well," Tarrant declared as he cleared his throat, "shall we begin?"

"Auntie Racie isn't here yet," Lily declared.

"Yes, where is Iracebeth and Sushila?" Sudhir questioned his wife.

Mirana shrugged as she fiddled with her fingers. "I am not sure. Father was speaking with them - I believe - in the gardens."

"Hopefully nothing the flowers will be gossiping about," Sudhir muttered as he ran a hand through his blond hair with distraction.

"The flowers said that there will be a dance on my birthday!" Lily bounced up and down on her chair. "Can I dance with Tarrant? He was telling me about the futterwhacken! I want to try it! Can I? I'll be five! That's a big girl dance - Tarrant said so when I was three - so I'm a big girl at five! I can dance it! Can't I Tarrant?" Her last question was directed to the hatter that was now blushing as red as his hair.

"Uh - I - that is to say -"

"Princesses do not, futterwhacken, Lily." Iracebeth's haughty declaration interrupted the unfortunate hatter. "It's a vulgar, peasant dance." She sat down in a huff and crossed her arms over her chest. She pouted, making herself look more Lily's age then the grown-up she was.

All three of the Hightopps cringed back from Iracebeth's words and looked at the floor. Mirana sat up in anger, her lips pursed tightly together. Lily looked from her mother, to her aunt, to Tarrant, and said, "Tarrant isn't any of those bad things! And I don't care if princesses don't futterwhacken! I will futterwhacken! So there!"

Sushila, who had entered close behind his wife, came to stand on her left. "My dear, do not let what was said in the garden dampen the mood of today's meeting. This is for Lily's birthday."

"And the Hightopps are good friends of our family," Mirana chastised in her gentle voice. "A good friend of mothers."

"Of course you would bring Mummy into this, wouldn't you wittle Mirana." Iracebeth hissed. Sighing irritably, she said, "Fine. On with it."

Tarrant cleared his throat and went to Mirana's box first. "Here, I have the Crown Princess' hat." He lifted the lid from the pure white box and reached inside. White feathers from lifted and fell gently against the sheer material that made the hat as Tarrant walked with the hat to where Mirana sat. He settled it on her head before reaching for a mirror from Vaughn's outstretched hand. "Feathers offered freely by a dove - a symbol of peace and purity," Tarrant explained. "A sheer material to symbolize transparency and honesty. And here," he said as he pointed to a flower of black beads nested on the side, "a black flower to commemorate Queen Irene on the occasion."

Mirana's lip trembled for only a moment before a grateful smile brightened her face. "Thank you, Master Hightopp. It truly is magnificent."

Tarrant nodded before stepping away again. One hat down. Next, he moved to Sudhir's box. He lifted the dark blue lid from it's white box and reached inside for the hat. A white trilby, with a sky-blue band wrapped around it, was offered to Sudhir. A silver pin with an owl for wisdom glinted in the sunlight streaming in through the window. Simple yet fitting for the crown prince.

Next, was Iracebeth's hat. From a red and black box, Tarrant produced a small, round cocktail hat. Bright red, with a rose made from satin on it and black beads at its center for mourning, and a veil to cover her face if she wished.

He moved on to Sushila's hat when no protests or compliments were forthcoming from Iracebeth, although she did preen for several minutes in front of the hand mirror she had taken from Tarrant's hands. Sushila's box was red - just red. A gray homburg with a red band around it. Again, simple but fitting.

"Last, but certainly not least," Tarrant announced as he swept back to the box for Lily's hat, "I give you the birthday girl's hat." The white and pink box rested in one of his hands as he held it out like a magician about to produce a rabbit from a hat.

Lily leaned forward, her hands clasped together in anticipation. Tarrant lifted the lid and set it aside before carefully, lifting the hat from within. Lily gasped in delight!

"A top hat! I get a top hat!" She squealed in pure excitement. "You remembered!"

"Of course I did, Princess." Tarrant grinned as he set the white top hat gently on her head. It sat askew, as it was intended to do. He was relieved to see the white, lace-covered top hat was still in good condition. A red band circled the hat and a burst of gold, purple, and metallic blue roses sat on the brim. It was perfect. It was perfectly Lily.

Lily did not ask for the mirror that Iracebeth was still hogging. She looked to her mother and preened for her instead. Tarrant stepped back and watched the little girl in all her excitement. Yes, the hat was perfect. Idris stepped up to his side and patted him on the shoulder. "Well done, my boy."

Sudhir looked at the pair and asked, "So, does this mean Tarrant Hightopp is taking over as the royal hatter?"

Tarrant held his breath and was sure his heart had stopped as well. He would have sworn Time had frozen everyone in time to spite him once more. Lily broke the spell by clapping her hands and cheering, "Tarrant! You can make me hats every day!"

Idris let out a hearty laugh. "Aye, Tarrant. You will be making hats for the royal family." Looking down at Lily's smiling face, he added, "Especially fur ye, wee princess."

"Don't know what all the fuss is about," Iracebeth huffed. "Its just hats."

Mirana stood and addressed the Hightopps. "Thank you so much for coming today. I, personally, am looking forward to having you in our employ, Tarrant Hightopp."

Tarrant bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"And to celebrate such a long-standing friendship with the Hightopp Clan," she continued, "you are all invited to Lily's birthday."

"What?" Iracebeth erupted.

"Really?!" Lily exclaimed as she jumped up and down. Tarrant was pleased to see the hat stayed in place despite the jumping. He had planned on that - thank Underland.

"Of course," Mirana assured, ignoring her reddening sister.

Idris, Tarrant, and Vaughn bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Idris spoke in a choked voice. "It would be an honor."

"We honor those that have served and served well," Mirana stated kindly. "I am sure father has missed speaking with you, Master Hightopp. He will look forward to seeing you there."

The Hightopps thanked the crown princess once more. Tarrant bade Lily a quick good-bye before following the footman out again. He left Marmoreal with head held high. Not only was he a royal hatter, but he was going to his first court event!

~ { *

The party for Lily White's fifth birthday was a grand occasion. Members from the Card Houses and the Black House were in attendance as well as the entire Hightopp Clan. Everyone was happily enjoying themselves and congratulating the little Princess on her fifth year of life - if they saw her that was.

Lily was either eating sweets, dancing with Hightopp children, or showing off her top hat to anyone who cared to listen.

Mirana found Lily and took her to meet her cousins from the Black House. The Duke and Duchess of Chaparral stood tall and intimidating before the little princess. Beside them stood their son.

"Duke Reynard, Duchess Susanna, this is my daughter Princess Lily White. You have already met, but of course she was an infant then and would not have recalled." Mirana smiled at them. "It is a happy chance that you were able to attend her birthday party this year."

Reynard nodded slightly. "It has been very trying in Chaparral these past five years, cousin. Surely you understand."

"We came to pay our respects to both your daughter and your family," Susanna added, "after the lose of Queen Irene."

"Business," Mirana said, "kept you away from the funeral, as well?"

"Yes, I am afraid so." Reynard agreed.

Susanna placed a hand on the raven-haired boy beside her. "You have not yet met my son, Princess." Lily looked at the boy and he looked at her. Lily was shocked to see his eyes were black. She couldn't distinguish a color around his pupil so it was like looking into nothing but black holes.

"Bertram," the boy introduced himself as he lifted her hand in his and pressed his lips to the top of her hand. When he released her hand, Lily instantly rubbed it against her white dress. He sneered at her actions and looked her up and down.

"Bertram," Susanna said, "why do you not take Lily for some refreshments." She looked up at Mirana. "That way they can become better acquainted?"

"Go on, Lily." Mirana urged.

Reluctantly, Lily left her mother's side and followed the dark boy to the table that held food. "I'm eight years old," Bertram declared as he led them away from their parents.

"I'm five." Lily stated.

"Yes, I know." Bertram sneered again. "That is what we're celebrating."

Lily looked around uncomfortably for something to talk about or a place to run and hide in. Instead, she saw someone that would rescue her. "Tarrant!"

Bertram turned in surprise at her outburst and wrinkled his nose at the oddly dressed man that approached them. Lily ran up to hug Tarrant, earning a disgusted look from Bertram.

"Oh, Tarrant! Isn't this the loveliest birthday you've ever seen?" Lily asked as she flung her arms wide to gesture at all the people, food, games, and dancing.

"Yes, Lily," Tarrant agreed. "But it's lovelier still because it is all for you." He tapped her nose with a finger, eliciting a giggle from her.

"Lily," Bertram said as he sidled up beside her. "Who is this?"

"This is Tarrant Hightopp," Lily introduced. "He's the royal hatter! He made my top hat. He's amazing!"

Bertram's expression turned into a smirk. "A servant? What is he doing here? For that matter, why did you not scold him for not addressing you by your title?"

Tarrant blushed as he looked at the young boy. "Well - I - you see -"

"And he's not that amazing," Bertram added as he eyed her hat. "I am sure I have milliners who could make something much finer than that."

"Tarrant's not a servant!" Lily stomped her foot in anger. "And I hate people always calling me princess! Tarrant's my friend and Mummy said he didn't have to call me princess all the time! And Tarrant is the greatest hatter in the whole Underland!"

"You're friends with a servant?" Bertram scoffed. "You're such a silly girl."

"I am not!" Lily countered. "You're a stupid boy! A stupid, mean, horrible boy!"

"Lily!" Tarrant protested. She did not stay to listen to Tarrant. Lily turned and ran away from Bertram, disappearing in the crowd.

Tarrant turned to follow, then stopped to look down at the little boy that stood snickering at the distraught girl that had left. "Enough," Tarrant barked as his eyes turned red. "Ye waur rude tae Lily. Makin' a yoong quine greit is naethin' tae laugh at."

Bertram glared up at Tarrant and scoffed. "Who are you to scold me, peasant?"

"He is a guest and a family friend," Sudhir's words caused both Bertram and Tarrant to turn. Sudhir stood watching the boy with a frown on his face. "Not to mention he is your elder. Apologize to him, Bertram."

Bertram scowled before turning to Tarrant. "I am sorry for my words and actions, sir." He bowed stiffly.

Tarrant nodded, but refused to acknowledge his acceptance of the boy's words. Sudhir stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Bertram's shoulder. "I think you should return to your parents, Bertram. I'll make sure you get there, and your parents hear a full report of your behavior." Sudhir looked to Tarrant and asked, "Would you go find Lily?"

"Aye," the hatter replied as his eyes returned to their normal green color.

Sudhir nodded his thanks and directed Bertram back through the crowd.

Tarrant turned in a circle trying to decide where Lily would have gone. She was in the gardens - that much he was sure. Crowded too crowded. Lily was crying. Since she was old enough to understand her actions and the actions of others, Lily did not like crying in front of people. She liked to cry by herself. Too many people. Too many people that would see her cry. So she was not here in the crowds somewhere. She would not be hiding under a table where someone could easily find her if they were looking or listening.

The wishing well.

Tarrant weaved his way through the crowds of people toward a flight of marble stairs. The wishing well was Lily's favorite place in all of Marmoreal's gardens. The well had been empty for years and it was not so deep. A person could climb down into it and hide their for hours. Lily had discovered this during a game of hide-and-seek. The entire castle was in an uproar when no one could find her. Some time in the evening, she had come to the kitchens where the Hares were busy preparing supper. Sleepy after waking from a nap in the well, Lily asked for food and then retired to her room.

Tarrant took the stairs two at a time as he bounded down them to a lower level of the garden. The further he went, the fewer partiers he came across. Tarrant was almost sure that Lily had come this way.

He came to a stop in front of the wishing well. He looked around to see if she was hiding in the foliage nearby. Tarrant heard a loud sniff and a hiccup. Slowly approaching the well, he looked over the lip of the well and spied a blond head with an askew top hat.

"I believe you throw coins into a wishing well to make a wish," Tarrant declared helpfully, "not yourself."

Lily turned her tear stained face upward to see him. Her lower lip trembled and she buried her face in her hands. A sob shook her little frame.

Tarrant felt his heart ache at the sight. "Well, I would come down there, but I don't think there is room for me," Tarrant explained. "Or you could come up here, and we could talk."

"I-I - huh-ha-a-ate him," Lily sobbed. "He-he was m-m-mu-mean t-t-to you!"

"And to you too," Tarrant reminded gently. "But - hate is a very strong word, Lily girl."

"W-well I do!" She glared up at him with determination.

Leaning his arms on the rim of the well, Tarrant tilted his head. "You're too pure, kind, and good to hate anyone, Lily."

Lily sniffed and bowed her head. She mumbled, "No I'm not."

"Yes, I believe you are." Tarrant nodded as he thought the matter out-loud. "Because, you said you wanted to be like me - right?"

She nodded the affirmative. "I wanted a hat like you so I could be like you."

"Well, if you're going to be like me, then you must be like me in everything," Tarrant explained. "I don't hate Master Bertram, even if he did say I am not an amazing Hatter."

"But you are!"

"I know I am," Tarrant agreed as he grinned widely. "So, if I know the truth, then his lie cannot hurt me. You see? So there's no need to hate him for being ignorant."

Lily giggled. "Okay."

"And you see, Lily girl," Tarrant continued as he tapped a finger against his chin, "being called silly - for that is what he called you - isn't a bad thing at all. I'm silly, and you still like me."

Lily stood up and brushed off her white frock. "You're very funny, Tarrant. I like you when you're funny."

"And I like you when you're funny, Lily girl." Tarrant nodded. "So, in a way, it was a compliment!"

Her smile disappeared and she looked down at her feet which she was scuffing against the dirt. "It didn't sound like a compliment."

"No, but if you think like me, it can be."

Lily did not respond to that. She gripped onto the vines that were growing from the bottom of the wall and clinging to the stone walls. As she made her climb upward, Tarrant watched to make sure she did not slip and fall. Lily sat on the rim of the well and looked up at Tarrant's face. "Do you have a coin, Tarrant?"

"Yes, I believe I have one here somewhere!" He patted the pockets of his outlandish jacket, searched the pockets of his vest, turned out his pant's pockets, and ran his fingers through his hair. Lily laughed at his antics. Tarrant smiled and winked at her. "I must have lost it, let me see - Oh! Lily!"

"What?"

"You - I believe you have something stuck in your ear!" He said as he pointed at the side of her head.

Lily's hand flew to her ear and her eyes widened in shock. Tarrant batted her hand away and ordered her to hold still so he could pull it out. Biting his lip in concentration, he touched her ear and produced a coin. Holding it in front of her face, he smiled.

"Here's my coin, Lily! Don't know how it got in your ear."

Lily gasped in delight before taking the coin and hugging him around the neck. Turning back to the wishing well, she dropped it. They watched it hit the ground. Lily squeezed her eyes shut for a minute before looking back up at Tarrant.

"What did you wish for, Lily girl?" Tarrant asked as he picked her up.

Lily wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "I wished that I would be good and kind like you!"

Tarrant blushed and chuckled as he walked with her. "You already are, Lily."

She sighed and leaned her head against his, careful to not knock his top hat from his head. "I guess I should apologize."

"To who?"

"Bertram," she muttered as she wrinkled her nose.

"Ah!" Tarrant nodded. "That would be a very princess-y thing to do. If you do," he said in all seriousness, "I will be very proud of you for being the bigger person."

They returned to the party and the crowds of people. Tarrant spied Sudhir, Mirana, and the Duke and Duchess Black. Making his way over to them while ensuring Lily remained safe in his arms, was no easy feat, but he did it. When they reached the adults and Bertram, Tarrant set her on her feet and took a step back.

Lily looked at Bertram first. "I am sorry I was rude and called you all those bad words. Will you forgive me?"

Bertram shifted his weight from one foot to the other and did not appear like he wanted to speak. Susanna placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed hard enough to cause a wince to appear on the boy's face. Frowning, he nodded. "I accept your apology, Princess. Will you accept mine?"

"Yes." Lily nodded in return. She turned to look at her parents for approval. They smiled and nodded to her. A smile broke out over her face and Lily turned around to Tarrant. Running up to him, she grabbed one of his hands in her two small ones. "Tarrant, will you teach me to Futterwhacken now?"

He looked to Sudhir and Mirana questioningly. With a nod from Mirana, Tarrant grinned.

"Yes of course, Lily girl! You're knowledge of dancing will not be complete until you know how to Futterwhacken." He pulled her away from the group and toward the dance floor. He swung her up onto his shoulder and whispered, "I am very proud of you, Lily girl. I hope I can be like you and earn your bigness of person."

"You can wish on my coin if you want, Tarrant."

He nodded. "I think I just might."

Translation:
Brawd - Sorry

Ye waur rude tae Lily. Makin' a yoong quine greit is naethin' tae laugh at. - You were rude to Lily. Making a young lady cry is nothing to laugh at.