Chapter 2

It was a really colorful sight aside from that it was night time. The flowers glowed neon colors of the rainbow and a creek wove its way through this magical land. A symphony of sounds filled Alice's ears as she stood in amazement. Animal chatter filled in the melody and the high waterfalls roared soothingly, filling part of the widening creek with mist. Oh the beauty! Frogs hopped from lily pad to the next, racing down the creek. The cobblestone path which the girl stood on was quite visible because of colored lights that were set on each side. A sweet smell of flowers filled her nose as she inhaled deeply. Alice twirled and grinned. I never want to leave! I never will leave! Oh thank you rams! Thank you!

Alice finally stopped and stood still, now that the realization popped into her head. Where did the rams go? She looked around, waiting to them to just appear out of thin air, but after only a few seconds, she felt obligated to begin down the stone path. Alice did not rush though, for she wanted to take this beautiful new world in with all her senses. Everything seemed so happy. Her bare feet appreciated the cold touch of the path, as it was a nice balance with the noticeable rise in temperature. Gosh, it must be around 21°C in this new land!

She did a double-take after passing over a bridge, the second time seeing a man emerge the rainbow of flowers. He waved to the newcomer. Alice waved back with eagerness, happy to see herself being welcomed. The man stepped onto the stone path, his swanky outfit shining and his tall hat twinkling. He started towards her. The girl felt entranced by this man.

"I'm Pitchise, a heir to this country," he introduced, holding out a hand. Alice tried to focus strictly on his face. His eyes were brown, and he had dark red hair. It wasn't unkept. He was strong built and his skin color was almost golden. Pitchise seemed to be about six foot, maybe an inch or two under.

"Alice," she replied with respect, adding a bow as a short afterthought. Pitchise gave a confused look. He wrapped an arm around her and walked with the girl down the cobblestone path.

"You have never been to our great country before, no?" Pitchise asked, extending his other arm toward the scenery around the two. "How can you not? Everyone's been to Libberswokkett!"

Alice snapped her head to her tourguide. She turned pink. "Libber…swokkkett?" she asked, trying so hard to fight the giggles which were crawling up her throat.

"Yes. The shortest named country to exist! Well there is Hallumberrigustonuva, but we'll accept second place." Pitchise gave a side glance at his new friend. What place gives this girl locks of golden hair? He has never seen such an odd entity.

"Isn't Hallumberr…er…" Alice started, stumbling to remember the name of the newly pronounced country. Pitchise smiled.

"Hallumberrigustonuva," he said again.

"Right. Isn't that a longer name?" Alice inquired, looking up at Pitchise.

"No. It's an easy name to remember," he simply explained, as if Alice was dumb. She sure felt dumb.

"What?"

The golden-skinned man backed away from Alice about three steps. He clapped his hands together once. "See? Now Libberswokkett is this," he continued, and stomped his right foot on the ground twice, his dress shoes sparkling as just as much as his outfit.

Alice giggled. Oh what fun this was, as confusing as it was turning out. She then stomped the ground twice. She smiled. "That's Libberswokkett?"

Pitchise's face radiated. "Yes! You got it! I can name all the countries. Follow my lead!" he exclaimed brightly, and grabbed Alice's hand so she now stood next to him. He snapped his fingers five times, spun around twice, and then did three hops away from Alice, which was to his left. Alice mirrored him, and soon they were having a grand old time, ending the list with Pokkuninstania.

"Oh that was so much fun! I'll definitely have to show that to my friends back home," Alice said, taking a seat on a nearby bench. Pitchise sat next to her.

"Ah yes. You foreigners never fail to amuse me about how little you know about our country. We're the first to come up with that system, you know?" Alice simply nodded in reply, feeling rested and ready to continue the tour. The duo got up and started again down the cobblestone path.