Chapter 3

"Sir, it's time for the meeting with the Laughing Stork," a man interrupted, bowing to Pitchise. Alice and the man with golden skin had entered a castle, said to be the Raven's.

"Ah, yes. I'll only be a moment, young lady," Pitchise excused himself to Alice, and went through a great oak door. Alice looked around, unsure what to do. She sat herself on a sofa in what seemed to be a type of lobby. The man who informed Pitchise of the meeting stood by the great oak door. He was only about 4 feet and 5 inches.

"And who are you? I don't remember you being on our list of persons allowed in," he said, his thick white mustache twitching.

"I'm Alice…I came with Pitchise," she explained, crossing her legs. "I've never been here before…"

"Very well. I'm sure he's shown you a great deal of this place already. He better not show too much," the short man finished with a hint of annoyance. "He always shows too much." The doorman studied Alice carefully. "And what on earth are you wearing??"

"Oh," Alice looked down, turning red. "It's my nightdress…"

"Well that won't do. LADY RAVEN!!!" he shouted. A woman about 30 years of age with a slim figure stumbled down the stairs in answer.

"Get this girl some appropriate clothes!!" he demanded, pointing to Alice. Alice slinked back further into the couch, truly embarrassed. Lady Raven chuckled, seeing the newcomer's reaction. "Come on now, we'll find you something…maybe Ramona has something your size," she urged, taking Alice's hand. The girl took it tentatively, and walked with the woman up the spiraling staircase.

"Ramona dear?" Lady Raven called, knocking on her daughter's bedroom. A girl about Alice's age answered the door. "Yes?"

"Can she borrow some of your clothes?" Lady Raven asked, stepping into the room. Ramona nodded. She had long black hair and was wearing a yellow dress.

Lady Raven went through her daughter's closet, finding a light blue dress and some black dress shoes. "Here, the bathroom is two doors on the right," she said, handing the outfit to Alice. The blonde girl smiled. "Thanks so much."

Lady Raven and Ramona were still in the bedroom after Alice was changed, the door open. Alice stood outside, unsure if she was allowed in. "Oh come in, come in. You know, you have beautiful hair," Lady Raven commented, grabbing a brush. She started brushing Alice's hair. "There aren't a lot of blondes like you around here if you haven't noticed already," she commented with a small smile. "You're so lucky." The mother grinned. "How about a bow to embrace that hair hm?" she asked, Ramona handing her a big blue ribbon. "Ah there. Now you can go downstairs and see Pitchise again. I'm sure he's done by now."

The woman stood up, admiring her work. She then took Alice's hand and they headed back down the spiraling staircase, arriving once again in the lobby. Pitchise was having a delightful conversation with the short man with white hair. "Yes, and that's exactly what I told him!" the golden man exclaimed, his hands flailing. The short accompiance grinned.

"Well now it's just a matter of waiting. He's never one to go against a grand idea," the old man replied with a nod.

"Ahem," Lady Raven interrupted quietly, the two females standing in front of the men.

"Oh my. My my my you are ravishing!" Pitchise complimented, grinning at Alice. Alice smiled. The doorman grinned as well.

"Ah, that's more like it. Much better. Good work Lady Raven," he said, bowing.

"Thank you very much," Lady Raven replied. "Now if I'm not needed any more, I shall retire to my bedroom once again," she excused herself and turned to Alice. "Lovely meeting you," and left.

"Goodbye," Alice replied, but the woman was already climbing the staircase upward again, tripping on her long dress. The Lady stumbled and started cursing as she started upwards once again.

"Well have something as a substitute for those stairs soon, I promise," the doorman called after her.

The golden man put his arm around Alice. "Looks like we'll be attending the Libberswokkett Ball tonight," he informed. Alice looked up at Pitchise, unsure of what to say.

"I don't live here though…" she replied. "I wouldn't know what to do, or who to talk to…"

"Ah you'll have fun. You'll have Lady Raven to talk to, and Ramona to play with. You also know me and the Dradge," Pitchise happily replied.

"Is Dradge the doorman?" Alice inquired.

"Yes. He's a lot friendlier when not doing his duties," Pitchise explained with a chuckle. The two friends continued through the castle and out into the gardens. "You remember what to do in greeting when meeting another persons from a different country?"

"How could I not??" Alice giggled, remembering back on the crazy dance-like routine on the cobblestone path. So much spinning and snapping and clapping…

"Ah good. And this is the gardens of Castle Raven," Pitchise explained, walking around a fountain and variety of flowers. Alice looked around, admiring the amount of beauty this place had, following him.

"How many types of flowers are in Libberswokette?" Alice asked.

"Oh, I don't know. Over a thousand for sure," Pitchise replied, and continued chattering away. Alice found her mind elsewhere, as she noticed someone watching their every move.

A man from afar was watching the two. He was in some overalls and a beard started to emerge, his face rough. Why is he watching us? Alice wondered, feeling uncomfortable. Maybe they weren't allowed here. Oh don't be stupid.

Pitchise took notice of Alice's reactions and spotted the man too. A silence took over the duo, halting their movements.