This part was pretty fun to write. If anyone hasn't read "Alice's Adventure in Wonderland" (I haven't, but I did my research)...this next chapter might be a bit confusing. It centers around the slightly antagonistic character "The Duchess" and her crazy household. If there are questions, ask or use the mighty google.

Enjoy~

"The Duchess"

The frog footman burst into the Duchess' throne room so fast he barely had time to adjust his powdered wig before addressing her.

"Your Ladyship, the girl Trevlin was sent to retrieve...she's here!"

The Dutchess paused to take a deep sip of her drink before droning, "then why isn't he introducing her?" The ugly baby in her lap had begun to wail again, distracting her from the footman.

"B-because the girl said she killed him. Unintentionally, I think-"

"No one cares what you think, tell me why she isn't in here?" the Duchess was more preoccupied disciplining the wailing infant than listening.

The frog footman shifted uncomfortably in the pepper choked room, "w-well she killed Trevlin...is it really safe to invite her inside?"

"She has become a threat, so yes, welcome her, frog!" the Duchess gave her baby another "well deserved" slap before shooing the footman out.

The frog nodded, shaking off some of the pepper that had settled on his head and stepped over some freshly smashed dishware. He retrieved Sìnead.

"Welcome, welcome, dear girl!" the Dutchess greeted jovially, causing her rather large jowls to swing.

Sìnead was taken aback, never in her life had she seen such a splendid hall (smashed dishes and pervasive cloud of pepper aside) - headed by a more hideous woman. Squeezed into an outfit meant for a woman half her age, the Duchess' voluminous chins splayed over the high furled collar of her gown, scrunching up her saggy cheeks. Her ears and pig nose were too comically large to be in proportion, and her little beady eyes stared through puffy lids. The few remaining strands of hair on her head were primped and powdered excessively, they strained to hold up a large headdress.

"You will bow before stateing your business," she sniffed, nearly sneezing, gross pig nose scrunching to look more like a pig.

Sìnead made a bow at her waist and announced, "I am Sìnead of the Tulgey Woods, I am here on behalf of your man Trevlin to learn to control m powers."

"Is it true he is dead?" She pried.

"Yes. He perished alongside my parents as a result of my magic," she spoke unflinchingly.

"Very well, tomorrow you will start your training," the Duchess motioned or one of the frog footmen to lead Sìnead away.

As she exited, a plate shattered above her head, followed by several subsequent crashes of ill aimed dishware. The hurler was a disheveled looking chef who clutched a pepper grinder under her arm. This was indeed a curious place.

The room Sìnead was lead into felt more like a prison cell than a bedroom, the walls were a cold gray with a high arching ceiling leading to gothic windows around the top. The only furnishing were a chair, small table, cot and a basin from which a spring of clear water flowed. Sìnead couldn't complain: they hadn't put her in chains like a common murderer, they had agreed to help, and despite the oddities, the Duchess was somewhat accommodating.

She would get used to the scent of pepper, and the sound of a wailing babies and shattering dishes.

Only 5 drabbles left in the story...we've breached the halfway point.