A/N: Hi folks, hope you are enjoying the story so far. Here's chapter 5 as promised! Enjoy! Read and Review please!

Disclaimer: I don't own any of Lewis Carroll's, Disney's, or Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland anything. The plot and characters I create are mine!

Rating: T

*Chapter 5*

*In Underland*

Queen Mirana knew she couldn't make any plans concerning the Oraculm until she had Absolem's observation. Afterall, she could be worried for nothing. Instead of letting herself continue to worry about something that wasn't immediately in her control, she took her mind off of it and on to something grander.

Since Alice would be coming back soon, she started to make plans for her Champion's Ball. She wanted to make Alice feel welcome and to know that every Underlander appreciated what she did for them. She secretly hoped the ball would help take Tarrant's love for Alice to the next step much sooner.

She sat in her council room with the ladies of her court going over the plans when the door burst open to reveal a very "Mad" Hatter.

'Great job McTwisp!' Mirana inwardly thought as she stood to address her court.

"Ladies, it seems as though I have some matters of importance. You are dismissed until further notice. If you are the last one out the door, be sure to close it behind you." She stated as every member of her court made their way out of the room and the door was shut.

"She'll NAWT Figh!" Tarrant dangerously stated.

"Come Tarrant, sit down as we have much to discuss." She motioned and sat once more at the head of the long table. Tarrant sat to the right of her.

"She will not fight." He lisped after calming himself down.

"Tarrant, I do not know what all McTwisp has told you but we won't know if this is anything to worry about until Absolem gets here." The Queen said looking at him sternly.

"McTwisp said there was a m-meeting of sorts concerning a certain knave and his...DOWNAL WYTH DA BLUDDY RED QUEEN :Coughs: Queen."

Mirana pulled out the Oraculm and placed it in front of him. Tarrant unrolled it until it showed the new picture. He didn't know what to make of it but he didn't like it one bit.

"Yes Tarrant, there seems to be a meeting and nothing more of which I'm certain until Absolem is able to tell us what it means."

Tarrant continued to stare grimly at the Oraculm. Mirana sighed and put a comforting arm around him.

"Tarrant, I can assure you that I would never do anything to endanger Alice or anyone for that matter, it is against my vows you know? If this were to escalate into a war and Alice did choose to fight, it would be her choice alone. You have my word."

Tarrant relaxed somewhat but still had a worried expression upon his face but then his idea from earlier came to him and he smiled slightly.

"May I go to Aboveland and see the Alice?" The Queen was shocked beyond words. She'd never heard of any Underland 'humans' going Above. It could be dangerous. Gaining her composer she approached the subject delicately.

"I'm sorry Tarrant, I can't allow you."

"AND WHY NAWT? You let Absolem and McTwisp go?" He said as his scottish brogue started to slip in.

"I allow them to go because there are creatures just like them in Aboveland the only difference is in Alice's world the creatures do not wear clothes nor do they talk. I've never sent a human Underlander to Aboveland before and to my knowledge it has never been done. It may even be forbidden." She could see how depressed she was making him and it made her feel guilty. She had to think of something that would pick up his spirits until Alice actually arrived. Her eye began to twinkle as the ball she was planning popped into her head once more.

"I just miss her..."

"Tarrant, I know you do but she will be back here soon, at the latest a month or two our time but no later, that I can promise. I'm planning to throw a ball for her. I know of someone who's really good at making a formal dress when he feels the need to." She smiled at him knowingly.

"Really? I'd like to meet him. He might need a little help from a certain hatter, not that I don't doubt this man you speak of cause I'm sure he's a good tailor but I do love Alice and want to help him with this dress cause Alice DESERVES THA VERY-!"

Mirana rolling her eyes as Tarrant gabbered on finally shouted.

"TARRANT!"

"Best-I'm okay."

"Tarrant, I was referring to you! Thackery told me you made Alice a dress once, of course it took him awhile to get it out, constantly throwing things and admiring spoons like he does but yes I meant you. Besides it will help you to stay busy until Alice gets here."

Tarrant finally started to show some excitement for once, his eyes were literally glowing. He got up to leave the council room and turned toward Mirana.

"I bid you good day Your Majesty." He stated as he bowed then added as he made a glance at the Oraculm. "Yew'll dew good ta keep mae informed..."

Mirana let out a sigh of relief and let her composure fall. She knew Tarrant would never intentionally go against her unless his buttons were pushed or better yet a certain Alice button was pushed. Poor Tarrant, every emotion he felt was at the utmost extreme. He had been just as intense as a boy from what she could remember when he would show up at court with his father. She could only hope Alice shared that intensity.

*End of Chapter 5*

Sorry this chapter is so short. I've already started on the 6th chapter and I just wanted to post this to give you something to read until then. The next chapter will be probably the longest yet as there will be a lot more going on. More characters are due to appear old and new. Please read and review! =)