As the eerie mist began to dissipate and the tension in the air lessened, Alice, the Hatter, and the White Rabbit finally sat down to catch their breath. The clearing they had stumbled into felt oddly calm after the chaotic encounter with the Duchess. For a moment, the world seemed still.
Alice glanced over at the Walrus and the Carpenter, who stood nearby, surveying the area. "You know," she began, wiping the sweat from her brow, "you two haven't properly introduced yourselves yet."
The Walrus, who had been calmly smoothing his robes, turned to face her, his expression dignified and composed. He cleared his throat, and when he spoke, his voice was deep and measured, with a certain elegance that belied his large, somewhat awkward frame.
"I do apologize, dear Alice," he began, bowing his head slightly. "It seems we were thrown into this little adventure rather abruptly, and pleasantries were overlooked. Allow me to rectify that." He straightened his back, his tone growing even more regal as he continued. "I am the Walrus, once appointed by none other than the Queen of Hearts herself as the esteemed Bishop of Wonderland. A position of great honor… or so I thought."
He sighed dramatically, his large eyes glinting with a hint of theatrical sadness. "You see, I served the Queen faithfully, delivering counsel, organizing grand ceremonies, and ensuring the moral integrity of her court. But alas, her Majesty is fickle, as I'm sure you know. One day, out of the blue, she decided my services were no longer required. She kicked me out of the palace without so much as a farewell."
"Typical," the Hatter muttered under his breath, to which the White Rabbit nodded vigorously in agreement.
The Walrus raised a finger, continuing his tale. "I was cast out, wandering the wilds of Wonderland with nowhere to go, when I happened upon this fine fellow here." He gestured to the Carpenter, who was leaning on his hammer, a proud yet humble look on his face.
The Carpenter stepped forward, clearing his throat and adjusting his worn-out hat. "You can just call me the Carpenter," he said in a rough but earnest voice. "I've always dreamed of being a knight, ever since I was a lad. He swung his hammer over his shoulder, puffing his chest out proudly. "However, I grew up near the outskirts of Wonderland, a place where we didn't see much of the Queen's court, but we sure heard about them. And the Queen's court... they don't take kindly to the likes of us common folk trying to rise above our station."
His eyes flickered with a mix of regret and determination as he continued. "So, I kept my dream close to my chest, but worked with my hands instead. I became a carpenter because that was the only path offered to me. Didn't have the money or the birthright to train with a sword, so I took up the hammer. Built homes, mended bridges, and even repaired some of the Queen's carriages in my time."
"One day, the Queen herself was traveling through my village. I was repairing the village square's clocktower when she stopped to admire my handiwork. I'll admit, I thought it might be my chance—my moment to prove myself. So, I approached her, told her of my wish to serve her as a knight, to protect Wonderland. She listened," he said, his voice bitter at the memory. "But when she heard my station, she laughed. 'Knights aren't made from hammers and wood,' she told me. 'You've no place in the court, boy.' And just like that, she turned me away."
"And then I met the Walrus 'ere, listened to my story and found out that we had somethin' in common. We were both shunned by the Queen. And we've been travelin' together since. Then news of you defeatin' the Jabberwocky spread across Wonderland. After that, we figured that even if we couldn't serve the Queen, we could still do our part protectin' this place. So, here we are!"
Alice blinked in surprise, the mention of her battle with the Jabberwocky stirring old memories. "You... you heard about that?"
The Walrus chuckled, his deep voice filled with admiration. "My dear Alice, you're something of a legend in these parts. When you defeated the Jabberwocky, everyone wanted to be like you."
Alice looked away, a mixture of pride and uncertainty welling up inside her. "I didn't do it alone," she said softly. "My friends were with me then, but now… everything feels like it's falling apart."
The Carpenter stepped forward, resting his hammer on his shoulder. "Aye, that's the thing about legends. They ain't just stories—they're hope. And right now, Wonderland needs that hope more than ever." He glanced over at the Walrus, then back at Alice. "We came here because we believe in that hope. We believe in you."
Alice met his gaze, taken aback by his sincerity. The weight of her journey seemed to bear down on her more heavily, but now it wasn't just her burden to carry.
The Hatter, noticing her hesitation, stepped forward and gave a lopsided grin. "Well, now we've got a Walrus, a would-be knight, a Rabbit, a mad Hatter, and a legend. I'd say that's quite the start!"
The White Rabbit twitched his nose and mumbled, "We're still rather…outmatched."
Alice's eyes suddenly lit up, her mind racing with a new idea. "Maybe, but what if…" She paused, a smile creeping onto her face as the pieces began to fall into place. "That's it! I've got to show the Queen that I am a threat to her throne!"
The White Rabbit looked at her with wide eyes. "Oh dear. We're still keeping that idea I guess—"
"They all believe in me. If I gather an army, storm the castle, and show her that Wonderland stands behind me, then the Queen will have no choice but to listen to us!" Alice's voice was filled with determination as the plan took shape in her mind.
The Hatter tilted his head, his grin widening. "An army, you say? Quite the bold idea, Alice."
The White Rabbit twitched nervously, glancing around as if expecting the Queen's guards to appear at any moment. "But where will we find an army?"
Alice turned to him, her eyes fierce with newfound resolve. "That's where you come in, Rabbit! We need to recruit allies—gather anyone who's willing to fight for Wonderland. The Queen and the Knave may have their forces, but so do we. It's time to bring everyone together!"
She looked over to the Hatter, her voice strong and clear. "Hatter! You too! Rally as many as you can. The Queen will see just how powerful we are when we all stand together!"
The Hatter gave a mock salute, his eyes twinkling. "A mad plan, Alice—but that's just the way I like it!"
The Walrus puffed out his chest, nodding in approval. "A fine idea, Alice. It's about time someone stood up to that tyrant. Count me in! I may not have the Queen's favor any longer, but I still know how to inspire a crowd."
The Carpenter grinned, gripping his hammer tightly. "And you've got me as well! Can't be the Queen's knight maybe, but I can be yours. I'll swing my hammer for you an' for Wonderland!"
Alice raised her chin, fire burning in her eyes. "Then it's settled! We'll gather an army, storm the Queen's castle, and finally, we'll make her listen. Wonderland isn't hers or the Knave's to control—it belongs to all of us."