𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕎𝕠𝕟'𝕥 𝕃𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣. ⏱

3. The Pawns

Alice came back to her friends disconsolate.

***
Time kept passing and Alice spent almost a month in Wonderland. This time she didn't feel such a rush like before. She had a trustworthy ship crew and James Harcourt, who became her long-time friend. He and his wife were very close to her, especially after Alice's mother died. She was sure her business and wealth were safe with them.
She spent lots of time preparing herself for the battle as well as at the Tea Parties with her friends and talking to the White Queen. Alice almost found herself to like the presence of the Red Queen in Mirana's Castle. The look of the sisters, sharing their concerns, being just a family - it was reminding her home.

***
-I wanted to talk to you for a moment, because I feel sorry. I wished you could arrive for celebration, not for a fight again. - The Queen of Marmoreal said. Alice sat next to her on a perfectly white sofa. The servants bringed them some tea and placed it on the checkered blue and white coffee table. The room was very bright. Not otherwise: White as everything around.
-Please, don't worry! It's my part-time job now, I guess- Alice smiled.
-You always arrive when there is trouble, we are terribly grateful. - Mirana took her hand in hers.
-Some may say the trouble arrives with me...
-Have you spoken to Time?
-Just once, like I said before. But it seems he's not willing to help.
-We can't expect it in any way.
-I guess so...-Alice tried so hard, but couldn't hide sadness in her eyes.
-Are you worried, my Dear Alice? - The Queen noticed.
-I'm not worried about the fight, if that's what you are asking. You know, at my age, I feel everything much differently. I'm not feeling like a child anymore. I mean a child who has to prove It's independence and value. I'm standing hard on the ground. There was always something I had to do after my visit here...but not now. It feels kind of extraordinary.
Now I feel like It's HERE where my family's home is. I came back and I need to tidy up a little bit. I need to blow off the old dust.
-I understand it and I'm so glad you feel It's your home, because It's true. You are a part of this place, as do of our lives, Alice.
-Thank you. That's exactly what I meant. You are all part of my life too. - She said and then made a long pause -...Although there is one person I left up there, who I miss dearly. I love my sister, but she made her choice. I haven't seen her in years. She's...busy being a wife and a mother to her five children. We have not much in common, unfortunately...
My mother died last year, on the sea, when we were heading to Africa again with goods to sell.
She catched some strange infection, it was too strong. I couldn't help her, although I tried so hard...There was no one who could help her. We were too far from home.
-I'm so sorry for your loss, Alice -The Queen touched her shoulder and then hugged her.
-Thank you -Alice's eyes were like glass. - I mean, It was a time when I missed you all even more.
-We missed you too, so much. - The Queen was smiling slightly. -There is someone who's waiting for you right now and who will, for sure, bring a smile to your face.
-The Hatter's dinner! - Alice shouted. - I almost forgot! I'm sorry, I need to go! - She got up and touched Mirana's hand. - Thank you very much for your kind words and understanding, your Majesty.
-It was a pleasure. Watch yourself, Alice.
-Thank you. I will. - She bowed and then left quickly.
Alice ran to her room to change her dress. The Mad Hatter made her an outfit and insisted that she wear it tonight. It was a blue kilted skirt, White long-sleeved blouse and black embroidered, double-breasted vest. Obviously, he made her a matching, beautiful hat too.
She took a white horse and rode straight to the town.

***
It took many years but the people of Witzend, who survived the Jabberwocky attack and others rebuilt the town at another place. It was much, much smaller, but enough for them to feel at home again.
It was placed much closer to the Marmoreal Castle this time. For safety. Near the Tulgey Woods. Alice was seeing it from a distance.
Yellow, warm light of street lights. Colorful houses and shops. It felt like she was in the past, again. It was calling her like an old friend.