The Wonder of Love

The Almost Kiss

Alice Kingsley stepped out of her room and walked down the white clean halls. Perhaps a walk would help her decision making skills. Should she marry like her mother wished? Everything had seemed so clear during her conquest of the Jabberwocky.

She smiled as she spotted Tarrent. "Hello there, Mr. Hatter." She said with a small curtsy.

He turned around and smiled affectionately, "Hello Lady Alice." He gave a small bow as well and tipped his hat before chuckling. The blue suited her so well.

"Where are you off too? I was going to go to the garden if you'd like to join." She invited with a smile, holding her hands promptly in front of her. Perhaps he was her dearest friend of all.

The Hatter shrugged,"To the garden," he said with a nod and wink. In actuality, he hadn't been traveling anywhere quite yet. His mind seemed in shambles...but when was it not?

"I would love to check on how Bander is settling." She explained with a smile. His bright clothes, his bandaged fingers, and his crazy orange hair. She always found him so odd, but in a good way.

He nodded and wrapped his arm through hers,"Of course, of course. Ole Bandersnatch. Must see the Bander, you know," he smiled wide as he pat her hand.

She laughed lightly before starting down the hall. "Indeed."

He walked in pace with her. "One needs fresh air. Defoozles the mind," he told her with a nod. How strange he spoke sometimes. He knew he should be heading home soon, being that the sun was nearly down, but surely another minute could be spared.

She snickered lightly and nodded. "It does. My mother always said it was an awful waste of the world to not enjoy its beauty." She said with a smile before her face fell a bit. She glanced ahead as they walked. How could she abandon her mother? Oh leaving her with Margret was almost a fate worse than death. Sure, she would take care of their dear mother, but what of her enjoyment? Marg was all too serious all too often.

"Oh I could not agree more!" He smiled and squeezed her arm. Oh, and of course she'd have to give Hamish some sort of answer... eventually "Such beauty to this world, especially ours." He shook his head as he thought,"Shame, shame to not see it. Very important, walks are," he said with a nod.

She nodded and smiled weakly. "Yes, they are." She wasn't sure how long she'd be able to stay in this wonderful place.

"I'm glad you've returned Alice," he said much more softly. It saddened her heart to know she'd have to leave eventually. He wished she would stay forever. "We've all missed you," he told her with a small nod, studying her expression gently. The walk seemed to be foozling instead of defoozling her mind. He wished he could help more. She was so dear to him.

She nodded lightly then glanced up to him. "As am I." She said with a weak smile. "Only." She drifted off and sighed, looking to the ground.

His bright green eyes glanced to her,"Only?" he asked curiously, holding her arm close.

"I must go back eventually. I cannot stay forever, Hatter." She said sadly looking up to him. It broke her heart to see the sadness overcome his face. His pace slowed to a stop unconsciously. She looked up at him sadly. "I'm ever sorry Hatter, but I cannot leave my mother, or my sister. I must return home." She sighed and shook her head. "Though I much rather this my home." She said sadly.

He gave a sharp nod and released her arm,"Of course," he breathed in a thick, brogue accent. He walked a couple steps forward without her before looking back to her as if to ask, 'Why give me hope at all?' His golden eyes pierced hers a moment before starting towards the western gate. Home is where he needed to be, clearly, certainly. "It's late." he explained deeply at her call.