"Alright then," Cali replied, slowly finding out, that he wasn't one to stay on a topic. At least, it seemed like he wasn't the one to have brought her to this world. She jumped slightly as he took a scone, startled a bit by the swiftness of his movements.

At his next question, Cali had to think. She didn't think she knew an Alice, at least not one she could remember. "I don't think that I know an Alice. Why were you expecting them all? Is there a particular reason?" she asked, sipping some of her tea. It was bitter, so she added a teaspoon of sugar.

"The man in the rabbit suit? Umm, I don't remember much about him. He started talking to me about some craziness and well, honestly, I didn't really pay attention to him. I guess I should have, as it seems he was telling the truth," she admitted, stirring her tea. She giggled slightly at his pun, it seemed liked the right thing to do, it was a bit funny after all.

"Yeah, it is a bit funny, I guess... The rabbit man did seem a bit jumpy though, I guess. But he did have a pocket watch. I remember that...Wait, do you know who he is?" she asked, realizing that he might know more than he appeared.

"Well It is now past our normal tea time and we are to celebrate our Unbirthday's today." he said matter of factly as he took a sip of his tea. He listened with his head cocked slightly his smile staying quite strong.

"I may know of who he is but that all depends. I mean I may as well have just described any man in a rabbit suit right?" Oh how he enjoyed toying with the minds of people. He of course had a strong idea that this was the White Rabbit sent to find Alice but would not say with out more proof to the matter.

"What did he say exactly? Did he approach you directly or did you just overhear him? oh and one final question for now.. Why is a raven like a writing desk?"

He threw in the last question to see if she had in fact known Alice for it was something he was fond of asking her until she gave up causing him to admit he also did not know the answer. However as much has changed in wonderland so has the riddle for he now had answer for it.

"Also may I inquire as to what you are wearing? Hardly appropriate for tea wouldn't you say? Or for an unbirthday celebration at that. Tell me dear what suits your more? Diamonds? Hearts? Spades or Clubs? Tell me this and I will provide you with the perfect dress for today's tea." he then chuckled again at yet another pun of his.

"Did you hear the pun there?" he asked clasping his hands together?

"Unbirthday? What is..." Cali started to ask, but stopped deciding that she really didn't need to know the answer.
It was perfectly fine to just have tea, without knowing what an unbirthday was.

"How many men do you know in rabbit suits? Many?" Cali asked, perplexed by his question. She paused for a second, then shook her head, her reddish-brown hair falling into her face. "Anyways, he approached me directly and just started talking about how I needed to go come to Wonderland with him, but he didn't seem to be making sense. Then again, he seems perfectly sane now," she said, muttering the last part under her breath.

As for his last question, she had heard it before and knew of several responses. "Well could it be because the notes for which they are noted are not noted for being musical notes. Or because Poe wrote on both. Or, finally because there is a B in both and an N in neither," she responded, grinning over at him.

Cali looked down on her outfit. While she figured that her jeans, tank top, and zippered hoodie were not appropriate for tea with the queen, she saw no issue with having tea with him in it. "Sorry, I didn't realize I needed something special for this celebration. I don't know which of those suit me? What do you think? Diamonds, maybe?" she responded, unsure about what he was asking. She gave a weak smile to his pun, lost in the conversation more than anything.

"You really are mad, aren't you?" she asked, her grin turning into a smile.

It irked her that he was right, he was distracting. She couldn’t tell when he was joking or if he was just a little mad himself? Everyone in Wonderland seemed to be a little wacked in the movie. She definantly didn’t like that he found her amusing.

“Oh yes, give me a moment and I’ll just hop right back up into the air.” He did have a point, who is to say she couldn’t go back the same way she came, after all she had fallen from the sky and lived. Besides, this all couldn’t be real so anything was possible right? Reagan didn’t really want to look like a fool, either way she lost. If she made it home, he was right, if she didn’t, she looked stupid listening to his suggestion. She placed her board on the ground and jumped up. She caught some good air before landing with a squish on the moist ground. Once she landed back down she waited a few moments, “Perhaps it needs some insane rabbit to make it work.”

She snatched up her board and began to walk toward him. “If this is such a horrible place, what are you doing here?”

"Wow, you actually tried climbing the air? That went better than expected." Jace looked mildly surprised "You might be more entertaining than I originally thought."

His mind was working at a fast pace. His original decision to abandon the girl...it was cruel, but that wasn't the reason he now thought of it as a mistake. Humans could affect Wonderland greatly, this much was evident. Wasn't it better for him to keep an eye on this one? Maybe lead her to the Hatter...if he ever found it? Supposedly he would know of a way to send her back to her home, wherever it was. And the sooner she was safe and out of trouble, the less negative affect her actions could have on this land.

"I am a Shuffle Knight, dear." he gestured to his opponents, his right hand rested on on of the swords' hilt "Making horrible places all better is my proffession...and I do it through removing the "horrible" factor. By force, if necessary, and it always is." Jace looked at Reagan thoughtfully "Do you mind telling me what you intend to do now? In which direction to head?"

The hatter just smiled and nodded as the young girl spoke but he took mental notes of key things. Hmm she said Unbirthday as a question. Oh goody I do enjoy explaining Unbirthdays! Ah so the white rabbit approached her directly odd seeing as she is most certainly not Alice... I will have to question him upon his return.

He then looked at the girl dumbfounded for her possible answers to his riddle and merely shook his head. He chuckled as her replies clearly meant she did not know Alice but he was pleased with the young Girl's attempt nonetheless.

"Originally there was no answer nut I suppose all those could work however who is this Poe fellow and how did he manage to write on a raven? Must have been quite a feat I must say. However the answer I worked out was... Because it can produce a few notes, tho they are very flat; and it is nevar put with the wrong end in front!"

His smile then broadened as she declared Daimonds as the suit for her and set off towards his house. "Ah yes Daimonds suits you perfectly my dear girl. Just a moment I have the perfect dress for you inside. And yes I am quite mad but as Alice once told me all the best people are!"

A few moments later he comes back out of the house with a red dress, with white lace trim. At first glance it looks rather plain unless gazed upon from the right angles at which point black diamonds become visible.

"Now put this on and the rest of the outfit should appear or so I have been told. It will fashion itself in way to suit your personality. After that is done I will explain to you what an unbirthday is for you seemed uncertain bout it earlier." He beamed at her as he held it out for her to grab.

Reagan bit her tongue; of course he thought this was funny. She was just finding this place annoying. Going along with this guy seemed her best option though as apparently he knew what was going on, and oh look, he is a Prince and a shuffle knight. She still didn’t trust him.

Jace did have a lot of weapons on his person and Reagan was impressed. It was possible he was telling the truth about hunting “Horribles”. If he was really out to hurt her she had no doubt he would have done it by now, she figured he was probably a very efficient “horrible” exterminator. She didn’t tell him this, but she very much wanted to get a closer look. She’d never seen a real sword or someone who could use it.

“Oh I was just wandering about; trying to figure out what the hell is going on. You are free to join in my confusion though.” Reagan didn’t really want to ask for help but Jace was sure to know this forest and this world, “You wouldn’t happen to know someone who might actually be able to help me home and where I could find them?”

Cali shook her head, grinning, as mad as he seemed, he did provide a certain amount of amusement and randomness to a conversation. She was finding that she rather liked his antics. "I see then, that answer does make sense as well," she told him, still liking her answers better, but she wasn't one to argue about such things.

She watched him curiously as he retreated into his house, spouting out about dresses. It stuck her as odd that he would have dresses in his home, as it appeared that he lived alone, but then again, he so many other quirks, she didn't mind as much as she probably should have.

When she returned, she looked at the dress he presented her. It was pretty, though not something she would usually pick out or wear, unless there was an occasion for it, but something seemed to draw her to it. She took it from him and ran her fingers over the silky material. "Really, this is for me?" she asked, fingering the material as she spoke.

Cali stood and moved towards the house, going in to change as he had asked. She quickly changed, putting on the dress. Before she was able to put her shoes back on, she wasn't going to go back outside with bare feet, her dress began to change in a warm red light.

As the light faded, Cali looked down and saw that she was wearing knee-high white boots, with black and red laces. She also had white lace fingerless gloves and a white choker, with a diamond in the center. A plain, black headband pulled some of her hair from her eyes. Looking down at her now gloved hands, she was a bit shocked.

She rushed back outside, coming upon the hatter. "What the...it changed...what just happened?" she asked, still shocked over what had just occurred.

The hatter grew quite serious as he saw that the outfit did indeed change for the girl and clasped his hands together. He had not fully expected it to actually change for her for there were no others from her world here but this was a clear sign.

"Well my dear.. It would appear that you are in fact the First Shuffle Soldier... Did you appear here alone? Were others with you when the Rabbit approached you? There should be more of seeing as this much of the old codgers theory was correct.. 3 more and Alice that is."

He paced around her for a few moments before throwing his arms around her and hugging her.

"The truth is, I actually might know somebody who fits the description. Maybe." honestly answered Jace, shrugging. Being honest always seemed the easiest choice...well barring a few really dangerous secrets. This trait of his had gotten him in trouble time and again and then he sometimes had to lie, in order to avoid more. It was a vicious circle "The thing is, I should have found him a few hours ago. I know his hut is in the area, but not where exactly. And the forest isnt helping either."

Jace sighed a little. Ironic that the same forest he used to like so much now caused him such irritation and discomfort. Another thing that he'd eventually make the Queen pay for. But the immediate matters...should he help the girl? He wasn't entirely sure yet, but logic dictated that if a human could cause as much damage as Alice did, somebody had to keep an eye on her. And the prince was certain he was the most qualified for the task...for most tasks, really.

"Fair enough. You may join me. A few rules though, for your safety and mine" quickly exclaiming his decision, Jace started walking steadily, taking a just a glimpse back, as if Reagan had been traveling with him for days and he was just checking if she was still following him "First, don't get between me and an oponent. Second, I handle all negotiations. Third, you may call me either "Ye, O, Prince", Jace or Longsteel. Anything else, you'll probably end up regretting it. Fourth, if you see or hear anything, position youself behind my back at all times. Fifth, whenever you notice a tree shake, you jump three times on one foot and spin to your right, making a full circle. Sixth..." the prince went on with his rules, which were getting increasingly silly and possibly useless, despite the serious look on Jace's face as he was telling them. It looked like he had memorized them beforehand, but sounded like the things he said, he was thinking up right now. And that was actually the case, but still...it was his definition of "fun", stressing the newcommer and making himself look and act weird and kind of irritating. When was he going to get another opportunity like that?

Fine, Reagan could deal with rules, usually, as long as they were fair. He was making it out like she was completely useless though, hide behind him really? Then they just got ever so much more ridiculous. At first he sounded serious, and certainly looked serious, but then his expression hadn’t ever faltered since they had met so you really couldn’t judge Jace by his body language, but she couldn’t tell with his useless rules if he was or not.

“Wow, you are mad.” She said, snorting at his rules. “Fine I’ll try to listen and do as you say Jace, but please shut up. This place is irritating. Maybe if you stop looking for the…a…hut, then you will find it?” That seemed to fit the topsy-turvy wonderland logic right?

"Shuffle Soldier?" she asked, never having heard that before, even in the book. She thought back to when the Rabbit appeared. "There wasn't anyone with him, but i think he did mention others," she told him, now getting excited that there would be others joining them.

Cali was even more surprised when he wrapped his arms around her. She giggled and ended up hugging him back. Why not? He didn't seem too bad, nice even most of the time.

"So, who are the others that are joining us, other than this Alice" she asked.

The hatter clasped his hands together gleefully as he responded,. "Yes a Shuffle sldier!" His eyes seemed to light up at the thought of it.

"Well as for whom the others are I know not but one can be sure they are from where you came from."

Suddenly his expression seemed to turn sour. Did he just hear something.

"Quick hide yourself in my home... Hurry do not dawdle we have company and of their friendliness I am unsure." He turned away from the girl and grabbed his cane as he awaited whatever was approaching his secluded home.

Jace stopped suddenly, almost making Reagan bump into his back. When he turned to face her, his expression was a little confused...and still a little irritated.

"You know, that might actually be a good idea. You sure you haven't been around here before?" the prince suddenly took a random turn left, leaving the narrow path they had been following up until that point "Good thing, that. One would think that you'd be useless in this place, but you prove otherwise. Good for you, really." the rudeness, mixed with a sort of a compliment and the slightly annoying friendly expression on his face once again made the meaning behind them to be hard to understand.

It wasn't long before Jace halted and smelled the air. Faint, but unmistakable. Someone was brewing tea not too far away from here "A word of advice, Reagan, from the great land of Boston. The Mad Hatter is called mad for a reason. Compared to him, I am simply a bit extravagant. You've no idea what a catch I am, really. But you will, eventually." the Shuffle Knight smiled almost cheerfully before drawing out his two longswords. Hatter or not, possible traps were always the main concern in this forest.

"In the name of my father, the King of spades, as well as several of his buddies, who also happen to be kings and such, I demand to meet with the inhabitants of this place!" Jace was already out in the open, approaching the hut with quick steps, his eyes constantly scanning the area. He never was a big fan of royal protocol. He knew it, of course, but used it only if absolutely necessary "Hatter, might as well show yourself. I only strike down her little creations and playthings, after all. You should know." Jace sounded a little offended for a split second, then nodded lightly "Besides, I bring interesting company. Seems I picked a great time as well" he exclaimed when he noticed the cake "What better day for a surprise visit then your Unbirthday, hm?"

Cali listened eagerly as to hopefully finally learn why she had been brought to this strange place, but was quickly foiled by the change in the Hatter's mood. At first, Cali was not too concerned with the change in the Hatter's expression. He had tended to change it quite often. Then after he spoke she became a bit concerned.

Cali did as she was told and moved inside the Hatter's home. No sooner than she did, she could hear voices outside. She figured she could venture a peek out the window.

As she did, she could see an oddly dressed man approaching the house. He spoke out calling for the Hatter, making her nervous about what he could want. She chewed on her bottom lip as she awaited the Hatter's reply to the man.

" I am but here in front of you dear boy and why yes it is my Unbirthday. What a most pleasant surprise indeed. But I am sure you will find your weapons almost useless here should you have decided to use them on me anyhow."

He smiled as he greeted the prince of spades with a flamboyant bow and a tip of his hat.

"You should also be aware I care not for your royal formalities for I am king of my own home and not your father or any other being."

His smile widened nearly taking up his face as a platter with a tea cup floated towards the prince. Looking back towards his house to make sure that the girl was still hidden for he was not ready for the prince to see her.

"You brought me something you said? May I see it? Oh and do have a seat I am sure your legs must be tired from wandering lost before stumbling upon my humble abode"

"I'll just stand, thank you." Jace replied politely, standing in front of the Hatter, his weapons still drawn. Then he sheathed them, nodding lightly "You really don't care for proper protocol, don't you? I have to say, that's rather...refreshing." he gave the man a knowing look "Though it is to be expected. It's been some time since titles meant anything, hasn't it?"

The prince straightened his shoulders and crossed his arms behind his back, assuming a soldier's posture "I bring before you...Reagan of Boston. She fell out of the sky. Thought you'd have a better idea about how to get her back to her realm..." Jace suddenly stopped and looked around, sniffing the air. Faint, but it was there. A smell, which he hadn't come across before...one probably not of this world.

"Pray tell, is there anyone else here besides us three?" he asked casually, as his palms lightly gripped the handles of the twin swords again. The little man was an ally, at least so Jace was told. But this forest had twisted minds ever since Wonderland's balance had been lost "Should I be worried, dear Hatter?"

"No you shall not be worried dear prince."
The hatter smiled pleasantly as he again tipped his hat in an odd fashion.

"Now of this girl from the Great land of Boston... You say she fell from the sky did you? That would mean she is from a world similar to if not t he same as Alice was but she is most definitely not Alice!"

He poured himself a cup of tea and smiled as he tossed a Scone towards the prince in the hopes of distracting him from whom else was there. The hatter was highly suspicious of all whom came to his abode that were from wonderland. He had no clear cut way of telling whom the queen had manipulated.

"Go on eat that. I am sure you will find it quite delicious."

While he talked with the prince a sheet of paper floated into his house and towards Cali. "If you choose to stay hidden I will try to keep him from looking but it is up to you if you remain a secret or not." was written in rather clear text.

Cali was able to peak out the window and watch the events occur outside between the Hatter and the strange man who had arrived. She was also just able to make out what they were saying through the window. She let out a slightly audible gasp in surprise as the man asked if there was someone else in the area. There was something about him that scared her.

As the Hatter's note floated into the house towards her, she read it quickly. She was unsure if she should let her presence be known. Her nervousness seemed like a good idea, right? This new guy was covered in weapons. She bit her bottom lip, as she tried to decide what to do.

Finally, she remembered that the Hatter had called her a Shuffle Soldier. Maybe he was wrong. A soldier wouldn't be nervous like this right? For some reason the thought of nor being a Shuffle Soldier upset Cali. There was a part of her that wanted to be one, even though she had no idea what one was.

"There's no need to be worried, sir. It's just me," she said softly, answering the guy's question for the Hatter as she exited the house quietly.