• "What.. do you know about my mother..?"
    Riika walked closer, her foot following the other, slowly and carefully. A slight breeze blew through her hair.
    "She's dead."
    "No, how did you know her?"
    Now closer, almost nose-to-nose, Alyssa's face burned red. Riika smirked.
    "Everyone knew her. Of course, the citizens valued their queen so deeply." She sat down, and looked down at her lap. "She was beautiful. Looked just like you. Long, flowing chocolate brown hair with rich red eyes. Strong and kind, she was everyone's idol.."
    An image formed in Alyssa's head. The photo was beautiful, and wondered of her father. Her mom had a short, red dress. Long in the back, short at the front, with black tights. She had her hair tied into a ponytail to the side.
    "...your father too was like that."
    "What?"
    "Man, listen!"
    Riika poked Alyssa's stomach. Hard. She recoiled and nodded in pain.
    "Well as I was saying, your mother had ties with all the other kingdoms. Especially one. Not all were well. Especially that one. Her mother owned that kingdom, and hated her for running away with the prince of another kingdom, your father. One kingdom has had good ties with us since forever. These four kingdoms are very competitive. Your father was the most. Your mom loved watching and baking. As did your father."
    Alyssa shook her head.
    "How do you know so much about them?"
    Riika became grim.
    "I grew up with you. Just slightly. Your mother and father invited me often, thats for sure. I felt like family nonetheless. But King Nole and Queen Alyssia were the King and Queen so... I would think everyone knows this."
    Alyssa broke a little inside. Everyone knew her parents but her, their own daughter. And then, a sudden thought struck her.
    "Am I supposed to protect this kingdom and become queen?!"
    "Correct!"
    Alyssa cried out in frustration. She had not signed up for anything. Especially not to protect a whole kingdom and run it!
    "How?"
    "Ask him."
    Riika pointed to a tree with strange markings."It knows everything."
    Alyssa walked over to the tree, feeling utterly stupid.
    "Please, tell me how to protect my kingdom."
    And the trees eyes flickered open like magic. It had an old smile to it. Scary, but very gentle.
    "I am the Wisdom Tree. In order for an answer, grant me a piece of wisdom."
    Alyssa looked at Riika, completely lost. She shook her head and shrugged in a way that said, "Tell him anything, I don't care!"
    Alyssa sighed. "I am in pursuit of the kingdom who has killed my mother, and wish to protect my kingdom from evil. The demons around us are listening, and give me my answer!"
    The tree raised a branch brow. "Okay then. But it shall be in a riddle form.
    I am a color of purity
    So very pretty!
    I glow in a magic light that shines
    I run on magic
    I am magic
    Train with me, you'll see!
    I love to hop and run around
    Do not fool with me.
    I have deadly friends
    And weapons too
    My looks are deceiving.
    "
    "What does that mean?!" Riika wailed.
    "Purity. That means white. Its not tainted or soiled."
    "Okay well.. white magi- OH! I see!"
    "Huh?" Alyssa was so lost.
    Riika bowed down low. "Thank you! Thank you so much! Let's go Alyssa!"
    Riika grabbed Alyssa's hand. The tree laughed, and waved a branch. Through branches, bushes, and several more talking trees, Riika sprinted faster than anyone Alyssa has ever seen. "Where are we going?!" Alyssa yelled over the wind now piercing her ears.
    "To a tea party! Everyone in the Land of the Looking Glass is there. If I'm right, the Mad Hatter and Carrotop should be hosting it!"
    Bunny? Mad Hatter?! What is this place?! Alyssa thought.
    Panting, Riika finally stopped. "Here we are."
    And the place was filled with people and creatures.Larvae, butterflies, and so much more were all chattering! It was like a dream! A sudden gasp filled the air, and the loud music stopped. Everyone stared at Alyss. A man with wild silver hair and a red top hat with a quarter sign on.
    "Everyone! The future Queen has graced us with her presence!"
    Everyone bowed low.
    "Wonderland needs you, Your Highness. Your White Magic must be much stronger!"
    Alyssa's head was spinning. Who were this people?! What did they mean?!