entranceway | M e s s a g e 3 8

[The first thing anyone sees, even before the person posting...is a little pig, in one of the tea rooms. It snuffles and sniffles and sweeps the room for signs of danger, and once it is satisfied it trots away.

Then in a blink, Alice is standing in the middle of the room, pig cradled in her arms. And for the first time ever on the network, her face has wide blue eyes. She's a bit frantic, but otherwise unharmed.]

I think I'm starting to get used to doing that on purpose... Ah, hello everyone! It's...been some time, hasn't it?

[Even Alice can't seem to hide the fact that it's rather awkward to suddenly have eyes when she did not before. The pig squirms and she lets it down, as she's discovered it's wisest to listen to what the Duchess' pig wants.]

I'm so sorry to interrupt everything, but I need to warn you all! Something-- something terrible is going to happen soon! I don't want to cause anyone alarm, but it may very well be the worst thing that's ever happened to you.

[It's all distressing, and Alice crouches down to the pig's level so she can play with it's ears absently as she talks. It lets her.]

I'm afraid I still can't explain how I know, and the details are...rather distressing. But I promise, I'd never lie to all of you! I could never!

[She's adamant about that much at least. Even if her message isn't clear, there's more clarity in the way she speaks about it - she understands the importance of these messages now, in a way she'd forgotten for so long.]

Please, everyone. Take care of yourselves this weekend. I think it may be all you can do.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You're a lot more like the Alice in the book now. [Max actually manages to look Alice straight in the face for once.] I'm so glad you have your eyes back.

Oh! I've heard some people say that before. I'm not sure if we're one and the same, but...thank you?

[It seems like a compliment anyway.]

And thank you again. I'm very glad as well, and very grateful.

You're welcome. [It sure is a lot easier to feel for Alice now that she's not... scary. Though Max knows that shouldn't be the case.] No more tips about the upcoming event?

[She shakes her head.]

There isn't much more to say, I'm afraid. Just be careful with each other, and kind if you can.

[Max smiles. Mostly without humor.] Tell that to the Queen. But thanks for the... not riddle, this time. Are you going to be okay?

Oh, I'll be telling absolutely nothing to her. And that's what's going to keep me okay!

[Or at least, she hopes so.]

She's not going to be happy my eyes were given back to me. The event is nothing, but I've got to keep away from her as long as possible.

I'm sure you know there's a ton of people here who would help you lie low. You just have to ask.

I know. Everyone's been so kind...I really and truly appreciate it.

M e s s a g e 3 8

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