The darkness was what made you check your surroundings twice. A swift glance ruled over another, meaning to push away the groggy confusion your sleeping state had followed. But only shadow was what stayed.

It lied there, as thick as fog, coming for you as you blinked once again. Figuring it would be a good idea to try for another time.
Surprise was safe, and when colorful soft lights blinded you, you briefly found yourself wishing back the abyss you'd been ridden of.

Just for a moment. Because next thing you encountered was a pair of greyish pools, starring you down from above. Paired with an abnormal shape of a grin. Such opposite mimics, one to be dying for and the latter, so wide with fangs showing, that your breath ran shaky. Till your hand placed well on your edges, to stop yourself from gasping. And eventual screaming. What in the world was happening?!

"Good to have you here, Alice."

The lips now moved, and made the smirk vanish. Leaving behind a mere hint of broad eruption. That you took several more seconds before you blinked and thought about what to reply.

As you weren't this Alice.

"I am not—"

"Oh, Alice, this is not the place to start fantasizing about what more life has gotten in its bag pouch for you."

This time, it was the hand of the stranger that got placed on your mouth, while the figure crouched next to you, as words reached you in vain. To stop your response or whatever that was.
Either way, it stayed an uncertainty, as your breathing got heavier and hyperventilation sounded not too bad of an option any longer. Passing out and trying to wake up pleased your with fear soaked mind.

"And not the time at all."

You wondered what sad joke this must be. Pinning a complete stranger to the ground and calling them by a name they'd probably never heard.

"Then when is the time—"

It was panic that made you reply now, mumbling heavily. A rushed emotion climbing up your throat from deep down, steering on something in your stomach area. Something that was about to break free and roar in an animalistic behavior.

But without a hint of explanation, the hand adjusted further, broke down your say and breath, within a second rough push on to your lips. Keeping secret all the thoughts that had gotten in your mind along with hectic confusion. Everything you were and definitely all you had to object right now.

You didn't know what was going on. And the longer you lied low, pressed in to the tall grass , it dawned you, that a better way out was, to simply play along. Not that it was easy, or very alike yourself, but you felt so much as trapped in an awfully real dream.

As for the moment, all you wanted was that it stopped.

* * * * *

This time, you woke up laying on white sheets, tugged into a warm blanket. Your head weighed less than an ounce and the down pillows beneath held a scent that eased your thoughts.

Lavender or perhaps elderberry, mixed with sage and other things you had no chance of identifying. More so, you crashed deeper in its distant odor in the middle of your thought. Drifted farther away in silent bliss, feeling as if the world belonged to you.

It seemed excessively perfect for the longest of moments, that the red waves of hair, haunting your weary sight, felt like fortunas natural answer to your sudden comfort. It was too good to be true.

"I've noticed, you made it back to the livings."

The colored mane made place for a face that showed no consolation. Not for the abrupt awakening, nor the incident in the grass that was still glued to the back of your memories. Not like those obsidian eyes from before.
It's brims moving in strict management, fitting all together with the hypnotizing black of his optics, framed by grey strands. You nearly seemed to drown in darkness again.

"I am ... awake," you whispered, seating yourself, to have a better look at who was eyeing you.

Two men, one resting on a wooden chair right next to you, arm placed on the carved holding, while the other leaned against the dark doors frame. Blocking the view of the rest outside of this room, waiting for you to get explored.

While you were sure, it was the man sitting next to you, who'd just spoken to you, your gaze was triggered once again by the charming eyes of the other. His strange looks, his crimson hair. And the everlasting smirk that softly curved his edges in a way you wanted to give it all to him.

His mimic said nothing however, even though you could've bet he'd been the man from the tall grass, calling you Alice.

"That we see. Can you remember how you got here?"

You couldn't. But as soon as your mouth opened, ready to pray a single statement, the other man across the room, took your place in the conversation. Taking the chance from you to say the wrong. Somehow in a certain rush, you realised. As his orbs glanced at you with mischievous intent. Holding you back, keeping you strangely safe.

"I told you, Alice, fell through the hole. Just as always. She probably bumped her head while trying to find her way back. There's no need for this Q&A-Game, Mad Hatter."