The Recruitment: Aki Welland

[Alice Halifax]

Alice had done some homework on Aki Welland since their chance meeting at the bonfire a few nights ago. Not sure why she felt the need to look into Aki, Alice was glad she had. The girl came from a rather rich family which operated in all the elite fashion circles of the world. Aki's power of telepathy was also an interesting ability which the group could make excellent use of. Alice wasn't sure about the girl's personality though. Was she determined and driven enough to want to be a successful person in the world or was she content with living in her parent's shadow? Some people just weren't eager enough to get their hands dirty and take life by the horns to make it into something which served them instead of the other way around. However, Alice would rather take the chance of recruiting Aki instead of letting her slip through her fingers and into the hand of someone else.

From what Alice had heard from the students around Hammel, Aki liked to party and was quite the mischief maker, which made it hard to pin her down to any one place for too long. The club district of town seemed like the best place to find Aki, but it was just finding out which club or clubs she liked to frequent. Luckily Pilot Ridge didn't have too many clubs or this might have been a bit of a challenge. For the past two or three evenings, Alice had come down to the club district looking for Aki and every night she had walked away defeated. However, tonight seemed to be her night.

Dressed in a tight strapless silver party dress, Alice stood by the bar of the club, looking about for Aki. The dress ended just above Alice's knee and clung to her body, showing off all her curves. Her hair was curled and bounced about her shoulders as usual. She wore silver high heels and on the bar top beside her was a small purse, silver with all sorts of shiny beads and what nots covering it. She sipped on glass of ginger ale, using a thin tiny straw so as not to smudge her lipstick.

After about an hour or so of looking, Alice's determination and patience finally paid off. Aki entered the bar, smiling and laughing, shouting out to some people here and there, telling Alice that the girl was a known regular here. Taking her small purse and putting it under her arm, Alice took another sip of her ginger ale and approached Aki, smiling and putting together her offer in her mind. "Aki. Aki Welland," she said, getting Aki's attention, trying to speak as loud as she could without shouting, trying to get above the music of the club. "I'm Alice Halifax, we met at the bonfire the other night. I was hoping I could have a few words with you in private," she said, nodding over to the section of the club where some booths were set up. That side of the bar was a bit less noisy and more suited for talking.

[Aki Welland]

Firstof all, Aki didn't wear dresses. It was something that had always irked her mother when she was working on a new piece because if she wanted to design a new dress she couldn't make it for her daughter. No Aki was the kind of person who wore shirts and pants in all sorts of different combinations. Right now she was dressed in what she considered her club wear, which was a mix of casual and very high upscale. Her pants were quitelong and black with small gold strip running across the bottom. It was elegant enough to look good but easy enough to manage the high heeled sneakers she so preferred when not wearing running shoes. Her shirt was a deep burning blood scarlet with shoulders made of thin silk that draped down around her shoulders. Her hair was let to run loose,fanning behind her in a copper haze. Over her eyes was gold eyes shadow. In general it made her look like a striking desert jewel. When she walked in she was assualted by thoughts from all the people around her, but she welcomed the thoughts. A few people shouted out and she smiled and greeted them back enthusiastically.


Once she actually got in someone called her to attention. They were sort of tall, a leggy blonde in a short glittering silver party dress. She waved and identified herself to Aki as Alice Halifax. The name rung bells and at that oment the other person said they had met briefly at her little party a ew days back. Wasn't she one of the two girls who had been so adamently...open about thier relationship? Her eyes ran the girl up and down in a calculating way as she moved closer.

" A few words in private? Sure. Not tht anything around here is really private for me since I can hear most of these people,but I know what you mean." Her sarcastic overtones would ward off most people,but Aki had a feeling there was something different about this Alice person just because f the way she carried herself. She was so obviosly hunting for something, but what the telepath didn't know. She wasn't going to try and dip into the other persons public mind because she knew her power. And if it didn't end well she could end up forced into something she didn't want.

" Lets go in the back booth. It's nice and quiet there." She said afterward,leading the way. She wasn't going to give an inch of respect until the woman earned it.

[Alice Halifax]

Aki was far more receptive to Alice's request for some privacy than Alice had thought the other woman might be. Alice had not even begun to use her ability and had not intended to unless Aki denied her invitation into the group Alice was busy putting together. Alice could not let anyone who refused entrance into the group to just walk away with that information freely floating about their knowing mind. Making someone forget things was a new level in Alice's powers and while still yet new to the procedure, she was beginning to become better at it. She had toyed with the thought in the idea in the past but until just recently, had never been able to carry it through. It had taken her some time to finally catch on to the exact formula for making others forget certain things. Instead of pushing her powers onto others, it was a soft gentle push of suggestions. Convincing the mind that the body was tired and once the body became tired, then the mind lost the dominating control and in essence became weak and less able to resist Alice's little 'request'.

Smiling, more out of show than actual interest, Alice watched as Aki led the way to the back of the club where the booths were situated. There was a defiance in her tone and a certain walk about her as she walked ahead of Alice. Aki was putting on a good show for Alice and despite Alice's annoyance at not being more respected, Aki did find approval for her strong will. Alice had chosen well it seemed, but then again, she always did. There wasn't room for any weak links in the group. The things which this group would accomplish would take every last ounce of cunning and will that its members had in order to be successful. No doubt there would be friction, but that would only be another test of resolve and determination to become the best. If every member of the group could put aside their petty grievances with one another, then who could stand before them and their plans. For in conquering their own vain and greedy hearts, each individual would have conquered the only obstacle which could stop them.

Following casually behind Aki, Alice watched the other carefully. Alice had no real idea of the limit of Aki's ability so she needed to be on guard mentally. Alice had secrets she wanted to keep buried deep in her mind. Sure, she could probably shuffle her thoughts enough to make things difficult for Aki, but in the end, the telepath would eventually win out. Alice had no real training against those who could read her thoughts so that meant she was just as vulnerable as anyone else. However, if she could earn a bit of respect from Aki, perhaps she might earn her right to her own mental privacy. It was a large risk to take, but Alice had no other option at the moment.

There wasn't a need to find the most secluded booth as the music and chatter of the club would dampen whatever it was these two would be discussing. No one in here anyway would be interested in some seemingly meaningless conversation between two young woman. People were here to party, not pry in on private conversations. Alice let Aki sit down first and then sat down on the other side of the semi-circular booth. "I appreciate the willingness of your choice to hear what I have to offer you Aki. I hope this means I have indeed chosen the right woman," Alice said, leaning in closer to Aki so the other young woman could hear her better. "I belong to a small group of rather interesting individuals, all from Hammel, who have decided that it would serve each of our individual interests to work together with one another instead of against. Now, before you ask, we're not some anti-human group and we're not an unsung group of heroes either. All we are, are a group of people who want to have the best of all the things the world has to offer," Alice said, laying out the bare bones of why she was here, talking to Aki. "You've caught my eye Aki, in more than one way and so I'm here on behalf of the rest of the group to offer you a one time chance to join us and take the things which you truly deserve," she finished, taking another sip of her ginger ale before sitting the small glass down on the table.

[Aki Welland]

Caught her eye in more way than one? Aki carefully listened to the tones and meaning of this other girls obviosly prepared speech. So Alice wanted Aki to be part of her group. Aki thought about dipping a mental finger in Alice's public mind, but the show she and her girlfriend had put on the other night left her deciding against that decision. She didn't know what she was going to find and didn't really care to learn more about this girl. And so she was going to have to set a few basic rules around this. Especially since Aki knew what Alice's power was and ways it could be used by thier previous meeting. She wasn't going to have that. Aki concentrated for a moment of putting up mental shields to force out the clutter of other thoughts she usually let in and to keep her own thoughts to herself.

" Okay, hold on. We can talk, but I have three little rules." She held up three fingers, her face echoing all seriousness.
" Big rule is rule number one. Don't touch me unless you wantme to know things that you can't express in words, and even with that be careful. I'm still a student and don't have full control yet, so some of my power is sketchy. " The girl ticked down a finger.

" Rule two. No use of powr here for either of us, except for me because I'm shoelding right now so I don't pick up stray thoughts. I know you have a vocal power that makes people do shit and I won't be happy if Im forced to do anything. That's the fastest way to make an enemy." She ticked down a second finger.

" Third, don't ask me something unless you want to know exactly what I think. Despite what people say I don't lie about anything. It's pointless for me." She said, ticking down the last finger. Aki then split into a grin.

" I'm interested in what you're saying, and this group sounds like something I would want to be a part of, but I ant to know more about it. Goals, others in it, what the purpose is. Theres always a driving purpose. To make things beter is a politician answer. I'm a person. I don't want bullshit."

[Alice Halifax]

Aki wasted no time in getting to points, something which Alice could respect. With Aki, guessing her mood or what she was thinking wouldn't ever be a problem and while that was a double edged sword, it was exactly the sort of aggressive personality which the group looked for in its members. This group which Alice had been so busy in getting together wasn't going to be anything new. All throughout history, civilizations had been run by similar people, all with varied backgrounds, but all with the same sort of driving force. Every notable historic figure had this determination about them, it was what made them notable. This was a mark of a born leader and while those of this group were still young and fresh in the world, in time they would all become faces and names forever etched on the minds of historians world wide.

Aki began to list off some personal rules, a song and dance routine not foreign to Alice. All those she had recruited had some sort of terms they wanted met before signing on. Aki was quick to lay out her personal space and Alice respected that. As a plus, Aki was pulling in her power instead of delving mind first into Alice and trying to see what nasty little secrets lurked in her mind. This had been a worry from the start as there were sensitive things which Alice wanted to keep to herself and she was thankful that Aki was strong enough to show restraint in the face of such temptation. Aki clearly had a worry of Alice's power in turn and Alice smiled a bit. Aki was a quick study and had picked up Alice's power quickly, no doubt from the bonfire some nights before. Alice had chosen well in this one, just as she had in all the others.

Taking a sip of her ginger ale, Alice listened contently to Aki's rules, nodding at certain times and parts to indicate she was still listening. Then came the core question, Aki wanted to know more about this group. What drove them and what they were really after. It was a fair and smart question, one Alice was well ready to answer. Sitting her glass back down on the table top, Alice cleared her throat and then looked back to Aki. "My, aren't we well established," she said, giving a sly little smile. "I like that," she went on, her smile growing a bit, "You won't have to worry about my powers Aki, I have no intention of using them on you. I won't have to, to be honest. Your a smart girl and letting what the group and I have to offer you is something your not going to let slip through your fingers," she added, her finger tracing around the rim of her drinking glass.

"Now, as for what the goals of the group are, well....that's a bit difficult to answer in such a public place," Alice said, looking around at all the people in the club. "I can tell you this though Aki. Its far easier to have what you want when you have others there to offer their resources to you," Alice said before taking another sip of her ginger ale, "Those with power and the will to use every resource at their finger tips are the ones who make a mark in the world and they are the ones who end up the winners in the end. I know your a woman who likes to have fun, the bonfire was evidence enough of that, but there is going to come a point when your going to have to face some serious threat to you, everyone does. However, unlike these other dregs of society, you won't have to face your problems alone and all the group asks in return is your support when we call on you," Alice said, answering Aki's question, but leaving a large part of it still very vague.

[Aki Welland]

Aki frowned, letting her mental shields strengthen for a moment before she thought anything. She was very interested because she knew Alice was someone who had power. Honestly, Aki could have power if she wanted it without the group. She could just get it from her mother, and from her mothers clothes lines. Of course, Aki wanted to be away from her mother and attain power for herself. That was one point of all the trouble. She wanted to make a name for herself, not let someone else make it for her. Of course, this was similar to having someone give her power. But everyone needed to be backed by someone. Maybe that's what this could be.

" There are private rooms we can go into to discuss this, or, if you prefer....." Aki held up five fingers, meaning to share some of these ideals by thought. She rarely did this with anyone since, if they knew what they were doing this could be a two way door. But Aki was willing to risk it because she was very interested. She wanted to know what this was about. Alice's description was just too vague to give her any real idea. Just the promise of a group behind her and of power. It sounded good now, but things could always go wrong.

There was silence for a few moments as the song changed. Then the bass boomed making the whole place shudder with the sound coming out of it. It was great party music, the kind that sent your heart rate running. For Aki it only made her adrenaline spike in the way i would with the challenge of a parkour run. That, and it provided all the cover for any kind of verbal conversation that anyone could ever need.

[Alice Halifax]

Aki made an offer to establish a mental link with Alice and this posed a series of serious questions. Alice was cautious around those who possessed such mental abilities as those in that power classification were perhaps the most dangerous. The mind was a powerhouse and those who had learned to tap into their full potential were certainly top of the food chain. Alice had allowed her mind to be explored in the past by other telepaths and mind readers, but that had been an entirely different set of circumstances. The young woman had been Alice's partner at the time and during one of their more intimate moments, Alice had lowered her guard, letting the girl slip in and entrance her even further. Aki didn't seem the sort to be too cautious of, but that could have been a foolish assumption to make. Alice knew some of Aki and her past, but she still knew only the basics. However, in allowing Aki to share her thoughts on the group, Alice would be showing a sign of good faith. Some trust would have to be given to all within the group and if loyalty to the group members was to be established, then trust needed to be there.

Slowly, Alice put up her hand, flexing her fingers in a moment of hesitation. Could she hide her secrets well enough from Aki should the young woman choose to probe further into Alice's mind? Alice pondered if she flooded her mind with base emotions and thoughts of graphic nature, that she might be able to shield her true thoughts from Aki? It was a theory and one Alice hoped she would never have to really test, but eventually in her life, Alice figured that she would have to ready her mind for inevitable mental attacks.

Finally, Alice put her hand against Aki's, their finger tips resting against one another gently. It was an interesting note that Aki seemed to require physical touch to initiate a contact, and Alice wondered if this was because physical contact allowed her to establish a more stable connection. It was easier to explain the concept of the group to Aki in this manner. Alice was able to convey with thoughts where words paled in comparison. Visions of Alice surrounded by others came to her mind first. With Alice stood Isabella Crane as well as a face Aki might not recognize, the face of the red headed young man Odion. There were shadowy figures there as well, in the line up of members of this circle, indicating Alice had other potential members in mind. The thought and scene soon shifted to showing the same group standing on top of a very tall building, all of them looking down on the world below, indicating the power this group would potentially have. Then, the scene grew dark, leaving only Alice and her other two companions standing there, then slowly, the image of Aki emerged in the thoughts, dressed rather elegantly. The image of Aki moved into position beside Alice and her other two partners, showing that Alice was ready to count Aki among the members of this inner circle.

[Aki Welland]

Aki knew she had to give Alice a moment or two to sort out her own mind. She seemed puzzled, but that was sort of a base emotion leaking from her like neon paint. She could also feel the curiosity coming from her. So while Alice hid her thoughts Aki took a moment to do the same. She put up a sort of wall, as best she could anyway, of memories. Just happy memories of some silly troublemaking stunts and small stuff, nothing worth much. She knew she was getting trust, even if just a sliver, from Alice. Which meant she would give trust, as well as respect. For Aki that was how it worked. Earning it a little at a time.

Alice held her hands close, hesitating. It was close enough for her to get the basic drift of the thoughts Alice was thinking. She could have just peeked being that close, but let the hesitation wash over her. Then the thought of emotions and some rather.....graphic images. She blocked them from her mind and waited for Alice to initiate the link. It would be so much easier for her to keep their thoughts sort of shielded and private without having to rely on technology. Such things were fallible and untrustworthy, unlike the mind. Aki knew that her mind was safe, at least for now. There was one other telepath at Hammel, and other than the occasion word or two she tended to stay away from good old Dr. Neville. The coppery teen was quite sure Alice didn't want him knowing anything about this.

Finally Alice gently rested her fingers against Aki's own, and the contact was made. The girl carefully kept her mind from being pulled into the vortex of thoughts, keeping on the outer boundaries of menial thoughts and worries, emotions and other things that made up the whole bit of brain soup. She let Alice do the work, showing her the images. Hazy faces he recognized slightly came into view, first Alice and Isabella, then a boy she had met a few times. There was a tower, overlooking what seemed to be a vast empire. The feeling of power, of being known filled her as she stepped onto the scene, dressed well. Her eyes darted as they they usually did, taking in every bit of the emotion and images that were pouring into her mind. The whole thing was....alluring. Tempting. The ghost-Aki stepped closer to the others, showing she was an accepted member of the group.

Aki didn't question this. It was what she wanted, and matched the goals she had had for a while now. To become something more than the troublemaker she was. Oh, of course she was going to continue making trouble as a cover, but this would probably now be in the forefront of what she wanted to do. There was no way this driven, spicy, stubborn girl was going to let anything this good slip from her fingers.

So she simply let her thoughts flow to Alice, hoping she understood.

I like this. Let me know what I can do to help. It seems very worthwhile. A grin spread across her face, feral and unpredictable and slightly ruthless, and her eye glinted with mischief

[Alice Halifax]

The established telepathic connection between Aki and Alice was more stable and relaxed than Alice had anticipated. She was slightly impressed by the skill Aki exhibited with her mental ability, not to mention rather taken back by the gentleness which which Aki used in their connection. Aki seemed to take her ability seriously if the skill level and gentleness of its use indicated anything. That was a good sign that Alice had made a very competent choice in selecting Aki as the group telepath. Alice had very specific positions picked out in the group, positions which were crucial for success and survival in the world they were all about to graduate into.

A lot of thought had been put into this group and the plans which would quickly follow upon its formation. Each member was going to be thrust into the wide waiting world and so, it only made sense for them all to face the world together instead of by themselves. The world was a harsh and quick paced place and so, if Alice or any of the others wanted to survive, they would need help.

Aki's thoughts slipped into Alice's mind, gently and her voice was heard softly. Aki had accepted Alice's proposal, causing Alice to smile rather broadly. Things were going better than Alice had anticipated, but she needed to keep the pace slow and steady. Pushing things too fast could result in disaster which could set Alice's plans back by several years, making any other plans that much harder to bring about. Alice took a deep breath, trying to respond mentally as easy as Aki had to her. It was hard to judge just how much effort it would take to get her own mental statements across to Aki as this sort of thing was still new to Alice. Alice tried to remain calm, trying to keep her emotions in check so she could get her mental response across quietly and calmly as she would if she were speaking vocally. Sit back for now and keep this between us for now Aki. I'll gather the others and let you know where to meet us so we can all formally introduce ourselves to one another. Alice hoped her response wasn't overwhelming to Aki and also hoped it would satisfy the young woman's curiosity for now.

[Aki Welland]

Once Alice started to think, not to show her just the selected images that she wanted Aki to see, but think in general Aki had to take her fingers away. The movement was very quick, and she felt bad for it. It probably looked like she was being rude. Really, once Alice's thoughts weren't so absolutely focused and sharp from showing her the vision everything got about ten times stronger. It was like lightning in her fingers tips. The information rushed in and she had to move away so she didn't catch ever thought. She had been quite gentle upto that point, as much as she could anyway. Maybe Alice was someone she should really start practicing her power with. The girl seemed to have a good strong ability to keep herself and Aki quite focused. She just let the smile curl wider across her face.

Alice's own thoughts were now very loud in Aki's head, just because of proximity. She winced slightly, forgetting about that little side effect. Well, maybe it was a good thing, but that would remain to be seen. From that contact Aki had established a sort of mental 'link.' Not on purpose, but because she had shared close thoughts with the other girl. Her range would now be wider with Alice. Even in those few moments she had established a good link. Actually, it was stronger than most of the links she formed, which were tenuous at best and sometimes didn't even last. But maybe that was because she had formed the link on purpose and had added something to it to make it quite firm.

So when Alice concentrated on sending her thoughts to Aki the telepath got them loud and clear. Very loud and very clear. She had to laugh, not at Alice but at the irony. So she decided since Alice couldn't read her mind she was going to have to explain vocally.

" Sorry, I'm really not laughing at you. I just realized something. I've never really tried sharing ideas with such a strong linking before. I can probably find you anywhere on campus now, and can certainly hear you much better. This is probably a good thing. Ya know, making it easier to share information between the group, whoever the other are." Then another thought occurred to her. A mental circle!

" It would probably be a good idea to establish a deep contact with all the people in the group. I could transfer thoughts faster than any electronic device and no hackers could get info from recorded bits in the cyber world. It would be pretty easy to. Establish a deep enough link and I meet even be able to link the group in a mental conversation. Like three way calling." She shrugged and leaved back against the booth, letting the music wash over her and sipping on the drink that had been brought. This gave her all the more reason to work on her powers. But now she didn't want to work with the trainers because any of them could probably look in her head if she wasn't careful. She would need to train with just the group, and that could be dangerous. Damn

[Alice Halifax]

Alice always moved in several steps when she chose to act, a skill which would prove to propel her to very powerful positions. Some people were natural leaders and seemed to have an understanding of the world around them that others did not. Alice was not trapped by social status or religious backgrounds, nor did the color of skin matter to her. Everyone had a use somewhere and it was her job to find that use and exploit it to her benefit. This said, it did not mean Alice was a tolerating person, she still had an arrogant and elitist manner about her, a product of her own vanity and narcissism. She might try to find a use for everyone, but their use wasn't always useful. Those who exhibited exceptional talents were quickly snatched away and those who were of no real use or lacked the heart to pursue their duty were thrown to the side with the rest of the garbage. Aki was one of those who were snatched up and the young woman seemed very eager to put her abilities to use for the good of the group.

As Aki laughed, Alice quirked an eyebrow in question. Aki of course was quick to explain away the moment of laughter, no doubt recognizing the sort of person Alice really was. Alice in turn gave a small laugh, leaning forward, putting her chin in the palm of her hand as she watched Aki and listened to her. It seemed she and Alice had established a very strong mental link, a surprise to Alice this early in the game, but a welcomed one all the same. Aki was more gifted than at first thought. "Excellent," Alice replied to the news of the mental bond they shared now. Then, something which Alice had already in mind struck Aki like a ton of bricks. Group mental bonding. This was the reason for a gifted telepath within the ranks. Sharing a collective mind would give the group an advantage like no other. As Aki had said, no need to worry about information being stolen as it so easily could from electronic devices and there wasn't any computer out there they could transmit information faster than the human brain.

"I've chosen quite well then. Now your starting to see the smaller details of things," Alice said to Aki, smiling broadly, "I do have to admit, I am deeply impressed by the bond you've established with me already. I underestimated your ability and for that I apologize. With you standing with us Aki, we'll all go far in this world," Alice said, her ego boosted a bit. Things went exceptionally well in this recruitment, even better than they had with Odion. Now there was only one left to add to this powerhouse of meta-humans. "We'll be in touch soon Aki.....Very soon," Alice said, sliding out of her seat and standing, making sure to take her small pocket book with her. "Oh, and don't worry about your bill tonight, everything will be billed to my account. Call it a welcoming to the family gift," Alice said, reaching out to brush some of Aki's hair back out of her face before moving off into the crowd of the club.

[Aki Welland]

Aki hadn't really forseen the mental link, but she was grateful for it. It showed her powers were maturing, and that she could control them, and would control them instead of the other way around. There was no doubt in her mind that, yes, maybe there would be trouble time. No, there would certainly be trouble, but she wasn't going to be bothered by it with such prospects set in front of her. Such an opportunity! This group could go far, and Aki would make sure that she could provide the needed link for all of them. That meant being in contact with them much more, especially if she was to form a strong mental link. Theorhetically if she spent enough time in link with them she should be able to find them anywhere on campus to contact someone. And she thought it should be possible for her to know when they need to get in contact with her by keeping a light tab...but that would stretch her thin and she didn't have good enough control for that now. She would have to definitely train a link to Alice if no one else for now. That was what was most important.

Before she could say such the silverfish of a girl rose and melted into the crowd, leaving Aki to her thoughts. So to test the link she would have to do...something in the future. Even so, she would be able to find Alice now. A though iced through her. What would that girl she had seen at the party, Isabella, think of all this. If her personality was similar to Alices it would seem this could be quite a dangerous game she was playing at. Jealousy could cloud judgement and cause problems. Aki was definitely no poacher, seeing as she didnn't roll that way anyway and had her eyes set on another person. Who, in theory could be an important part to her own sucess if he could get a grip on his powers. What would Alice think of that? She wasn't going to worry about it. Leo was part of who she was, and being so was part of the signing bargain. Alice will see that as a surprise, and most likely not like it. I have to watch her, she's devious. A shadow slipping through minds and hearts alike. Still, the idea of what can be accomplished...... Her thoughts brought nothing but pleasure to her mind. Such a strong group. And she already knew for the most part who to be wary of. People who were gossipmongers obviously, and would give them away to people like that damned Rumor blog.

So she just needed more time to establish a strong, permanent link with Alice. Then she could spread the link from there. She took her glass from the table and sipped the drink [non-alchoholic of course] and smiled. Such fun times ahead. And maybe she should get in contact with the people she had seen in Alice's head secretly, before the blonde could give them any-forewarning or coaching. It would be best for Aki to learn what Alice saw in them and learn a little better how Alice worked, since she had been very true to her word and had gone no further in Alices mind than what she had been allowed.

We'll just have to see now won't we.

[wrapped]