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[madcuriosity]

Hello? Oh ah, I beg your pardon. [Alice has never made any sort of announcement before, she has only ever responded to them.]

That is, I was wondering if I could take some of your time, for just a moment. My name is Alice Liddell, how do you do? ... Ah yes, there is another Alice Liddell on the train, she's the older me... or well, I'm the younger her since she was on the train first. Mr. Stark said that might be confusing so you can also call me Minnie, if you like. He says it's the same name as a cute Mouse Queen but I suppose it could also be "Mini Alice" if you like.

But oh um, that isn't what I would like to ask... mostly because that isn't a question, the first thing I said.

The greenhouse, which is the actual garden rather than the garden car... do we take flowers from the planets we visit and put them in the greenhouse?

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[marriedanidiot]

[ Nerdanel laughs softly ]

Ah, curiosity! Well there's nothing wrong with being curious, as long as you are careful, I think.

[madcuriosity]

It gets me into quite a bit of trouble.

[marriedanidiot]

Tis the province of the young to get into trouble! How else would you learn, after all? The main thing is - could you get yourself out again, after?

[madcuriosity]

Yes, but I don't much enjoy the trouble I wind up in. Especially if it results in punishment.

[marriedanidiot]

Well, that way you'll learn not to, yes?

[madcuriosity]

But I don't like punishment.

[marriedanidiot]

Well of course! It's punishment, after all - it wouldn't work if you liked it, no?

[madcuriosity]

But it isn't fair, I shouldn't be punished for something I didn't know was trouble.

[marriedanidiot]

Ah, but did you know that you shouldn't do it, or were you told to do something else?

[madcuriosity]

I never was told to do anything about this train. [Because that's what this train IS as far as Alice is concerned. One massive, giant punishment.] How can I avoid something I don't know about?

[marriedanidiot]

Oh! Is that what you think? My dear, I truly doubt the train was meant as a punishment. If anything... tis only a new adventure, is all.

[madcuriosity]

I do. It's an adventure away from my family.

[marriedanidiot]

Ah child... it's hard, that is true. But tis no punishment! And you will have tales aplenty to bring home to your family afterwards.

[madcuriosity]

[Alice would like to know why everyone says that to her as if that's supposed to somehow make her feel better. And quite suddenly, anger wells up inside of her, because she doesn't WANT to tell her family about this adventure, she wants her FAMILY.]

You mean IF we get to go home! No one said we get to go home, only kicked off the train. I could never see my family again! [And she's somehow supposed to be alright with that.]

[marriedanidiot]

When. [ Nerdanel says firmly, unphased ]

Have you not heard? Time here is suspect. There are those here from past, from present, from future. I know things of my nephew that he has yet to live through. [ Die through, technically ] And yet, he is here, when history records his life and reign in Beleriand without ever mentioning his mysterious vanishing. Oh yes, we return home. Likely, to the exact same point when we left. You will see them again, little one. The only question is when.

Congrats, Nerdanel Mathaniel, you are the ONLY one to tell Alice about the time thing

[madcuriosity]

Ah... I beg your pardon, no I've certainly...

We... We can go home? It... It's like I never left? You... you mean it? We... We can go home?

sob

[marriedanidiot]

Oh child... no one ever mentioned? Yes, we do. Wether we remember what passes here, Findekano has never said.

[ ADMITEDLY HE MIGHT REMEMBER. HE'S ALSO DEAD AND CAN'T SAY ANYTHING ]

But there is no mention of anything like the High King of the Noldor In Exile going missing, and I rather think people would have noticed.

[ there's also the ... timing of his arrival but... still. The desciptions of his body are... er. convincing. Not that Alice needs to know that ]

[madcuriosity]

[She shakes her head.]

No... No one... no one said... [Alice suddenly felt tears well up and she began sobbing, suddenly feeling so relieved because she would get to go home and her family...]

I-I'm sorry I-I don't m-m-mean to cry.

[marriedanidiot]

Oh little one - there is no evil in tears. If you need to cry, cry! I'm so sorry none have told you this before. There was no need to let you suffer so.

[madcuriosity]

I don't- I don't think they meant to... perhaps they don't even know?

[That MUST be it. So many people had not a wit about time being off on his merry way while they fluttered about so.]

Perhaps we should tell them?

[marriedanidiot]

I had thought it was obvious... but perhaps not. I am sorry, my dear. I should have considered that folk did not realise!

Did you wish to?

[madcuriosity]

I-Imagine how many might be happy to know such a thing. There are s-so many who are still learning about the train as I am.

[marriedanidiot]

That is true, and speaks well of the kindness of your heart, little one. Perhaps you should announce it? It would bring joy to others, and I think, please you.

[madcuriosity]

The kindness of my heart? [She goes bright red.]

[marriedanidiot]

Even so! Oh my dear, how proud your parents must be of you, that in your distress, your first thought is for others.