At the demand from the March Hare, the young Dormouse didn't respond. He simply continued to sleep, using his furchi as a comfortable pillow, while hovering slightly above his seat. The March Hare gave a huff, thumping his feet on the ground. A bit of his coffee spilled out onto the tablecloth.
Suddenly, the Dormouse seemed to be affected by gravity again, plopping into the seat and waking up. He gave a yawn, shifted to sit up properly, and blinked the sleep away, "I was awake." His voice was a bit groggy and soft. It made Layna feel a bit bad for the kid.
The Dormouse looked at Layna, "Do you want to hear a story? I can make one up really quickly."
Layna hesitated a little bit, "If that's what you'd like to do. Don't push yourself too much."
"Quickly, Dormouse! You always have interesting and different stories!"
The little mouse boy gave a nod, laying his head upon his furchi, closing his eyes, "Once upon the time, there were three. Three that were connected, keeping each other happy: Rietta, Ilandro, and Evangelina."
With his eyes still closed, the Dormouse began to play with the puffs of hair of his furchi, "Evangelina was the oldest and very calm and nice. Whenever Ilandro wanted something to go away, Evangelina would come to help the youngest. Sometimes, even, Evangelina would take away what Ilandro wanted gone while Ilandro stayed with Rietta to play. Ilandro never said thank you and would get mad if Evangelina needed to bring back what was taken. Not very nice."
Layna listened intently, not sure what she felt invested in the story, "Why would Evangelina bring back what she took away?"
The boy peaked at her with one eye, "Some things can't stay away for long."
She felt this was like another riddle, but not intimidating because of the Dormouse's small nature, "Like… fear or anger sort of thing?"
Dormouse closed his eye again, "Not sure. I just tell stories. I don't look for meaning."
The March Hare gave a nod, "Yeah! Some stories don't have any meaning at all. Or, maybe the meaning is something profound—like coffee."
A little hum and the Dormouse continued, "One day, a kitty came into the picture. Demanding and demanding. Ilandro and Rietta did not like the kitty, but dealt with it. The kitty would ruin Ilandro and Rietta's play time. So, Evangelina would take the kitty."
Layna felt something swirl in her stomach. She was barely able to pay attention to the story, feeling herself become groggy. Damn, she must have felt more drained than she thought. Not wanting to be rude by falling asleep, she instead chose to rudely interrupt as a way to keep herself awake, "Um, sorry, but where—"
"Please don't interrupt the story. It's very rude."
Well, bloody hell—called out by this kid. Still, "Still, I'd rather not fall asl—"
The Dormouse cut her off, "But, one day, Evangelina did not come back. The kitty in her place, and Ilandro and Rietta were furious. Poor Ilandro and Rietta, missing Evangelina." Wait, was that furchi's eyes open? Layna could barely tell. Her eyelids felt extremely heavy.
Still, the story continued, "Even with Evangelina gone, the kitty kept demanding and demanding. It was only natural for Ilandro and Rietta to punish the kitty, don't you think?" The Dormouse didn't sound like he particularly cared, nearly falling asleep himself. She guessed that made sense. He was a mouse, after all.
But, at the mention of the kitty being punished, Layna couldn't help but grip onto her forearm, feeling the pain shoot up—waking her up slightly. A vision of someone raising their fists. For a second, she did not recognize the face. But, the thought of 'mother' popped up. Layna stood up—her chair tumbling behind her by her sudden movement.
The Hatter now kept an eye on her, suddenly focused and interested.
"Wouldn't you like to be Evangelina? Maybe loved? Given revenge to? It sounds nice." The Dormouse gave a stretch, and Layna blinked. Did she imagine that furchi's eyes being open?
Also, she was having trouble remembering what that story was about. Was it too nonsensical for her to understand? She remembered the book having a nonsensical story, so maybe that was it?
Putting his chin back on his furchi, the Dormouse questioned, "Do you want me to tell another story, or are you good?"
Layna raised her hands, "Ah, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt like that. But, I don't think I'm able to listen to another story."
The March Hare looked like he was going to object, but the Hatter cut him off, "The lady has spoken. No need to bother her more on it."
The rabbit slumped in response, choosing to grab a small sandwich and dipping it in his coffee. He was mumbling under his breathe on how this was his tea party, not the Mad Hatter's venue.
Ignoring the rabbit, the Hatter continued, "It would be best for you head off, dear. Though, I do suggest you stay away from the Queen of Hearts. She holds an awful grudge against those who mess with time."
Crash!
Layna jumped a bit, but the others at the table didn't seem bothered. A tea plate that was floating right beside her suddenly fell and dropped, having met with gravity again.
The March Hare was laughing, "Oh God! I remember that! That Queen is utterly terrifying! The Hatter killed Time, and she flipped out—yelling for his head to be chopped off!"
With a nod and a pouring of his own tea cup, smell back to whiskey, the Hatter spoke in agreement, "Indeed. As I can guess you know, dear, the Queen is very quick to anger and annoy, meaning she's quick to have people executed."
Layna, indeed, knew about the Queen of Hearts. But, if she were to follow the storyline and hopefully get home, Layna would have to meet her. The warning kept her grounded, however, reminding Layna that she needs to be careful once she reaches the castle or garden.
Thinking on it, Layna wondered if she should head to the garden now? She did start half-way through the book, skipping straight to talking to the Cheshire Cat in the forest and going to the Mad Tea Party.
Looking at the denizens here, Layna gave a curt nod, "Thank you for the warning, and thank you for your time. I'll head out now."
As Layna moved to leave, the Hatter spoke up again, "What was your name again?"
Layna was actually surprised by the question, but answered him, "Layna. Layna Darnell."
The Hatter returned with a hum, taking a sip from his cup, looking thoughtful. The March Hare, however, was giving her an incredulous look, "Sure, Alice." His American accent extenuating his doubt.
Layna felt her frustrations rise again, but, at least, the Dormouse was sleeping and not commenting on 'Alice' this or that. She turned to leave again, and as she left, she heard the Hatter say goodbye.
"Farewell, dear. You are welcomed back here anytime. I look forward to seeing you again."
She just continued her walk away, rolling her eyes. Layna had to focus on what her next course of action is.