And It's Way Nicer This Year Too

[save_us_alice]

Oh yes, you know the drill. Birthday times for Alice! We've got blue and white streamers held up with little cardboard Vorpal Blades, and a splash of red confetti across the tables and floor. The jukebox is on too, and playing a medley from both the original game and "Alice: Madness Returns" -- because while this Alice may be from the first game only, she still likes her sequel. Come, eat, drink, and be merry!

Comments

[deadgirlslikeme]

DG-Victor is the last to come up, and he's hauling along a rather flat, rectangular present. He also looks a little more tired than normal. "Happy birthday, love," he says, setting it down on the table. "I'm afraid it's a bit last-minute, but I hope you'll like it nonetheless."

[save_us_alice]

"I'm sure I will," Alice tells him, and pulls off the yellow paper.

And gasps as a canvas is revealed -- with a painting of her Wonderland on it. DG-Victor's captured all the highlights from each domain -- the plunging waterfalls and crying statue of the Vale of Tears, the rickety buildings and earthen tunnels of the Village of the Doomed, the turning gears and toxic green sky of Hatter's Domain, the oversized fungi and towering trees of the Wonderland Woods -- even the squirming pink tentacles and fiery sky of Queensland. "Oh, Victor. . ."

[deadgirlslikeme]

"I spent most of the day yesterday painting it," DG-Victor says as the others crowd around for a look. "I wasn't sure at all what to get you, and then Vic suggested a hand-made gift, so. . ." He rubs the back of his neck. "I haven't worked in paints for a while, so I'm glad it came out as well as it did."

[save_us_alice]

"It's beautiful," Alice assures him, running her fingers gently over the painted scenes. "You are an amazing artist, Victor Van Dort. We're going to have to find a nice frame for this so I can put it on my wall."

[deadgirlslikeme]

"I'm sure one will turn up," DG-Victor nods. He leans in and kisses her gently. "I love you, Alice."

[save_us_alice]

Alice happily returns it. "I love you too, Victor. Thank you again."