unsolvables | ʇsod uǝdo

( from here )

You're a doll, Evie.
Though you did kinda ruin my plan to just ask you to take me there.

We can definitely go together! Just...do not let me buy another of those. Only one person at a time. When were you thinking?

Deal. Although if it's to be fair, we'll need to trade off again next time.
How's this Friday sound to you?

Sounds like a plan, both for the date and for the drink trade-off. Girls' night out!

Perfect!
I'll pop over to Auradon at... is 7ish good?
And do you want anything from Storybrooke?

7 sounds perfect. Hmmm.... Maybe a copy of Henry Mills' book? I want to read up on the differences in our worlds. I can pay you for it when you get here.

Nah, no need. Pretty sure Henry'll just let me take one off his hands!

[ It's been quite a while since Alice wore anything even remotely resembling traditional fairy tale garb. After the time spent as Tilly in Hyperion Heights, and the time since in Storybrooke, there's something about modern clothing that speaks to her. (Not speak in the same way that statues like to talk to her, of course. Talking clothing would be a strange one even for her.)

It's probably the lack of corsets, really. The clothes from the Land That Was Once Without Magic are easily more comfortable. But with any number of the Auradon natives not entirely comfortable with the recent uniting of realms, it feels better to blend in than to seek comfort.

If anyone's going to teach them to find harmony with each other, though? It'll be Evie. Alice hasn't known her for long, but she does know the other girl has a good head on her shoulders. And besides, as the daughter of a Reformed Villain and an Extra-Evil Villain, Alice likes to think she knows a little something about what makes the other tick.

She arrives at her friend's place at about five-to-seven, with a copy of Henry's book tucked under her arm as requested.

She even got the author himself to sign it! ]

If you're sure. I don't mind. But thank you!

[Heading out drinking means Isle gear for Evie. It's more practical than any cocktail dress the princesses her age wear. Easier to clean, easier to move in if there were problems, and she can stash a few 'surprises' in her pockets in case things get ugly. She'd never needed them, thank goodness, but it makes her feel better to know she's got something on her in a pinch.

She's hoping Alice was able to get a copy of Henry's book, like she'd said. She's run into Lucy a few times since the realms came together, and her sort-of niece had some amazing stories to tell. Swapping stories was always fun, but she wanted something with a bit more detail than just what Lucy chose to tell her.

She's just shrugging into her jacket when she hears her doorbell, and she grins. Alice is never late - at least not that Evie's seen so far. She opens the door for her friend and reaches to give her a hug.]

You look amazing! It's so good to see you! Please, come inside.

[ It's something of a tendency of Lucy's to decide that any relation to her parents, regardless of their realm of origin, is a relation of hers. There are some in Storybrooke who find it exasperating, sure. But for Alice, with her rather frail link to the town--

(she is after all the daughter of an alternate version of Captain Hook who was created from a wish on Aladdin's lamp)

--it's something of a relief. Leaves her feeling like these people, once strangers to her, are real family. She's not actually Lucy's step-aunt like Hope is. Neither is Evie. But to her, and by extension to Henry, it doesn't really matter. In fact, when Alice gives Evie the book once they're inside, the other woman will find that Henry has made the autograph out to his "sister".

But that's later. For now, Alice returns the hug with a warm smile. ]

Good to see you too. Though to be honest, I've got nothing on how you look.

[ Once invited in, she steps through the door and into Evie's place. And that's when she holds the book out with something of a flourish. ]

As you requested, my lady!

First rule, Alice. No comparing yourself to other people like that. You, you look amazing.

[Evie grew up with constant comparison, thanks to her mother. She's learned how unhelpful it is, and the only thing she ever wants to do is find ways to lift other people up when it comes to their confidence. They can both look amazing, in their own ways.

Evie's eyes light up when she sees the book, and she giggles at the flourish with which Alice presents it to her.]

Oh my gosh, thank you! I can't tell you how excited I am to read this! Lucy keeps mentioning people that are important to her, and I've met so few of them - just you, really. I want to read and explore all these stories. I might share some with Dizzy, depending on what I read.

[She takes the book, then gives Alice another hug, before setting it on a shelf above where Dizzy can reach.]

You ready to try this princess drink, or do you want a snack first? My step-sister's been teaching me how to bake, and I've gotten pretty good. I've got blueberry tarts, right now. I'll have gooseberry everything in a few weeks.

[ It's a good rule, one that makes Alice smile. For her part, she grew up completely alone, without anyone to compare herself too - but also without friends outside of a plush rabbit and a hat. And once she did get out, her odd tendencies from the years alone led to people judging her for being the way she was. And so it's a habit she's fallen into too, assuming somehow that she won't be as good as others around her.

Evie's words are a good reminder.

She returns the second hug, nodding at the suggestion. Dizzy... she's Drizella's daughter, right? Having traveled over as many realms as she has by this point, Alice isn't always sure her memory is right. But at least in this case... ]

I'm sure you'll enjoy it! Dizzy's family's a bit different in this one. Different realm and all that. But if she ever wants to hear about our version of her mum, I'd be happy to share.

[ A lot happened even after the release of Henry's book, after all. Maybe she should get him to write a sequel. ]

Blueberry tarts? Sounds perfect. My vote's for that, before we go out.

Lucy said your Drizella doesn't have any kids; is that right?

[Lucy's told her at least one thing about everyone in her realm, and part of why Evie's excited about reading the book is that she'll be better able to keep track of all the people the girl rattles off with such ease.]

She'd be happy to listen.

[She grins.]

I was hoping you'd say that. Snow says this batch turned out better than my last few.

[She disappears into her kitchen for just a moment, before coming back with a plate full of tarts, which she sets on the coffee table as she gestures for Alice to take a seat.]

Lemonade or iced tea, or a mix of both, to wash the tarts down?

Yeah, that's right. She's actually closer to our age, if you can believe it. But the Tremaines that Henry wrote about in the book were, uh. I dunno, I think it was Clorinda or somethin'? He met our Drizella when he started travellin'. The book ends before he meets her.

[ Alice takes a seat as invited, sniffing the air when Evie comes in with a plateful of tarts. They smell delicious. Maybe she should learn to bake. Although knowing her track record with these things, she'd probably burn the house down. Maybe not such a good idea, then.

Her ears perk at the mention of drinks. ]

Y'know, I've never mixed those two before. Let's do that, then.

[ Never let it be said that Alice Jones II isn't up for an adventure! ]

Really? So, she isn't even old enough to have a daughter Dizzy's age.

[She's a little disappointed that the Tremaines Henry knew first weren't ones ones she was familiar with, and that the book ended before he'd met Drizella and Anastasia. But, since Alice offered to tell Dizzy what isn't in the book, she can set that aside for now.

Her smile widens, seeing Alice's reaction to both the tarts and the offer of drinks.]

Iced tea and lemonade, coming right up.

[She disappears back into the kitchen for another moment, and returns with two tall glasses of the combo, passing one to Alice before she takes a seat herself.]

It's a really good summery drink.

[ Alice nods at that. She can certainly understand the disappointment - it's one that she has encountered herself many times since she started realm-hopping. Coming across different versions of herself, of her family... it's always a strange thing to meet a Captain Hook who's still a villain, or an Alice who grew up in a normal home.

But her brain's drifting again. Whoops.

She accepts the glass from Evie, taking a sip of the concoction and raising her brows as the flavors settle on her tongue. They complement each other surprisingly well. ]

I was expectin' it'd be good... wasn't expectin' this good.

[ She could drink it all, really, but she wants to try the tarts too, and so she puts the glass down, offering Evie a quick grin. ]

And now for the moment of truth!

[ And one small tart gets popped right into her mouth, just like that. There's no shame with this one. ]

I know, right? I'm trying to remember if it was Jane or Lonnie that introduced me to this. I think it was Jane.

[She grins back as Alice picks up a tart. There's a hint of nerves, there, too. Just because she was getting better at baking didn't mean that they'd turn out actually good. So she waits as Alice pops it in her mouth and starts chewing, trying not to fidget.]

[ Oh, it's good. It's really good! It's the perfect mix of soft from the berry and crunchy from the tart, the buttery pastry taste a beautiful compliment to the sweetly acidic blueberries.

She's no stranger to talking with a mouth full of food, but she at least swallows most of the tart (she's in the presence of royalty, after all) before she gives Evie her judgement. ]

This might be just about the best thing I've ever tasted. And I've had beignets.

[Evie's got a tart of her own halfway to her mouth when Alice gives her pronouncement. Her eyes light up, and she grins.]

Thank you! If your Tiana makes beignets the way our Tiana does, that is very high praise. I've had them, too. I'll pass on the compliment to Snow; she'll be delighted to hear how far I've grown when it comes to baking.

[With another warm smile, she munches on her own tart. Alice isn't kidding. This is definitely the best batch she's made so far.]

[ It's known in Storybrooke and Hyperion Heights both just how much Alice enjoys Tiana's beignets. Her papa even got her a job helping to sell them, when they were still cursed. But these? These are amazing, and she'll continue to sing her praises until Evie stops her. ]

Could probably sell `em, actually. You design clothes and stuff, right? You could give free samples to your customers there, and I bet you'd have an easy second income.

[ But these ones at least are free, and Alice is all too happy to take a second, popping it into her mouth with a groan of content. ]

[She does take a moment to consider Alice's words, but in the end, she shakes her head.]

I don't mind sharing them out for free, even having some for clients. But I'd rather baking stay something that's just a hobby. Just something fun when I need a break and don't want to go out. Something I can share with family and friends.

[Hearing how much Alice enjoys her baking, though, does make her very happy. She takes another for herself as well.]

Have I not shown you my studio?

[ Well, she can't say it doesn't make her happy to be considered among Evie's friends, at least! Even if it is kind of a pity that the tarts won't go up on the market. ...Then again, maybe that's a good thing. For her bank balance and all. Robin'd probably kill her if she started spending all their money on blueberry tarts.

She shakes her head at the mention of Evie's studio. ]

Nope. You've told me about it! `Aven't been there yet, though. If it's an offer, I'd love to go!

[ Speaking of friends? Evie somehow has wound up with this one, who's always interested in everything. Side effect of being locked up in a tower for the better part of her life.

After the second tart, she washes her mouth free of crumbs with a good mouthful or two of the lemonade tea, smiling in content. This is already shaping up to be a brilliant evening! ]

[She finishes her second tart and blinks for a minute.]

How did I miss showing you before? It's part of the house. Just off the kitchen.

[Did she have any major projects she was working on last time she saw Alice? She tries to remember, but comes up blank.]

Soon as we finish these tarts, I'd be happy to give you the tour. It's not a very big space, but I've got it set up so I can move around easily.

[ Alice shrugs. She can only guess Evie's reasons for not having showed her before - maybe she had nothing to share with her. But she's excited to see it regardless, of course! She smiles at her friend, offering a small nod as she picks up another tart. ]

This one's gonna have to be my last, or I'll eat `em all.

[ It's said with a grin, but she's completely serious - she really could keep eating these all night, and that would definitely defeat the original purpose behind their meeting. ]

[Oh, Evie understands about the tarts. If they weren't all dressed up for a night out, she'd be tempted to suggest movie night and more baked goods. But, tonight is for drinks. The tarts are mostly to ensure they've got enough food in their stomachs to help absorb the alcohol.

She takes one more for herself as well. She has a friend over and delicious snacks. She sits, quietly finishing her tarts and her lemonade-iced tea combo, just enjoying the companionable silence. Then, she brushes her hands together to get rid of some of the crumbs, and stands, as Alice finishes the last of her tarts.]

Kitchen first, so I can put these away, and we can wash up before I show you my studio. That way we can play with fabrics.

[ Alice's eyes light up. Oh, this will be a night to remember, and they haven't even left Evie's place yet! What a treat, to have tarts and lemonade tea and to play with fabrics before their night out on the town. Alice enjoys her adventures, but sometimes spending time with friends is the best type of adventure.

That thought - how trite it was, almost like something out of, well, a fairy tale - makes her grin as she stands up to follow Evie to the kitchen to wash up.

Besides, there's always room for baked goods and a movie night next time! ]

[It doesn't take long to put things away and scrub up. Evie gestures toward the far side of her breakfast nook, where she's had a door installed as her "private" entrance to the studio, as opposed to the "public" one on the outside patio.

She never bothers locking it from this side, so she just pulls it open, offering Alice the chance to step in ahead of her. Baskets full of bolts of all sorts of fabrics line the room, along with bins and cartons full of threads, pins, trim, etc. There's a mostly finished dress on one of the dressmaker's dummies, and another in an earlier stage of construction on another dummy. Her sewing machine and surger sit against the wall that backs up to the main room of her house. On the work table, she has pieces of a jacket cut and pinned to their patterns, ready for piecing.]

Welcome to Four Hearts. It's still small, but it's my favorite part of the whole castle.

[ Alice's eyes widen when she steps into the studio. The baskets of fabric and threads and just everything... it's fascinating. She's been to Jefferson's place in Storybrooke a few times - Henry'd seemed excited by the prospect of her meeting an actual hatter - but nothing about it seems anywhere near as lively as this place. It reminds her of a movie she saw, actually, with a princess who opened a dress shop... but that's neither here nor there.

With her mouth hanging a little open, she takes a few steps forward, staring at the mostly-finished dress on one dummy, and at the less-finished one on another, amazed to see how the pieces seem to come together from something so simple into something else so elegant and lovely. ]

This is... wow, Evie. This is really somethin'!

[Evie grins to see her friend's reaction. Not everyone understands or appreciates her studio - they see it as a means to an end. Alice's genuine delight is a refreshing change.]

Isn't it? This space is at least twice the size of what I had at Auradon Prep, when Fairy Godmother let me have one of the unused dorm rooms for a studio. I have space for so much more fabric and trimmings here. I love that I can spread out, and not get over-crowded.

[Though judging by the amount of things in the room, that could become a problem sooner than she's willing to admit. Not that it's untidy. There's just... a lot of things.]

[ A place where art is created could never be just a means to an end. A painter herself after years trapped in the tower, she'd die for a space like this, somewhere to just put everything so that she can be surrounded by all of it at once, inspired by her own progress. ]

It's fantastic, honestly.

[ She moves around to look at the dresses, examining each in turn. ]

What are these ones for?

[She has the same tone in her voice that Dizzy did when she first saw the studio. That tells Evie she's found a fellow creative - which, let's be fair, how could Alice not be a creative person - someone who really does get her set-up. She watches Alice explore, a grin on her face, and steps over to the rack when her friend speaks.]

Some of them are commissions, others are gifts. Some are for Dizzy, some for me, and some I just had an idea and decided to see how it would turn out. I use those as samples to show potential clients, if they turn out well.

[ She nods, continuing her pass over each of the dresses, and it's with a smile that she turns back to Evie, the beginnings of an idea bright in her eyes. ]

You know, if you're interested at all, I might have a commission for you. I'm not sure if I told you already, [ --or if Lucy did, for that matter-- ] but I'm engaged?

[ Alice holds out her left hand, offering a glimpse of the ring sparkling on her finger. ]

And obviously, if we're getting married, we're going to need dresses... It'd be a pretty big job? But we'd be able to pay loads.

[Evie tilts her head, curious as to what the commission might be. When Alice shows off her ring, she squeals with glee.]

Alice, congratulations! You didn't tell me, actually. So, obviously I need details. Who did the proposing? Was it a big romantic gesture, or a small private one? Oh my gosh, this is exciting!

[She grins and bounces where she stands while she admires the ring, then manages to pull herself back to a more toned down response.]

Okay, we're going to have to start sketches soon. Have you two set a date? What kind of look are you going for? Are you both planning on white, or a different color? Veils as well? Bridesmaids' dresses too? What kinds of flowers are you thinking?

[Yes, Alice, this is toned down.]

[ The squeal makes Alice grin; her friend's excitement on her behalf is hardly something for her to complain about, and only serves to make her happier instead. ]

Robin proposed. Apparently she even asked my Papa for permission. And he said yes, obviously, so she took me on a picnic, a place we like to go to, and she'd buried the ring box and made me dig for it... When I found it and turned around, she was on one knee.

[ It's said with an affectionate smile, a gleam in her eye. To someone else, it might sound like a bit of a nightmare. But it was like an adventure in its own way, and Alice does so love an adventure. ]

Anyway, we'll both wear white, but I think her mum would be horrified if we didn't include some kind of green in it, somehow...

[Evie feels like swooning just hearing Alice's description. She settles for sighing and clasping her hands together.]

That is so romantic! You had a treasure hunt, and Robin went through the formalities. Alice, that sounds lovely! I'm so happy for you!

[She reaches out and pulls her friend in for a quick, fiercely joyful hug.]

Oh, I'll make sure there's some green. I wouldn't want to upset my almost-aunt. What shade of green are you thinking? Emerald? Sage?

[Her fingers are practically itching with the urge to pick up a sketchbook and pencil, and she has to make fists to keep from flexing them.]

No, wait. Don't tell me yet, or I'll keep you here all evening planning. We've got a bar calling our names. Good news means celebratory drinks. We'll plan a time when I can sit the two of you down for a few hours and we can work on ideas.

[ There's a grin in response to that. Of course, she already knew the proposal was perfect, but when Evie puts it that way, it just brings home how perfect it really was.

And really, she can't say she'd complain if she and her friend wound up here all night planning colors and dresses, either. Such is the nature of Evie's company, she thinks. But the other woman is right too - they did have plans, waylaid as they seem determined to be by blueberry tarts and wedding dresses.

Alice grins as the two pull back from the hug. ]

Alright. Let's get going, then. I bet Robin'd love to see this place anyway, so making another time sounds good to me.

Yes! We can't make all your wedding plans without the other bride! We can do some, but I'll need to talk to her as well. We'll figure out a time both of you are free.

[Meanwhile, there are delicious pink drinks Alice needs to try. She lets her friend precede her back into the kitchen, then turns off the lights in her studio and shuts the door. From there, she grabs her purse and heads toward the door.]

Since you're getting the princess drink, you'd better let me drive. You okay with riding double on a bike?

[ Alice grins at Evie. Riding double on a bike? She can do that. A nod, and moves through to the door with her friend in tow. When they get to the door, she grabs her phone, shooting a quick text to Robin to let her know that they're headed out - and that they'll have to make time to talk to the best dressmaker in all the Realms! ]

I don't remember when the last time was that I did it. [ Rode double, that is. ] But I trust you. Let's make an adventure of it.

[She smiles. Thinking of life in terms of a series of adventures is a good philosophy. As they head out, Evie locks the door behind her, grabbing her helmet and a spare as she goes. She passes the spare to Alice.]

You'll be fine. Just make sure to hang on tight!

ʇsod uǝdo

@4hearts

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