<span style="font-style: italic">(OOC -- Okay, slightly confused about the order of events.  But I’m going to assume that Dumas gets pushed through the portal before Andre arrives?)</span><br/><br/>With a cry of alarm and surprise, Dumas tumbled through the portal.  For one terrifying moment, he started to plummet downwards, but then a strong updraft filled the wide underskirt of his dress.  Like a giant pink chiffon balloon, Dumas found himself being lifted upwards.  The sensation of flying was so pleasant that he quickly forgot his earlier fear.  Instead, he enjoyed the ride, until the updraft finally propelled him out through the portal’s other side.<br/><br/>Now he found himself standing on a path made of grey stone.  On one side, metal beasts roared as they raced down a strange road.  And on the other side, there were houses, packed together much more tightly than anywhere in Wonderland.  Dumas thought the houses seemed rather uniform and plain, compared to those he was accustomed to.<br/><br/>But none of that was enough to distract Dumas from his true quest.  Spotting a man and woman nearby, Dumas strode up to them and spoke.  “Excuse me?  Where are the candy trees?”<br/><br/>*****<br/><br/>Meanwhile, back in Wonderland, Deidre shot Cheshire a look that was an equal mix of gratitude and anger.  She appreciated his help getting Dumas through a portal.  But at the same time, no one was allowed manhandle her brother except her.  However, before she could reproach the mischievous cat, Andre arrived on the scene.<br/><br/>A soft snort escaped Deidre when Andre suggested Cheshire being their guide.  She’d rather follow a drunk rat through an invisible maze -- it was more likely to lead her and her brother to safety than Cheshire was.  Instead, she turned toward the person who she actually trusted, placing a hand on his arm.  “Will you come with me, Andre?  To find Dumas?  You know how he is.  He’s probably already in trouble.”