"Or one could simply ask me," a voice purrs from a nearby tree.

Both Alice and Victor turn to see Cheshire up on a branch nearby, smiling down at them. "Oh, hello Cheshire," Alice says. "Have any good advice for us?"

"Perhaps, but it all depends on whether you'll take it." He jumps down lightly and looks up at Victor. "I'm glad you convinced her not to be noble in this instance. We cats can get on alone, but Alices are quite different creatures."

Alice blushes. "Mangy old puss," she mutters, scuffing the ground with a boot.