Hello Friends! I have updated again! I don't have much to say this time...But please enjoy this new chapter (^_^)

There seemed to be a more limited number of jobs for women than the men. The men had most of the jobs that required one to leave further from the town, women were only allowed to go in the nearer fields and meadows for medicanal plant gathering.
Women had the typical, house cleaning, cooking, inventory, animal care, and washing jobs.
Men had the more heavier lifting, tedious and dangerous jobs. It was a little more segregated than the rules of her home, but beggars couldn't be choosers right now. She just needed to make some money. Alicia sighed and went to go do the first job offer. Cooking breakfast for the refugees and the residents. Alicia was in no way the fastest worker there, but at least the chefs there appreciated what help she did give. The most tedious part for her though, was having to work alongside two very loud chefs, a married couple who appearently had to yell everything to everyone including themselves at all times. It was difficult to tell whether they were yelling out of anger or excitement. They had the same voice for all matters. It had begun to hurt her ears after a couple of hours of them. It took the better oart of the afternoon to get it all done and she was properly paid for it.
From there she eagerly jumped on the job to go gather some herbs, the silence would do her some good. Alicia checked out a horse from the stables, Snowdew, and saddled up to go to the nearest glade. She as given way too many warnings about venturing too far, enough to make her second guess leaving. Ugh but the thought of going back to the kitchens with the loudest mouths in the entire town was even more unbearable. Off she went. The horse was very patient and agreeable, but also a little skiddish. Any random sound that was too loud or sudden had it looing around or jolting. She had eventually helped calm it down as they ventured more. Finally she had a patch of echinacea, and not far from that dandelion. Alicia had to share some with the horse before it ate all of them.
The skiddish horse suddenly looked up, ears twitching forth.
"Uh -oh. Easy there." Alicia stood up to try and reach for the reins. A loud, short-lasting, bellow sound, unidentifiable, caugh her ears too. That was it for Snowdew. The horse was officially done and took off snorting and galloping.
"Hey! HEY WAIT!" Alicia yelled and tried to stop the horse, but the animal was faster than her by far and easily outran her. The islander slowed to a stop, tossing her hands in the air with a frustrtaed sigh. "Wonderful." She muttered as she looked around. Well, might as well start walking.
Alicia hoisted her small pack on her shoulders as she started trudging down the road, mood now soured a little.
At least it wasn't much more than an hour walk, give or take another half hour.
The forest trees casted nice shadows that helped shade her from the scorching sun. Sounds of chirping birds or squirels would break the silence. Her mind started to wander off. Just how long would it take for her to go back home anyway? How on earth was she going to explain her story too? Was she going to have to make up some story that sounded more plausible? The orc slavers though was way too imperative to leave out. What if more would come and this time come straight to the bigger more inhabited islands?
Another sound caught her attention though. It was more hoof beats and for a moment she thought that the horse had decided to come back. But that was not the case at all. In fact, these hoof beats were coming from behind her. Alicia froze, looking down the road and straining her ears. The next second she dove into the brush, skipping a little further inside until she found a good spot to duck for cover.
Within the span of two minutes the sound in question came forth in the form of a wagon being pulled by two ponies. On the driver's bench was a blonde haired hudled looking man with a very long beard. There was another rider beside him. The second was a bright red headed man, also with a fantastic beard and hair to match, muttered something and gestured for the blonde to stop.
The wagon slowed to a halt, and the red head swung himself (actually more like threw himself, for there was nothing graceful in his movements) off the wagon. He walked to the edge of the tree line, searching in her general direction. Alicia ducked even further behind the large foiliage.
"You can come out now. We mean you no harm." He called out. His accent was a thick and rough sound that seemed to accentuate the vowels. He shifted his weight to one leg, taking on a casual demeanor. "We know you're there. Will you show yourself?" He added when she made no move. "Or should I come fetch you?" He sounded mildy bemused.
Alicia was armed with nothing but a hunting knife and the tools used to harvest some herbs. Maybe she could outrun the shorter man, but she couldn't run an hour to the village without getting winded and them catching up to her by wagon. Well, unless she did a lot of multi-directional zig zagging but that would tire her out too. So she got up to 'show herself'.
The guy squinted his already beady eyes in an effort to see her more clearly. "There you are. Are you alright there lass? Have you lost your way?"
This fellow talks a lot.
"I'm fine, thank you." She replied. " Don't let me waste your time now." Alicia waved.
The men looked bewildered by that for a second before the red head spoke again. " We are headed for the ranger's outpost just up the road. You may ride with us, tis no trouble at all." He said in a rather gentle tone. Although his stance, was more soldier-esqe, the axes hanging on his person were intimidating, his brown eyes were soft with kindness.
The suggestion was probably a good idea, else she'd have to walk the rest of the way. Alicia did not get any bad vibe from them, so forward she walked until she made it on the road again. These men indeed were signifcanrtly shorter than her. The red haired one had to tilt his head back a little. His eyes squinted again, but this time due to a large smile that was still half hidden behind his incredibly impressive red beard. His ankles were brought together, then he bent low at the waist in a very formal manner, hands at his sides. "Gloin, at your service miss."
The blonde up at the driver's bench grinned a toothy grin as he cackled. "Rorc, at your service!" He tilted his wide brimmed hat her way.
A smile was easily spreading on her own face by their cheerful attitudes. " Alicia, a pleasure to meet you both."
" The pleasure is all ours." Gloin said as he turned to the steps of the wagon. "We've one more though he's probably fallen asleep, lunkhead." Gloin held out a hand for her.
"Here, who are you callin' lunkhead?" Another voice from the back of the wagon called out. Leaning up against the end of it was another brunette man, also with quite an elaborate hair style, one that reminded her of her island home. Though how she didn't notice him standning there before, she knew not. The man smirked and winked at her. " Nori, at your every service ma'am."
Gloin rolled his eyes and groaned. " Never you mind him." He said as he helped her up the wagon.
Rorc scooted all the way down to make room for her to sit.
Alicia really had no response for Nori other than doing what Gloin requested. She got comfortable on the bench and Rorc flicked the reigns, motioning the ponies forward. " Thank you for the ride by the way."
" Think nothing of it." Gloin said sitting on a crate behind her. " If you don't mind my asking, why were you out here by yourself?"
"My horse ran away." She answered with a huff.
"Sorry about that lassie." Rorc expressed his sympathy.
Nori, who had also seated himself on a chest, lounged back. "Are you from the ranger's post then? I'm surprised they let a lady out by herself with no escort."
"I was doing some errends for a little extra pay. Gathering some herbs." Alicia explained in a very straightforward manner.
"The roads have become much more dangerous in just this last year. Foul creatures are found much more frequently. One should never leave town by themselves. Even for merchants like ourselves we are having to hire escorts." Gloin grimaced, his face darkening at the mention of dangers.
Alicia's own face grimaced in reaction. " What's causing this sudden movement?"
Gloin took longer answering this question. "Exactly why is difficult to tell. Let us say that the enemies have actually found some leaders that know how to rally them a wee more properly."
"So they have stronger leaders now?" Alicia pressed. Rorc nodded with a grim look.
"Where did these new leaders come from? And is there anything to do to counter them?"
Nori's humorless chortle answered her first. "Perhaps we just need a new heroine to save us?"
The lady merely offered a small smile at the Flirty dwarf's joke. It was thens he also realized that mybe the subject was too sad or serious of one to have. Maybe the merchants would prefer to speak of something a little more pleasant? " So do you come sell your wares at the Ranger's Post often?"
"We try to some once a month, to every two months." Rorc answered in a much more casual tone now.
"That sounds nice. To get to travel I mean, deespite...obstacles." Alicia tried to stay upbeat.
Rorc merely shruggged lazily. " It's part of the job."
"You're new to the Post too are ye not? I don't believe I've seen your face before." Gloin said from his crate.
"Yes. I'm visiting some friends." Alicia asnwered easily. It wasn't a complete lie . She did have friends theer now and she was visiting them. Notlike they'd be traveling with her whereever she went. Where did she really want to go by herself anyway?
"And making some extra coin on the side?" Nori rehiterated from the back.
"That's right." Alicia shrugged her own shoulders sheepishly with a sheepish smile to match. " It was a simple enough job. Collect herbs and plants."
"Oh aye. There's no fault in that." Nori smirked.
Soon after they reached the gates where her borrowed horse had returned and being led back to the stables. It made Alicia inwardly huff at it. The posted rangers offered welcome greetings as the merhcnats were given entrance. Waves and head tilts were exchange as the wagon was driven to a left turn. They didn't stop until they made it to the little Inn not far from the local tavern. Gloin, ever the gentleman, hopped down first and again offerd his hand to her.
Alicia smiled in kind as she accepted and easily got down. " Thank you sir."
"Of course lass. Where are you off to? Perhaps I can escort you?"Gloin offered.
"I was just going back to the apothicary shop from here. but I don't want to take up too much of your time." Alicia replied politely.
Again Gloin waved it off. "Think nothing of it. Lead on."
Alicia smiled in gratitude again just beofre turning towards the shop of the apothicaries.
"How long are you going to stay if I may ask?" Alicia struck up conversation.
"For a week, maybe a few more days if business is good. It ostly depends on how long we still have our wares." Gloin answered as he hobbled along beside her. " If you've the time, come and visit us. We might have something ye'd like too." Gloin grinned.
"That sounds nice. I might just drop by one day." Alicia smiled back.
"Oh aye. We've a good selection of boots to choose. Or even a new pack. I hear ladies these days are quite interested in new styles of satchels. We've a few of those too." Gloin rambled.
Yes, he was a salesman indeed. He looked at what was on her person and offered new merchandise that applied to her.
Alicia could only nod and smile once they reached the front door of the healer's corner. The islander turned back to the dwarf. " Here we are. I hope you make a good profit during your stay here."
Gloin bent in a half bow to her. " Why thank you lass! Tell your friends of the Dwarrow's shop aye?" He chuckled.
"I shall indeed. Thank you!" Alicia waved goodbye to him. Gloin's eyes did not leave her hand though, and instead of waving he held out his own hand. Alicia made to grab it for a handshake thinking that's how he prefered to greet. Gloin did not shake her hand. Instead he gripped it, took it to his nose and smelled, yes smelled her hand, then kissed it. He lifte his head to smile back up at her. " Take care lass." He greeted and finally turned to lumber away.
'That was interesting.' Alicia thought to herself.
She couldn't quite explain it, but that feeling one would get when they see or meet someone for the first time and they feel a sudden spark of inerest to want to get to know them more, Alicia felt that way about these bearded men that she hitched a ride with. She made a mental note to try to visit their shop if she could. Not that she had a lot of money to spend on anything yet.
Still, they seemed a rather jocund lot.
Alicia ventured inside the shop, exhcanging pleasentries and plants for money, then leaving as quickly as she came for the next job and the most boring...washing and hanging clothes.
Nothing too exciting happened here. She moved as fast ass she could to get the job done. By the end of it her fingers were all pruny.
At the end of that, it was time to go home finally.

**************These are useful*****************

So apparently, Brenada had never had pecan pie before. Alicia was going to fix that. She wasn't overly excited that salt was added to the pecans to help make them last longer since they were out of season for the most part, but all she had to do was rinse them a little better and that helped a lot. The married couple that were so loud (The Whales family was the fake surename she had secretly given them) were thankfully on the other side chopping up some game the hunters had brought in. She didn't have to withstand their bellow so much this time. Making them brought back some fond memories she had with her own family. Then at last they were done and ready to be delivered and enjoyed.
Alicia was so excited about her pecan pies that she made. She was elated toshare them with someone.
' I bet Brenada would love one.' Alicia thought in her head as she paced down the dirt street. Up ahead, some familiar merhants were anouncong their wares and chatting with passerbies. Those three, and their conspicious dress and hair styles could be recognizined anywhere.
Seeing Gloin's face made her smile. She wonderd how much of a sweet tooth they had.
'Only one way to find out!'
Alicia tried to sneak up to them, sticking close to the sides of the buildings, until she was nearly right at their stand. Rorc stood nearest her, head down as he tinkered with some wares in his hand. "Hello!" Alicia announced herself.
Rorc did not pick u his head. In fact he answered in a way as if he knew she was there the whole time. "And a hello to you too lassie. Instead of peeking around the corner there won't you come here already?"
Alicia snickered and did as requested. " How are you today Rorc?"
"As well as can be." He finally looked up at her from his seat. "What are you up to there with those pastries?"
Alicia presented one. "Pecan pies. I made them."
"They look delicious." Rorc complimented.
"Do you like pecan pie?"
Rorc shook his head. " Can't say I've ever had it meself."
"Really? Well here. Have this one for you, Gloin and Nori." Alicia placed one on his counter.
Rorc looke at it in surprise, bushy blonde brows raised up.
"Why thank you lass!" Another voice, Gloin, beat him before Rorc could answer. " What a kind thing to do! Pecan pie you say? I shall enjoy this." Gloin eyed the pie like a kid eyeing their own favorite sweet treat
Gloin lumbered right in front of Rorc, nearly pushing him out of his seat. Rorc half glared at him in return, mumbling under his breath. " S'not all for you, Dolt."
Gloin was already rubbing his hands together, the biggest smile on his face Alicia had ever seen thus far.
Rorc got out of his seat, one arm gestering to the racks about their stand. " Have a look at our goods while you're here Aye?"
Alicia made a subtle shoulder shrug. " There's not really anything I'm looking for to be honest. I was just coming from the kitchens, and came to share the pastries I made."
Gloin had finally found something that could be used as a plate, though he might have been overdonig it with cutting the pie with a hunting knife. " Very good this!" he said with a mouthfull.
Rorc pouted at him. " Here! Ye best not eat it all 'afore I punch ye in the gut hard enough for ye to taste it again!"
Gloin merely chuckled as he took another bite.
Rorc looked back to Alicia. " Well it seems ye've gone and made afriend for life in Gloin. He's a grump, but when it comes to his food he cou;d easily be at youir beck and call."
"Good to know." Alicia joked with him. "I'm just glad you liked it so much. Makes me happy. I had better go deliver this next one though. It was good to see you both again and give my regards to, your friend that isn't here." Alicia didn't ant to admit that she forgot the trident haired dwarf's name.
Rorc, dipped his head, his wide brimmed hat bobbing with him as he bade farewell.
The islander continued down the road till she returned to the library where the second pie was meant for.
Brennada once again had her nose buried in another book when Alicia had returned.
"This, Oh is this that pecan pie you mentioned before?" Brennada asked as she darted to grab utensils. "You've been so busy I'm surprised you had the time to make it." SHe cut a slice for herself. Her reaction was quite the same as Gloin's " Oh this, I would not be opposed to having this every day with a cuppa!"
Alicia accepted the compliments with grace before switching the subject. "Some new merchants just arrived yesterday."
"Ah yes the dwarves." Brenada said casually. " They tend to come every month or some."
"Wait what?" Alica sat up. "Dwarves?"
Brenada cast a questioning look at her. " Why yes. You can always tell when you've met one, becuase of their long beards and stouter build. It is said even their women have beards of their own."
Alicia still blinked in surprise. " They, seemed so friendly. Even helped give me a ride back when my horse ran off."
Brenada now looked at her with an even more confused look. "Is general kindness from others so surprising?"
"Well, no!" Alicia corrected. "it's just, I've heard people talking, a bunch of silly rumors most of them, but some seemed to have an ounce of truth. And I was hoping I'd get the chance to ask and see for myself what was really true or not."'
Brenada brushed hair behind her ear and cut a nother bite. " Thing is, dwarves are secretive, protective of their culture. There's many questions they will refuse to answer."
"You think they'd at least clarify what was rumor or not?"
"Perhaps." The librarian answered. " If you fed them some of this pastry they might." she joked.
Alicia shared in the laughter. At last she was on a good start then.
"One of them was kind enough to walk me to the healers. He then took my hand, smelled it and kissed it. What was that about?"
Brennada switched to sit on one of her legs. "Ah, That is a type of greeting amongs the dwarves specifically. It is both a greeting and a 'promise of protection' in a way."
"Protection of what? From what?" Alicia quirked a brow bemusedly.
" Dwarves are feircely protective of their women and children, and in general they tend to have a desire to protect women and children in general." The librarian shared. "I wouldn't take it to seriously. It's just a greeting in their culture."
Alicia tilted her head in thought. Still, it seemed kind of a sweet little gesture.

THE END! I'm kidding. I still have a lot more. The chapter was short I know. Bare with me, Give me suggestions, it'll pick up.