Hello and Good afternoon! I am sorry, I know this story is kind of an Alice in Wonderland vibe to it, one weird thing after another. Hope that's alright with you. I am not so sure where I want to go with any of my stories at the moment and so just adding as I go. I want to throw a big THANK YOU to Eldhoron again. he is helping me out with my ideas a lot. I encourage you to check out his forum " The Three Readers."

Your reviews are very much appreciated and treasured.

Alicia bagged up two more pouches of coins. This bag she would use to trick the theives that had her under their thumb. In the same place they had met before, she ad found the guy that requited her. He saw her coming before she approached the table and greeted her with his crooked, chipped and smug smile. No words were needed to explain why she was there, and he stood up too. "Oi boyo." he greeted and took her forearm in a deceptive act of comradery. He leaned in a little closer in their grasp. " Outside. the less people the better." he said spinning her half around to put an arm around her shoulder as they walked out as if old friends. Alicia had to hand this to him, they spent a lot of their time knowing how to put on an act. How long have they been in this town? She wondered. When they were finally out of the building she violently shrugged his arm off with the most murderous glare she could muster at him. " Don't touch me again."

"Or what boy?" The man challenged, shoving her shoulder again. Any normal male wouldn't think twice about responding to that and there'd be a fight broken out. So thinking on this was for females, she battled internally with herslelf if she should do it. Almost she did until the man's escort appeared, making the odds in his favor. Four of them in total, watching her expectantly.
"Well? Ya got gold or not?"
"He wasn't sapposed ta grab the gold, just tell us where it is."
" Why not grab some too? The boss don't wanna share like he's s'posed to anyway."
"Shut ap all of ya!" their leader griped. "Let the boy speak." He turned back to her.
Wordlessly she produced one of the pouches, handing it to him. the man's eyes glittered with delighted greed as he dumped a few coins in his palm. " Well, well. This is a surprise. I knew I was right in askin' ye. Well done!" He showed the pouch to the others who cackled to each other behind him. Alicia didn't waste time in leaving again, but the leader wasn't ready to see her off yet. " Hold a moment. Good this is, but I wanted ye to tell me where the treasure room was to begin with. Where is it an' how did you make off with this coin?"
"Stole the coin purse." Alicia lied easily. "Cuz I couldn't find the treasure room."
" Hmm." the leader leaned back his head. " Well, now. resourceful ye are. But that means yer just goin' ta have ta go back."
Alicia scowled at him. " You got your coin! Piss off and leave me alone!"
The leader chuckled humorlessly. " Not a chance. We NEED to know where they keep their horde, an' someone like you is too valueable to just let go."
Alicia spun on her heels then, taking off to run. Of course they were expecting that and easily followed her like a fox with too many dogs chasing them. She tried to weave around the buildings to throw them off her tail, knock down an unattended stands to obstruct their path. These guys, despit etheir dimwitted demeanor, were far too proffesional in this line of work though. She meandered her way ultametely to the jail house. Other folks had already called out for gaurds, tipping them off ahead of time. There were many calls of 'Halt' until finally all four were surounded.
"What is the meaning of this?!"
"Theives and killers!" Alicia yelped first. " They stole my purse and wanted to kidnap me and hurt my family!"
The theives cursed out a colorful array of insults she'd be happier forgetting, accusing her of the same activity. The sherriff shook his head at it all and had them all thrown in a cell. Alicia grumped.
"How long will I be staying in here?" she asked the jailer.
"Until tomorrow morning."
"What's my bail? If I pay it now can I get out?"
"You got 20 silver?"
Alicia dug for the second pouch, producing two gold coins to drop in his hand. The jailer's face looked mildly impressed, but the rule was the rule and she was freed, also thanks to her quick thinking and resourcefulness.
She hid her own smug smirk until she walked out of the jail house. It was near dinner time now, Alicia hustled home, relieved to be able to keep that previous drama to herself. Opening the door she smiled brightly. " Good evening my lov-" Her words choked into a comical gasp when suddenly a bucket of water was spilled on her, the bucket thudding aside.
Nadhia jumped out from her room. "There! That outta quench your annoying perky-chirpy babbling!"
"If you didn't want me to be happy you could have just said so." Alicia smiled back at her.
The mother only snorted for her reply, though she was still smirking about her little prank all the way to the backroom to wash more clothes. Her face wrinkled profoundly when Alicia went into the kitchen right next to it. "Oh by my beard but where have you been?! You smell horid!"
" Yes, I was just getting to that." Alicia replied.
"Well now you can get to the bathing barrel." She interupted again. " Stop smellin' up my kitchen." she bustled.
Alicia burst out in laugter at her bristled state. she tried for the fun of it giving her a hug, to which she fled as if she was running from a fire. The bathing barrel was of course, exactly that. An elongated wooden tub crafted in much the same way as a wine barrel was made. Soaps at least, have always remained a product that any class could afford. One would be surprised at just how much of the product a dwarf could go through, and so there was a selection of it on a shelf to choose from. The washboard barrel was just behind the tub and so once Alicia was clean enough for Nadhia's poor senses, she had resumed washing clothes. "So, what DID you do today?"
"Well, there was a job on the board, one that paid well and involved getting rid of a troll." Alicia said.
"A-a troll? Oh Alicia you didn't." Nadhia breathed.
"I did. And I won." Alicia replied with her chin up.
The mother's silence was thick with her anger, though whether it ws at her or for her was difficult to tell. Alicia did not like it one bit when people she card about was anry with her. It made her feel as helpless as a puppy sometimes. As if everything of the matter was her fualt. In this case most of it was however.
"I do not understand why you could not have told one of us about it first." Nadhia said.
"You'd have either joined me or tried to stop me." Alicia replied.
"And is that so wrong to you? I'd stop you becuase it is dangerous, and we care for your safety. Even more so if we chose to join you. Do you think you must do everything on your own?" Nadhia dotted. Her red brows creased. Were Alicia part of the Alpha culture, she might have the nose to detect the angry scent she no doubt was putting off. Not that the islander needed it just to see that for herself.
"...I didn't break any laws. My choices are still my own to make. I might be living under our roof and when I'm uner it then yes your rules apply. Otherwise I am well old enough that I don't need permission for every choice I make." Alicia said, hoping to sound firm but not selfish. What she did say was true after all.
"You are more than just staying under my roof." Nadhia replied. " You are a part of our family. I shall put a bead in your hair if you need more proof of it, though I know how much you like to stay inconpicuous. In other words, you ae partly our responsbility."
Right now, Alicia couldn't think of an answer, but that last comment burned in her, setting off a rageful fire in her ches that had her glaring at the bath water, jaws clenched tightly as she tried biting back her venomous words. They did tell her, that regardless of whether one was part of the Alpha culture or not, everyone's strongest emotions naturally changed their scents a little. So it wasn't so surprising when Nadhia's hands slowed down a mite to ask her. "Why does that anger you so?"
But Alicia still, had no answer, or either didn't trust her tongue not to spit out venom than the answer just yet. Maybe it was becuase deep down Alicia knew that their ill fated matters that recently fell on the family WAS her responsibily. It almost made her give away why she had gotten the money in the first place, the damnable theives. Telling her that too would only make Nadhia's protective grip tighten up, and since they were sitting in jail now anyways it seemed a pointless thing to bring up.
The mother sighed through her nose and went back to washing up the last of the clothing before hanging it up. Alicia appreciated the silence that fell over them again.

GLOIN'S POV

Work went by slow at some points, fast by others. Mostly becuase few words were uttered from my mouth. A rarity I know. The burdens on my shoulders t0 provide for my family has just gained an extra lead ingot or two. It's been a couple of days since the robery, but the gaurds hardly seem to consider it very important. I have some sympathy for a handful that clearly wish to do the right thing, over stretched in trying to keep the slums under control and the like. I personally think we ought to burn that side of the town to the ground. Purge Ered Luin clean of teh shoddy handiwork of humans stacking their buildings on one another, squashed close together. I cannot look that way without scowling balefully at it.

'Cretanous, craven, weaselly and ungrateful poor excuses for wastes of space.'

While the ranting does pacify my frustrations some, I know doing it will help little in my plight. What would be the next plan from here though? We left the mountain due to too many accusatins being thrown my way and not enough evidance to fend them off, they threatened the safety of my family. I move down here, my brotehr joining me, Mahal bless him, for a safer restart. Most of our solidification being owed to my brother. Healers were valued no matter what the race. Then along came the lass. An admirably hard working lass with a generous heart. A sweet young miss who gave Gimli's own alpha instincts something to be better focused on than just being the brawniest in the training grounds. She probably does not know her subtle effect she is having on him. He has been slowly learning and maturing better now with someone to protect for himself. Thinking of his family also helped stay his temper. Perhaps he should consider working two jobs as well to regain their savings.
The day was finally getting on. He could put back the wagon he was borrowing and go home.
Alicia rode on his shoulders, much like any happy go lucky person would.

The husband poured himself and ale as he sat in his favoured chair. it creaked under his weight.
"You won't believe what Alicia here was up to today." Nadhia started. By her demeanor, she didn't seem all too happy. Gloin blinked lazily, preparing himself for the worst. He did not believe Alicia a reckless individual, but the oddest trouble did seem to find her.
"Alicia here decided to take on a troll, by herself, in the name of money." nadhia proclaimed, making the whole house fall silence and all eyes on the child of man. On second thought, maybe she was a wee bit reckless. To her credit, she hardly shifted an inch, though had the decency to look downcast for a second.
"What?!" Gimli shouted. " You went troll hunting without me?! I thought we were friends!"
Alicia blinked at him, unplussed face from the surprising reaction from him.
Oin's own face went from smoothened to a slowly creasing frown. "And why would she do a thing like that? Money grubbing you say?"
"Yeah, that's the gist of it." Alicia did not deny. Her non-chalant response had my own brow raising. His nostrils falred from the deep exhaled sigh. " What possesed you into ever believing that you neede to go that far. Are there trolls on your island that makes you and expert to hunt them?" He was so tired from the day, he had not the strength to yell about it right now. So my question sounded just as non-chalant.
"Well, one reason being that I could use the money for my own endeavors of trying to get back to my island. It's not exactly as cheap as a travel horse. Another is to help get back the money that was stolen here, and perhaps enough to have you all better set off."

He sense no lie from the lass. Honestly He did not know whether to be proud or angry. Gloin trusted Nadhia had already given her a peice of her mind about it anyhow. Still, the lass now owns a wee troll hoard, and she was willing to share it with them, though they did not help attain it. Memories of the Quest, and the first three trolls that tried to eat us all came flashing back, their hoard was a very good find. One that they all went back for to add to Ered Luin's treasure. Bilbo got his own cut too, though he still only took half of what was his share. Hobbits seemed immune to the effects of greed. "Where is it then? That loot had better be worth it or I'll likely throttle you myself." he growled out.

She had a small smile playing on her lips then. " I brought some of it back with me, the rest is still in the hidden cave. I need help bringing back the rest."

"Fine. Tomorrow, lead on." the father grumbled as he finished my drink. He don't envy Thorin's job. Gloin would do anything for my family, but they'll be the death of him if they keep things like this up. Not to mention Nadhia's pranks. One of which he just found while cleaning his teeth...which are now stained with red food coloring.

In the morning, they used my brother's old wagon from the shed to take to the woods. Gimli was so insistant on coming that Gloin clouted him gently on the head to 'shut up now boy, you're coming.' The human led them straight to the place where the familiar stench of troll was still there. She told them about meeting Balin for the first time too. The old coot loved making a farce of being a meek scholar and then surprising folks with his silver tongue and warrior skills. His eyes softened around the edges at the thought of the girl having charmed the old dwarf from keeping his attire. Balin was an Alpha too, so to Gloin's guessing, he was following his own instincts when he saw the young miss enter the woods too. They turned one more corner, and there it was, hidden behind old foiliage that blended it well enough with the greenery around it. He watched her traipsie inside, grabbing a handful of the shiny coin to show off gleefully at the dwarf just entering.
"Egh, disgusting! Does the treasure smell like this too?" Gimli talked in a slight nasally sound from covering his nose.
"Most likely, since it's been here all this time." Alicia smiled wrily.
Gloin laughed a short dry laugh at the two.
Bofur's old joke from before echoed in his mind. 'Seems a shame to just leave this lyin' around here...'
His eyes flickered up to the human smiling down at the gold. Then to the right where he noted the skewered rotting limbs of past victims. Gloin went there first, pulling lose the makeshift pikes. He heard Alicia gasp softly, knowing that she just noticed the sight before him.
"The troll's pantry." Gloin answered her unspoken question. " Sometimes they save parts like the hands and feet to add to their next meal." He looked over at her then. "Start fillin' the bags, I'll take care of this."
The dwarf exited the cave witout another word, finding a suitable place for burial. It was a meloncholy thing. These people could have been anyone from other theives to honest folk who earned their baubles. Baubles that he and his family were now claiming as their own. The father said a quick prayer of his own for peace over their souls and thanksgiving for their newfound riches. He shook his head before his on heart bean aching with present and past sentiments. Why was he getting soppy today? He grumped at himself. Returning to the cave, he saw the girl filling up the bags to their fullest capacity. He watched for a second, the shimmering light dancing from the roof of tha cave or flickering on her skin. He saw the cherubric smile on her face, looking like a dwarfling on their first treasure hunt. Gloin kneeled beside her, taking part in the task. He smiled in fondness at her pushing Gimli down playfully to move out of the way.
She chattered on, asking about which coin was from which region, what kind of precious metal was the 'orange one' or the 'dark reddish one'. She stopped when she noticed Gloin's somber silence.
"What's the matter?" She asked.
Gloin did not immediately answer, earnign a sigh from her. " Look, I know it was dngerous. Nadhia gave me an earful about it already and I highly doubt you're going to say anything she hasn't already drilled. But the danger is gone and dead now, so can we move on please?" she rolled her eyes to the ceiling
Gloin's chest expanded with another deep slow breath, then a slow smile creeping to the corners of his lips. "I am indebted to you for this finacnial rescue. You have given me the chance to move on. I am happy, and it surprises me of how long it has been since I have had reason to feel this happy before."
The two looked each other in the eyes, purple eyes to brown eyes. " I am proud of you for facing danger, just like a proper warrior would."
"Proper warriors don't go hog all the glory to themselves though." Gimli grumbled from behind her.
"Everybody gets a turn in the spotlight Gimli, you'll have plenty of turns in your future too." Alicia threw over her shoulder.
Gloin was beginning to get that familiar swealling feeling in his chest. The animal side of him was baying to be heard. It wanted to bond.
"Come 'ere you two." Gloin growled, his eyes darkened as she scooped up the young'uns in each arm.
"Daaaaaa!" Gimli grumbled.
Gloin heavily scent marked both of them, releasing his spluttering son first. He engulfed Alicia in a deeper hug, inhaling her scent and closing his eyes in the bliss of happiness.
He was especially happy when Alicia hugged back, a sign of trust. One thing he wanted to clarify as he picked his head up a little. "This doesn't leave the cave, or I'll use yer tiny bones as toothpicks."
Alicia smiled back at him. "Not a word."
Gloin smiled, chuffing her nose. That hug wasn't enough to sate him, but he can now at least hold off till they get home. The bags were stuffed and loaded on the small cart. Gloin had stepped outside and shifted his form into the red Ibex, stretching his muscles. He smiled down at Alicia and Gilmi as they exited. Scooping her up to ride on his shoulders (the longer way back home) as they carried their riches back. He bayed playfully back when she played with his ears or ruffled his fur. Gimli rode in the wagon, still examining a small saphire or coin.
Oin welcomed them bag with his own big smile, helping unload the good in the back. " I bought this lock today and this chest from a dwarf merchant. Let's see anyone try to steal from us so easily again."
Gloin made an odd sound like if a ram could laugh, and came up to hug his older brother. He wrapped his great arms around Oin and his large head on top the healer's. Oin balked once, being so easily picked up. Gloin easily balanced Alicia on his shoulders and Oin in his arms.
"Oi you put me down!" The healer yelped with a smile still on his face. " I didn't do it for you and yer mush! Look! There's Nadhia, go love on her."
Nadhia laughed at the two brothers' antics. She put down her pans and came to join in the group hug. Then of course Gimli came to jump on the pile. The red ibex hugged them all, purring loudly at the happy moment. All four of them were soon making a chorus of purs or growls that Alicia listened in with great curiosity. Gimli reached up to gently yank her down, guided by Gloin's free hand so she didn't just fall to the floor. " Come 'ere." Gimli said.
Alicia giggled as she put up a fight to get away for a little bit till Gimli yanked her over again. She was swallowed up in his hug. The son held her as if she might disapear and nuzzled her. Scent marking.
Gloin leaned down, licking his son and even Alicia's fore head. He tried the same with Oinn who made the most comical sour face like he just licked a lemon. " No!"
Gloin snickered and patted Oin teasingly on the head. Oin glared at Gloin, all the while trying to beat back Gloin's attempts to mess with him. Alicia Playfully grabbed at one of Gloin's arms.
The red ibex slowly turned her way. He smiled down in pride and kindness at her. 'Like the duaghter I never had'. He thought. He scooped her up with one arm, side hugging her to himself as he growled jovially.
"Run Oin! Now's your chance!" she laughed.
"Oh no he doesn't!" Nadhia snatched Oin with an arm around his shoudlers. "He'll take a break while he's got the chance to do so now."
"Hold off now!" Oin grunted. " Ye didn't even ask the lass if she was comfortable with this." He gestured to Alicia.
Gloin snapped to that. 'Hmph. If she wasn't than she'd have told me by now.' Gloin sent his thoughts to Oin.
Gimli suddenly yanked her off Gloin's shoulders into his own waiting arms, making her yelp and try to hang on. He cuaght her off guard though, so she easily tumbled down. The lass tried again to fight out of his grip in the play fight.
" Look at ye! Yer so weak yeh couldn't carry a tune!" Gimli taunted.
"Shut up! You're so stupid I could put a lantern to your left ear and see the light shinning out the right."
"I'll water your garden with yer own blood!"
"I'd do the same with yers but only when I want to kill weeds!"
Gimli's strength and endurance versus Alicia's speed and strategy was a good challenge for both of them since they were so opposite of each other. The three eldest laughed in a chorus at their banter.
"No sparring in the house!" Nadhia hollared, shooing them outside.
Gimli scrambled to get up, easily pushing Alicia back down before she got up after him. the two clambored over Gloin's leg that that didn't get out of the way in time, and Oin's head was used for support with a hand at the side of his face.
Gloin smiled after them, one hand massaging his wife's sore shoulder.
The open window allowed them apmle view of the backyard where the two went at each other.
The score would mostly lean towards Gimli, naturally, until OIn or Gloin would step in. Then it was more about learning new lessons rather than besting each other.
They always practiced with all the wooden weapons that they had. At first even Gimli got begrudginly frustrated with her becuase unlike most humans, Alicia did have a higher perserverance than most humans, and she was already experienced in certain combat training of a differen kind of course.
Gimli finally found an opening and took the chance, tapping her rib where she was open. " My victory." He said in triumph.
Panting Alicia smiled and relaxed. "Yes, very good. As usual."
"Aaaw don't be discouraged. Everyone loses to a dwarf in combat." Gimli boasted, resting his training axe on his shoulder.
His wife, snuggled down and lounging comfortably against his furry body, was only half paying attention. Oin had pilfered some honey cake to eat, but thankfully did take a break from his usual work.
Gloin wondered if an oportunity to move back into the mountain was just around the corner or if they should stay where they are for a while longer.

Hiiii! Sorry not that much has happened. I wanted to take it kind of slow this chapter. Don't worry things will pick up and more of the company will show up soon. Thanks for hanging there with me.