Guns and Switches

by gaben

3rd story in the Alexandra Series. Alexandra has some life lessons to learn. Alex tries to persuade Adam of her reasons for needing a gun. Adam has some persuasion methods of his own in mind. Warning: CP of a minor in some chapters.

9. Tree Houses and Cake

Guns and Switches

3rd story in the Alexandra Series.

Summary: Alexandra has some life lessons to learn. Alex tries to persuade Adam of her reasons for needing a gun. Adam has a little persuasion method of his own in mind. But there is another life lesson for Alex, one that may prepare her for a special but difficult journey. Marty and Adam start courting. Warning: CP of a minor in some chapters.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza, or any of its characters. David Dortort and Fred Hamilton created them and played with them for 14 years. The series is owned by NBC.

Previously:

After a serious accident, Hoss had to put down Alexandra's beloved pony Leo. While Ben, Little Joe and Hop Sing left for town in the early hours of the morning and Hoss and Adam slept, Alexandra had gathered and hidden all the firearms in the house.

Chapter 9:

Tree Houses and Cake.

Adam left the chaos of the big room. Joe and Hoss went in search of the guns after discovering Alexandra had managed to hide just about every gun in the house, including their hand guns that had been hanging by the door above the credenza. Hop Sing had joined in on the search after he discovered the small pellet rifle he used to ward of small foxes in the chicken coup had also disappeared. Although it seemed impossible, early that morning, Alexandra managed to find and hide every firearm on the Ponderosa. All the guns except for Ben's gun in his desk drawer; this had been, thankfully, locked.

Adam made his way to the barn, hesitating when he passed Ben and Joe's mounts, noting the empty saddle scabbards that once held their rifles. Mulling it around in his head, he was pretty sure they were hidden close by. There was no way she would have time to hide them too far from the house. At first, Adam was angry when he realized the guns were missing. Each of those guns was loaded; each of them potentially dangerous if handled improperly or carelessly. He had promised Alexandra a sound switching if he ever discovered her using or handling a gun without the presence of a trusted adult. But, Adam quickly calmed himself, reading the motives behind the child's actions. He would eventually have to deal with the impulsive and dangerous nature of Alexandra's actions, but that would have to wait. The child's grief was still raw and mixed with her confusion about her mother and the loss she was feeling there also.

Adam stood quietly at the door listening to Alexandra talking to Little George, her pet King George white rabbit, caressing and consoling each other in their moment of loss.

"I knowed ya feelin a bit confused by all this, ta tell ya tha truth so am I. I'm sure Leo didn't want ta leave us. And I'm sure he's in heaven, cause he done nothing wrong, sides I don't reckon they have too many animals in hell, ceptin snakes and them jackal things, don't know ifin they're animals or not. I reckon I should ask dad about that." Alex patted the rabbit with one hand and wiped the tears that had started again with the back of her other one.

"Grandpa reckons ifin ya start ta feel sad, ya jist gotta remember all the good times we had with Leo. Like the time we all done snuck up ta the lake and went fishin with Josh. Remember we made that raft and tied a rope ta Leo's saddle, and then he done pulled it along the bank. Don't tell dad about that, I can't swim yet, so I reckon he wouldn't be too happy bout that. Thems our secrets."

Adams eyes went wide and he shook his head, he was going to add that misdemeanour to the growing list. He figured he better get in there before she incriminated herself anymore. Really he didn't want to know about anything new. Before he could enter, her sniffles started again.

"Leo's done gone and taken them secrets to the grave with him I guess." She sniffed. "Sorry Little George guess we still gonna get sad. Let's try another good memory. What about the time we swapped Leo for old Henry's grey horse, pretending that his ole hayburner had shrunk in the rain and all he needed ta do was give him an extra dipper of chaff and he'd stretch out agin. Remember that? Old Henry was too stingy a feeder, plus when he said he was gonna give Josh a whole quarter for mucking out the livery, then he only give him a penny after a full day's work; said Josh gave the horses too much chaff. We sure fooled him. Fact is ifin he hadn't bending his elbow all afternoon at the Bucket of Blood, he probably woulda worked out that Leo was a might whiter than his old grey. See grandpa's right; does make ya smile don't it, thinkin on happy times." She smiled.

Adam decided to stay hidden. Eavesdropping wasn't an activity he condoned, however besides listening to some pretty interesting tales, he hoped that Alexandra may reveal where she'd hidden the guns.

"The one thing ya gotta believe is that everybody did their best ta try and make him better. Corse ifin he hadn't of got a fright at the gun when daddy shot the snake, he mighta not had ta run off sacred and get his leg caught. Uncle Hoss done shot him, said he was in too much pain. But don't worry, I ain't never gonna let anybody shoot nobody else. I reckon it's like Sherriff Coffee says, until nobodies wearin guns, people ain't gonna bother workin' out better ways to solve their troubles. I'm starting small, but it's a start. Though Momma only had one gun with one bullet, and one bullet is all it took ta get her in a heap of trouble. Anyway don't expect anymore shootin ta go on around here fer awhile. I'd tell ya all about it but I reckon you could end up spilling the beans. Plus ifin ya don't know, and they ask; ya don't need ta lie. Ya jist shake ya head or ya shrug ya shoulders." Little George shook his head flapping his ears as he went. "Yep even better, guess shrugging ya shoulders would be a bit hard fer ya."

"I think he's pretty safe anyway, Alexandra, seems you're the only one that understands him." said Adam as he came into the barn.

Alex shot her head up, "Hey Dad, yeah I guess so, Leo understood him. Never could bamboozle old Leo, though Leo weren't that old."

"He was very old for a horse, Alexandra. A lot of children around here had a great number of good years with him."

"That's good, but don't make me and Little George feel no better, dad. Be the same ifin somethin happen ta you, ain't had you around long either, but I love ya more than I ever thought I would."

"I love you more than anything in the world, too darling." Adam sat down beside Alex on the hay bale and scrubbed at little George's ears as he nuzzled in her lap. "How you feeling?"

"Still a might sad, but not as bad as yesterday. I felt like I was disappearin', that I was all broken just like when they was taking momma away; she jist disappeared."

"She didn't disappear, Alexandra she is still alive."

"Honest?"

"Yep."

"They ain't gonna shoot her are they?"

"Hey, No, No, Alex." Adam picked her up onto his lap, rabbit an' all. "They wouldn't do that. They have some medicines, they are treating her with. The medicines take her pain away."

"But she ain't getting better, dad; you said so."

"She is a little better, now that they figured out what was poisoning her mind."

"Lead, jist like guns dad; bullets are made of lead."

"Yes, but they have got rid of most of the bad blood. It's just that she had it in her body a long time, some things inside her were permanently damaged."

"But, they ain't gonna shoot her are they dad? They were gonna hang her and you stopped them dad, you'd stop the again wouldn't ya? Even ifin they thought it was fer the best, even like Leo, but ya didn't stop Uncle Hoss…"

" No I didn't stop Uncle Hoss, but people are different, Alexandra. You know we could have waited for Hop Sing to go into Virgina City and maybe get his uncle, Hop Ling, to make a potion for Leo, but it would not have saved him, just made his passing more pleasant. It would have taken a long time to get to and back from Virginia City. And Leo was in great pain. We didn't want Leo to suffer any longer than was necessary. But it's very different for your momma and different for people. The doctors are looking after her, but we need to get her to a better hospital."

"It ain't a good Hospital, because it's a jail?

"Hmm, yes. But we do what we can."

Both sat there for a moment in silence. Adam caressed Alex curls, while Alex scrubbed at Little George's ears.

After a moment Adam lifted Alex's chin and meet her eyes, "Is this what all of this is about, you hiding all the guns?"

"What guns?"Alex asked convincingly, as she pulled away.

"No fibs, Alexandra." Adam put her back down on the bale and lifted little George off her lap and returned him to his pen.

"Guess ya real mad are ya?"

Adam clasped the cage door and stood up, turned and faced Alexandra with his hands on his hips. "Not real mad, a little worried; you want to tell me where they are?"

"But dad I ain't confessed ta taking them, besides I'm pleadin' the Fifth Amendment, remember we've been learning all about our rights.

"The Fifth Amendment is still being debated little lady, I don't think you can hide behind that one, besides it's more about the right to be questioned without being tortured".

"Ohhh, too bad I reckon they should accept the emotion."

"A motion, it's a motion, not an emotion."

"Well, it's all an emotion ta me dad, I feels pretty strongly about it."

Adam remained calm and spoke gently trying to make Alexandra understand. "I remember when you felt pretty strongly about the right to bear arms, but you've denied us our rights now."

"I never want to touch a gun agin."

"Well that's your right but what about our rights. It doesn't work like that, Alexandra. Those guns are there to protect us. A gun protected you yesterday from the snake," explained Adam, as he sat down again next to her on the bale.

"But that's what scared Leo, that's what sent him runnin, then a gun killed him..."

"You can't change any of that by hiding the guns."

"I can make sure it don't happen again."

"How?" asked Adam hoping she would a least admit to hiding the guns so they could move on.

"By hid… Not fair dad, you nearly done tricked me inta incineratin' myself."

"I'll be incinerating your backside, if you don't come clean little lady," warned Adam in frustration.

"See dad, that's all the more reason I should be pleadin' the fifth emotion. Ya threatening ta torture me. Well it won't work. "

"It's the Fifth Amendment and you've already incriminated yourself, in several ways while you were talking in here to Little George."

"You were evesdroppin, dad! I don't reckon ya can use that against me either, I reckon its like listening in on a prayer ya can't be holding that against me none, Father Flannigan says…"

"Alexandra, I don't want to use anything against you. I just want you to tell me where you hid all the guns. Then we'll go get them and then all sit down to lunch. I realise you are still upset, but misguided. Hiding the guns isn't going to change what happened to Leo. It just leaves everybody in this family, including you and Hop Sing, Little George there, and all the animals, vulnerable; exposed and unsafe. I'd be very happy if you never touch a gun again, and I'm willing to overlook the fact that you handled the guns, loaded guns I might add, without permission, but…"

"I unloaded them all dad, afore I hid them." Alex claimed proud that she remembered the strict safety rules her father had taught her.

"So you did hide them?"

"Oh! Now ya see ya trickeded me inta confessin'. Are you sure ya allowed ta do that?"

Adam smiled, "Oh Yes, I'm sure," he laughed, picked her up started tickling her belly, "and all I can say it's about time."

Alex giggled.

Adam was pleased to hear her laugh. He stopped and pulled her in close hugging her, then cupped her head as he kissed her forehead, "I love you very much Alexandra Cartwright and I hate seeing you hurt, but hiding the guns isn't going to work baby. So now you have to show us where they are."

Alex hung her head over her father's shoulder, and ran her fingers in circles around her father's back, looking at Little George; who looked straight back at her sniffing and shaking his ears. She took a huge breadth. "Okay, daddy. But promise ya won't get mad."

"Hmm, I'll try."

" and… no shootin anything"

"I can't promise that sweetheart. We need to hunt and protect each other."

Alex stayed silent for a second, mulling it over, "At least ya honest, Dad."

"Always Alex. What about you? Hmm."

Alex put her head up and leant back to look at her father's face. "And No Spanking," she edged.

"Not today," promised Adam.

Alexandra didn't move, "that sounds tricky, dad."

"Hmm, yep," he laughed, putting her down on her feet. "Okay, quit beatin' the devil around the stump; where are Grandpa's and Joe's saddle riffles?"

Alexandra blew out a breath then pointed to the feed bins. "There in the oat barrels."

Adam went and retrieved the two riffles, "shells?"

"In with Uncle Hoss' horse shoe nails."

"Good," Adam retrieved two shells. "Okay where are the others?"

"Hop Sing's pellet guns in the outhouse."

Adams eyes went wide, "not in the…"

Alex nodded…

"Alexandra!" yelled Adam.

"Dad, ya promised."

"Well Hop Sing needs that gun to keep the foxes away from the chicken coop."

"He can use my sling shot, I can teach him," offered Alex.

Adam let out a low growl as he dry scrubbed his face, "Right, next; what about the rifles where are they?"

"There's four in the grandfather clock by the door and the other four are in tinder box by the big fire."

"Our hand guns; where are they?"

Alex headed out of the barn, and into the yard, and then pointed.

Adam slapped his forehead, "please tell me you didn't throw them in the well?"

"I didn't throw them in the well dad; I put them real careful like in the pail."

"Thank go… goodness."

Adam went over to the well and looked over the side. "Alexandra?"

"I lowered the bucket right down, dad."

Adam grumbled as he cranked up the bucket, and pulled out four very saturated gun belts, that still held their weapons. He looked at Alexandra with a menacing glare.

"The safety lassos are still on, dad."

Adam didn't seem to respond to that and Alexandra slowly stepped back towards the porch and the big door. There she stopped as soon as she felt the breeze when the big door was opened. She could feel the hard bodies at her back. She craned her head backwards and looked up into the faces of her grandfather, Uncle Joe and her Uncle Hoss. They all stared down, at her.

"Hey there," waved Alexandra. "Dad done found all the guns, ceptin the ones in the grandfather clock and the tinder box. They ain't loaded, though."

"Or wet…" added Adam as he held up each of their dripping holsters.

"Awwww, that's a heap of work there, Alexandra," complained Joe.

"I'll help," she promised.

"Inside!" Bellowed Ben, as he turned her around and swatted her backside, sending her into the big room.

Alex gulped, and rubbed her backside, "Guess the no spanking deal don't count fer Grandpa's." she groused.

"Corner!" pointed Ben.

Alexandra went to the designated naughty corner, mumbling to herself, about ingrates and bellyaching family members, and maybe she shoulda burnt them guns like she did that evil hairbrush.

"Alexandra I wouldn't be sassin anyone under my breath if I were you," advised Ben.

"Weren't sassin anyone under your breath, Grandpa… Honest."

"There's no talking in the naughty corner either, Alex," said Adam as he walked into the house and laid the wet guns on the coffee table. "We are going to have to pull these all apart; they should dry out in a day. Don't know about the leather holsters, they may take a little longer."

"I'll get some soap on them as soon as they dry; they should still be soft enough and hold their shape," offered Hoss.

"What on earth did she hide all the guns for?" asked Joe.

"She didn't want ta see anybody or anything shot again."

"Why the switches?" asked Ben.

Alex turned around. "Grandpa, switches don't hurt half as much as loosing someone ya love. I'd rather ya use every one of those switches on me afore anyone else got shot and killed," Alex interrupted with sincerity.

Ben drew a big breath, "It doesn't work like that sweetheart; not out here." Ben walked over to his granddaughter and crouched down in front of her, and grabbed her waist. "I suppose it is very different in the city, they can buy all their food; they have more lawmen to look after a smaller area. They don't have wild animals, or renegade Indians, stagecoach holdups in isolated areas, and lots more Alexandra. But we have all those things out here and we need our guns for protection."

"I know, Grandpa; Dad explained, once he done caught me out incineratin' myself. I'm sorry for in… Denyin' ya rights ta bear arms."

The boys all coughed in their hands.

"Good girl, I accept your apology. You best just stay there until lunch is ready, now turn around." He indicated twirling his finger before turning to Adam, "What about Hop Sing's pellet rifle?"

"Ahh, long story, Pa, not before lunch, okay?"

Ben frowned.

"Believe me Pa, ya don't want to know." Adam screwed up his face.

Hoss parroted his expression while Joe just continued to look confused.

"Ya could always use a big hook like ya do when ya hang up the hides; ya know it probably reach all the way down the can…"

"Alex nose in the corner!" Adam ordered.

"Ohhh No, No I don't want to know," announced Ben as he wandered over to his desk.

The boys got the drift. "The Can!" they chorused.

Hoss, looked worried, "Yer ain't gonna tell Hop Sing are yer, Adam? I say we go get him a new one first thing in the morning."

"I'm with you on that one, brother," said Adam as he slapped his big younger brother on the back.

Joe suddenly got the giggles.

"Dinner ready, elvery body. Now!" Announced Hop Sing lying a huge Sunday lunch out for the family. "What so funny... Oh you find guns. You find Hop Sing's little fox gun? Why Little Joe got giggles… Why little missy in corner?"

oOo

A week later, Adam loaded up the wagon with tables and rugs, lanterns and baskets of never ending food. Alexandra's birthday party nearly didn't happen. Alex was still solemn and quiet, not wanting to celebrate her eleventh birthday. Adam wondered back to the last year. Alex had only been with them a few months before turning ten. The family at that time had decided then to have a quiet affair and celebrated both Adams and Alex's birthday together.

But this year was different, Alexandra was well entrenched into their lives, and as it turned out revelled in all the fuss, her tenth birthday lacked. But with the passing of Leo, she had wanted to cancel. The rest of the family didn't give her an option. They talked about celebrating life, and how she had even mentioned it to Leo even over his grave that she would have him there at least in spirit. Within a couple of days Alexandra was once again excited and glad they had insisted the celebrations go ahead.

Alex now bounced on the balls of her feet, at the wagon's buck board, watching Adam load up. "What else dad, what else are we gonna take up there? We should get going and all ifin we gonna decorate the trees. We gonna play horseshoes dad, we got sacks and hardboiled eggs? Though ita be funny ifin we gave Lydia Ann a real one, she fall over and probably end up with egg all over her face ita be funny. Na maybe not I kinda promised I wouldn't be nasty to her even though she still bit nasty ta me an all, but Addy reckons cause she shy on Josh, and thinks I'm shy on Josh which I ain't, though ifin I was gonna be shy on any boy I guess it would be Josh an all. Don't forget the apples, dad and the barrels ta bob fer them. What about a swimming; cin we all go swimming? I can't swim dad, Josh don't know I can't swim. Do ya reckon I could jist paddle close by the shore? You cin come in with me, can't ya dad? We still gonna have a campfire later, jist us, like the time when I first come here? I still don't see why little George can't come, I'd watch him, well most of the time, then the rest of the time I could keep him the tree house . Oh I know we could take his pen up there; it will fit won't it dad?"

"Alex stop! No it won't fit in; we will be lucky to fit in, now go and get changed. As soon as Marty gets here we're going." He said returning to the porch for yet another basket of food.

"What fer?"

Adam stropped and looked at Alex; concerned she may be still a little clingy and unwelcoming to his attention to Marty. "Because we invited her, and she wants to help set up before everybody gets up there."

"No, I mean why do I need ta get changed? What's wrong with my britches, I can climb in these. Plus, I have my union suit on underneath fer swimming."

Relieved Adam continued on his next task. "No, go and put the pretty dress on. The one I got for you, and petticoats; you can swim in your draws and one petticoat."

"A dress? This ain't some fancy shin dig, dad, it's a party, a picnic at the lake with trees an stuff. I'll look stupid in a dress. Anyway what you gonna swim in? What's Marty gonna swim in?"

"I got…had some suits made especially for swimming in San Francisco, that way we can all go swimming together."

"So how come ya didn't get me a suit for swimmin' in?"

"You can't swim."

"Well that's yer fault, dad. Ya still haven't taught me."

"True, but they didn't make them in children's sizes. Now get a move on; go put on a dress, shoes, stockings and two petticoats," said Adam, holding up two fingers.

"Aww dad, what's all the hullabaloo, next ya be puttin a humongous bow in ma hair."

"Humongous?"

"Yeah, good word, hey dad. Uncle Hoss, done used it. He told Hop Sing, he had a humongous appetite. Gee do ya reckon there's gonna be enough food for everybody?"

"Plenty, even for Uncle Hoss' humongous appetite." Adam set down the last of the barrels, " course there'll be none for you." He said matter of factly.

"Huh, why, it's my birthday? Hop Sing done wrote it on the cake."

"Well, it would be a shame if you weren't there to cut it because we left without you, for not wearing what I've told you. Now you coming, or not?" He said, standing there with his arms crossed and a smug look on his face.

Alex scowled, crossed her arms, like her father, and stomped her foot.

Adam raised one eyebrow, "en garde," he announced dropping his hands to take a step towards her.

Alexandra recognised the eyebrow warning and her father's position of attack. She backed up slowly, then turned around and ran for the house with her father hot on her tail.

Adam got a playful swat in before she scooted up the stairs, then turned around and went back to the wagon to secure the load. As he was tying the last knot, Marty trotted in on Dreamer.

"Hey there Pretty Lady," said Adam, grabbing her reigns he tied her horse to the rail, and helped her down.

"Hey there yourself, cowboy. All packed?" She asked.

"Yep," Adam looked down at her riding skirt, hemmed just below the knee and her long brown riding boots. "You going to wear that?"

"Yes, Adam, I can't ride in bustles and petticoats.'

"But I thought you might ride in the wagon, with Alex and me," he pouted.

"Hmm did you, well I can do that in this outfit too. What's wrong with this?"

"Nothing but it's a little tight, and well I want to show you off, but not have people ogling you."

"Oh really, I don't think a bunch of kids are going to be ogling me. I left town like this and nobody paid me no mind," said Marty a bit peevishly.

"I don't believe that, they must be blind; you're too beautiful," Adam conceded, he leaned in and kissed Marty softly on the lips."

"Well saved Mr Cartwright," said Marty as she went to return the kiss, but before she could, they heard a sudden cry from above their heads.

"Hey dad, don't forget ya guitar." Alex yelled, then spotted Martha. "Hello Marty."

"Happy Birthday, Alexandra."

"Thank you. Hey Dad, Marty ain't wearing no frilly skirts and petticoats, why do I hafta?"

"Because you don't have a riding skirt."

"But Dad, she ain't wearin petticoats how can she be wearin petticoats it real tight. I could just wear mu dress without petticoats too couldn't I? Its gets so hot, You don't like bein hot and steamy jist like me. Marty ain't gonna be hot, are ya Marty, though I reckon them boots would be hot on ya feet, but real fittin' for the lake and ridin'. That skirt is sure short Miss Marty, you could climb tress real good in that, corsin ya still would have ta go last jist in case people done try looking up ya dress and seeing ya unmentionables, especially ifin ya can't fit a petticoat under them tight skirts. It sure is tight ain't it dad? Maybe ya shouldn't climb any tress Marty jist ta be safe."

Adam blushed, then yelled up at the rambling youngster at her window. " Alex, you've got five minutes."

Marty Laughed, "Wait, Alex I'll help." Marty walked over and grabbed a package from her saddle bags, then took off up the stairs.

Adam grabbed his guitar and put it behind the seat of the wagon. Within five minutes, both girls were down and ready to take off.

Adam rolled his eyes at the site, "Daddy, look what Marty got me fer my birthday." Alex spun around showing off a tailored riding skirt. "See, it's a skirt, in the front and britches from the back, so ya can ride western saddle style, ain't that clever?" Alex stopped, then quietly added, "Though I don't have a horse."

"We'll get you a new pony Alex," Adam said gently.

"Don't want one… ever", mumbled Alex.

Marty went red from embarrassment, "Adam I'm so sorry, I didn't think; I heard about…"

"It's fine Marty." Adam went over to Alex and bent down in front of the little girl, who was looking at her boots as she drew circles in the dirt. "Alexandra, you may not be ready now, but you will one day. You need a horse out here, besides, this is just too clever a skirt, not to use isn't it?" Adam cupped her chin and lifted it. "Alex…You've embarrassed Marty, she bought that especially for you."

Alex looked up, "Sorry Marty, it's real nice… Besides I cin use it jist as well ta climb tress without getting ma petticoats caught or people seeing ma unmentionables." She smiled.

"That's the way… Real clever too, little lady," quipped Adam, "but what about your hair, did you at least run a brush through it?" he asked examining her unruly blonde mop.

"I suggested the same," said Marty, but I couldn't find a hairbrush."

"Really? Alexandra where is your hairbrush?"

Alex shrugged her shoulders,

"That's not an answer."

"It's lost."

"Hmm, come here." Adam pulled out his comb, and tried running it through Alex's curls, pulling and jagging at her hair.

"Oww Dad, ya gonna pull ma eyes around ta ma forehead. I'm gonna end up looking like one of Hop Sings, cousins."

"I'm never going to get these knots out," said Adam.

"Here, Alex I'll do it. I think I have a pretty ribbon in my saddle bags, do you want a pony tail; just like me?" asked Marty as she swished her long curly ponytail around.

Alex screwed up her face and looked at her father who smiled and nodded, "It will look really pretty."

"Okay, jist for you, dad."

"Thank you" he said then kissed her nose. "Come on then up you get." Adam lifted Alex into the wagon, and then helped Marty up, with ribbon in hand. He then lead Dreamer to the corral, and let him loose. Soon they were all seated and headed out the ranch's gates, towards the lake and the tree house.

oOo

It had only taken an hour to get to the tree house and another hour to set up. Within half an hour of Hop Sing arriving, he was busily slapping naughty fingers away from the icing on the huge cake he'd made for Alexandra's birthday. Most of their invited guest had arrived with their families, making a great day out for everyone.

The young Cartwright men were all running games and events, handing out prizes for any feat that took their fancy. Making sure every child would have won something by the end of the day. Hoss had a group of kids by the horseshoe pole, while Joe had a Sack race in the process. Adam was in the water, throwing children in the shallows by the bank. The boys especially enjoyed the rough play. They banded together and waded up to Adam trying to pull him under. But he easily thwarted their attempts, bellowing like Poseidon, he shucked them from both side of his body, and the occasional one that had clawed their way onto his back, to roars and laughter.

Marty joined in with the sack races trying to get the girls to outdo the clumsy boys, by adding the handicap of an egg and spoon. She pumped them full of rousing speeches pointing out their superior multi tasking skills and good balance compared to the boys' mere speed. Many of the other parents either joined in or added their help and plates of food to Hop Sings ever growing spread.

Alexandra went from game station to station, trying to get it all in. She was quickly outed in the horseshoe competition, but won the sack race in her heat, but Joe had awarded another child the ribbon, for the creative way they bounced over the finishing line. Alex was becoming a little peeved, it was her party and she had yet to win anything. Again she lost the egg and spon race when she bumped Lydia Ann and they both lost their eggs.

Lydia Ann looked fit to wail, so Little Joe quickly helped her up and replaced her egg, then disqualified Alex in the process. Lydia Ann fluttered her eyelashes at Joe. He blushed and Daisymae giggled whispering, "looks like I have competition." Joe turned to go back to the finishing line, and restart the heat, when suddenly a hardboiled egg hit him square in his forehead.

Alex smirked from the other side of the tree, and then took off towards the lake. "Hey dad, can I come in?"

Adam had seen his little green eyed monster throw that egg. For now he chose to ignore it. He remembered some of Joe's birthday parties. It was very much the same with him, he get worked up and excited about the party and when the action was happening and he wasn't the centre of attention he'd become sullen and precociously jealous. "You sure?" he asked.

"Yep, can you hold me, just in case?"

"Why can't yer swim Alex? Ya can't be one of Poseidon's Ocean nits." yelled Willy.

"Oceanids," corrected Adam.

"Yeah them, ifin ya can't swim, besides ya a girl. Poseidon's army ain't girls."

"Ah… The Oceanids were both male and female, Willy. It's alright, Alex, you come in," said Adam and winked.

Alex smiled, "thanks dad, besides, didn't, Queen Amphitrite end up ruling over all them ocean nit wits anyway."

"That she did." Adam smiled understanding Alexandra had been feeling very much left out.

Within minutes Alex had joined the rambunctious bunch and was very much holding her own. Adam was quick to scoop her up when he dunked her and rarely had her out of his grasp without drawing attention to her inability to swim. She quickly gained confidence as she watched the boys' dogpaddling and copied them. "Well done your majesty," he said as he picked her up, and held her on his hips as he continued to flip the boys off his back.

"Surrounded by a horde of young ones suits you my friend, though I suspect you will be too tired to keep up the charade much longer. Who are you, the great god Neptune or his son Titan?"

"Yuma!" yelled Alexandra. "Dad's King of the nit wits," she explained.

Yuma, stood at the bank watching his friend Adam play host to a village of children, or so it seemed. "King of all nit wits, that he is," laughed Yuma. "Happy birthday Alexandra Cartwright."

"Thank you Yuma, is Lajoci here?" asked Alexandra.

"He is. He comes now with Kimama and Fire Dance." Yuma pointed to the clearing. There Kimama rode in on horseback with her baby tucked in a papoose tied tightly to her chest. Lajoci followed riding a beautiful white horse bare back.

"Well everybody, I think that means we are ready to eat. Poseidon grants all Ocean nit wits shore leave," declared Adam. The kids laughed and they all waded back to shore, and then hurried off to get changed. Adam put Alex down and sent her off to change in the opposite direction to the boys. Alex went to object, but stopped in her tracks when Adam held up his hand, "go change back into your riding skirt, Alex, otherwise; no cake."

Alex eyes went wide and she shot off as Adam continued on to shake Yuma's hand. "Welcome Yuma, I'm so glad you came."

Marty spotted Yuma and ran to greet him. "Yuma, How wonderful to see you and Kimama…." Marty ran to her friend and helped her with the Baby. "Oh Kimama she's so beautiful, and healthy."

"And strong." said Kimama.

Ben moved over to welcome the newcomers, "Yuma, Kimama, welcome, come let me introduce to some of our neighbours. Ahh… Adam, I think you better change out of that… hmmm suit thingy…"

"Pa it's the latest…" Ben held up his hand, "go change now Adam, otherwise no cake."

Yuma laughed, "Go my friend we are in good hands, and I promise to keep any curious eyes away from the bushes," he said smirking at Marty.

Marty blushed, remembering their encounter at the village stream months back. She hurried on toward the table of food.

Soon all the families were eating and collecting plates of food from the smorgasbord. They sat on their picnic blankets chatting to neighbours. Adam, Alex and Marty joined Yuma and their families. Most of the families were welcoming to the Cartwrights Paiute friends, yet many, besides Marty, were still wary, or perhaps cautious of them. The Paiutes lived in relative peace with the good folk of Virginia City and many farms and surrounding ranches had Paiute men and women working in their fields. However the town Paiutes dressed like the whites, though much more simply, unlike Yuma and Kimama who wore the traditional tunics and beaded dress of their Village. Lajoci too, created a little curiosity amongst the children dressed in his buckskin leggings and breechcloth. Unlike his father, however he wore no shirt.

"Time to cut the cake," yelled Hoss, and all the children came running.

Hop Sing had made a huge cake with chocolate icing. Written on the top was Alexandra's name; her full name much to her dismay, Alexandra Williameena Cartwright. Williameena had been her Grandmothers name, but most people had called her Billy. She had been named after her father William. William Defoe had been the ring master of a very successful Circus and travelling Carnival. Suddenly everybody was singing Happy Birthday, while Hop Sing lit the candles.

Alex drew a huge breath and blew them out. She turned around to the smiles of the adults and an abundance of gifts that were being stacked up in her arms.

Her father, Joe and Hoss along with Ben would save their gifts for later. They had all a similar theme in mind some months ago, however with the loss of Leo they thought it best to wait for a private family moment. However she was pretty pleased with her booty, which included a new sling shot from Josh and a jar of candy from Lydia Ann. Willy had gone in with a couple of the other kids and organised a store bought fishing rod, which was the envy of every kid there including Hoss.

As she revelled in the attention, Alex did not see Lajoci leave the crowd. He returned and the sea of children parted, revealing the youngster leading the beautiful white horse.

"Alexandra, she is my gift to you. I have heard of your loss and though…."

But Alex did not wait to let Lajoci finished, "Take it away, I don't want it… I hate…"

"Alexandra!" snapped Adam.

Alex looked up with tears in her eyes, then burst through the crowd, and ran.

Lajoci was dismayed and confused. He thought his gift was wonderful; the horse was an animal to be treasured and this one was would have been most sought after among his people. He Looked at the scowling faces of the crowd, then quickly mounted the white horse and galloped off.

Yuma and Adam took off after their offspring. Yuma jumped on his horse and galloped towards the meadow and Lajoci's vanishing form.

Adam spotted Alex head towards the tree house. He followed and scaled the ladder, where Alexandra had sought refuge. "Ya can't come up here Dad, besides ya don't fit," she sniffed.

"That's where you are wrong young Lady." Adam growled as he pulled himself up through the newly renovated trap door. "Remember I'm the one who has done all the repairs."

"Fine then, but I ain't talking." Alex shuffled into the corner and turned her head away.

"Good because that means you're going to listen" Adam grabbed her, and turned her around only to have her pull herself aggressively out of his grasp.

"Enough! Look at me please," adding a sharp swat to her backside.

Alex quickly complied, though the scowl and the tears still very much part of her face.

"That was rude and uncalled for. Lajoci went to a great deal of trouble, to get that animal. I wouldn't be surprised if he handled her and broke her himself."

"Ya shoulda told him, I didn't want another horse. Leo was the bestest horse and I don't want another one. Yer jist can't go replacing things like that." She yelled.

"Alex you will stop that yelling immediately. I understand how you are feeling, but that is no reason to insult your guest and your friend. And you will go out there and apologize then accept his gift graciously. Is that understood?"

Alex still scowled but nodded.

"Words, Alexandra."

"Yes dad."

"Good let's hope Yuma has been able to bring Lajoci back."

"Why, where did he go?"

"He rode off, very upset. You embarrassed him. All your friends were staring at him making him feel even worse."

Alex started to cry, "I didn't mean that to happen, daddy, honest. Lajoci is my friend, I jist got upset an all. It's just he's a white horse jist like Leo.

"He's a she. A little filly, and not very much like Leo at all. Think about it," he said, hoping see would just calm down enough and stay on track.

"I guess," she sniffled. "She's a lot whiter ain't she, dad; kinda like a unicorn. Her nose is pink. Them real magical creatures; unicorns, cause they survived the flood when they missed the arc. They must be like sea creatures da ifin they could swim for that long. Maybe it had something ta do with their horns. I bet them sons of Noah got inta trouble fer forgetting them an all. They mustin' have checked their list too well. They shoulda counted heads like Miss Jones done when she takes us on a expedition, like Livingstone. Uncle Hoss is been countin' heads all day, he's afeared he's going ta loosed one of them kids. I guess he wouldn't have ta worry, really cause there ain't no floods coming. Yep she's a pretty horse ain't she dad, and really not like Leo at all. Do ya think she knows I was jist upset? I mean I don't think I could ride her yet, but don't mean I can't pat her. That's ifin Lajoci will let me he's probably really mad at me now he probably don't wanta be my friend, I wouldn't blame him, I guess. What ifin he never bee's my friend agin, what ifin he wants ta start an Indian war with me I wouldn't wan ta fight him, but I wouldn't blame him iffin he never wants ta talk ta me agin or wanta jist punch me in the nose. Maybe I should jist let him …"

Adam jumped in before she could get off track again. "Well let's see if we can fix all this. Okay?" he asked as he wiped the last of her tears away.

They climbed down from the tree house, to find the picnic had continued on its merry way, Both Hoss and Joe had gathered up the kids and started laying yabby traps in the side of the banks under the animated directions of Marty. Nobody was sure what yabbies were, or if they even existed in Lake Tahoe or not, but Marty had assured them that all the Australian children she knew found trying to catch the shrimp like creature a lot of fun.

Alexandra and Adam stood in the clearing and watched Lajoci and Yuma return. Before either could speak, Alex ran up to the white horse with Lajoci still on her back, and stopped to rub her nose. "I'm sorry Lajoci; she is beautiful… I jist got sad again. I thought…It's like I'm replacing Leo, and I don't think I should. I think it means I am not bein honourable to him, but I have dishonoured you and I as sure as hec didn't mean ta do that. I hope we are still friends".

Lajoci, stayed silent for a while. He was still hurt by Alex's reactions, and as well had been severely chastised by his father for taking off in a fit and so recklessly on the young horse. "Her Name is Carlacipo.. it means loyal one…some say it means …" he looked at his father for the right white man's words.

"Monument of Honor," announced Yuma.

"Yes that… monuments are built in memory of people…monuments do not replace the person, they are memories built for honour is that not right?"

"That's right", said Adam. "It is a very special and a very thoughtful gift. You are a wise man."

"With a boys temper," added his father.

"It ain't his fault Yuma, its mine. I accept your gift with great pleasure Lajoci… It's a good name ain't it?

"I am sorry that I upset you, but she is not a replacement, Alexandra. She is another horse; another friend, she will be loyal to you if you treat her well. She cannot replace Leo, I know this. That was not my intention; she is to add to your treasures. She has her own spirit."

Alex smiled and patted the horse. She still didn't know how she felt about another horse, but she would think about Lajoci's words. Most of all she felt in her heart that her friend was indeed a very special boy; which meant the gift was not the real treasure, but the friendship and loyal friend that stood in front of her; the one who handed her the handmade braided leather lead.

oOo

The afternoon went back to the festivities. Adam hoped it would soon wind down, but he had promised, the kids a campfire and stories as soon as it got dark and as long as there was no rain. The families could make their way home safely with the promise of the full moon, though some families who lived too far away from the boundaries had decided to move on already. The remaining adults cleared up while Adam and Yuma set the campfires. All of a sudden a fight broke out.

Yuma and Adam ran to the lake where Hoss and Marty had found themselves tangled up with the fighting pair in the mud of the banks.

Lajoci stood on the banks of the lake, yelling, "Alexandra Cartwright, I am brave enough to fight my own battles."

There, barely recognisable was Alexandra rolling in the mud, trying to get a good left hook into Willy Fitzgerald's jaw.

"Alexandra!"

TBC

Chapter 10

Blood Brothers.

A.N. Well, Alex has managed to avoid any real trouble and is on the mend, though I don't think Adam will be pleased about the fighting. But how will they teach these children tolerance. Adam and Yuma have a campfire story for them. Kudos to Lajoci for her beta reading and ideas as well as carlacipo for the idea some months back. Hope you like the promised cameo. LOL, I know a horse, but a pretty and loyal one.