Nightmare kind of Dream

Town

I went through the bags that carried the tradeable goods, making sure I had everything that would be able to pay for necessities. After all normal currency was mailed and shipped to Cipher Central the poorer civilians went back to the bartering system. It was almost like kindergarten lunch trade but with more need to it.
"All ready." Chirped my niece. I looked to see her in the gear I gave her for the possibility of traveling; an old black sweatshirt half zipped over a thick gray long sleeve shirt, dark grey multi pocketed pants, and hiking boots. Marmi's hair was a disaster that could get caught in something if she needed to run.
"Sit on the couch." I ordered.

She did as she was told. I picked up her brush from the vanity table I repaired for her and sat behind her. I brushed out the knots and gnarls the ripped off a bit of my sleeve while I braided her brunette locks, tying the end when I was finished.
"Can I cut my hair when we get to town uncle?" Marmi asked lightly tracing her slim fingers over the braid.

"Not this time." I answered gently. "Maybe for your birthday."
The girl looked back at me with a smile.
"Dad told me mermaid hair is valuable on land." she stated.

"Really now?" I asked feigning I didn't know this fact. "That still doesn't mean I'm going to let you get it cut." I chuckled at her pout and got up from the couch. "Unless you have a backstory to be the reason then I'll let you cut it, otherwise you will have to wait."

"Didn't mom cut her hair?" she asked making me freeze.
Between me and Marmibelle there was a silent agreement to mention Mabel only few times and that mainly consisted for reassurances that she is watching over us.
Marmi must have noticed me freezing as she spoke a soft, "Sorry."

I forced my body to relax. "No it's alright. And your mother didn't cut her hair." I tightened the straps on the bags just to keep myself busy.
I should give her some rules before we leave.

I turned back to look at Marmibelle, who fiddled her fingers with a guilty look. "Marmi," She lifted her head instantly. "When we leave I want you to stay beside me, even when we are in town understand?" I asked sternly.

"Yes uncle." she answered. I handed her the smaller bag that carried the polished stones and other such valuables  before slinging the other bag on to my back.
"Do you have your knife?" I asked.
The girl nodded padding the leather sheath on her hip. I nodded in approval and started up the ladder to the cabin.

The trip to towel was peaceful thankfully and the gate guard was, also thankfully, a caring person and let us in. But after the gate door shut and locked it went downhill from there.

Older civilian glares met the sight of me while both old and younger eyes looked curiously to my niece, who tried to perfect a similar intimidating walk as mine. If we were at home I would have laughed but this isn't home, this is an area where anyone related to my family isn't happily welcomed.

"I'm going to get some ammunition," I muttered to Marmi. "Think you can handle waiting outside?"
I received a firm nod that I smiled approvingly of her public wall.

I walked into the shop with a final look back to Marmibelle before walking to the counter. Wendy's familiar figure sat on the other side.
She caught sight of me and her jaw dropped. "Dipper?"

I gave the slightest of smirks. "How you've been Wendy?"

The red head jumped over the counter and yanked me into a tight hug. "I thought you were dead when I heard the hellhounds yesterday." she whispered, her voice cracking. "There was more than one right?"

Slowly wrapping my hands around her. "Don't worry about that." I answered. "I'm alive."

Wendy pulled back, a sad smile on her face and tears threatening. She punched my shoulder. "Don't scare me like that."