The Lunar Warrior [ATLA FF]

Book 1: Water | 17 | Warriors of Kyoshi II

"Hmm." Oyaji thought for a bit, before shaking his head. "While there are places that do accept many different forms of currency, the Earth Kingdom is a bit stricter than most. While I believe your tribe's money can translate into money here, it would not be worth much. I apologize."

"I see..." Ayaan nodded, having a feeling that would be the answer. They had met others and bought some things, but the closer they got to the Earth Kingdom, the more they would be met with shocked expressions about using their money. So Ayaan had a feeling that when they finally passed through there on their way to the North Pole, their money would be completely useless.

Seeing the young man thinking so hard across from him, Oyaji found himself smiling. This young man as always worrying over his group's well being. The Avatar had found himself great companions. They would have a hard road ahead of them, but their presence brought the old man hope.

Maybe one day, this island didn't have to be so wary of travelers and war? Maybe one day he'd be able to invite people to his beautiful home without fear of them burning it down? If he could help make that a reality, even if not in his lifetime, he would do all he can. It was then he got an idea, and a smile came to his face. "Give me a moment, I will be right back."

"Oh? Sure." Ayaan nodded, and waited patiently. The old man got up from his seat, going to the back of his house. Not long after, he returned, but not without a heavy sack within his hands. It was filled to the brim with Earth Kingdom coins, a portion of his personal funds.

And Oyaji handed the bag to Ayaan without a moment of hesitation.

"H-huh?" Ayaan felt the weight of the bag in his hands. He could hear the jingle of the money. The moment he realized what just happened he immediately tried to return it. "N-no. Mr. Oyaji, I can't accept this!"

The boy was flustered. "This is your money and--"

But Oyaji stopped him.

"Please, you'll be doing me a favor by taking it." Oyaji waved off Ayaan's concerns good-naturedly as he gently pushed the bag back into Ayaan's hands.

"But--"

"It's just a bit of pocket change I had lying around. There is no need to worry yourself, my boy." He laughed, but Ayaan could only sweat drop more.

'I'm pretty sure there is a miniature fortune in this satchel... And he's calling it pocket change?'

Oyaji saw the conflicted look on Ayaan's face and couldn't help but chuckle when the boy finally accepted the satchel of coins. He was such an honest fellow, a rare sight. Seeing his discomfort in taking the money, the old man began to speak again. "I saw that on the Avatar's mystical beast there were many filled bags. Do you hunt often?"

At this, Ayaan perked up a bit. "Yes, I do." He liked hunting, and when he wasn't hunting, he liked tracking. Practicing his skills for when he returned to hunting, aside from training with his spear and siblings or spoiling Appa and Momo, was a comfortable past time for him.

"Why not sell a bit of your extra wares? I'm sure they would sell for a good price at the market. I could give you my recommendations of where to sell them as well, if you want." Oyaji offered, noticing the boy's eyes light up at the idea.

"Yes, sir. That would be very helpful. Thank you." Ayaan said gratefully.

Oyaji could only smile warmly at the kind boy. It was no secret why this child was the most popular aside from the Avatar in his group. One doesn't see this politeness often, especially from a warrior such as Ayaan. The boy was a rare sight, and that was not including his hair, which he told them he was born with. His people were the most active he'd ever seen them be, and it made him want to shake his head.