Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender.
Frosty Atmosphere
Well, the flying bison ended up being the swimming bison. But you wouldn't know it the way Katara was acting. Still, we made it back to the village. That was something at least. But coming back with another stranger brought its own difficulties. Entering the village with a giant beast that we couldn't eat caused the women to mutter amongst themselves uncomfortably. Then, when they caught sight of the bald kid that Katara hadn't stopped talking to since she found him, they stared with suspicion. Katara acted like she didn't notice the hostility of our people as she led the bald kid, Aang, to meet our Gran-gran. Or maybe she truly didn't notice; too elated to have someone her own age. But she was the only one. Aang walked beside Katara with his shoulders slightly hunched and kept a tight grip on his staff. However; despite the tense atmosphere, he greeted every uneasy look with a smile and a polite hello. At least this one spoke the same language as us, I couldn't help but think.
Kaya and I walked behind them. I had my spear in one hand as Kaya clings to my other. If Kaya was normal; if her hair wasn't yellow colored and she didn't speak a language of gibberish, I'd have thought she was like any of the other women in the village. That she was afraid of a strange newcomer. But, if I was honest with myself, I knew that wasn't the reason for Kaya's discomfort.
"Do you think that boy came for her?" I heard someone mutter; placing extra emphasis on her. There was no need for me to question who the speaker was referring to.
"What if she summoned him?" Another questioned.
Grinding my teeth together, I pulled my hand from Kaya so I could sling an arm over her shoulders; pulling her in closer. Kaya was harmless. By La, Kaya was helpless. How could any of my people think she was responsible for the bald kid suddenly appearing amongst us? Weird yellow hair aside, they were making Kaya sound like she was a witch. Not the girl who pricked her fingers every time she held a needle. Not the girl that was content to complete any chore she was given. Not the girl that they had been sharing resources with for months.
"That girl is an ill-wish", whispered another as we drew closer and closer to our tent.
"She brings nothing good", another agreed, despite the fact that Kaya had not been responsible for any hardship in the months that she had been living with us. "And Sokka is so attached… I fear it might be too late".
Glancing at Kaya's face, I was struck (not for the first time) with the impression that she understood more than she could express. Her eyes were downcast. She was holding her chin down; tucked into her coat. And there was an unease to her expression as she tried very hard not to look at anyone. Did she know? I asked myself as Katara and Aang came to a standstill in front of our family tent. Gran-gran stood out in front of it, listening to Katara as she started introductions. Did Kaya understand that her only friends in the village were my small family?
I should've stayed to help Katara explain things to Gran-gran. I should've been the one to give Aang permission to join us for the night. But I did none of those things. Stepping around Katara, her guest, and Gran-gran, I pushed Kaya to enter the tent before following behind her. I thought giving her that necklace would help her gain some footing with the other women in the village. I thought that after the dark months had passed and the others could see how at ease my family was with the yellow-haired girl that they would be more accepting. That Kaya would be welcomed into their circles; grounding her to her new home. But from all their questions clearly, I was wrong. The bald kid and his swimming bison didn't help things either. Now, the only I could do that I thought would help was to keep Kaya far enough away that she couldn't hear the others. Maybe if I caught a squid we could color Kaya's hair to a more traditional color for a couple of days. That might help ease tensions… but then Kaya would smell like a squid.
"Sorry we didn't catch any fish", I said just for the sake of saying something. Kaya looked at me in an expression I hadn't seen on her face before as she started pulling off her gloves. I didn't know what to make of it. But it kind of reminded me of the time my mom had sat me down and told me I was going to be a big brother. "Umm…" I said as I looked around the tent; trying to find something to talk about. Anything to get her thoughts off what was happening outside. A pot was boiling over the hearth. Obviously, containing whatever Gran-gran was going to make us eat tonight. There was the laundry sitting off to the side that the girls hadn't gotten the chance to wash considering today's unplanned fishing trip. Not that that did me any good now. Then there was…. My eyes landed on some spare spearheads. The kind I strictly reserved for buffalo-yaks and other large game. It took two steps for me to be close enough to grab them. The dark months were over. Soon the herds would be returning and I'd be needing them. "Think you can sharpen these for me?" I asked as I moved back to Kaya to show her what I was holding.
Sinking into her usual spot by the hearth, Kaya nodded. Her eyes were a bit glum as she accepted the chore from me. It was one she was familiar with as she had learned her way around them during our time together stuck in this tent. Quickly, I gather the materials she would need to complete the task before standing awkwardly over her; watching. What should I do now?
Scratching the back of my heading, thinking about what I needed to do about the bald kid and what Gran-gran would want me to do, I glanced over to the tent flap. "I'm gonna-" I started to say; gesturing to the exit. Other than a small nod, Kaya barely responded. "So… just stay here", I finished, feeling a little lame. This would be so much easier if I actually knew if she understood. If she could tell me what she was thinking.
I started inching for the way out. Not wanting to face what was waiting outside, but knowing that I probably have to. There was now another stranger amongst us. And once again, I was the one who brought them into the village. It was an action that was costing me the trust of my people, and I couldn't let that happen. But a soft-spoken, "Sokka", brought me back.
Looking over my shoulder, Kaya was sitting unmoved with one of my spearheads in her hands. Staring up at me, she waited for a brief moment before asking with her limited vocabulary. "Kaya bad? Kaya go?"
It took me a couple of times of repeating Kaya's words in my head until I found meaning. But I got it eventually… At least, I think I did. "No", I said as I turned back around and took a step closer to the yellow-haired girl. I squatted down so we were at eye level. "Kaya good", I stated simply; hoping that the fewer words I used the more she'd understand. "Kaya stay".
She stared at me for a minute; not blinking. And I didn't rush her. Her words may be simple, but what she was actually asking was deep. Deep enough that it should probably be Gran-gran in here having this conversation with her. Touchy-feely girly stuff always made my skin crawl. But Kaya was my responsibility. My problem. So…..
The minute passed and Kaya nodded once to show she understood. Picking up the stone I used to keep things sharp, she started working. But before I could move to go, Kaya spoke up again. "Sokka stay?" She asked, her voice nervous.
I glanced over at the tent's exit; knowing I should go and knowing that I didn't want to. Sighing, I brushed a hand over the top of my hair. There were fears that needed to be soothed, and people that needed to be addressed. Especially concerning the fact that I hadn't brought any fresh kills back. But it felt nice that there was someone right in front of me that wanted me around not to fill some need other than company. So, maybe, just for one night, I could take a break. "Yeah", I caved, turning back to my fiancé. "I'll stay". And I flopped down next to on the ground floor; stretching out my back.
Whatever Gran-gran must have said to our people and to welcome Aang must have worked, because it was quiet when she entered the tent; Katara and the bald kid following behind her. "Aang will be joining us for dinner", Gran-gran announced as both Kaya and I looked at her for guidance. "After, he has volunteered to sleep in one of the spare tents we use for storage".
Aang bowed his head slightly after Gran-gran's explanation. "Thank you for the hospitality", he said politely and cheerfully as Gran-gran moved over to her hearth.
Sitting up I watched as Gran-gran raised a weathered hand and pointed over to where we kept the dishes. "Kaya, child. Help me serve", Gran-gran instructed. The gesture was necessary to help Kaya interpret what was being asked of her.
Kaya moved quickly, handing me the spearheads she had been working on before leaving to do as Gran-gran had asked. It was a task she was familiar with. It was one Gran-gran had started Kaya on during the dark months after I had made my intentions clear to her and Katara. 'For when she is keeping her own hearth', Gran-gran had explained.
Knowing what my own task was before we could eat, I moved to clean up the sharpening tools and put the spearheads in their proper spot. Meanwhile, Katara showed Aang the little she could in our tent. "That's Sokka's bed. Gran-gran's is over there. And that's the bed Kaya and I share", she said as she pointed them out. Other than that, there really wasn't much to see. The hearth at the center of the tent spoke for itself with the smoke emitting from it being a dead giveaway.
"You have a lovely home", Aang commented, causing Katara to beam at him.
"It keeps us warm and the snow out", Gran-gran replied humbly as Kaya appeared at the old woman's side with enough bowls for everyone.
As Gran-gran helped Kaya set the bowls down, I moved to sit in my usual spot. "Come sit, Aang", Katara said as she gestured for the bald kid to take a seat at the hearth. But Aang let Katara go first and followed suit behind her; picking a spot next to my sister as he sat crossed-legged. I wasn't sure what to make of that. It was good manners to let Katara go first, but sitting next to her and looking casual about it….. should I do something? Say something? What would dad do if Katara brought home a boy? But a sharp look from Gran-gran had me keeping my mouth shut. Fine. But if something happens, it's not my fault.
"I hope you like sea prune stew", Gran-gran said as she handed the ladle to Kaya and gestured for the yellow-haired girl to fill the bowls.
He better like it, I thought as Aang assured us that he would. Until I could catch some fresh game and until the others could harvest seaweed and the like; sea prunes were all we had so soon after the dark months' end.
Knowing that I couldn't keep watching the bald kid for much longer without being accused of being rude, I turned my attention to Kaya. Her scarred hands were careful as she poured stew into the first bowl. That done, she handed the bowl to Katara to be passed to Aang. As was customary, Aang got the first bowl since he was a guest. It wasn't too long ago that Kaya received the first serving; being a guest herself. I wonder when we stopped doing that. Kaya's transition from guest to family member felt natural and I couldn't remember exactly when the habit had changed.
The second bowl Kaya filled, she handed to me. The third went to Gran-gran. Then Katara, and Kaya kept the last bowl for herself. It took patience on Gran-gran's part to teach the behavior to the yellow-haired girl. Understandable, considering that there was no way to explain its purpose. But Kaya learned and adapted as she has always done since waking up in our village. Polite manners dictated that guests were served first. As the family provider, I was next. Being a respected elder, Gran-gran came after. Leaving only herself and Katara. As equals, it didn't matter who was next. But since Kaya was serving, she gave Katara the next bowl.
Gran-gran nodded; satisfied with my fiancé practicing our customs as she turned her attention to the rest of us. "Katara told me that you had quite the adventure today", Gran-gran said to start a conversation before she took a sip of broth.
"Yeah", I grumbled unhappily around a mouthful of food. "We lost a boat". And what's worse, I had no idea where I could find enough wood to replace it. "And I wasn't able to catch anything either".
"But I'm grateful that you found me", Aang broke in, lowering his bowl away from his mouth so was could all see him clearly. "I think Appa and I would've had a hard time finding our way otherwise". Aang offered everyone a sheepish grin; showing off his good nature. I could only hope it wasn't an act. "And now Katara and I can go penguin sledding together. So, maybe everything that happened was good luck". Hmph, optimism. I thought only Katara was capable of that. I guess she found a kindred spirit.
"Penguin sledding, you say", Gran-gran said with a raised eyebrow; mostly just to keep the conversation flowing.
"Is that alright, Gran-gran?" Katara checked after she had swallowed. "I told Aang I would go with him". The hope and longing in her voice was obvious.
Gran-gran shifted and took her time answering; holding Katara and Aang in anticipation. It was something I knew Gran-gran enjoyed doing. Especially when she was telling one of her stories. But I was smart enough to never call her out on it. "I suppose so", Gran-gran consented. "As long as you finish your chores in the morning". Leaving Aang and Katara to smile at each other, Gran-gran looked over at me. "And what are your plans for tomorrow?"
Gulping down what I had in my mouth, I answered, "Fishing in the morning", because we really did need some fresh meat. "And I want to start up lessons with the younger boys again". That would give me the chance to see who was finally old enough to be trusted with more of a workload. One of the boys was getting close to the age I was when I had first been allowed outside of the village by myself to go jigging. If La was willing to show me any Mercy, the boy's mother would let him go.
Gran-gran hummed to herself as she looked over at Kaya. Engrossed with the task of filling her stomach, Kaya paid no head to our words. That was common at meals. dinner conversation rarely included her as there wasn't much for her to contribute and it was hard to eat and learn at the same time.
Having made her mind up about something, Gran-gran turned her attention back to me. "Then I will take Kaya with me tomorrow. She can assist me with my rounds". The frown I must have made cued Gran-gran in that I wasn't happy with that decision. After listening to the others when we returned home today, Gran-gran wanted Kaya to be in their presence? No, it would be better for Kaya to say inside until Aang left and took all suspicion with him.
I didn't need to voice any of that for Gran-gran to disagree with me. Reading my face, she said, "After today, I think it is time that the others learn more about Kaya. They can only do that if they spend time with her".
That was the end of the discussion. It was always easy to tell with Gran-gran because she turned away from me and was not willing to hear any more about it. But that didn't mean I had to be happy with the decision. Kaya wasn't stupid, as I've come to realize. She may not always understand what we said, but if the other women said something unkind, Kaya would feel it. Tomorrow, I better not come home to a crying female. That's not something I'm prepared to deal with.
"Uh, I hope you don't mind me asking", Aang broke in; bringing all our attention to him. All except Kaya's, that is. But Aang wasn't looking at any of us. His eyes were fixed on Kaya. Kaya, who was still staring into the depths of her bowl. "But Kaya is a water tribe name and you… don't look like you're from here". He hadn't phrased it as a question as he had intended. But the information Aang was searching for was clear.
Still, Kaya didn't lookup. Nor did she offer an explanation; completely unaware that someone was talking to her at all. "Sorry", Katara spoke quickly before Kaya's lack of response could be construed as rude. "Kaya's still learning our language. So, it's hard for her to know when someone's asking her a question", Katara tried to explain. Offering an example, Katara held her bowl with one hand as she used her other one to tap Kaya on the arm.
At the contact, Kaya was pulled from her dinner. The yellow-haired girl looked up at her friend, blinking as she waited to find out what Katara wanted. "Kaya, Aang was asking where you're from", Katara said.
Of course, we had no way of know how much of that Kaya actually got. Especially when all Kaya did was slowly pronounce the bald kid's name. "Aang?" The yellow-haired girl's brown eyes flashed in our guest's direction before focusing back on Katara; trying to decipher if that was right. She knew who the bald kid was. We had done an introduction between the two foreigners back when we were riding the swimming bison. So, this whole exchange was just confusing for the girl.
"She speaks a different language?" Aang asked, curiously.
Katara nodded as she moved her line of sight from Kaya and back to the new kid. Leaving Kaya to glance around at all of us as she tried to figure out what was going on. "We found her", Katara started to explain as I used the same downward hand motion from early today to tell Kaya that everything was fine. "Well, Sokka found her washed up on the shore a while back. She was sick for a long time and the clothes she had on her were strange; made of fabrics we had never seen before. When she was better, we learned that she spoke a different language. We don't know where she's from and she couldn't tell us. So, Sokka adopted her into the tribe and named her Kaya". Katara paused for breath; giving Aang time to take all that information in. But Katara wasn't done yet. "Say, it sounded like you've traveled a lot. Do you know where she's from? We've never heard of different languages or people with yellow hair".
Studying Kaya closely with his eyes, Aang shook his head; only looking away from the yellow-hair girl when she started to shift uncomfortably under his gaze. "No, sorry", Aang said. "I always thought there was only one language and I've never seen hair color like hers before".
I'm not sure why this line of conversation irked me, but it did. "It doesn't matter", I stated as I reached across Gran-gran to hand Kaya my bowl. Without being asked or prompted, Kaya started to refill it with more stew; allowing me to continue. "Kaya's water tribe now. She belongs here", I finished as Kaya handed me back my bowl. In my opinion, she belonged here more than the bald kid did. At least she hadn't be found glowing inside a giant ball of ice.
Leaning towards Aang, Katara started to gossip into his ear. But she failed to whisper in a low enough voice that I couldn't hear. "Sokka is only getting defensive because he decided that he's going to marry Kaya".
"Katara", Gran-gran warned. And after that, the only conversation we had involved penguin sledding.