Tougher Than Stone

Chapter 8

Nakia's pov

Liena banged her head into the table for what seemed like the hundredth time that morning. As part of her punishment for blowing up my soup last night, her mother had forced her to work with me in my flower stall today. Although, if you were to ask for my opinion on the matter, being forced to spend the day in the market was no punishment for her. Liena's the kind of girl that can turn almost anything into a game.

"You know, this kind of thing happens nearly every time you pull a prank. I honestly don't know why you're still surprised, you should expect this by now." In answer Liena groaned.

"I was just trying to have fun! And you gotta admit, it was hilarious!"

"My mother was up late washing vegetable soup out of my clothes. I'm not sure how that qualifies as hilarious." I reached up and picked a small piece of steamed carrot out of my hair.

"It's almost time for luuuunnncch," Liena had turned over so her groans were again muffled by the table. I stood on my tip-toes trying to see the sundial across the market from me.

"It's actually a little past lunchtime."

"WHAT?" If it wasn't for the fact that I was starting to get hungry too, I would have laughed.

I turned to Liena who was glaring at me like an angry skunk fish, "I'll make you a deal. If you help me get a few things for dinner tonight we can close up shop a little early and eat lunch before we tr--" careful, Nakia " before we go to your house and wrap that present for your mother."
"Huh? Mom's birthday was a couple days ago." I glared at Liena for a moment before jerking my head towards the Fire Nation soldier who was standing near Gui's jewelry stall and looking at us. I gave a sarcastic smile and waved to the soldier.

"Oh, that's right. Anyways, what do you need to buy for your dinner tonight?" I motioned for Liena to hand me my shopping list and basket.

"First up? Cabbages."

The cabbage merchant jumped a little and grabbed his cart protectively when he saw Liena walking next to me. I suppose his reaction was fair considering she had blown up his cart last year. Liena had been locked up at home for a week for that prank. She had nearly gone insane. As I got closer, I pulled my money pouch off of my belt.

"There's no need to worry about the safety of your cart. Liena here has already spent her entire savings on fireworks and used them all."

The cabbage merchant sighed in relief, "Oh. Which poor soul did she blow up this time?"

"Me. She blew up my soup bowl." The cabbage merchant shook his head and glanced at Liena, who was giggling.

"I'm sorry about that. How many cabbages do you need?"
"Four should keep us tied over until you cycle back here to Shoa. Speaking of travel, where are you headed? " The cabbage merchant perked up.

"I'll be going to Kyoshi Island!"

"Isn't that the island with that band of cool lady warriors?" Liena tilted her head.

"Yes indeed. You know Nakia, I always think of you when the Kyoshi Warriors come to my cart to buy cabbages." I froze.

How could I not have remembered the Kyoshi Warriors?

"Oh.. really? That's a high compliment." I had a sudden idea.

"Liena..."
"Yeah?"

"Can you please take the shopping list and go stop by the rest of the stalls for me? I need to stay back for a moment." Liena seemed confused but with one quick glare from me, she took the list and money purse and scurried off. I turned back to the cabbage merchant.