It was after a full day of flying that they finally reached the coast of the Earth Kingdom, then another day until they reached the river that separated two of the larger pieces of the Earth Kingdom where they stopped. There was a village where they could get supplies, as what Naomi had taken from the escorts was gone, and Ruby was too tired to go any further. The minute they landed, Ruby curled up and fell asleep. Zyga and Naomi exchanged looks.

"Looks like we'll be staying here while Ruby rests." Naomi said. Zyga frowned.

"Ruby got us far away from your escorts and spent two days straight flying. She deserves rest."

"I didn't say she didn't. I was making a statement." Naomi said. Zyga relaxed.

"Well we need some supplies, so we'll have to go into town." Zyga said.

"I'll go." Naomi said, pulling out the chest of money she'd taken from the escorts. "I hope they take Water Tribe money. There's not much in the way of Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom currencies in here."

"Let's hope so. I'll stay here with Ruby. It's uncommon in the Earth Kingdom, but sometimes, animals like dragons get poached, and I'm not going to lose Ruby." Zyga said. Naomi nodded.

"I'll see you soon then." she said, walking down the hill they had landed on towards the small town along the river.

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After filling her water skins at the river, Naomi stopped in a small store in the town's market for food. She got enough to get them through the next week, but she was officially out of Earth Kingdom money, so hopefully the next store would be open to Water Tribe currency. The shop she found was run by a couple with a son and a daughter. The son assisted his father in stocking the shop, while the younger girl enthusiastically answered any questions Naomi had. She looked to be about 12, and Naomi was grateful when she said that yes, they did take Water Tribe money.

"Nova, are you bothering our customer?" The mother called from behind the counter. Naomi answered.

"No, she's been incredibly helpful." Naomi said, setting her pile of purchases on the counter. She smiled sheepishly as the woman tried to peer around the giant pile that included sleeping bags, new clothing, and a few blankets. It was only after paying that she sized up her pile of purchases and the large basket of food she was already carrying.

"Hmmm." Naomi went back and found a pair of saddlebags on one wall. They were clearly made for an ostrich-horse, but with some adjustments, they could be made to fit Ruby. She payed for the saddlebags, and then packed them with her other purchases. Still having trouble though, she bent the water out one of her water skins, making a bubble to carry the basket of food.

"You're a waterbender!" Nova cried out in delight. Naomi offered her a smile before turning to leave. "Are you from the Northern or Southern Tribe?" Nova asked.

"Northern." Naomi said, then hurrying out before Nova could ask her anymore questions that might reveal she was the avatar. She kept her head down on the way back to camp, knowing she was getting strange looks, waterbending here. Then again, she was still wearing her water tribe clothing, so weird looks would probably be a given. She made it back without anyone bothering her though.

When she got back, she saw Zyga had set up what they had. She had built a fire, ready to be lit once night came, and she had taken stock of what they had. Ruby slept peacefully nearby.

"Got what I could, set up." Zyga said. "Even if Ruby wakes up before tonight, she'll be in no shape to fly."

"Got it." Naomi answered. "I've got what we need to complete it." She said before setting the basket of food down as well as the saddle bags. "I've got sleeping bags, some extra blankets, and some new clothes so we won't stand out as much in Earth Kingdom towns." She said, showing off each purchase.

"Perfect." Zyga said. The two shared a smile.

"Oh, right!" Naomi exclaimed, suddenly remembering. She turned towards the camp site, and bent the Earth into two tents near the fire.

"Perfect." Zyga said again. "Now if we have everything we need, plus a day or two," she said, nodding towards Ruby, "I'd say it's an ideal time to start learning some firebending."

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