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Stepping into the building, you note that it's not really a building at all. The whole structure on the inside was simply a thick cloth stretched over wooden beams. The walls were in a criss cross pattern while the ceiling was simply splayed out to hold everything. It was actually easily collapsible if one wanted to move it. You should have expected such a thing from a nomadic people and you almost feel foolish for not thinking this. Your thoughts however are interrupted by the man shouting at you and Ming grabbing your leg by the knee. "Don't step on the doorway. Or let it hit your head. It's disrespectful." She says.
"What?" Xin Lan says. "They got rules for entering their house?"
"So do we. So just don't touch the door. Ever." She says. "Now be polite. I'm pretty sure we've caused enough trouble here as is. Also keep your back to the door. It'll make it easier for us all right now." Xin Lan grumbles and simply leaps on your back as you have to basically crouch to get in without breaking any of these rules. You didn't understand them but you suppose many things might seem strange to them back home. You find yourself a comfortable spot and let Ming do the talking. The leader takes his seat before you and begins to stoke a fire in the center of the floor. The three of you wait for a moment before the man speaks, his voice still somewhat curt but otherwise pained. He and Ming have a small conversation before it stops and Ming translates for you and Xin Lan to catch up. "He thanks us for saving his clan. He doesn't doubt that one death would have been enough to satisfy the bandits. Not sure if he thinks poorly of them or if they really were going to just slaughter everyone for not paying taxes."
"Is that normal?" You ask. "We didn't see anyone on our way here and it doesn't seem reasonable to have patrols wandering the desert looking for people to charge for money." Ming expresses these thoughts to the leader and he makes a scoffing noise before speaking. Ming seems confused and digs into her pockets for a bit before pulling a bit of money to show them man who in return makes a dismissive gesture.
"He says that these 'taxes' are a stupid idea. Water is for everyone attempting to claim it as your own is as foolish as claiming that you own the sky or even the sun. Nor does he believe in this new system. If someone wants something then they will have to offer something in return to trade. He also finds the concept of money to be a waste of time. There's no value in coins if it can't feed his people or keep them warm." She explains.
"What they don't have money either?" Xin Lan blurts out.
"I guess not. They seem to only trade in goods that help with day to day living. Food, water, clothes, stuff like that. Money doesn't really help with that and it's extra useless if no one else will take it." Ming admits.
