( action | arrival )

[seismos]

closed to zuko--

"...Sparky?" It comes out like a question, but Toph would know Zuko's heat signature and those solid, confident steps anywhere.

Of course, she hadn't taken too kindly to waking up in a strange city, plopped in a puddle on a metal cradle. All of those welcome goodies were left behind -- didn't really feel like anything important and she couldn't read it anyway.

Toph points in Zuko's direction before grinning and course-correcting him. "Hey! What's going on, here? Where is this place?"

And then: whack, she jabs right up at his shoulder. Because hopefully all of her questions could be answered now, and a preemptive thanks is in order.

open to all--

Running into Zuko meant having to trudge back and pick up all that junk that Toph had left in the Bay. Well, mostly junk -- the flimsy money was kinda nice to have.

She parts from Zuko eventually, to get a feel for the expanse of the city she can see spreading beneath her feet. As much as she appreciates the guidance a friend can provide, Toph wants to know if she can get up to a little trouble on her own. And she's not interested in learning how to use that video phone thing just yet, anyway.

For all intents and purposes, she looks like a lost barefoot runaway. Toph wanders around the city with ease that belies her complete lack of vision. Green and tan robes that are made for smooth movement (and could really use a thorough washing) adorn her stout form, leaving her to make confident steps to avoid collision.

Or, sometimes, to cause one. When she does bump into a stranger, it's a meek apology that squeaks out in a high voice, clutching at one of her feet. "Ohh, ouch! I'm sorry, I was trying to find 11th Avenue so I can find a friend of mine. Gee, are you OK?"

It's a good way to gauge how generally gullible a place is.

Comments

[respect_points]

[That's a smart plan except a thief is always ready for anything; Well.. Mostly anything... Using the situation to her own advantage, she may have grabbed a few of your bills discreetly.]

Oh, no! That was my mistake. So sorry about that, but I can help you find your friend if you'd like.

[seismos]

[ wow rude. and also rikku will totally have to teach toph that trick someday. as it is now, though, those bills are all hers. ]

Well, I just got here and it's such a big city for someone like me. I'm not even sure which way to start.

[respect_points]

[That's just how she is, Toph. Someday she might teach her.]

Who are they? I might know who it is.

[seismos]

[ she contemplates telling rikku the truth -- the situation is a little complicated, but zuko hadn't seemed too worried about letting toph hang around. ]

Zuko. His name's Zuko. I'm Toph, by the way.

[respect_points]

[Zuko... Zuko.... The name sounded slightly familiar, but that could be because of Guardian/Deputy Guardian role.]

Hm... I guess I'm not totally sure who that is. What's he look like?

I'm Rikku. It's nice to meet you, Toph.

[And your bills are always nice.]

[seismos]

[ toph turns her head up toward rikku, blind eyes wide and clouded over. ]

No clue, sister. Maybe you can tell me if we find him.

[respect_points]

O-oh! Uh.. Sorry about that...

Right! So we can just start off looking where you said. Besides, finding a Deputy Guardian shouldn't be too hard.

[Unless he was off patrolling at the time.]

[seismos]

[ toph can't help but shrug in response to the apology. ]

Deputy Guardian? What's that?

[respect_points]

Oh well.. For each of the living areas, there is a Guardian in charge of protecting and running that city/town. They have Deputy Guardians to help them out and patrol to keep order. Basically to lighten their load.

My best friend is actually Guardian of Everglade, so I'm her Deputy Guardian. I don't know your friend personally, but I do know he's the Deputy Guardian for Azula.

[seismos]

For Azula, right.

[ she's going to decide not to dwell on that part, given the little conversation they'd had. better to focus on what's in front of her, now. ]

So you're like ... police?

[respect_points]

I guess you could look at it that way. Yunie does what she can as Guardian to preserve the peace and well... She can't do it alone. That's why we Deputy Guardians exist to help ease the burden. Of course, there are some things that only Yunie can do though.