View source for 363/Mu - Sins of the Fathers

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/08/07
|Location=Avatar World <AW>
|Synopsis=Following a lead Haru found, the rest of the people concerned for Toph head to a remote Earth Kingdom village in order to find out just what has happened to the young earthbending master.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=19, 20, 143, 152, 204, 301, 424
|Tinyplot=Mu
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The village that Haru's signal comes from is by all means not a large one. A farming community by the looks of it, and with workers all over busy tending to the fields on the open plains outside a large forest. It's a quiet place, bustling with wild life and with the sun shining up above.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A bit further into the village it's clear that it's not a town that's too bad off either. A market place is buzzing with activity and trade, a town square with people gathering around a large fountain for their clean drinking water. Why, there's even a rather small inn for tired travelers seeking rest and comfort if only for the night.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All in all, this place does not appear anything out of the ordinary of what you would expect from such a village in this remote area. The people appear to be busy and content, with some of them looking curiously at the Unionites as they arrive...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haru might be the only one not being stared at. He is, after all, dressed like someone from the Earth Kingdom. He /is/ from the Earth Kingdom, in fact. So he might have had an easier time walking amongst the people to get information. It was a merchant who recognized the materials the dolls were made of. And pointed him in this direction.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He might start getting stared at soon, though. Haru hasn't really started asking around about the dolls in this area just yet, because he didn't want to poke his nose into this, get targeted, and be by himself. So he's waiting near the outskirts of the marketplace for the others who responded to arrive.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Really, Toph's home reminds him of his own world. Or at least what he's seen of Ordalia, at any rate. So, the Burmecian is relatively comfortable, ignoring the odd looks he draws with practiced ease. Faruja immediately tries to spy a particular Earthbender! Dressed in red robes, foregoing armor, the rat's clearly not expecting a fight this day. Tail flicking and leaning on his cane as he walks, the rat sniffs about. Surely earthbenders have that earthy smell he's come to expect from Toph! <br /><br /> And then, the rat spies him! <br /><br /> "Ser Haru! Hail!" Calls out the rodent as he limp-jogs up. <br /><br /> "Lord's blessings, good Ser. Hath ye any further description of these dolls?" Inquires the rat as he awaits his fellow Unionites.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;AMong the arrivals is a woman dressed... well. Traveler's clothes. Slender in build, her red hair braided and tied beneath a brown cap. She's wearing an overcloak over jeans and a T-shirt, and plain brown boots on her feet. Potts has even forgone heels. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's how serious she's taking the search. She has a drawing of the dolls on her, folded and tucked into her sleeve. Her heart is in her throat -- but she didn't want a repeat of the /last/ investigative measure. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No, Pepper Potts is here to grab ears and kick rear into gear... or... something of the sort. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In any case, she didnt' stick out /too/ much. Aside from the decidedly anachronistic ring on her finger.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:424|Mithos Yggdrasill (424)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mithos arrives alone today, and quietly; no aerial approach via insane flame-plumed bird or any of that nonsense. No gigantic cartoon mole with a ribbon that occasionally spins of its own volition either, so he's... far less likely than some to stand out on his own. His clothes, while obviously not of the kind that Earthbenders would wear, look like they could feasibly have come from this universe. Given the blue-on-white color scheme, maybe he could be mistaken for a waterbender.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a hand clamped around his wrist, he approaches the group with a neutral, if somewhat somber, look on his face. He can seem ditzy or meek sometimes, sure, but not when he has a goal in mind. And now... now he definitely does.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He gravitates toward Pepper a bit, though; she reminds him vaguely of Martel.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya looked all the moe alien she wore a cloak with a hood which was pulled up over her head and she even had cloth pulled over her lower face and mouth. She looked like she might be a bandit of some sort as she arrives. Still it's less of a splash her other manners of dress might make and she didn't have a local outfit in her hair clip. At this rate she should ddo that and makes a note to do so in the future. As she arrives a bit after pepper and Methios<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And with the well-dressed red-haired woman is... Tony Stark. Okay yes, he did dress appropriately so as not to offend the locals, with loose slacks and tunic in a vaguely chinese style. And despite his eagerness to follow up on Haru's possible lead, he's finding Pepper-incognito to be extremely distracting. He keeps shooting glances at her braid, probably imagining the most lascivious possible way he might undo it.<br /><br />But no! Toph is still sick, and he's been losing sleep over her. That... may even be why he's finding himself so easily distracted. It's a common historical problem for him, not sleeping. He touches a finger to his ear, receiving instruction from Jarvis over his bluetooth device as to the relative whereabouts of Haru, and then reaches to touch Pepper on the elbow. "This way."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you can sniff out earthbenders... then well, there are several of them about in the village. This is the Earth Kingdom after all, and there are indeed some people using their bending for various purposes as part of their daily life.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's clear that some people fit better in there than others, and well... Faruja does earn his fair share of curious looks from some of the people in the village, some whispering amongst themselves as they point him out. And the others... well, despite their efforts, everybody but Haru gets stared at, even if they do not seem to cause any major alarm. Life carries on, and the villagers and traders resume their routines.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haru turns his head as he hears Faruja's greeting, and waves him over. As well as Pepper, Mithos, Maya, and Tony, further helping them locate him. Once Faruja's in speaking distance, he replies to the question, "Not yet. I didn't start asking around yet. I wanted to wait for everyone else, because I didn't want to... well, step in something and have it explode in my face."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Good plan." Pepper compliments Haru, giving a little worried look to Tony, and she glances around. "At least no one's begun getting violent yet..." she ventures rubs the back of her neck and purses her lips a moment before she withdraws the picture from her sleeve, holding it with a shaking hand as she stretches her long fingers around it, and folds it quietly "So, what's the plan?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Faruja offers the group as a whole a bow as they all assemble. The rat smiles just a touch, warmly, before getting to business. <br /><br /> "Lady Pepper, Ser Stark. Ye two know Toph the best. Know ye anyone whom wouldst create such...dolls? Frankly, it reeks of Heresy! I hath seen a Witch or three that oft made effigies in their victim's shape to work more foul magicks. Mayhaps 'tis similar?" Faruja looks to the others for input here. <br /><br /> A small nod to Haru. "Wise. 'Twould hardly serve to lose the one most native to these lands. Now that we art here.." <br /><br /> A glance back to Tony. "Ser Stark, mayhaps we aught cover the market first, and inquire as to whom might possess such unique skills. Assuming we art dealing with someone native..." A shake of the head. <br /><br /> Pepper gets the rat's attention. "I hardly think violence shall be necessary here Lady Potts. A few kind, well placed words laced with politeness aught do well enough. Or bribery if all else fails."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Why should anyone get violent? They're just here to ask about creepy voodoo dolls that someone may have made specifically to hurt Toph. Tony grimaces and makes a 'pssh' noise at Faruja's suggestion that he might know something by virtue of knowing the blind earthbender. "No idea," he asserts. "But the market seems like a good place to start. Woodcarvers and... shamans, spiritly types, that's what we're looking for. Haru, this is your lead; how exactly did you find out the dolls came from here?" That should provide the starting point.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haru nods to Pepper's words. To her mention of getting violent? "I doubt anybody would risk causing a major ruckus with all these people around," he says. "It'd lead to questions of why, and then exactly what happened would get out." He means, of course, that someone hurt Toph. Faruja's statement gets a nod. To Tony, Haru admits, "I was asking around the area, and one of the merchants said the materials the dolls were made of came from here. That's about all I've got." Maybe kind of a slim lead, but it's something. "They're pretty distinctive dolls. Maybe one of the merchants remembers someone buying the stuff to make them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya nods to HJaru as he greets them and she looks him over for a moment. <br /><br /> "A wise call, a very wise call." <br /><br /> Maya's moving to pull the cloth from her face and pull her hood back. She takes a moment to shake out her long blue hair and looks to Pepper for a moment wondering what they have in mind to so. She however semes ready, to hit the strets as it were if they need to. Still Haru has left a good impression with the experianced union elite. <br /><br /> "Still it's more of a lead than we had before."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>To the market, then! They're not going to find anything out by standing around. And, Tony supposes, it falls to him as the ranking officer to kick things off. "Right, let's split up then. One team down each side of the market square. Pepper, you're with me, you're the best at smoothing things over when I fuck it up."<br /><br />Because he does expect that there might be a stir if he finds whoever carved those dolls. Because, unlike the others who may have drawings or photographs, he has the actual dolls, tucked into the locale-appropriate pouch at his belt. And he has a feeling that whoever made them might not like seeing them returned.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Faruja shoots a salute Haru and Tony's way before starting off in the opposite direction. He figures Pepper has Tony covered. "I leave our dear superior offer in thine ever-even-handed and just care, M'Lady." <br /><br /> With that, he's off to wander the market, looking for a merchant who might seem to be an Earthbender as well. Preferably someone older; they're usually a softer touch, at times, and often simply are more well connected. The Burmecian plasters a warm, welcoming smile to his muzzle that shows off a minimum of sharp teeth, praying his appearance won't drive off too many!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't like this, Tony." Potts mutters quietly. "There's no paper trail. Nothing we can follow to give a definitive answer... what do we do. Ask about getting a doll in hopes that our unruly daughter is going to settle down?" she questions in a soft tone of voice, though her green eyes are alreadys earching through the stalls. She found a mistake in Tony's math. She's hoping she'll be able to find an answer for Toph's malady here.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I was thinking more of the direct approach," Tony murmurs back. "'Hey our kid brought these home with her, know what they are?'" he suggests, patting his hip pouch.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The market itself is fairly large, so splitting up might be a good idea. There are several rows of stands, some fancy and some merely matts on the ground with wares on them. What is certain though is that there's a lot of wares here! Everything from food, fresh and not so fresh, clothes typical of this region though perhaps not so fine as the clothes that the people might know from the Beifong estate itself, jars, flowers, pots, pans, toys, incense and so much more.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Faruja's search should be easy enough, as there is an old man sitting behind a table that's filled with what looks like board games with several tiles on them. And as the rat priest draws close he waves a hand. "Pai sho! Hand carved pai sho games for sale!" he calls out, clearly seeking to attract what he might consider a potential customer!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haru sighs a little at Maya's mention of the lead. "I just hope it's enough," he says quietly. Tony's words get a snicker from Haru, too. However, he nods, and heads in a separate direction as the rest. Where Faruja targets the older merchants, Haru will be asking the younger set. What will he be asking them? If they've seen anyone making dolls made of the same stuff that the dolls with Toph were made of. And a description. Because they're really nice dolls and his mother would probably love one. That's his story and he's stickin' to it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tony was never much of a shopper. If he saw something that caught his fancy, he'd buy it, but he was rarely in the habit of going out just to look for things to buy. He left most of that to Pepper anyway. So in his sleep-deprived state he finds the busy market rather difficult to navigate. Too many brightly colored /things/ to grab his attention. Ooh, that scarf would look great with Pepper's green dress. Ooh, Buster would love to pounce on those beads.<br /><br />What he's really trying to keep an eye out for, though, is a woodcarver's stall, someone with a lot of hand-carved trinkets; or, on the other hand, someone with a lot of herbs and incense and... you know, spirity stuff.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> One fuzzy ear perks, and the rat walks over to the older gentleman! Faruja returns the wave in a lively manner, the Burmecian pausing to bow to his elder. Must show respect to the generation before you, nezumi or not! <br /><br /> "Hail to thee, good merchant! I pray the day finds ye in good health!" Starts the rat in a friendly manner, giving one more nod before making a show of peering over the various carved sets. After a good long minute or two, even picking up and inspecting a set that looks particularly well made (and likely more expensive!), the rat again speaks. <br /><br /> "Such /wonderful/ craftsmanship! My, my, my, why, I hath a dear friend back home whom is quite taken with such games. Naught but the best shall do! Show me thine finest set, if ye wouldst be so kind!" Faruja slowly draws out several coins. Luckily, he thought to stop by and exchange gil for the local currency. Gold /is/ gold, after all. <br /><br /> Only when the transaction is complete does he tap his chin. <br /><br /> "Ahh, if ye wouldst be so kind, I am personally in the market for something...exotic. Specifically, the services of a mystic. One learned in the creation of dolls in the likeness of others for certain rituals. Most likely an Earthbender. Mayhaps ye aught be able to assist me, mine good fellow?" A few more coins are rubbed. For all his chivalry, the rat isn't afraid of using the power of greed if it helps people.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potts looks down at the dolls, and gently steers Tony from running over passers-by as she moves through the market. Unlike Stark, Potts could /shop/. It's just not often that she shops for little dolls... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She moves through the crowd easily, searching for the smell of insense and the feeling of unease. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THe last time she had to deal with spirits, after all... she almost lost face.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya would be interested in picking up a Psi Sho set at some point but that day is not today for the moment. She's looking at Haru for a moment with quite a serious look on her face. <br /><br /> "Sometimes the seemingly most trival lead is the most imporant in my experiance." <br /><br /> She Maya's also going to start snoping about for things that might be of interest this is the sort of market where tyou can find some pretty impressive things...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tony remembers too well Pepper's last encounter with the spirit world. It's part of why he hasn't been sleeping well.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Most of the merchants here at the market seem to be adults, though there are a few younger women a few years older than him who are selling flowers. And the question Haru poses them?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Awww, those dolls are /cuuuute/!" one of them squeals, then turns to the other who gives her friend a dead pan look. "Really? You're talking about the dolls that the freaky lady by the fountain is making?" the other girl questions. "They are itchy! Mother gave me one of those, and I swear I was scratching for a week!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Woodcarvers seem to be somewhat rare in this place, though Tony and Pepper should find one after a minute or two. A big, burly man is busy carving some cups. There seems to be nothing spiritual about his wares though...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand, a man with a shaved head seems to be selling prayer beads further down the row.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The greeting from the old merchant. "Wealth? Oh no, I'm not rich!" he responds with a laugh and a nod. "Why do you think I'm here in the first place?" But then the rat continues, and suddenly the merchant shakes his head. "A dead fiend? No! Nobody died here! And the name is Fung!" But he seems to understand the language of money well enough, and he hands Faruja a set wrapped in cloth. And then there are more questions. "Huh? You got a tick? Those things are dangerous you know! And damn sure it won't end well!" he half yells back at Faruja.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bingo. Haru's brows raise at the comments by the girls. He has a little money with him-- he did foresee having to buy something to get in someone's good graces when he realized this was a market-- and so he intends to buy from the flower-sellers! Before that, though, he asks, "Freaky lady by the fountain?" Pause, and he looks to the girl who claims to have been itchy from it. "Do you still have the doll?" he asks.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Does she still have the doll? The girl rolls her eyes and blows some hair away from her face. "/No/. I gave that thing to my little sister. I think she tore off the head or something. Why? Do /you/ want one?" she asks. The first girl seems far friendlier as she beams at Haru, playing with one of her braids as she presses up against her friend. "I would totally, like, like one! Say, what's your name! You're /cute/!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya pauses for a moment as they seem to have hit payfirt she smiles a bit at Haru and has enough coin to pass out if they needed to it. <br /><br /> "Humm the doll you say was made by a woman do you know anything about her or just that she's freaky?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tony glances over the woodcarver's wares, but... no, he's not really getting the same 'vibe' from his cups and common items that he does from the creepy dolls. He touches a hand to the small of Pepper's back and gestures subtly toward the bald guy with the beads. That seems to be more up this particular alley. Someone selling spiritual wares might just know what these specific icons are for.<br /><br />Tony approaches Bead Man and greets him with a straightforward, "Hi. Uh, this is gonna sound a little weird, but I need some research help. See, our... daughter," he glances at Pepper with a little apologetic facial twitch, "brought home these weird little dolls, and we're trying to find out what they're for. I thought maybe they might be religious in nature. Have you ever seen anything like this before?"<br /><br />And he produces one of the dolls from his pouch. Along with a few pieces of silver, which he palms after 'accidentally' letting the man see, to indicate he's willing to pay for useful information.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potts, meanwhile, is feining interest in some of the necklaces. She's listening intently, watching the vendor out of the corner of her eyes as she exhales a shaking breath. She slides her hands behind her back, examining the beads.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haru is still a young guy, and being called 'cute' by a young woman has a definite effect. He blushes. "...Ehe... thanks." Though he does note, "I might be able to get one for you, if you want. But..." A look to the girl who didn't like the dolls, "You may be right. Maybe something's being used to make them that you were allergic to." It's probably more than that, but he doesn't want to alarm anyone. "Where can I find this lady?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Blast! Seems Faruja's hit upon the hard of hearing. A pitfall when dealing with the elderly! Still, he now has one rather nice Pai Sho set. <br /><br /> "'Tis an honor, Ser Fung!" Smile! Bow! Faruja will hardly be rude to the old man. <br /><br /> "Bloody horrid little pests, they art! Many a disease hath been spread due to such vile creatures! Mine thanks, good Ser, for thine assistance! Good day to thee! May we meet again!" One final bow, and he's off deep down the market. Mental note, remember Mister Fung, and learn Pai Sho. Hard of hearing or not, the rat likes the man. <br /><br /> Faruja draws in his age limit just a touch. Time to look for slightly younger merchants. Hopefully in their fifties, or thereabouts!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That old bag?" the grumpy girl snorts as she turns to Maya. "Just that she sells dolls and she has done so since before we were born. Look, I don't really care about most of these people." Meanwhile the friendlier girl. "Reaaally? You would do that for me? I don't even...!" She lets out a slight squeal and elbow the other girl, mouthing something to her in the lines of 'ohhethinksImcutetooohmygaaawd'! An excited giggle leaves her, all while her friend gives Haru and Maya a rather irritated look. "As I said, she's by the fountain. Just head down that row that way, buddy."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bald man offers a polite nod to Tony and Pepper as they walk close, arranging his robes slightly before he cants his head. The question does come as a slight surprise. "Help?" he parrots, then cants his head when weird little dolls are mentioned. "I am not sure, but I can try. Do you have them with you?" Trust Tony to pull out one of the dolls, and the man takes it, focusing on it and narrowing his eyes. "Hmm. Wooden dolls, obviously made in this village... they look old," he says. Then he shakes his head. "I haven't seen anything like this, but I have seen similar. I don't pick up anything spiritual from this one, I'm sad to say. I doubt they are a children's toy however..." The money? The man smiles and holds up is hand, a clear motion for Tony to stay his hand.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No! Mahogany!" Fung responds to Faruja with a vigorous shake of his head. "And yes, the board has many nice features! If you hold it at the right angle you can clip your toenails!" And as a last parting shot... "I don't dance any more... and no, my feet aren't like they were. Why would you think that?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are several merchants in their fifties too. Why, further down the row there's a man selling... what looks like pigs. But they are not normal pigs by far. One has wings, one has cow horns, one has scales... just what kind of animals are these? A lady across the row sells various types of tea, a lady in her forties are trying to draw people in with shoes...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tony returns the smile politely and re-pockets both doll and coin. "Well, thanks anyway. You said you'd seen similar, though? Any idea who else I might check with?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The man seems to consider that, reaching a hand up to rub at his chin slightly. "I'm not sure, it's a long time ago... but there are several toy merchants around the market. Perhaps there is a doll maker among them?" he suggests, his expression sympathetic.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haru is still blushing a little. And for once he's glad Toph isn't here to see this. He'd never live it down if she ever got wind of it. "Only if they're not dangerous," he replies. He's figured he's not going to get much out of the not-so-friendly one. But if he can keep the other girl off-guard, she'll be freer with her words. Inwardly he's mentally scrambling for a response. Outwardly, though? He's borrowed a bit from Tony's book. He's seen that roguish smirk. Maybe it'll work here. "I'd be sad if something bad happened to you because of something I gave you," he replies. "So how about I check it out, and if they're safe, I can bring you one?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I'll see who I can find, then," Tony replies cheerfully, though his smile fades as soon as he turns away from the man's stall.<br /><br />"He said he DIDN'T think they were toys," he mutters to Pepper as they continue down the row. "But I guess it's worth asking around... I hope someone else is having better luck."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potts gives the bead vendor a small smile before turning and walking away after Tony, reaching out to take his arm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There's enough of us here; one of us should find it." she replies re-encouragingly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya Says "No that's still useful at least thank you." <br /><br /> She seems not put off by how rude the other was, the information the girl gave is useful the woman's been at this for a very long time from the sound of it which means there might be more of a trail to her than one might expect. She wonders is she the source of the problem or did the person who caused it just comission her? She does take a moment start looking she's also keeping an eye out for one od those game sets.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> "Like bloody razor blades, they shall be, with such fine sets!" Calls out Faruja in parting to Fung. Oh Faram. Why now with the lesson in humility? Faruja grasps his cross, ears folding, and offers a wave to the old man. <br /><br /> Sniff. Sniff sniff. TEAAAAA! Faruja is across the row with almost ungainly speed. Smile! "Hail to thee, fine purveyor of local...by Faram! What is that heavenly scent!? Such succulent scents hath rarely graced mine nose! Oh, tea of the finest quality! Lord bless thee, honored merchant of such fine wares! Hath ye a good crop of Earl Gr..." <br /><br /> Cough. Business, Faruja! "AHEM! A white tea shall suffice. Know ye, M'Lady, of local spiritualists whom art familiar with the creation of dolls?" Inquires the rat, coming to his senses.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Since when were /dolls/ dangerous?" the unfriendly girl snorts as she turns to tend to some of the flowers. When Haru tries giving the girl a rogueish smirk though, she blinks and cants her head. "Uh... you okay? It looks, like, you're in pain..." But hey, this cute guy might bring her a doll! "Sure! I will be here all day, cutie~!" she giggles.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Tony and Pepper continue down the row, there should be enough of more people who have items that might be toys. Wooden swords and knives, clay and earthen dolls, wooden dolls... but so far, none of them look like the dolls that were found on Toph's bag. One man does wave at them. "Fine toys and dolls! Perfect for the little ones!" he calls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tea at the table of the lady is indeed something that seems to be of decent quality. The praise she gets for the tea makes her laugh, and she chuckles. "That would be the jasmine tea, Sir. Do you want to try a sample before you buy?" She is about to prepare a cup from a nearby pot before he poses his next question. "Local... spiritualists? Why are you asking?" she asks with some curiousity, even as she pours a small cup of steaming hot tea for Faruja.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tony smiles roguishly at Pepper. Unlike Haru he doesn't fuck it up. "Toys for the little ones, dear," he repeats cheerily. "We should get something nice for Dummy and You and Buster, shouldn't we?" Dear god what horrible names these people gave their children. But the silver jingles faintly in his purse as he approaches the stall, so the vendor oughtn't judge them too hard.<br /><br />"Hi," he greets again in his direct, confident manner as he casts an eye over the man's wares. "Actually maybe you can help us out. Our daughter got these dolls from someone at school, I think, and she really likes them. I wonder if you have any more like them?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Siiip. Faruja indeed tries the tea. Two ears perk. Oh yes, he's pleased. <br /><br /> The Burmecian offers a good gold or two for the tea. Mizuki no doubt shall appreciate what he himself doesn't drink! <br /><br /> "Ye art a Lady and a craftswoman~." Compliments the rat, before his face becomes grave. <br /><br /> Sometimes one has to take risks. <br /><br /> "I shall be blunt with ye honored Lady, I hath come for more than tea. Mine dear friend hath been harmed by a person learned in tbe art of dollcraft, and hexes at that. If ye know aught of those whom pedel in such things, or art rumored to do so, please...she is but a girl! Assist me. I beg of thee! Ask thine price, and it shall be paid!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THIS is why Tony is not allowed to name their children. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potts keeps her graceful smile. "Yes, dear." she smiles, and she leans forward. "I'd like to give them to my nieces. Maybe something to help calm them down."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whoops. Okay, teah. At that there's a definite wince from Haru. Better stick to what he knows. To that end he evens the smile out, the friendly one from before. And to the unfriendly girl, he notes, "Well, you did say something about having been itchy. She might be allergic to it too." He honestly doesn't want anything bad to happen to either of them. If what happened to Toph happens to her, he'd feel horrible.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll see what I can do, okay?" Friendly smile this time, let's not try to strain the face again. Thank God for mirrors, because it looks like he's gonna have to work on that roguish smirk! He'll buy a particularly colorful bunch of flowers too. Because why not?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once he steps away from the girls' flower stall, he looks to Maya. "We need to find everyone else, let them know what we found out."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ah yes, the neices. Little Rocket Bullet and Bitchin' Camaro.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Paying customers are the best sort of customers. So the man offers a friendly grin to Pepper and Tony as they approach his stand. "Dolls, you say? I have some dolls right here if you want to have some of them! They are hand carved, have made these for years! Any specific kind of doll you want, Sir?" he inquires further as he holds up some simple dolls for Pepper to look at. "Your nieces will /love/ these." The sight of the doll however does surprise him, and he reaches a hand out to take one of the dolls, running his rough fingers over it. "These?" A look of recognition settles in his eyes, and he studies the thing. "This one belongs to my mother. Or belonged to her..." Then he raises his gaze, some concern in his eyes. "How did it end up with you?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Faruja's flowery and proper language does seem to please the saleswoman, and she smiles. At least until he straight out tells her about the group's plight today and their reason for being here. "Harmed... by dolls? I have never heard of such a thing, Sir. I do not know what these hexes you speak of mean. I haven't encountered anything like this in this village before, and I have lived here ever since I got married," she states, an apologetic look on her face as she regards Faruja.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least the grumpy girl seems less grumpy when Haru buys some flowers from them instead of wasting their time! Huff! The friendly one waves as he leaves, still babbling to her friend, who rolls her eyes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tony blinks down at the man in not entirely feigned confusion. "This... specific doll?" he asks, an eyebrow twitching upward, puzzled. "She just brought it home the other day in her backpack. I assumed she'd gotten it from one of her friends at school. What makes you think it belongs to your mother?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You know that feeling you get in a scary movie when the revelaition of how truly deep things go begins? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hair stands up on the back of Pepper's neck as she listens, looking over the dolls before she hears that the doll in question belonged to his mother. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And she nearly drops the doll she was examining.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The expression on the man's face is sincere as he nods. "Yes. I'd recognize it anywhere. It's really special to her, but... she told me she sold it some years ago." At Pepper's reaction he blinks and turns to face her, that worry still there. "You okay there, ma'am?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he does focus on Tony's question. "Because of the hole there," he says and points to the hole in the doll's chest. "No other dolls like this around here. At least not the last decades. Why are you so interested in them, anyway? There are many other dolls to be bought around here."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Faruja nods, and sights slightly. <br /><br /> "I see. Naught at all?" Confirms the Burmecian. Siiip. After today, he'll need some good tea. <br /><br /> "Mine thanks, M'Lady. Pray for mine friend, hmm?" Implores the nezumi before strolling over to Tony and the others. <br /><br /> Shrug. "Any luck?" Inquires the rat.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tony frowns and half-turns to Pepper himself. "You okay, Pep?" he murmurs softly, reaching to touch a hand to her wrist. Genuine concern; especially remembering the last spiritual mystery they were both involved in.<br /><br />Back to the man. "She had a... pair of them, actually," he admits, taking out the second doll to show. "I don't know why in particular, except I guess I thought they were kind of... different. The holes are weird, aren't they? Do they mean anything?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya humms as she nods to Haru about going to catch up with the others given what htey were able to find out. She does seem to be curious about the information they had. She looks to Haru as she follows after him.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Faruja's question gets a nod, as Haru comes back to where the others are. "A couple of flower-sellers said something about a freaky lady by a fountain making dolls. One of them said something about having one of the dolls, but it made her itchy. I'm not sure if it's the same dolls, or even the same kind, but it's a lead, even if it doesn't turn out to be worth anything."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I honestly don't know, buddy," the man sighs. "And my mother only had one. All I know is that she took really good care of it... if you want to know more about the doll, or dolls if there are more of them, you might as well ask her. Want me to take you to her?" he offers, giving Pepper another worried look.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tea seller bids Faruja goodbye, offering him a soft smile along with a nice smelling bag of jasmine tea. "I will. Have a good day, Sir."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"That'd be great!" Tony agrees enthusiastically. Probably too enthusiastically for a guy who's just curious about a doll that his daughter picked up somewhere. "Err, I mean, if she really cared for it, maybe she'd like to have it back." See, he's just a good Samaritan (or whatever this world's equivalent is) out to make an old lady happy.<br /><br />When he has a moment that the man isn't watching him especially, he keys in his CODEC and subvocalizes a transmission to the rest of the group. "We may have something here. Guy says his mom used to have a doll just like these. Trying to get to see her."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey," the merchant waves at the person in the stall next to his. "Watch my shop for a few minutes, okay? I'll grab some food on the way back for you." The person in the next stall nods his head a bit, and then the merchant moves out from the stall, brushing his hands over his green clothes before he starts leading the way. "This way," he gestures for Tony and Pepper. "My mother lives just by the market place here, and I'm sure she wouldn't mind seeing you."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The trek itself is not long at all, just down one of the nearby streets. Though as Haru and Maya make their way across the market after Tony and Pepper they might just find themselves bumping into a cart along with green vegetables that run across the pebble stone road. "AAAH! MY CABBAGES!" Either way, it should be easy enough for them to traverse the green cabbages and head on towards where they have been told to show up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The man keeps a steady pace as he makes his way to one of the houses, opening the door there and holding it open for the people following behind him. All while he raises his voice. "Mother! There are some people who wish to talk with you!" It doesn't seem as if he intends to linger, as he glances down at them. "She is inside the room there. Stay for as long as you need, I need to get back to my stall." And then the man leaves, leaving the group in the old Chinese styled house.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And awaiting them in the next room is indeed an older lady, in her seventies, hair graying where she sits in a chair. The sight of the group of Unionites do catch her attention, and she gestures them closer. "Is there something I can help you with...?" she offers, curiousity in her green eyes as she looks between them all.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Knowing the mysterious forces of the world, it may very well be Haru who runs into the cabbage cart as he's running in the direction of Tony and Pepper. Whoever ultimately tipped the cart, though, Haru doesn't really have time to stop and help at the moment. So he weaves his way through the cabbages. Once he's not in danger of tripping on one, he turns to wave to the man. "Sorry!" he offers quickly as he joins Tony and Pepper. He will stay quiet in the elderly woman's presence though. Tony and Pepper have the dolls, after all.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya makes her way through the market with Haru making to catch up with the other sbut sadly catbbages fall preyt to the movments of Tony and PEpper. She keeps moving hopefully finally catching up.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> At least Faruja has tea now. Faruja, with a swift teleport, would find himself with the group. "Nothing." He mutters to the rest, before resuming polite smiles. Best to be nice, for now.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potts follows behind Tony, her mouth set in a grim line as she regards the old woman in front of her. Her hands curl, and quietly wring in front of her... the Worried Parent look, tarrying a moment outside of the room as she waits on others.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"It's all right, we're gonna find some /answers/ now," Tony murmurs to Pepper. He hates that worried look on her face, especially when he's not the one causing it. He steps up to the front of the group and offers the old woman a respectful bow, fist to palm in front of his chest. "Hello. We're sorry to bother you, but we think you might be able to answer some questions that could help a friend of ours. My name's Tony. This is Pepper... Maya, Faruja, Haru and Mithos," he points out each of his companions in turn. "May I have your name?"<br /><br />Courtesies first. He does have SOME.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even as they run off and avoid outright squashing the cabbages... the poor man still lowers his face into his hands. Will he /ever/ manage to make a successful delivery?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The elderly woman beholds the visitors with great curiousity where she sits in the chair, not about to get up. Instead she waits for the Unionites to draw closer, gesturing with her hand for them to come closer. "Why did my son send you people here...?" she wonders, partly for herself. "Do have a seat. Are you hungry? Thirsty?" At least she's polite enough it seems...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The worry is easy enough to spot even for old eyes, and she turns her attention to Tony when he is the one who introduces them. The respectful bow earns a soft chuckle, and she waves it off. "No need to be so formal, young man." And when she hears that she might be able to give them information, she looks a bit surprised. "Really? Well, I guess... Do sit down," she repeats, gesturing to the nearby chairs. Though some might have to sit on the floor. It's not a rich home, sadly, even though the mother and her son aren't poor by all means. "My name is Chunhua, young man. Now why would you think I be able to help a friend of yours when I haven't met any of you before? You're from the other worlds, are you not?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The elderly woman isn't stupid either, it seems.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Oh good a well-informed old lady. He won't have to explain the multiverse to her. Smiling at being called 'young man' Tony takes the seat nearest to Chunhua, and draws the two dolls once more out of his pouch. "Our friend is sick," he gets right to the point. "And we're not sure why. She was fine one day and then... well, all she can articulate is that she's really tired all the time. But we can't find anything wrong with her. What we did find," and he opens his hand to display the dolls on his palm, "were these two dolls, in her backpack. She'd never seen them before, so I have to think they're related somehow. Your son said you used to have one like it, so we were hoping you might be able to tell us about them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya :looks over to Tony and then to the old woman she bows slightly a sign of rtespect. She's not going to be rude after all and she lits and waits. She does move to sit down no need to be rude about it. She will sit on the floor and she wonders about the woman. She's clearly quite on the ball here. She lets toan spek as he's the front man for this. She politely remains quiet for a moment longer, before she makes up her mind to speak. <br /><br /> "Yes it would be very helpful if you could recall anything about the dolls..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Faruja bows to the elderly lady, offering a warm smile. "'Tis an honor, Lady Chunhua. Blessings upon thee!" States the rat as he's indicated, before finally taking a seat. He lets Tony lead in, the Burmecian licking his muzzle thoughtfully. <br /><br /> "Tea wouldst be excellent, if ye wouldst." It's impolite to turn down such hospitality, after all. <br /><br /> A nod to Maya and Tony. The two have the questions covered. The Burmecian looks around the house, discretely, even as he listens. Very nice. <br /><br /> "Or, mayhaps, from whence he hath acquired them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The woman listens closely to Tony as he begins explaining matters and takes a seat by her, watching with some concern on her face. "Sick?" Chunhua repeats, then she blinks and turns her gaze to the dolls when Tony displays them for her to see. "Oh...!" A silent gasp leaves the woman, and she leans forward, reaching out to pick up one of the dolls, a somewhat saddened look on her face as she holds the doll up in front of her. "I... haven't seen one of these in years," she mutters, that sad smile still on her face. And then she lets out a heavy sigh.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Getting to her feet, she places the doll on a nearby table. "Wait here, and I will get you some tea," she states before she walks into the next room. The Unionites are left free to inspect the room should they do so, but there is little to be seen as they wait for Chunhua to return. It's very little to be noticed about the small home, the decorations are sparse, but it's a clean and decent home.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In not too long Chunhua returns, carrying a tray with her, one that's filled with an old tea pot as well as several empty cups. Though she is quick to fill start pouring tea for them all, her eyes pensive as she seems to consider how to begin. "Those are prayer dolls. I haven't seen one of those in years..." She turns her gaze to Faruja. "I do not know how your friend got one, but... I might be able to guess why, I'm sad to say."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Even guesses could be helpful at this point," Tony replies, accepting his teacup with a little nod of thanks. "We thought they might be related to some kind of... spiritual curse or something, but we really don't know much about that stuff, except that it's... well, possible, in this world."<br /><br />He glances at Pepper again, recalling how still and pale she seemed when her spirit had vacated her body to go deal with that face-eater guy, and gives a little shiver before putting that memory firmly BEHIND him and turning back to face the old woman, hopefully.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potts accepts a cup of tea, but feels the hair rise up on the back of her neck, her green eyes narrowing slightly, turning downcast as she breathes out and shifts her weight, settling for the floor (regardless of anyone saying anything; she's only along for support). She turns her gaze upwards to Chunhua. She remembered dealing with Koh the Face Stealer, and if it had to do with prayer, and the spirits of this place... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gets a sick feeling in her stomach. And she goes a little green, but her expression turns neutral, cup in one hand, the other curling into a fist.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>'Sad to say' she might know how? Haru frowns. "They're something that would hurt her?" he inquires. "Something that 'did'?" he corrects. He too accepts his cup of tea, but is more concerned with the answer to the question than in the tea. He'll get to it in a moment, but for now, he's looking up at the old woman in surprise, and more than a little fear. Not of her, but of what the dolls mean.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Not just a guess... an educated guess, I suppose." Chunhua hands out the cups to the guests. Haru's question makes the woman shake her head. "No, these dolls are not like that. If I am correct, your friend is not sick because of the dolls." She bites the inside of her lower lip a bit, then closes her eyes as she sits down in her chair again, holding her own mug in her hands to warm them. "Perhaps I should start from the very beginning..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Give her just a few seconds. She will start the tale, her voice calm and steady as she thinks back.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"When I was a young girl, I had an older brother. He was the rambunctious kind, always doing things his own way and for himself. Our parents... well, our father in particular, was rather upset with him. Especially since he showed no interest in taking over the family business and settling down. Then one day... everything just changed. My brother was not himself anymore, as he stopped talking and moving. Sure, he seemed healthy enough, but..." Her voice quivers just a little as she takes a sip of her tea to calm herself down. "I'm sorry..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A few seconds passes before she resumes. "We were unable to get him to eat and drink, and after a week... he passed."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tony turns a little pale himself as he lowers his teacup and swallows hard. He drops a hand to touch Pepper's shoulder where she sits on the floor, just to reassure himself that she's there maybe. "That... sounds very much like what's happened to our friend," he states quietly, his voice strained. "We have gotten her eating and drinking again, at least, but the rest... her father..." he hesitates, can't quite form the words just yet, and presses his lips together in a tight grimace.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Haru sips at the tea as he listens. When when the woman says her brother passed? Never a particularly difficult fellow to read, the horror on Haru's face is clear when she says her brother passed. But he does take hope from the fact that at least Toph's eating now. He confirms Tony's words with a nod, and continues from where Tony left off, "Her father is kind of obssessed with figuring out a way to get her to stay there and be the daughter /he/ wants her to be, rather than be the person she is." He keeps up with the gossip too, y'know. He just doesn't know much more than that. "It sounds pretty similar, he must think she's a rambunctious, unruly child who needs proper discipline or something."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Her bio.. her birth father disagreed with her choices." Potts continues, cooly, "He tried to stop us from taking her back after we lost contact with her." her hands are shaking. And she connects the dots. "Lao put her in danger to make her docile. He must have made a deal with someone. Some sort of spell." she hisses. And the more she thinks, the more she gets angry. Her shaking stops. She looks up to Tony. "He might have made a deal with some...thing in order to get the effect he wanted."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya listens intently and think about the tale that Chunhua tells what turns out ot be a very grim tale. <br /><br /> "Yes this sound much like what happned to our friend. Down to her father...yes this sound much like what is in common." <br /><br /> Also given the amount of tuime since Chunhua was young and now? That really does point towards one a native threat, two it is not sounding mortal in all likelyhood. Maya knows master earth benders can push it up over the 100 mark but? This does not sound like anything they can do. <br /><br /> "I do not think is this mortal magic Peeper, given the nature of this world that sort of thing seems to be the work of ... a spirit or we're treading on even more dangerous ground."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chunhua lets out another sigh, her eyes still closed as she thinks back. "As long as people eat and drink, then that is well..." When she hears about the person they are here to help though, she sighs. "It sounds all too familiar, doesn't it?" She can't help but nod sadly at Pepper as she speaks. "Local legends speak of a spirit that lives in a shrine not too far from here, a spirit that can give and take emotions. If you lack for something, you can ask the spirit for it, for a small offering. If you have too much of something, like fear, pride, love... the spirit will take it from you and help you become a more balanced person. My parents... they wanted to make my brother more balanced, I guessed. A person who got the hole in his heart filled..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The woman turns her attention back to the doll on the table, picking it up to run her fingers over it again. "These dolls are not well known nowadays. Only the older generations know of some of the oldest local customs. And few people seek out the shrine to better themselves. Or to try and better others." Somehow she seems more tired from telling the tale, and she holds the doll back out for Tony to take. "These are offered to those who go to the shrine and seek the help of the spirit. A prayer for help. They are harmless... but it might be that your friend has lost some of herself, that the spirit took too much from her."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Haru thinks. This makes a lot of sense. Mind, he's not a big believer in spirits and whatnot. But if it'll help Toph, he'll believe in anything. And something else. "I've always heard that a person has to want to change," he notes. "You think that... maybe it doesn't work on someone else? Maybe you can only better yourself that way?" A pause then, and he start to think about possible solutions. "If we make an offering of these dolls at the shrine and ask for what was taken from her to be returned... do you think it'll work?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tony takes back the dolls, frowning pensively. "You think her father went to this spirit, and tried to make her /better/ by taking away her... well, her spirit. Her willpower. Everything that makes her, her." And doesn't that just sound like something Lao would do. Saying it out loud makes it seem all the more plausible.<br /><br />"I'm going to kill him," he growls under his breath, his knuckles whitening as his fist clenches over the dolls and wood grates on wood. "That lying son of a..."<br /><br />Stark squeezes his eyes shut for a moment and bites off his last words, turning to Haru as he proposes a solution.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's a rare thing when Pepper Potts loses her cool. A beautiful and terrible thing, and she gets red to her ears, and quietly hisses: "I know how dangerous these spirits are. I've been to their world. I faced down Koh the Face-Stealer and I /won back/ my friend's life, beat him again, and found my way back to my body. I have been there. So don't you /dare/ tell me about what danger we're dealing with." she states, giving a stony glare to Maya. "<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And she stands, her tea cup still unupset in her hand, and she reaches for Tony. "No." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And she exhales. "I'm going to talk to him."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Faruja crosses his legs, trying not to scowl. Every single fur stands on end as he bites down the sudden urge to find Lao Beifong, and hang him. Heresy and pure betrayal. Her own Father betrayed Toph for the chance at fitting his ideal image. <br /><br /> The fact that Tony apparently stopped the man from getting hurt a day or two ago suddenly feels less of a good thing. <br /><br /> Faruja turns to Haru. "Mayhaps 'tis possible, with negotiations. However, this creature seems less a spirit, and more a Daemon. Something that steals the very substance of a person is a parasite." Teeth grit. Pepper's outburst only further cements the rat's dislike of the creature. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I do not know," Chunhua says softly, sadness in her eyes. "All I know is that my brother died while he was still young. I never went to the shrine, not even after he had passed away. We got a prayer doll for him, but... I gave it away some years ago, finding no further need for it. They do say that the older a prayer doll is, the stronger it becomes, and the more it can help those who need it."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the guests are clearly upset and angry, all that seems to cling to Chunhua is sadness. "I do not know more about this spirit... and I do not know how to help you. The spirits work in mysterious ways, and they are all different." Another sigh leaves her, and she shakes her head. "I cannot say /where/ the shrine is... but it's got to be close to here. I really hope you can help your friend."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Thank you very much, Chunhua," Tony says sincerely. "You've helped us out immensely. And when we find this spirit and get this sorted out and Toph is feeling better, I'm sure she'll want to come by to thank you herself." He casts a look over his companions. Surely between them and their technology they can find a local shrine. Even if they have to comb the surrounding countryside inch by inch.<br /><br />He reaches to take Pepper's hand, though, as she reaches for him. "You think you can squeeze the story out of him?" he asks her, with an undertone of worry. If /he/ wants to kill the man, god knows what Pepper Potts will do to him. She's scary when she's mad.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya says "Tony...he may not have realized what he was getting into. The man however is a damn fool for treading on that." <br /><br /> Maya had not been aware of Pepper's dealing with Koh, there's more than a look of shock on her face as Pepper relaes the tale. Either there never was a report or she missed it on one of her long trips doing mapping work for the Union. Maya's face gets stony, it's kinda of a look no one here would have ever seen on the vetran elite's face. It's a look generally people in the multiverse has not scene it fades after a moment as maya reigns her self in. <br /><br /> "I was unaware of your experiance in this world's spirits Miss Potts, My apologises, I will defer to your experiance in this sort of matter then. Belive it or not I am ... a mother my self." <br /><br /> Maya forcabley ranks down her heckles knowing if it was one of the kids she'd raised? She'd be just a twitchy. <br /><br /> "Chunhua you have been invaluable with your help." <br /><br /> Maya intends to repay the woman in some fashion if she can at a later point.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Haru notes the others getting upset, and frowns. he's pretty ticked himself, honestly. Not at anyone here. But at Lao Beifong. If it's true, then he knowingly put Toph's life in danger, just to possess Toph. Like an object. Would he even /care/ if she died, so long as she was 'his' when she died?<br /><br />Honestly, that's just sad, Haru realizes. If Lao is that obssessed with keeping Toph 'his' that he'll... Well, she definitely doesn't need to be there now. But there's another situation to deal with now. Calming everyone else.<br /><br />He too stands up, addressing the others. "If we're dealing with spirits... yeah, it's going to be dangerous. We don't even know where the shrine is, much less if it'll help." His voice loses a little bit of strength, and he seems to deflate a little. Just for a moment.<br /><br />Then his resolve firms up again, and his brows draw down into a determined frown. "But... but if it'll help Toph, I'll do it. Let's find this shrine. Try to offer the dolls to the spirit as a tribute. It's the best lead we've got so far."<br /><br />Then he looks to Chunhua. He isn't ungrateful, he just didn't want a fight to break out. He bows respectfully. "Thank you, very much. You might have helped us save our friend." Maya isn't the only one who intends repayment, either.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potts takes Stark's hand, and squeezes it. "I've dealt with spirits, gods, and you for the last thirteen years." Potts states as she looks down to the cup, and she drains the tea from it, and sets the cup back on the tray as she looks ot the old woman. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Chunhua... I'm sorry for what your father did to your brother. I'm sorry for your having to bring it up... but thank you. You've been most kind to us, and this information will help us get our friend's self back. I can't thank you enough." she says quietly, and gives a small bow of her head before she turns to stalk out. "I'll see to Lao. I don't think he'd be inclined to see any of the super-powered or more skilled members of the Union show up, but he might talk to me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another sad smile graces Chunhua's lips. "I look forward to it..." she simply says, letting them talk amongst themselves for now, as they clearly have some ideas and plans taking form. And then Pepper turns back to her and offers her condolences. The elderly woman nods once. "It is all right, dear. If it means that no more people will die from having lost part of themselves, then this old lady won't mind sharing a sad story or two." It's sincere, and Chunhua finishes up her cup of tea.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Please don't go by yourself," Haru suggests. "There's a chance that, if he really did call the spirit to take Toph's will, if you tell him the gig's up, he might get violent. With all those guards, you'd be in danger. At the very least, he might take you captive to get Toph back."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:424|Mithos Yggdrasill (424)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mithos weaves his way through some of the crowds, walking at a fairly brisk pace. Almost running, really; he just got Tony's message! Still a bit of a derp with technology, unfortunately. Eventually, though, he makes his way over to the other Unionites in the area, holding his hands over his knees and panting a bit. After a minute or two, he files in with the rest of them, listening to the end of one of Chunhua's stories.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh. So they found something out about the dolls after all...? He'll have to get the full story from someone else later. For now, though, he stays quiet and listens, trying his best not to interrupt anything for the moment.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Faruja listens to the others, and nods towards Haru. "And we shall be there to ensure the creature's destruction." From the way the rat's growling, it seems he's already quite made up his mind about the so-called 'spirit'. <br /><br /> Tony and Pepper's sentiments get a nod as he looks to the elderly woman. "Indeed. We art in thine debt, M'Lady. A deep bow to the woman. She's given them just what they need. <br /><br /> Looking to Tony and Haru, "Mayhaps a search from the air might be best." Faruja /does/ have a pair of Zuu that might just fit the whole party, if they don't mind heights.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tony was about to stand up anyway, but he does so with alacrity in response to Haru's comment. "If Lao Beifong thinks he's going to hold /Pepper/ hostage--" he catches himself, glances at Pepper, tucks his chin down in a faintly chagrined look. "Sorry, honey. But Haru's right. Not like he could hold you for long, but we can probably avoid him even trying if you don't tempt him by going alone. Maybe /I'm/ not the best choice, but... someone should go with."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:204|Pepper Potts (204)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And risk further shame to his house by exposing what a monsterously bad idea it is to take an unarmed civillian contracter who happens to be one of the most googled women in the past week hostage? I have JARVIS with me. He's not ging to talk if I have someone else who could be a threat. He knows who I am and assumes I'm not capable of... very much." she states.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"He doesn't know you very well, does he?" Tony retorts with amusement. He gives Chunhua another bow, nevermind that she said it was unnecessary, and actually smiles a little as he leads the way out.<br /><br />"Okay fine," he resumes negotiation outside. "But I'm going to be listening to every word. And don't think I won't come charging in if he does try to make a move."<br /><br />To the others, he suggests, "While Pep tries to milk Lao for info, you want to start a search pattern and see if we can't find this shrine the old fashioned way?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And Haru points out a problem with Pepper's logic.<br /><br />"...What's a google?"<br /><br />In this world, computers aren't well-known. No one's going to be 'googling' Pepper here. He could do horrible things to Pepper before anyone could get in to help. And then Tony gives a suggestion. Haru nods. "That's a good idea. Just because no one else is in front of him doesn't mean no one else can be nearby."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:152|Faruja (152)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Faruja gives a grim little smile. "Let us do so." Oh yes, the rat is ready to search. And turn a spirit-Demon into little spirit bits to roast over an open flame. <br /><br /> "Lady Potts, be cautious. He may be an absolute knave, however, he /is/ cunning." Two ears wiggle. <br /><br /> "Ahh. And if it comes to it, /do/ feel free to inform him that contacting a Daemon is an act of Heresy. As an Inquisitor, I cannot do business with those whom do so. His rivals, nay doubt, shall prove far more worthy recipients of our little deal." Here you are, Pepper, a nice big stick to beat Lao's kneecaps in with.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Maya Says "We will deal with him, and yes going in a group unless Pepper says otherwise seem like it would be best to me." %<br /> She had to admit the guards were not stupid they were just out classed in dealing with them. <br /><br /> "That might be an idea Tony I'm down to that I can cover a good bit of ground if we need it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Haru nods. "Especially since, if I read the reports, you already tangled with his guards once," he points out. "I'm sure he'd have learned from it, and gotten either better trained soldiers or more of them. If you go back it'll probably be twice as bad as it was then."<br> <br>


}}