747/Sin and Cleansing

Sin and Cleansing
Date of Scene:	05 October 2014
Location:	Ivalice
Synopsis:	Faruja calls Lao Beifong to a meeting to finalize a trade agreement. But there are other things that need to be done first.
Cast of Characters:	20, 152, 301

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Faruja (152) has posed:
As always, the letter sent by one Inquisitor Faruja Senra to Lao Beifong of the Earth Kingdom is impeccably polite, and well worded in flowing script. Conveniently, someone's attached a translated copy for Lao's benefit. What /isn't/ usual is the request. It speaks of summons to Mullonde and 'renegotiations'. It may seem slightly ominous in the wake of what occured not long ago.

Lao and any who come before him would find themselves in the massive island-city of Mullonde. The Church hardly skimps on shows of power and wealth; massive cathedrals, statues, and rows upon rows of houses and shops that range from small, simple ones of the most menial adherents all the way to the Grand Cathedral of the High Confessor and the greatest of those working here. It's a city of /life/ and to some extent diversity. While humans are the predominant population, so too can one see the various races of Ivalice and beyond. In this noon-day light, the city bustles with corner-preachers, long parades of Knights Templar and other Orders, and the less involved persons that help run such a large city.

For all that, there's an air of reverence that pervades the city, a place joined in Faith towards a common purpose. The people are friendly enough, perhaps overly so; Lao might end up with several different holy tracts and crosses in his arms by the time his escort, a young looking squire, has him arriving at the single story estate of one Faruja Senra.

Toph may well have visited before for her part. It's roughly equivalent to what a minor noble of some acclaim might possess. There's a garden in the back, and a small series of trees and bushes alongside a paved walkway leading into the interior. There's a slight nip in the air even now, and a fire can be evidenced from the smoke of the chimney.

A knock is all it would take. The front door opens, and a habit-wearing lamia with blonde hair and a big smile would welcome in those entering only to lead them past a pair of similarly snake-like (and /large/) beings. The room Faruja sits in with a large table before him and several papers is a bright red, with a fire going. There's a large couch on the other side, and several chairs beside the large one he currently occupied. Tea sits, looking freshly made.

"God's blessings to thee, Lao Beifong. Welcome to Mullonde." Comes the rat's voice. It's utterly devoid of his usual warmth, his muzzle tilted lightly downwards at the corners in a frown.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Restless as she was, and not only at the prospect of a meeting, Toph had decided to head out to Mullonde a little while ago. That's something Tony would have noted, even if he hadn't been present for certain events the other day. Or known how Toph had spent most of the previous day in her room alone. Perhaps she would have liked to skip this meeting, but here she is. Somewhat dressed up, as she is clean at least. Perhaps her brief and short greeting might make Faruja think that she's angry about this meeting. Not that she looked forward to this. At all.

    When Lao Beifong arrives along with his servants and guards, he does indeed look a bit puzzled at the entire city. Or even more so from the offerings of tracts and crosses. These items have easily been handed over to the servants to carry in their bags, and eventually the group from the Earth Kingdom makes their way to the estate. At least the help is useful in showing them inside, and Lao leads the way in to the room where the meeting is to take place. Even if the man was prepared to see his daughter again, it still seems to make the man tense where he stands as he sees her seated on the couch there. The blind girl does her best to clearly ignore the arrival of the man, holding onto her tea cup and with her head lowered. One might notice that Lao isn't slow to look away when he notices who else is in the room. It's far easier to focus on the greeting from the Burmecian.

    "Faruja Senra. Thank you for the invitation into your home and your city." His voice is calm, and he doesn't move to take a seat yet. Even if the rat for some reason seems displeased, he will at least be mannered. Despite the fact that a certain Union officer is here.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony has carefully avoided pressing Toph on the matter of 'what happened the other day.' He's just quietly gotten a new television, and spent most of his time in the workshop rewriting Jarvis's security protocols. Giving Toph her space. He doesn't even say much on the trip over, except a comment about trying out the local cuisine before they head back. See what kind of ice cream the Ivalicians have.

He just walks with her, accepting the tracts on her behalf so she doesn't have to tell anyone to screw off dunderhead. And then he dumps them all on a table in the hall outside the meeting room.

If Toph is quiet and brusque, he makes up for it by greeting Faruja more friendlily before seating himself on the couch next to Toph. Removing at least ONE space next to her that Lao might otherwise be able to assume.

When Lao enters, Tony gives him a cool look over the rim of his own teacup, and isn't surprised to see the other man look away. He does not greet him. His presence here says enough, doesn't it?

Faruja (152) has posed:
Faruja returned Toph's greeting with a measured tone, not entirely surprised. She might be a great Earthbender, but she's still a child. It's something he often forgets.

Tony's warmer greeting is given a tight, tired one. It may well be that Faruja himself isn't quite fond of this particular meeting, or perhaps some part of it troubles him. He's likely not slept in some time, though that isn't exactly uncommon for him.

Faruja doesn't, however, forget his manners. Standing, Faruja offers the man a bow and the ritual cross of his chest.

"May ye walk beside the Prophet Ajora in all ye do. Please, take tea as ye like." The smallest of hints at his displeasure, as Faruja /not/ pouring tea is a rarity.

"And feel free to allow thine servants to wander the grounds, though doth not descend into the basement. I hath several experiments there that art...volatile. The good Sisters shall attend to them."

Then, Faruja coughs, and settles in.

"I shan't waste the time of those gathered, therefore, let us dispense with pleasantries. I shall begin by saying mine superiors art pleased with the progress of our little deal, Ser Beifong. Indeed, at a time of war upon two fronts, 'tis a King's ransom to keep the people alone fed. And in /that/ I believe ye hath done the country and Church alike a boon."

His pleasant start doesn't match his tone or face. He shuffles over a few papers. A glance from Lao might spy both some official looking documents of the Church, as well as similar documents to the one drawn up to finalize the deal between the Beifong family and the Church. Those definitely /aren't/ Beifong names on them.

"That said, the Church is an organization that prides itself in faithfulness, assisting the poor and needy, and most importantly /morals/. And that is where we hath a problem, Lao Beifong. Bluntly put, ye hath committed what wouldst be considered an act of Heresy in Ivalice. A particular subset of violations most unique to our organization. I am an Inquisitor, Ser Beifong, empowered by Church and God Himself to oversee Heavenly Law upon this place. In this case, typically the offender, in both violating the spiritual health of a child as well as ivoking the powers of a Fell Daemon, wouldst be put to death. Often summarily." Explains the rat coldly. His gaze never wavers from Lao.

He'll let the man perhaps squirm for a bit under his gaze, letting it all sink in.

"Luckily for ye, this crime was committed outside of mine jurisdiction. However, surely ye realize the position this puts the Holy Church and mineself as its representative in a rather interesting little dillemma. /That/ is why I hath called ye here, Ser Beifong. Ye art going to explain to me why I shouldst not simply deem ye a Heretic, cancel our deal, and transfer the local 'acquisitions' over to a number of very interested parties. The floor is thine own." Faruja Senra can be a cruel, cruel person.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    At least it helps with Tony not being a busy body. And well... it does help that he's coming along too. Even if Toph isn't stating so loudly. But she does keep close to Tony during the trek through the city, and well, it does look like most of the people don't bother her after she decides that holding onto Tony's arm makes it difficult for them to hand her anything.

    So the meeting is finally starting, huh? Toph's fingers tighten a bit around the tea cup she's holding, otherwise she appears to be completely calm where she sits. Most of what happened was told to her, after all. Unable to recall what happened to her, she can only take the word of those around her to piece together just exactly what happened.

    Lao himself takes a seat in the chair next to Faruja's, considering this is a meeting. At the invitation to partake of the tea the man nods, and one of his servants is quick to pour tea for him, handing Lao the cup before he pulls back. "The rest of you may leave," he orders, seeing little reason to keep the men here. Surely Faruja would not allow anything to happen in his very home, and not under these circumstances! The other servants and guards do as bidden and leave the room, and remaining servant stands behind Lao's chair, keeping his head lowered for now until the Beifong patriarch makes it clear he is to assist him.

    Toph remains quiet, listening and not about to speak up just yet. And sure, she does hear the tone in Faruja's voice. As does Lao, though he also sees the expression on the rat's face. The last time he was far less... jaded. And when he continues speaking, the displeasure should be clear on Lao's face when he is accused of /heresy/. "What...?" Toph likewise swallows at some of the words that Faruja uses. Fell demon?

    The Beifong patriarch frowns and narrows his eyes. "I did not come here to be accused of such vile acts," he states firmly, his own gaze determined. "If you are referring to the state my daughter was in, then I will have you know that my answer is the same as it was when the Union asked me about it the last time; I did not invoke the powers of that spirit!" Death? Don't make him laugh! The man is less than pleased when Faruja continues. And when he is asked to explain himself? He straightens up in his seat, his tone slightly short and to the point. "Your church has no power in the Earth Kingdom as you say... Spirits often cross into my world from the spirit world, and it is not seldom that they sadly interfere in the business of humans. Haven't I already had to suffer the accusations that I would hurt my own /daughter/?" He does not look happy as he sets his tea cup down on the table in front of him, palcing his hands on his knees. "I thought you already made it very clear that you are in need of my business contacts in order to make this deal go through for the sake of this world. I did not come here today to be /insulted/."

    Through her father's tirade, Toph shifts slightly, her jawline tightening just a bit. It appears that she is listening closely though, as this is the first time she's been in the same room as her father after she woke up after those two weeks. And it might be noticeable that her expression has changed somewhat as Lao speaks. Right now... she appears slightly confused.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony, meanwhile, barely restrains a smile at Faruja's tone. You go, rat-dude! Oh man does he enjoy the sight of Lao Beifong squirming (even if it's just figuratively) under the weight of those accusations.

When the man tries to flatly deny everything, Tony's expression becomes less amused and more irritated, line by line. When he claims that he didn't invoke the spirit's powers, Stark makes a soft throat-clearing noise that might be mistaken for a bit of tea gone down the wrong way. When he cries about suffering accusations of hurting his own daughter, the noise Stark makes can't be mistaken for anything but a snort of derision.

"I'm sorry, Lao Beifong," he states softly, "that you are insulted by the FACT that you nearly killed your own daughter, and that other people know about it." This is through his teeth, in an effort not to be the disruptive force of the meeting, but he couldn't just sit quietly for that.

Faruja (152) has posed:
"Ahhh...such confident denials! But that spirit yet came, 'tis undeniable! Called forth by thine desires, this weakness, thine /CORRUPTION/!" Continues the rat, not at all bothered by the supposed idea that Lao isn't responsible. He's the man who asked for such to be done, and no force in the world is going to convince the rat others.

Rather than irritate the rat, the Burmecian turns to look at Tony. There's the slightest of hidden smirks before he masters himself.

"But come, come! Officer Stark, please. Ahh, mine passions overwhelm me in this most Holy of cities, as doth the good Ser's. We couldst argue the point all day. And I wouldst hardly wish to be impolite. It tends to upset the dear Sisters. They got hungry when they art upset." Switches the rat, suddenly polite again.

"Ye see, so much as I wish 'twas otherwise, the mere /fact/ that ye hath been accused makes ye suspect. Come now, Lao Beifong. That is true that ye art the most expedient and well connected Earth Kingdom merchant. But there art others I couldst turn to. Thine competing houses, or...even other Kingdoms. Ye see, ye art simply the most immediately useful out of the options I hath drawn up. Mayhaps not as lucrative, but if ye think I shall sell this Church's morals for coin, then ye insult me, Lao."

He folds his hands, and finally turns to Toph.

"I shall put it plain. Redemption, or Heresy, Lao Beifong. I hath little respect for thee at this point, and were it not for this young Lady I wouldst hath already named ye Fell. Shouldst ye honestly show remorse for what ye hath done? And seek Absolution for it? Then our deal shall stand. Otherwise, leave immediately, for I hath many to contact upon their new fortune."

A shrug. "Of course, given mine rather...close involvement in this case, I cannot in good consciounce leave whether ye truly atone, nor set a proper right of Cleansing. This, wouldst then, fall to the Acolyte most familiar with thine kingdom to ensure ye hath gone through with all due ceremony, and art not merely offering words over deeds."

Toph gets a meaningful look from Faruja.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony... tries to translate all of that Ivalician fancy speech into English in his head.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Uncomfortable as she is with this situation, Toph does pay attention. Not only to her father, but also to Faruja and Tony. It's rather easy with Tony sitting next to her, especially since she knows him rather well by now. And the throat clearing noise... well, it earns a pointed look from Lao, who is well used to subtle signs like that. And when Tony speaks up Toph can't help but tense up at the reminder that what Lao caused could have killed her...

    Lao himself frowns at Tony. "No, I am insulted that you keep on insisting that I willingly placed her in danger," he adds before he turns his attention back to Faruja. "I can afford to not agree to this deal. The question is whether your Church can." When Faruja makes it clear however that the Church does value morals over coin, Lao's frown lessens somewhat. The man looks frustrated as his fingers tighten their grip on his knees. Redemption or heresy?

    "Do you honestly believe I am /happy/ about what happened? About what my daughter went through?" Lao raises his voice, and his voice seems slightly less steady. Likewise there's a pained look in his eyes as he looks at Toph. The girl sits still, her eyes widening slightly. The man continues. "There is precious little I can do at this point, is there? I do not know what you expect me to do that will undo all of this and give her back to me..." Rights of Cleansing? There are many peculiar rituals around the multiverse, that Lao has learned. But to be treated like this? The man looks like he's about to speak up, but he halts when Toph raises her head. Unlike Tony she has an easier time to understand what Faruja is talking about. Then again, she's spent more time in Ivalice than the Iron Man has, now hasn't she? Her voice is steady when she speaks to Faruja.

    "He's telling the truth."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony shifts impatiently in his seat. "Yeah, Ma /said/ he probably wouldn't remember making the deal. That was PART of the deal, or something. Doesn't change the fact he did it."

He glares narrowly at Lao. "I don't think you willingly placed her in danger. I think you /thoughtlessly/ placed her in danger, as a direct result of your high and mighty father-knows-best attitude. I have a problem with that, and good for Faruja's Church for feeling the same way."

As to what the man can DO to atone for it, hell if he knows. He leans back in his seat, rests a hand on Toph's shoulder and gives it a supportive squeeze. "Toph isn't a commodity to be /given/ to you or not. She's a person. If she decides, of her own accord, that she wants to keep you in her life, then that's her choice, but I'll be damned if I let you be in a room /alone/ with her again."

Faruja (152) has posed:
Faruja is remarkably silent as Lao speaks, and it's only when Toph raises her voice that he seems to open his muzzle. Telling the truth. Finally, the rat sighs.

"...While I am ill inclined to believe a single word from thee, I trust mine Acolytes with life, heart, and soul. Fine. Lao Beifong, I speak to thee not as an Inquisitor, or a man seeking a deal."

Starts the rat, and he shoves away the papers. He looks the man in the eye more steadily. There's utter loathing in his eye, but something deeper as well. Something akin to hope.

"I am speaking to ye as a Priest, and a fellow Child of God. I grew up knowing what it was to absolutely loathe and detest a parent. To this day, I all but spit on her grave, Faram forgive me such a thing. That anger, that hate, that /suffering/?"

A hand is gestured to Toph. It might be a useless gesture to her, but the rat often forgets her disability.

"I hath nay desire to see a young Lady I respect, nor someone I consider a friend grow up knowing what 'tis to taste hatred for her own flesh and blood. It shall eat at her wonderful soul, that stubborn, honest rock that shall allow her to face so very much and prosper in whatever she may do." Speaks the rat honestly. Tony's words have Faruja nodding in agreement.

"Nor can I say, Lao Beifong, whether finding her forgiveness is even possible. That is not what I ask. I ask that ye show a little bloody humility, and honest-to-Faram /seek/ Redemption from the one ye hath harmed, whether ye wish to admit it or nay. A Right of Cleansing is a /journey/. Oft one that doth not end until we die. Whether we complete it in this life or the next is utterly irrelevent."

Faruja licks his muzzle. "I wish Toph to be happy. And in mine own experience, this shall only come to pass when she and ye hath found some measure of peace in one another. None but Toph, and even thee canst say how or even if. Just /try/. For her sake. Please." Faruja's voice is devoid of authority at the end, simple honesty in it.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Something about Tony's comment regarding Ma does seem to cause a sting with Lao, who swallows slightly and glares back at Tony.

    When Tony places his hand on her shoulder, Toph turns her head just slightly, listening as he makes his intentions clear. And Tony should feel that the girl is tense and on edge where she sits. Though she does force herself to take a deep breath. "... it's okay." Just calm down. It's easy enough to feel Tony shift in his seat, to her the tone of his voice. Heck, she imagines he does not look pleased. Even if she appreciates him standing up for her, this isn't the topic of this meeting, now is there? And right now she doesn't really want to talk about this. It's too soon.

    It might seem like Lao is about to respond to Tony, though he turns his attention back to Faruja. Despite being accused of /heresy/ of this rat, he still has more respect for the rat than Tony himself, it seems. After all, Faruja hasn't punched him. He does sneak a look at Toph's face before he turns back to Faruja, picking up his tea cup again to take a sip. The talk about hate, family problems... it's a touchy subject, that much should be clear just by looking at Lao's face. And Toph too doesn't seem to like the topic much either. The man takes yet another sip of his tea, watching Faruja through intent eyes. Whatever thoughts either of the two Beifongs have at Faruja's words can be difficult to guess however, as both father and daughter keep quiet and listen. Though Lao does speak up first.

    "Nothing is more important to me than my family, Faruja Senra."

    Shouldn't that be answer enough? He looks at Toph again, then sighs and closes his eyes as he turns his head back to the priest. "My deepest wish is for Toph to return safely home. Though I do realize that with what has happened... that day is not upon us yet." Is that a bitter look in his eyes. "Now... shall we get to the business matters? I am afraid I have other matters waiting back in my own world."

    Toph in turn relaxes just slightly where she sits, and she raises her tea cup to to drink some more, giving a nod in Faruja's direction.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony doesn't quite relax, but he does /subside/ somewhat as he can feel the tension in Toph's body and voice. He lets out a slow breath and returns to his teacup. It's almost empty but he can still use it as a prop to hide his face behind. Which he does, though he casts an expectant look at Faruja over it. He'd like to see the business portion of this meeting settled so he can get the hell out of here.

Faruja (152) has posed:
There's no longwinded speeches, no overblown priestly words from Faruja after Lao's words. When Toph nods? Faruja sighs just slightly.

"/That/ much, I hath nay doubt of." Ends the rat, and he shifts to a stoic look. All business now, the rat pushes a single document towards Lao.

"/This/ is a form stating that ye seek the Church's forgiveness for Ecclesiarchal crimes. And before ye protest, /yes/, this is entirely necessary. Sign it. As presiding Inquisitor, I shall task thee with supervision under mine Acolyte, at her convenience and pleasure. Shouldst she report to me that ye hath in any way brought further harm or otherwise failed in a matter timely to her desires to seek reparations and proper penance? Our deal ends. Otherwise? I am satisfied enough with thine desire to reconcile with her. Make thine decision."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    ... what is this?

    Lao blinks when the form is presented, and at first he appears to be confused and thinking that the priest can't be /serious/ about this. But upon further inspection of Faruja's face does prove that no, the priest is serious about this. Toph too seems a bit curious about this once her initial confusion ends, and she swallows nervously as she listens. Seconds pass as Lao watches Faruja, then Tony... all before he gestures for his servant. Immediately the man steps forward, opening his bag and hands Lao an inkset. The Beifong patriarch himself opens it and prepares the ink, taking a brush from the servant before he adds his signature to the document, his expression serious. All while the blind girl sits completely still next to Tony.

    Once he is done, Lao raises his gaze to Faruja once more. "Shall we get the deal signed then, Inquisitor...?" No, this business deal doesn't seem to be without uncomfortable moments.

Faruja (152) has posed:
There's the briefest look of hope on Faruja's features as Lao signs it. One might note he clasps his cross as he too takes an ink-quill from an attending lamia-servant, and signs.

"Of course. Faram be praised, for in all things, He is forgiving and loving. May we, as His Children, learn such benevolence." Then, the paper is passed to the general direction of Tony and Toph. There's a spot for Acolytes, and if necessary, undersignee's. Seems the Church has more than a few blind agents. Faruja nods to Tony in particular, here.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Stark actually relaxes fractionally as Lao decides to cooperate and sign the papers. Not that it changes anything for HIM, of course. He's still not letting him be alone with Toph. But if it'll satisfy the Church then that means they can all leave, and he's getting antsy.

He give Faruja a Look when the paper is passed to him. "She has to sign this too?" He sighs. "Did you bring your reading glove?" he asks, before thinking that it's probably not going to handle fancy script on parchment very well. Ugh. That means he has to read it aloud. He sighs. "Nevermind, just listen." And he starts reading, stumbling over some of the more flowery language.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Lao sits back in his seat when Faruja signs the parchment. And then he watches as the document is handed over to Tony and Toph. When Tony speaks up, she too sighs and shakes her head. No, she didn't bring her reading glove. She wasn't aware that she had to read nor sign anything. Though she does listen when Tony begins reading, sorting out the gist of the deal which Faruja already explained earlier in a somewhat simpler version. Urgh, damn rules and people seeing the need to overcomplicate things. Once Tony finishes reading, she nods her head. "I agree. You sign it for me." Then she turns her attention to Faruja. "He can do that, right...?" Considering he's her supervising officer /and/ her adoptive father. That ought to make it legal for him to sign things for her when she gives him permission to do so...?

Faruja (152) has posed:
"Indeed. 'Tis part of why I wished Ser Stark here. He is of sufficient moral calibre to act as an undersigner to thee, Acolyte Beifong." Comes Faruja simply enough.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony Stark has to appreciate the irony of this, since he usually has Pepper undersign for HIM when he can't be bothered to pick up a pen. Nevertheless he does still remember how to sign his name, and does so, writing in to the form that he is signing on behalf of Toph Beifong.

Then he holds the parchment out for either Faruja or one of the lamia to take it. "Okay. Are we done here now?"

Faruja (152) has posed:
Faruja offers a nod to all involved. "Our business in concluded. Lao Beifong, thank thee for thine time and trouble in coming here. Good day to thee." It's perhaps the politest 'get out of my house' one may give.

Then, another nod to Tony and Toph. "Ye art both, of course, ever welcome to mine home as it pleases ye both. I thank ye for thine assistance this day. Lord be praised! If ye all wouldst excuse me. Sister Ssslithiasstra! A warm bath made and wine please, mine slither dear!" There's a lamia head poking in, waving, and then slithering out.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Once Tony finishes signing, Toph lets out an inaudible sigh next to Tony. Likewise, Lao turns his attention to Faruja. "I would very much like to conclude the formalities myself ," the man urges. The somewhat veiled rudeness makes him narrow his eyes somewhat. Though he can't help but wonder if this means that Tony and Toph will be leaving now. And he looks torn about that as he studies Toph where she sits, finishing up her tea cup.

    And indeed, the girl gets to her feet, turning towards the door. Without warning Lao rises from his seat as well, his attention on Toph as worry crosses his face. As she begins walking towards the door, he raises his hand. "Toph..." However, this makes the earthbender walk faster, turning her face away from the Beifong patriarch as she leaves the room. Lao stands still, his hand dropping before it clenches in a fist, his jawline tight. What he's thinking and feeling should be pretty easy to read on his face; disappointment and regret.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
The nice thing for Tony to do here would be to tell Lao that she just needs some time. Or, you know, at least empathize silently with the pain the other man must be in. But of course he doesn't do the nice thing. He just gives Lao a cold look as he follows Toph out the door. His bearing is clear: I'm protecting her now, from you as much as anything else.

He does at least have the general sense of decorum to wait until they're outside before asking the girl where she'd like to go for dinner, or if she just wants to go straight home.