792/The blind girl and the blind king

The blind girl and the blind king
Date of Scene:	12 October 2014
Location:	Middle Earth
Synopsis:	It's time to refresh those pesky manners as Toph decides to do some diplomatic work on her own.
Cast of Characters:	20, 592

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Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Reports are often rather boring, but there was one report in general that a certain earthbender got curious about. A vast and ancient forest sounds awesome enough, but to learn of the problems there concerning her allies going a bit overboard? Not that awesome. But at least Sarah seems to have done a good job according to her report to smooth things out with this elven king... with the name that she still isn't sure that she can spell correctly. But hey, why not check out this forest further and work more on diplomatic relations?

    The blind girl makes her way through the forest, noticing just how wrong the place feels. While she isn't tuned into spiritual matters, she can still smell the air, hear how eerily silent the woods are... and that alone is alarming. She's steady on her feet as she makes her way through the forest, seemingly not having a problem with finding her way. Though she sometimes stops and crouches down, placing a hand on the ground as she listens. Strangely enough, she seems able to steer away from any nasty spiders as well. Perhaps it's luck. But she does make her way towards the Halls of the Elvenking.

    Only to halt when she is not too far away. The young girl doesn't even turn her head as she raises her voice, and... she sounds a bit amused? "Gotta say... I think most people wouldn't even know you were there!" Heck, even with her own sharp hearing she didn't notice them following her. Not to mention their own footsteps are just really light, almost like they were airbenders. Standing still she does her best to sense just how many people there are on the ground. A bit more difficult than she imagined it would be. "Are you guys from the elven kingdom?" Better watch her manners after Bahamut and Nasrin kinda made things iffy to begin with. And well, at least all the strict manners and etiquette her parents forced on her might be useful for once.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Bahamut and Nasrin were bad enough, but Lupita and Auron were just as bad, if not worse with their hostility and unwillingness to simply obey the protocol of the woodland kingdom. A pair of guards on the far side of the bridge straighten their posture, looking at the girl with scrutiny. "These are the halls of the woodland kingdom. Who are you and what are your intentions?" The guards are cautious, the scouts on the ground coming out while the ones in the trees remain perfectly still.

     Something tells the guards to open the doors. "King Thranduil will await your presence." A coulple of guards on the other side will escort her there, one in front, one behind. The pathways are high above the ground, twisting, narrow, sometimes leading up stairs barely as wide as a foot. Eventually it comes to the throne where Thranduil sits. It is perhaps fortunate she cannot see his face, as he looks extremely bored or weary. "Another visitor...from where does this one arrive?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    As the guards approach Toph remains standing still, her hands resting at her sides. It should be clear by this point that she isn't looking at them. Or rather, she's not looking at anything in particular as her milky green eyes are set straight ahead. "Good, I didn't think I was heading in the wrong direction, but eh, first time here and all." She shrugs, then turns more towards the guards, minding her manners as her expression and tone turns more serious. "I am Toph Beifong, and my intentions are of a diplomatic nature. I come here in honesty, and I think that it's best said now rather than later that I am here on behalf of the Union." They may think of that as they will, but at least they can't later claim she hasn't been open and honest! Somehow the girl does look a bit surprised when the scouts from the trees come down, though she recovers quickly. They might be armed, but they do not seem unreasonably cautious. But unless she starts trouble, which is not her plan for today, then should she worry? She seldom does.

    Either way, she will nod and follow the guards inside the gates and into the kingdom.

    It should be clear that even if she doesn't visually see the place, that Toph seems rather curious. Man, if she wasn't escorted she would have loved to stop and rest her hands on the ground to get a closer 'look' at things. Perhaps she can do so later. But not now, she reminds herself. Not when they still have reason to be wary of her. Be good, make the Union proud! So she follows, the walkways traversed without as much as a stumble. Her steps are sure and quick. When they arrive at the throne Toph steps forward. Sure, the bored or weary look can't be seen, but there are few people who can hide emotion from their voice that she won't hear. The blind earthbender stops in front of the throne... and she extends her open palms to the sides as she bows, lowering her head in greeting. "First of all, great king, might I offer my gratitude for allowing me the chance to speak with you."

    If other people from the Union were here, they might not recognize Toph. Then again, most of them haven't been around her in a situation where she actually bothers to use the things her parents taught her.

    "My name is Toph Beifong, and I come from the city of Gaoling in a land called the Earth Kingdom. I understand that your majesty were in parlay with a woman by the name of Sarah. Like her I am a member of the organization called the Union. I was saddened to learn that your majesty and your kin got a poor first impression of us, and I am here to do what I can to offer help as well as make up for any offense caused."

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Toph would find that there is no actual ground beneath her feet, but rather the pathways are made of tree branches and roots with a smooth flat walking surface. Thranduil rises to his feet and approaches, keeping a wary eye on the girl.

     "I did not expect to see another one of your members quite so soon. You seem a bit young to be sent on a diplomatic mission." Thranduil's smooth voice carries just slightly in the open space as he lingers close to the steps leading up to the throne. "I am King Thranduil. This is the woodland realm of Mirkwood. Where is this city of Gaoling? Considering what I have heard of other lands recently I can only assume it is outside of Middle Earth. What is it I can do for you then, Toph Beifong?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Well... at least he doesn't /sound/ angry so far, and that's a good sign. Let's see if she can help improve the chances for the Union to be welcome in this place in the future. "I might be young, honored king," Toph begins with a sincere tone to her voice, "but I am an ensign, an officer of the Union. Today I came of my own free will, as I had no matters that required my attention. I do indeed come from another world like many of the people in the Union do. The city of Gaoling is a city in the mountains, a rather peaceful place that I left in order to help my world. And now the multiverse and the Union as they have helped me."

    Okay, another good thing... he's not rushing her to get to the point. Still, she shouldn't prattle too much, even though she is used to high society preferring a certain dance with words first.

    "It would be enough for you to consider my words and my reassurances that the Union indeed wishes to be on friendly terms with you and your kingdom, your grace," Toph states where she stands. "Sarah, whom you spoke with earlier, reported to us what had happened. She urged us all to show great care and tact as to help preserve the peace she brokered with you. Though why not go a step further to show that the Union's intentions are truly as she has described?"

    The young girl holds out her hands. "With your permission I would offer my services as a master earthbender, a shaper of the earth, to aid you and your kin. I notice that there are bridges of stone here. I can shape metal with my bare hands. I can dig any hall or tunnel that you wish of me. Consider this a gesture of good will from the Union."

    Heck, earthbending is useful in many ways. And considering this kingdom isn't exactly under open air... maybe this can make things easier.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil blinks a few times as she uses a word that doesn't translate into his tongue and bounces off his eardrums wrong. "Ensign?" He asks curiously. Sure, they have Lieutenants and Captains, but some terms are just a bit too foreign. "I meant no disrespect, I simply wondered why they would place such a burden upon you. Perhaps you are like a Hobbit." Even though he meant the remark in jest he still momentarily glances down at her feet. "You are a blacksmith, then? An interesting skill." He begins pacing slightly, keeping a careful watch. "With the oncoming war, we could perhaps use some assistance in building lower levels in the rock. It would be foolish to decline such an offer."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "An ensign is the rank under lieutenant," Toph explains, unable to hold back a slight grin of amusement. "Your majesty is not the first who have commented on my age. I assure you, I am more capable than I look. I do not consider is a burden. More an opportunity to prove my strength to myself." Perhaps a bit brash, but then again... Toph is nothing but ambitious concerning the development of her bending.

    The question about her profession however, that causes her to shake her head. "Not exactly. I am able to sense the ore in the metal and then shape the blade in such a manner. If you do not mind, I can offer a demonstration. Any piece of metal will do, as long as it's not too pure."

    Lower levels. Not exactly where battles will be fought. Shelter then, perhaps? The suggestion makes Toph nod. "From what I can sense, the earth underneath us is stable. I could create several rooms and halls to your liking within short time, and I would gladly do so in order to help keep your subjects safe," Toph states calmly. At least it's easier to be civil and keep up with her etiquette when this guy doesn't make it hard for her.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     "Perhaps outside there is ore that is not pure. Here, I am not certain. Perhaps the blacksmiths would know." He draws his sword with a metallic sound. "This is an Elven blade. Do not bend it into anything else, please." He offers it to her by the hilt, nodding to the guard to indicate he doesn't feel threatened. "Ah, bring one of the weapons from the Orcs. Perhaps she can use that."

     The guard nods and goes to retrieve said weapon as Thranduil watches her with his. "There are over thirty thousand people within this kingdom. I would like to be able to shelter them all should the outer walls become breached. Like I told your water mage, a war will soon be upon our doorstep."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "Ah, when I meant pure, then I meant metal that hasn't had too much of the earth purified from it," Toph blinks and explains. And... he's offering his sword for her to hold? Well, she must be doing a pretty decent job then. On the other hand, with all the guards around here, only a fool would try to do something in this situation. At least if one has diplomacy as a goal. There are no signs of the blind girl fumbling as she reaches out to take the sword by the hilt, and she blinks as she holds it in her hand. "Hmmm. I might be able to bend it somewhat." The metal... it very unlike anything she's touched before. It's been very purified, and the metal feels very different from the ones she's felt before. Her interest and curiousity is evident, and she runs her other hand across the flat of the blade, feeling it underneath her fingers. Just how much would the blacksmiths of her world give for something like this?

    Thirty thousand people... not a small amount of people. Toph's expression turns far more serious. No, she can't imagine that the Union would have any problems with her bending shelters for civilians to be kept safe during a war. Isn't that what they're aiming to do, help save innocent people? "It will be done." Somehow she feels it's safer to tone down on the titles and all. With the blade inspected she carefully moves it to offer the hilt back to Thranduil. "When would you wish for me to begin bending these halls within the earth for your people? If you need your advisors," surely a king has advisors, "to consider the placement of these halls? If you want, I could inspect the earth right now and begin the primary work."

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     When the guard returns with the Orcish blade, which he takes with a bit of disdain. "We will be working on the placement of the shelter, studying which direction will be the most strategic. There are strongholds of Man who did not think their construction through and it will be their downfall should they need to actually use it." cough cough. Helm's Deep. Cough. "Once the design has been finalized, I will find a way to contact you. I am certain the Union will continue to send their people our way."

     Thranduil offers the Orc sword to Toph with both hands as one of the guards reaches to carefully take the King's sword from her so as not to startle her or seem too rough. "Not that I am criticising, mind you." The king says with a slight tilt of his head, making his long hair drape over the side of his neck. "It has been quite the harrowing last few days."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    That makes sense. And if they know where they want their shelters... well, Toph will let them decide. "You may contact me through radio, if you wish. It's a peculiar device that sends a signal through devices made of metal and plastic. They can be rather handy once you learn how to use them." And if he wants, well, she might as well offer him the second one she brought with her.

    It doesn't appear that Toph is startled, and she lets the guard take the sword before she reaches out to take the orc sword. "I understand that it has been shocking. I was rather surprised at first when I first joined the multiverse..." Her attention seems to be on the orc sword however, and she brings it up close to her face... and sniffs at it. And makes a face that suggests that her nose doesn't exactly agree with the smell of the blade. Ewww, what held this? It smells less than fresh. And it's... so /rough/.

    Even so, Toph takes a deep breath, then she grabs the sword tightly between her small fingers, only to slowly begin crushing the metal as if she was holding clay, not metal.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Sheathing his own sword, Thranduil starts to pace just a bit. "It belonged to an Orc that dared to pass close to our gates. I suppose the word Orc may be as strange to you as the word radio or plastic. An Orc is a creature made from filth and hatred. They are unpleasant to say the least, and they travel by the hundreds. They are not particuarly skilled in combat, though that is all they seem to know. They overwhelm their targets by sheer numbers. Sheer overwhelming hatred that tests the soul as well as body." He watches as Toph examines the blade, if it can even be called that considering how dull and chipped it is.

     Circling around Toph, his step nearly as silent as it is sure upon the narrow platform, he folds his hands behind his back. "I know that others consider it to be cowardice, but there is no reason to risk the lives of my people in a war in which we do not belong. Within these walls, we will endure. What do you make of the blade? Is it too impure? The Orcs are not known for their weaponmaking skill. Ore is located in nodes throughout the hills of Lothlorien."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    To hear about these orcs... well, it explains something about the blade at least. Unpleasant? They do smell unpleasant at least. And to hear how they fight? It takes some effort to not snort. "Well, that just means that they will fall easily to the Elites of the multiverse if they try anything." Still, would the Confederacy show interest in them? That would be a troubling thought.

    It does appear that Toph doesn't mind being circled, not when she can tell so far that there is nothing threatening, at least to her senses, in this situation. Yet, as he speaks of war... her expression turns serious, and she halts her process of bending the sword up into a tight little ball. This sort of brings back memories. It's close enough. Her words seem weighed when she speaks. "The capitol city of my kingdom has the same idea. Ba Sing Se. It means 'impenetrable city'. Yet as we speak, the forces of the Fire Nation are on their doorstep. Sometimes... enduring is not enough." A sigh escapes her. "I do ask your forgiveness... I am merely repeating what many people of my world think."

    On the topic of the blade, Toph takes another deep breath. "It could be refined a bit more. It is easily manipulated, and any orc who tried to wield this against me would get it wrapped around their head, if you pardon my bluntness. Whoever made this didn't make it to last." And it didn't, as Toph shows the rolled up ball of metal.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil stops his pacing, hands clasped in front of him as he turns his stark blue eyes upon Toph as if she had just said the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. "Do not /ever/ underestimate the power of an army driven by hate." He says quietly, his tone so low it might not even be audible to the guards surrounding the throne area.

     "Orc workmanship is not known for its brilliance. As long as there is at least some edge to the blade they care not if it is refined. What I may need to know is if you can manipulate metal of Morgul origin. We do not keep such ghastly souveniers within our halls, but perhaps a sample can be procured. Morgul blades are deadly despite the craftsmanship. They carry some sort of poison or venom."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    ... oops? Toph blinks, even turning her face slightly towards Thranduil as he is obviously looking at her. "My apologies, it was not my intention to make it seem that I take your people's plight lightly. I should have been clearer. These weapons are easily manipulated by my power, and if a lone orc tried to swing it at me, it would be gone from his hand before he would reach me." Ugh, speaking in such a way is really tiresome when she hasn't done so for a while.

    The mention of Morgul metal though... that obviously catches Toph's attention. "If you procure a sample I would be curious to try. I do not need to touch metal in order to bend it, though it makes it easier." Poison and venom? That sounds nasty. And well, if it's referred to as ghastly, then she can understand why the king doesn't wish to keep it in his halls. But from what she can tell, it seems that her visit hasn't hurt the Union's chance to cooperate with these elves.

    The metalbent sword which is now a ball is held out for one of the guards to take. "I do thank you for your time and for listening to me, your majesty. With your permission I would like to leave you with a radio so you might contact me when you are ready for me to shape the halls to your liking. And I do hope that I can help persuade you that the Union does not wish to be your enemy, despite the unfortunate events of the past."

    Man, she looks forward to going home and just kick back on the couch. Being formal isn't her main preferences, but most likely this king would have been less inclined to listen to her if she showed her less refined demeanor.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     "We do not know how to use such items. I am uncertain if they would be beneficial to our people. I am reluctant to bring anything from Dol Guldur into these halls, but if we can find a way to use their own filth against them, then so be it. Tell me what you need, and I will have it brought to you."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    So it's decided then. Toph nods her head a bit, even braving a grin. "I have what I need, I don't care for riches. I just wish to practice my skill, and well... helping people isn't bad either. Look upon it as an extension of the apology Sarah gave you on behalf of the Union. I will await word and return when you have need of me. Until then I think I ought to head back home before people worry about me." What matters is that she came here and hopefully gave Thranduil a favourable impression of the Union.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Bowing his head and lowering his eyes to Toph, Thranduil says, "Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta." which sounds more pleasing to the ear than 'May your ways be green and golden'. "Until we meet again."