The Return to Gaoling

The Return to Gaoling
Date of Scene:	17 March 2014
Location:	Avatar World - Gaoling
Synopsis:	Toph Beifong returns back home to meet her parents after she ran away to teach the Avatar earthbending, and she brings some of her friends from the Union with her. Prelude with Tony Stark meeting Toph's parents to arrange the meeting beforehand.
Cast of Characters:	20, 301, Altair ibn La'Ahad (Fired), Steve Rogers, Connor Kenway (Dropped)

---

Prelude

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Although the city of Gaoling shouldn't be new for Tony, there's still the fact that there was one part of the area that Toph had steered clear of whenever she had been there with her Union friends and allies. Far away from the mountain area where they fought in Earth Rumble VI, a fair distance away from where the badger moles live, easy to spot from the surrounding hills, there is a large estate surrounded by high walls. It is in the better part of the city, well away from the bustling market and busiest streets. And it's pretty clear to know that this isn't somewhere just anybody marches in. But still, that is the place that Toph described to Tony after she had give him the recorded message.
The roads are wider here, with the occasional cart here and there. And there are guards stationed around the walls. What might be the most telling about it might be the gates. Tall, impressive... and with the insignia of a flying boar. The same symbol that Toph has on her identification papers. The symbol of her family, she had explained.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
SOME TIME LATER...
Tony took what is by now his usual route to Toph's world, leaving the car near the warp gate to walk the rest of the way to the village on foot and not freak people out. Mark 42 is secure in the vehicle's small trunk, just in case he does need to summon it for... whatever reason. He is thusly wearing comfortable shoes for walking in, but otherwise he has suited up for the occasion. He doesn't want to present that creepy 'I'm ransoming your daughter' vibe and so he's in a tailored suit and tie, the height of male fashion for HIS world; hopefully the Beifongs will appreciate that even through the cultural drift.
Also he looks damned good in it, if he says so himself.
Of course he does have some dust on him by the time he reaches the estate as described to him by Toph. Nothing to be done for that. He is, of course, entirely un-intimidated by the show of wealth and importance, as he is himself wealthy and important. He knocks, or rings the front bell, or whatever means for announcing entry presents, and then stands back, adopting a casual, almost bored air for the maximum 'I am important' first impression. He expects a servant or guard will answer his call, anyway.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
This world isn't too used to the multiverse yet, as this is not a major area of conflict. The mines had been far more closer to the front lines, with far more strategic interest to the Fire Nation. This area? Not so much, considering it's near the southern coast and way up in the mountains. Perhaps that's why it's so peaceful.
Though some people do see Tony, and perhaps some of them do recognize him from before as he and Pepper did stay here. But nobody disturbs him on his walk to the Beifong estate. At least not until he makes it clear he wishes to disturb the peace of this place.
As he knocks on the front gates, it should be pretty hard to ignore the guards that open the gates just slightly, two men in armor with conical hats, usual earthbender garb by the looks of it. They give Tony a scrutinizing look, looking him over. "What business do you think you have with the Beifong family? They are not expecting any visitors today."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"Tony Stark. I'm Toph's supervising officer in the Union," Tony replies smoothly. He's in full 'Mr. Stark' mode with the half-lidded look of lazy impatience (it's a skill, being able to pull off 'I'm vaguely annoyed at your incompetence but I also don't really give a shit' at the same time) and the 'I am way too important for you to ignore' tone. "I've got a message for her parents, from her. If they're interested. If not..." he chucks a thumb vaguely over his shoulder, "then sorry to have bothered, I'll just be on my way..."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Well, it seems the guards do know at least one name that was mentioned there. "Toph?!" one of them says, looking quite shocked. The other blinks, pushing the gates open a little bit more as he steps forward. "You know where Toph is?" After a few seconds they seem to gather themselves, and one of them frowns slightly when Tony suggests he can leave. "Come inside." Then he looks to the other. "Go ahead and let them know." And as one of the guards runs off ahead, the guard turns back to Tony. "You. Come with me." The gates are opened further to let Tony inside, and once he's stepped past them, the gates will be closed behind him.
The inside of the estate... is quite a sight. Lovely gardens with well trimmed trees and bushes, flowers in full bloom and obviously well tended to. There are several koi ponds and bridges, the perfect example of a Chinese style garden. The main house itself is larger than any of the other buildings in the city, though there are several other smaller houses near the back of the estate grounds, by the looks of it. The road from the gate to the main house is straight, though the guard will walk with Tony all the way, keeping a brisk pace as he leads him inside.
The inside of the house itself would probably interest a fair amount of art dealers in Tony's world. Paintings, vases and decorations can be seen almost everywhere in the entry hall, and the waiting room that Tony is led to has furniture that is far more intricate than he and Pepper saw at the inn. And he will be given several minutes to wait along with the guard before the other guard from before shows up in the door way and beckons for Tony, a serious look on his face. "Lao Beifong will see you now."
The next room is even larger than the entry hall, with a set of dais at the far end of the room. Fans line the walls, large vases stand by the doors leading out to the rooms on either side, incense is in the air... as well as tension, mostly by the fact that there are servants lined up near the doorways in the adjacent rooms, some of them looking up at the two people who are sitting up on the seat on the dais. A man about the same age as Tony, clad in formal Chinese clothes, moustache trimmed neatly. To his left, a woman who appears to be in her early thirties, wearing heavy gowns and with an enormous mass of hair set into a neat and heavily decorated hairstyle, flowers topping off her hair. At least it's easy to see where Toph gets her massive hair from. And while the woman seems rather nervous, gripping her hands and fiddling with the rings on her fingers as she watches Tony, the man seems rather impatient and stern as he narrows his eyes. "You will explain yourself this very instant," Lao Beifong demands, while his wife swallows, unable to keep quiet. "You know where Toph is...?"

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony recognizes a veiled threat when he sees one, but he's unconcerned. If they actually did do something crazy like try to hold him against his will, he's confident he could take the place apart brick by brick with the armor from his car. That really wold be a shame, though. That garden is wonderful. Similar to the style he has at his own place in Japan. And as an art collector -- even if he does delegate most of the responsibility of his collection to Potts -- he does appreciate the obviously expensive vases and tapestries and all. And so he tags along cheerfully when he's ordered, and makes himself quite comfortable waiting with the one guard, moseying around the room and examining the individual pieces.
When he's escorted into the audience room, he makes a quick, respectful bow. A gesture between equals; not a kowtow.
"Hi. I have every intention of explaining myself, don't worry on that account. You must be Toph's parents? She's told me a lot about you. I'm really pleased to finally meet you face to face." Yeah he has no intention of playing into this imperious line of questioning.
He does, however, favor the woman with a softer, friendly smile. "Yeah, I do. She's perfectly fine. Working on her reading lesson right now if she's done like I told her," he offers a little wink as if this is a private joke between the two of them. "In fact I'm here with a message from her."
He reaches into his inside suit pocket and withdraws the slim, high fidelity SI-branded recording device on which he had Toph record her comments. "She was a little nervous about coming herself, so I offered. She'd like to see you guys again -- if you'll pardon the expression -- that is if you're amenable of course." He holds out the device for the taking by either of the two.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
It seems that all of the servants and many of the guards are listening in on this, and why shouldn't they? It's pretty big business after all since it's the heir to the family, and well... the Beifong family is pretty important in this country. And the they do seem pretty worried considering their daughter has been missing for nearly a year now. Which should be clear, since Lao Beifong seems to be rather tense and not in any mood for jokes. "We are. I am Lao Beifong, and this is my wife, Poppy. I can't say I share your enthusiasm, Tony Stark." And it's clear he doesn't find the comment Tony gives to his wife in good humour either, and he slams his left hand down next to him. "Reading lessons? I suggest you stop joking this very instant! Do you know where my daughter is or not?!" Toph's mother brings a hand up to her mouth, her other hand reaching to rest on her husband's arm, as if silently telling him to calm down. "What message?" she asks.
When Tony pulls out the recording device, the confusion on their faces evident. Sure, they have heard of the multiverse having strange things, but to actually have one of these items brought into their home? Lao reaches out his hand to take the recording device, fumbling with it and uncertain on how to use it. But when he figures it out, either by chance or by Tony's instructions, the item starts playing, and his eyes go wide as the familiar voice can be heard. Likewise, Poppy gasps, both of her hands covering her mouth even as she stares in shock at the recording device, her eyes slowly brimming with tears. Even the servants whisper among themselves, though they shush at each other, barely believing what they are hearing.
"Mom? Dad? It's me. I know you are probably worried right now and this is confusing, but give Tony here a moment to explain matters. I'm safe and I have been traveling the world while teaching the Avatar earthbending, but now I'm in this place called the multiverse, and I'm here of my free will. I have made many friends here, I'm learning lots of new stuff, and..." Toph's voice on the recording sounds hesitant before she sighs. "I'm going to come home in one week, and I'll bring a few friends. I'll stay for a few days so we can talk. Tony here thought it was a good idea anyway, so you can stop shouting at him, dad. I... I'll see you then."
The recording stops, and silence reigns in the room. Lao seems speechless, and Poppy reaches out for the recording device. "How... why isn't she here now?" she asks of Tony, clearly upset. "The Avatar kidnapped her..." Lao says quietly. "How did she end up where you come from?" he demands, his voice not quite as stern as it was previously. "Where is she?"

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"Currently? At my place in Malibu. Doing her reading lesson, like I said. I wouldn't joke about something like that, Lao Beifong," Tony meets the other man's eyes fearlessly and addresses him in the same manner. "You can keep that," he notes magnanimously, of the recording device and its precious contents. He has plenty.
Then he breaks stiff solemnity to scratch at his temple and pull a grimacing face. "Wow, geeze, you do need to be caught up, huh. Okay, first of all, she didn't want to just show up out of the blue and give you both a heart attack. She thought it'd be easier on everyone to give you a little forewarning. Second," he ticks off points on his fingers, "she wasn't kidnapped. She went with this Avatar kid of her own accord, to teach him how to Earthbend. As for how she ended up with /me/, well..." one eye narrows thoughtfully as he regards the aristocrats. "How familiar are you with Multiversal Unification theory? I mean, I know you're kinda tucked away from all of that here, but you do /know/ about the Multiverse, and the warp gates and all that?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
"... Maliboo...?" Poppy asks, looking confused, clutching the recording device tightly in her hands even as she looks at Tony. "She's blind, of course she can't read!" Lao frowns, trying to contain his worry and annoyance, his hands clutching at his knees where he's sitting. It's not often he meets people who stand up to him, but then again, most of those situations are about business. Not his own daughter!
The explanation from Tony has their full attention, and it seems like Poppy resists the urge to play the message again merely for the sake of hearing news about her daughter. Lao on the other hand doesn't seem utterly convinced that Toph wasn't kidnapped, and he frowns when these strange words are mentioned. "I have heard of it, though I did not consider I would have to deal with it. I hardly expected my daughter to get caught up in it, after all. But yes, I have heard that there are portals leading to other worlds. I can't say I care much for the idea..." he continues. "Which brings me to wonder /why/ she would send /you/. And how can we be sure that you didn't make her speak into this device, that you aren't holding her hostage?"
The guards and servants are whispering amongst themselves now.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony smiles benignly. "If I was holding her hostage, why would I have come here except to ask for a ransom? Which I'm not. I'd have to be pretty stupid to walk into a place like this by myself if I was a kidnapper. Lovely house, by the way. Anyway, you'll see for yourself when she comes out next week," he declares with an airy wave of a hand.
To Poppy, he again gives a kinder smile. "Malibu," he corrects her pronunciation gently, without being a jerk about it. "It's a city, in southern California. In America. In... my world, that is. I promise you, Poppy Beifong, your daughter is well and safe and she /is/ learning to read." He holds up a hand and wiggles his fingers. "With her hands. It's a method from my own world. I'm sure she'll be happy to demonstrate for you. English only, unfortunately -- there hasn't been a Braille translation invented for the Chinese character set." His face adopts a somewhat faraway look. "Maybe that's something I can work on..."
Back to Lao, now that he's had a few moments to digest the whole, 'seriously, how dumb would I have to be to be a kidnapper, and isn't it kind of dumb of you to think that?' thing. "So. As far as who sent whom, she didn't. I offered, because I'm her friend and her supervising officer. In the Union. Which I imagine you've heard of, too. We helped chase off the Fire Nation from one of your iron mines not too long ago. Toph was there, in fact." A beat. "She saved my life, actually. Got a commendation for it. Or if she hasn't yet she will. I put her in for it myself." He smiles, the almost paternal smile of a man proud of his charge. "Your daughter is really an amazing young woman. She'd have to be, to be accepted into the Union Elite Forces in the first place. I'm sure you'll be so proud of her, when she tells you what she's been up to." Of course he knows otherwise, but he's being diplomatic and giving Lao the opportunity to put his foot in it or not.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
It seems that Lao can't argue with that logic, and instead he merely huffs, narrowing his eyes. "Are you among the people she is bringing with her?" he asks. No, it doesn't seem like the man likes Tony much. As for the mention of Braille, he doesn't seem to buy it, though Poppy seems just relieved to hear that Toph is alive and well. "Reading with hands...?" she asks, then looks over at her husband. "Is such a thing even possible?"
The mention of the Union makes Lao hesitate, and he nods. Yes, he has heard of it. Though when the incident at the Bohai Mines is mentioned, his eyes widen. "Toph was there?! But there were firebenders and..." Again Poppy gasps, one hand clutching the recording device to her chest, with the other clasped over her mouth. And when Tony states the blind girl saved his life? It doesn't appear as if the master of the house is utterly convinced of that, snorting. "You mean you are putting her in /danger/?! What sort of a group is this Union who sends a young, blind girl to fight in a mine overrun by firebenders and sinister people from the multiverse?!" The man stands up now, looking both infuriated and worried at the same time. Though at least he seems to be trying to stay calm. "Children should not be made to fight! Sure, she might claim she likes to fight, but she is hardly old enough to make such a decision...!"

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
The inoffensive smile remains plastered to Tony's face. "The Union doesn't /make/ anyone fight. I wouldn't be in it, if they'd tried to draft me. Especially not the UEF-- that's the Elite Forces. To be allowed to join that, much less hold rank -- which your daughter does, by the way -- you have to really want it, and prove that you're worth the Union's time. It was Toph who called the operation in on Bohai. If anything," he grins a little, "she's the one who put /me/ in danger. But that's ok. Like I said, she saved my life. I was trapped in--" he cuts himself off. No, that's something she ought to get to tell them herself. "Well I'll let her tell the story. Anyway, it's all right. I'm a superhero; that's what we do. We fight bad guys so our families and others don't have to."
A beat. "And yes, I expect to be one of the friends she brings with her. Now I know I can come on a little strong," he puts up his hands in feigned humility, "but I'm not so bad once you get to know me. Well, she'll tell you that, too."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
All of this is a whole lot to process, and Lao clearly does what he can to not raise his voice even further where he stands. "Toph holds /rank/?" Preposterous! Poppy looks equally worried at this news, though when Tony reassures them that they aren't made to fight it... well, it does help a little. Really, their daughter put this man in danger? And then saved his life? This seems to make the servants whisper even more.
"So... Toph is coming back home next week," Lao finally settles on, sitting down again next to his wife. "And she is bringing you lot with her..." If he must put up with this man again in order to see his daughter once more, he will put up with it, it seems. "Very well. What matters is that she's coming home. We will prepare to accept you and your... associates." As for Tony's claim that he's not so bad? Toph's father snorts at that, clearly not convinced. Then again, he's a man who's been paranoid about keeping his family safe. "I expect her to be unharmed and well. If the Union /has/ been mistreating her, I cannot promise I will lend my aid to your cause should you need it." The Beifongs are rather influential after all, at least in this world.
However, it seems that Poppy is far more forgiving about this, offering Tony a grateful smile even as she clutches the recording device closely.
"All I want is my daughter back home, safe and sound," Lao does admit, reaching a hand up to rub at his forehead. He is just a worried father, after all.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony relaxes a smidgen. "No worries there. She's doing great and she'll tell you as much herself. She's really happy doing what she's doing, you know, feeling like she can really make a difference. Which she does," he clarifies that he's not just stringing her along letting her think she's a hero. "Anyway I appreciate the offer of hospitality and I'm sure whoever else she invites will, too. We can worry about political aid and all that later. Right now I just want to see a girl reunited with her parents." Something that he'll never be able to do, boo hoo. Partly because he's not a girl but you know.
"So!" he claps his hands together. "That sounds like everything's pretty well settled. I'll just go and let her know the good news that you'll be happy to see her again, and I'll start making arrangements on my end for the visit." Yes, visit. Not coming home to stay.
He offers another bow. "Thanks for seeing me. I'm sure you're both busy people."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
This seems really conflicting to the two worried parents in front of Tony. On one hand, their daughter is out in the big, scary multiverse where there are many threats they know nothing about, and then there's the fact that they heard, in her own voice, her stating that she is well and she's happy... and this man, her supposed supervising officer, telling them that she's happy and doing something worthwhile. And that he wants her reunited with them. And even if Lao can't say he likes Tony, he has proven his point well enough.
"Very well." Tony is given a nod, and Lao gestures to one of the servants. "Show mister Stark out. I will expect you and my daughter back in one week." And if not... he will not be a happy man. Though he does appear to be somewhat less angry and with a considerable weight taken off of his shoulders.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony silently lets out the mental breath he'd been holding. That could have gone a LOT worse. He's not gonna go so far as to say he LIKES Toph's dad, either, but her mom seems ok... and they're not trying to arrest him or anything which just would have been ugly for everyone involved. Now to tell Toph the good news!
He hopes it won't interfere with her pizza party.

Day 1

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The city of Gaoling, a place up in a mountain range of the southern coast of the Earth Kingdom. It's rather calm unlike the area that the Bohai mines are in, far away from the battle front of the war. Peaceful, tranquil with very little traffic from the multiverse. At least until recently. The citizens wander about their daily business, the streets bustling with activity as the sun has risen high in the sky. The city itself is traditionally what many people in the multiverse would define as 'Chinese', with solid earthen buildings, cobblestone and paved streets, with a dominance of green and yellow colours. Overall the mood is rather cheerful, with children playing in the streets, the market is busy with commerce, and there seems to be little trouble around.
In hindsight, Toph can't believe she agreed to this. If she was walking there alone, then she can't deny the fact that she would be tempted to turn around and head on back to the warp gate. Or instead head off to the hillside on the other side of the city of Gaoling, where the badgermoles are. That place always felt far more comfortable to her. But the estate where she and her friends are going now she hasn't been to for nearly a year now. With the others following her though, she can't exactly turn and run away from this, even though she's been running from her past before. The others should be well aware of how she's been the days before this, clearly nervous. The previous day's lessons with Jarvis weren't as effective as the ones before, and well, the slightly rumbling stomach might betray the fact that she didn't eat any food today before leaving. Not to mention she's been quiet since they stepped through the warp gate.
She even had problems deciding what to wear, but in the end she opted for her regular clothes, though she did clearly pack some things with her, carrying her backpack with her.
Sure, her blind eyes can't see the familiar buildings or the streets. But her feet take in every detail as she leads the group through the streets to the other side of town from the warp gate they arrived in. By the looks of it, they are headed towards what most might define as the better part of the city as the Beifong estate as it becomes visible. Surrounded by great walls, the gate is guarded by two men in earthbender uniforms as they stand vigil. It should be easy to see that this isn't a place where most people are let in, a massive golden sigil of a flying boar imposed above the gates themselves. Besides that, there is very little to see for now, at least until they are let into the estate themselves. Which seems as a very likely possibility as the two guards notice the group coming... not to mention Toph. Even if they were told about this happening today, they both seem rather surprised if not shocked, but even so, they bow to the girl before they start pushing the gates open. The two men might not be able to see it, but Toph's friends should see it well enough that the young girl seems tense as she holds her breath, her expression slightly unreadable as she obviously tries to hide her nervousness. Then, just as they push the gates open, the blind girl reaches out to grab onto Tony's sleeve, taking a deep breath.
As they are ushered in, then they will finally get to see just what the Beifong estate really is. As Toph hesitantly leads the way inside, they step into a large well kept garden that is takes even more space than the several wings and houses which lie straight ahead on the long cobblestone path leading from the main gates. There are many trees near the southern walls, but the area is very open, making it easy to see the pristine grass, hedges, bushes, a pagoda and koi pond that dominate the area. The paths are well kept, inviting for calm strolls to perhaps feed the many koi fish, to smell the heavy bloom of flowers in the air.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony Stark's estate is no less opulent, and he's been here before besides, so there's no awed intake of breath from him. He took the week leading up to the trip to, among other things, ask his sifu for advice on proper mode of dress for a rather more old-fashioned China, and is thus attired in a loose white shirt with faint silver floral patterning and broad sleeves, easily grabbed hold of by the girl he's escorting. Also loose black pants and light shoes of the sort he might wear for a training session, though rather less sweat-stained. Indeed he's pretty well immaculate except for the dust from the road. And sunglasses. He's Tony Stark; he must be allowed this one anachronism. Pepper packed a bag for him and this dangles from the fingers of the hand not being grasped by Toph.
Once again, he left his car by the warp gate with his armor in the trunk, just in case he needs to call it. All things being reasonable he shouldn't have to, but his initial brush with the Beifongs, senior, left him with a vaguely uneasy sense that he won't be able to count on reasonability. In any case he's not /scared/, or even intimidated. At least not that any look at the coolly confident expression he wears beneath the dark glasses would indicate. Just... covering his bases.
"It's gonna be /fine/," he murmurs to Toph. "Worst they can do is be rude, right?"

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor has been reading Shao Jun's journals again. That much is clear from the fact that he appears here in clothing reminiscent of just pre-Qing era China. It is not a formal outfit-- one does not travel in formal outfits-- but it is clean and hopefully looks more familiar to the people here than the clothing normally worn by the Assassins. His outfit is mostly brown and black though the fabric is shimmery, lending it some class despite its simple colors and fit.
He has also bound what remains of his hair into a short ponytail rather than the three war braids that are more familiar to him. He also has taken the time to cover the markings on his face with concealer, which he then further had to conceal the scent of with cologne. So he smells a bit less like earth and (natural) tobacco and more like flowers. At least it was a GOOD cologne, so he does not smell like ethyl alcohol!
He too has a bag packed for this, a white sea bag that he now holds over a shoulder.
It is Tony's words that draw his attention to Toph's nervousness, he reaches to briefly place a hand on her shoulder. "We are with you," he assures her. "We will stand with you, Toph." After all, that is why they are all here right, to support Toph?

Altair has posed:
Connor wasn't the only that had been reading Shao Jun's journal, as Altair may or may have not been skimming through it whilst looking over the Iroquois' shoulder. Back in the Holy Land, Assassin business had often taken Altair as far north as India and China, both before and after he assumed leadership of the Hashshashins. However, he realized that the China that Toph's world seems to be based from is from a different time than his. Hence, why the Grandmaster is following Connor's lead for this one.
Dressed in a similar manner as Connor, except with perhaps different colors, Altair walks along with the group looking his ever stoic self. Interestingly, he is not offering any encouraging words to Toph this time around, as all that could be said to Toph has been said already.
Besides, Altair's idea of impressing is with a subtle display of force, and what better way to make an impression than to arrive back home escorted by four burly, badass looking men? Well, three burly, badass looking men and Tony.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve Rogers has been trying to keep the protocol lessons that Toph gave her guests relatively straight in his mind as he accompanies the others to the Beifong estate. There was also one subject that she didn't really address in detail, looking back on it - what to wear, besides avoiding certain colors such as white. For a lack of any better ideas, he's gone with clothes which resemble his US Army dress uniform ... but only 'resemble,' for purposes of getting there.
Specifically, while the slacks and jacket he's wearing are a match in color and cut to Army dress uniform standard, he's gone with a light blue shirt underneath it, rather than regulation white. He's not wearing rank insignia or other decorations, save for an understated lapel pin fashioned to resemble his shield (and probably easy to buy one of on that 'inter-net' thing that he's still trying to figure out; he got his straight from SHIELD's little-known merchandising division). And while his shoes look formal enough, a closer inspection would reveal that they were made for walking rather than simply looking fashionable in.
He's also carrying a leather-bound portfolio under his left arm, and a slim duffle bag slung over his right shoulder, right hand gripping the strap to keep it steady. Presumably the duffle holds at least one change of clothes; it's too small for his shield to be in there, though.
Toph's anxiety isn't lost on him, either. "Relax," he advises her in a quiet but friendly tone. "Everything's gonna work out."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
A quiet sigh leaves the blind girl as they walk down the path leading to the nearest building on the estate. But Tony is right. "Yeah... it's not like they can force me to stay here," she adds, like she has pointed out to others, as well as herself. But she needs to remember that whenever that uneasy feeling begins crawling up her stomach. Though Connor's words help as well, and she nods her head slightly. That is why she brought these guys. True, they might be strong, but they are smart too and have their different ways in handling people. Which might be a good combination. It is still easier said than done to relax though. But still, Toph turns her head slightly over her shoulder towards them. "Thanks for coming along." Even if she's said so before.
As the group near the main house, a voice might draw them from their conversation and their inspection of the garden.
"Toph!"
It seems that many people have been alerted to the fact that they have guests, and several more guards and servants have lined up at the door to the southern entrance, some are even looking out from the windows nearby. One figure doesn't seem content with waiting however, as a woman in her early thirties is running towards them, doing her best to keep the heavy layers of her dress from slowing her down or tripping her. The green pearls around her neck clatter along with the rest of the jewelry she's wearing, and the flowers adorned in her massive amount of dark hair might fall out of they weren't securely fastened.
Toph herself halts, eyes going wide as the breath catches in her throat. For a few moments it might seem like she's frozen, but when the woman is only some feet away, Toph lets go of Tony's sleeve and runs the final few steps and throws herself at her, wrapping her arms around her waist. The woman in turn clutches her arms around the girl, burying her face into Toph's hair and lets out a few quiet sobs. "You're safe...!" Yes, it does seem that the lady of the Beifong house has been worried sick about her daughter. "Mom..." The blind earthbender's response is partially muffled against her mother's chest.
The next person who comes half running should be no surprise. The servants pull aside, making way for a man who appears to be in his forties as he heads forward, his pace brisk although he still carries himself with a sense of refined air. His clothes are intricate as well, consisting of several layers of long robes in hues of green and yellow. His hair is pulled up into a xiao guan, his fu manchu moustache neatly trimmed. His expression is slight disbelief mixed with relief, though when he looks at the group is should be clear that he doesn't seem particularly happy to see them. Especially not Tony, who gets a hard look.
But his expression softens somewhat as he joins his wife, and he isn't slow to wrap his arms around her and Toph. In response the girl lets out a slight grunt, trying to shift amidst all the arms, one of her hands gripping her father's sleeve.
Give them just a few moments.
The man then almost reluctantly lets go, though he does place a protective hand on Toph's shoulder as he turns to the group again, all while Toph's mother manages to let go of the girl, if only to fuss over her, brushing Toph's hair away from her face as if to inspect her further.
"I am Lao Beifong. This is my wife Poppy Beifong." Yes, that is her name. It seems like Toph manages to free herself slightly from her mother's arms, and she gestures with an open palm to each of them. "These are my friends and allies from the Union. You already met Major Tony Stark," she explains, "he is my supervising officer. Next to him is Steve Rogers, Altair ibn La'Ahad and Ratonhnhake:ton."
The expression on Toph's parents' faces should give a very clear idea that they are not used to those sorts of names. And that they weren't expecting them to dress in such a manner as they have done here. Nonetheless, Lao nods his head to the four Elites.
"Thank you for returning my daughter safely to me. As she requested, preparations have been made for all of you to stay for a few days should you wish to do so." Somehow, it doesn't seem as if the man is too happy about it. "Please follow us inside," he says, gesturing with his free hand towards the main entrance that stands wide open with the servants pulling to the sides, offering bows to the guests as they head on inside. He himself will take a hold of Toph's hand, and her mother takes the other. The earthbender herself seems to consider whether to pull her hands free, but she only turns her head slightly as if she were to look over her shoulder. It almost looks like she wants to say something, but she keeps quiet for now as they head into the southern house of the estate. At least she's not walking into this all on her own.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve bows slightly to Toph's parents as introductions are made ... but it doesn't seem like they're leaving an opportunity to make conversation, at least not until the group is inside and comfortably seated. So he follows the others inside, glancing around as if appreciating the architecture and the decor ... which, honestly, is likely a big part of it.
On the other hand, Lao Beifong's wording about 'returning my daughter safely' sounded just a little on the possessive side - as did the way both of Toph's parents were holding her hands. So the way Steve regards the surroundings as he passes - even taking in the arrangement of guards and household staff as they go about their duties - may not just be rubbernecking ... but he's being casual enough about it.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Lao's hard look at him is reflected by the most benign of smiles on Tony Stark's face, barely a quirk of the lips. I am so not afraid of you, his bearing seems to say.
When the introductions come out, though, he softens, and even takes off the sunglasses when Toph calls his name, and he bows formally. "Your hospitality is very much appreciated, Lao Beifong," he replies, absolutely the epitome of manners if he says so himself. He gives Poppy a slightly warmer smile and extra inclination of his head. He likes her more.
When Toph seems to glance back at them, he winks in return before remembering she can't see it. Well, she knows he's got her back anyway. He follows the little procession into the house, smirking just a tiny bit to himself at how... grabby everyone is, but he does remind himself that these people haven't seen their daughter for a year, and he'd probably -- definitely -- be just as touchy-feely with Pepper if she'd been gone that long. So he mentally gives them a break.
He doesn't even say 'I told you so.' Even though he totally did.

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor is not unaware that of what is going on when Toph runs to hug the woman who appears. He pauses where he is, a kind smile on his face as he watches what he assumes is a family reunion. He understands complicated feelings dealing with one's parents, after all his and his father's relationship was ... complicated. Even if Toph does not agree with them that does not mean she does not care about them.
Once they are properly introduced Connor bows politely. "It is an honor to meet you," he offers with that bow. For being essentially a savage Connor has a decent grasp of what is what for the customs of the place. Thanks to Toph's educating that is!
Oh he noticed the instant possessive nature of Toph's father where she was concerned. He seems to be under the impression that she is going to stay here. Connor hopes that the leaving will not be too violent.
He also noticed that Lao Beifong doesn't seem pleased that they're there. However he only nods to Tony's mention of the Beifongs' hospitality but does not say anything further himself. He merely follows as they are led into the house.

Altair has posed:
What a heart warming moment. It's almost too much for Altair to bear.
As a remarkably cold man, the Grandmaster Assassin could do nothing but wait patiently for the moment between the parents and daughter to pass.
Once it does, he puts his hands together as it customary to give his own bow, respectful even if he himself isn't too friendly. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance." The possessiveness is felt instantly, and it is clear to Altair that Mister Beifong blames them in no small part for kidnapping their daughter, no doubt. Filling her mind with crazy ideas of adventure and what not. He's faced the same when young men and women joined up with Brotherhood. Hopefully they'll be able to show them that it is all for a good cause.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
At least the visitors seem to be minding their manners, and the bows are repaid with a polite nod from Lao Beifong. Sure, he doesn't fully enjoy the thought of these people in his home, but sometimes there are things you have to put up with. But at least the four have been warned by Toph, and they are at least prepared for this.
The inside of the Beifong home might look like something taken out from a Chinese history book. Hues of green and yellow seem to dominate the place, and unlike the houses in the main city area itself, this place is large, spacious and practically screams of luxury and money. The furniture seems to consist of either very fine carved food or stone, polished to a neat shine. The walls are decorated by tapestries, scrolls and fans, and pillars line the tall walls with low tables and high shelves, decorated with vases, intricate gem figurines and other priceless artifacts that an art collector would most likely drool over.
Leading the way down the hallways, Lao Beifong shows the group the way towards the dining room, though on the way Toph's mother leads the girl with her into one of the open doorways. "Mom?" Toph asks, looking a bit confused even as her mother ushers her with. "You can't wear those clothes for dinner." Which draws a heavy sigh from Toph, and even if the group is standing behind her and are unable to see her face, the eyeroll should be easy to imagine along with the way her shoulders slump. "I'll help y-" Poppy begins, only to blink in surprise when Toph lets go of her hand and walks ahead down the hallway, grabbing onto the sling of her backpack instead and not facing the others. "I'll do it myself." "But-" Half shocked, Poppy looks between the earthbender, then back at Lao, who seems not so surprised as he seems tempted to follow Toph. Instead he turns to one of the female servants nearby. "Assist her." With only a quick bow to delay her, the woman then hurries after Toph.
Is that a slight sigh leaving the master of the house?
"This is the southern wing of the house," Lao explains as if nothing had happened, glancing back at the visitors. "You are allowed here and in the eastern wing, where the guest quarters have been prepared for you. I ask that you do not enter the west wing or the north wing. For now, let us head to the dining room."
Upon arriving there, the group will see a fully decked table, seven chairs, three on each side with one of them at the end. It's this seat that Lao moves to, and Poppy walks over to the middle chair of the right side of the table. For now the visitors are given a brief look, all before Lao gestures to the seat to his left. And seems to have problems with recalling the name that his daughter introduced Connor as... and instead gives him a nod. "Do sit down."
The rest of you? Seems you get to decide where to sit, with the four seats left. One between Lao and Poppy, one to Poppy's right, and the final two on the other side of the table. And once they have been seated, the servants do not hesitate to begin serving them hot tea, served in lidded cups.
"I am afraid I have only met Tony Stark before. And I know precious little of you," Lao begins, taking his cup in hand and glances over the four visitors, the unspoken question there. Just who are you people?

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony smirks quietly at the little show of defiance, even if it's so simple a matter of dressing herself. God, he'd never even think of offering help with something like that. Well, partly because she's a girl and he's a much older man and that would be hella creepy, but also because, you know, she's thirteen and she can dress herself. Good girl, he thinks to himself as she flounces off.
As for the restricted areas of the house, he nods acquiescence. He doesn't let just anyone up into his bedroom or down into his workshop either. Fair enough.
An eyebrow twitches as Connor, and not him, is offered the place of honor, but then again whatever. Lao doesn't like him and he's made that pretty clear. He moves around to take the seat to Poppy's right, instead. Again, he likes her more anyway. He resists the urge to thank the servant who brings his tea, remembering he's not supposed to acknowledge them. Just think back to your (bigger) asshole days, Stark. They're disposable people. Normally, he'd be the first to open his big mouth and explain exactly who they are, but since he's been snubbed -- and he's pretty sure Lao just intimated he already knows everything he wishes to of Mr. Tony Stark -- he looks to his companions with a blandly pleasant expression and lifted brows as if to say, Well go on.

Steve Rogers has posed:
The restrictions on not venturing into the other two wings of the house are acknowledged by Steve with a polite nod; he's curious, but he's also a guest, and doesn't want to upset our hosts - at least not beyond what may be inevitable, if he's reading their 'protectiveness' correctly. The 'forbidden' areas are probably personal rooms of the family and quarters for the servants, or some such - nothing major, certainly nothing a guest should be investigating. And while he does turn his duffle over to be put in his room, he quietly (and politely) indicates that he wants to keep the portfolio with him.
As for seating arrangements - left to his own discretion as to where to sit, Steve takes the seat at the 'bottom left' side of the table - diagonally across from Poppy Beifong and from the vacant seat between her and Lao Beifong. On the plus side, this means he can face both of them and the empty seat's eventual occupant, more or less all at once. (The minus side is that he'll be craning his neck a certain amount if he makes much conversation while eating.)
"As your daughter introduced me," he says to Lao, "my name is Steve Rogers; I'm a professional soldier who's been on detached assignment with the Union for several months now. Mr. Stark is one of my colleagues from a special unit we both worked with prior to our arrival in the Multiverse."
If Stark hasn't mentioned the Avengers to the Beifongs yet, better to be somewhat vague about just what that 'special unit' was. And if he has, how quickly they put the pieces together will add to Steve's assessment of the Beifongs - as will their reactions to finding out that this young man is indeed a soldier by trade.
And yes, he did just call Tony 'Mr. Stark' in a polite and possibly deferential tone. Hopefully Tony's ego doesn't need to be put on a diet any time soon.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony Stark is perfectly content to be addressed as 'Mr. Stark' by Captain Rogers. He knows it's not an insult coming from him. And while he didn't mention the Avengers by name, he DID claim to be a superhero on his previous visit, so...

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor suppresses the urge to snicker at the antics, this presents itself just as a small smile. Really it is kind of pathetic. Hopefully the servants won't be trying to handfeed Toph at dinner, yeesh. But he turns his attention to Lao as the other man starts to explain the layout of the house. Don't go in the western or northern wings of the house. Connor nods. "Understood, sir."
To the dining room they go! And Connor seems to be at the honor seat. He bows politely, offering, "Thank you, sir." He sits in the chair indicated. Remembering Toph's instructions he sits straight and keeps the elbows off the table.
He spares a look to the servant who pours his tea-- it's an unspoken communication thing, a look of thanks. A servant in this house is probably good at picking that sort of thing up, Connor can feel the air thick with subtext here and it sorta makes him want to squirm. He wisely stays still in his chair though. Small, elegant sip of tea. See? He can totally be formal!
Asking about him? Connor nods. "My name is Ratonhnhake:ton," he begins politely. "I have also gone by the name 'Connor', if that is easier please feel free to use that." Looking to Altair, "Altair and I are ... trouble shooters." He picked that one up from Jericho. "We involve ourselves in ... complicated social issues between differing groups and attempt to make the adjusting to each other as easy as possible for all involved." Hell of a way to spin assassinating people!

Altair has posed:
Altair doesn't eagle vision to notice the signs. The overbearing mother, not offering but imposing, her assistance to Toph when she is instructed to change attire, all but screams that these parents are not at all aware that Toph is more than capable of fending for herself despite her apparent disability. It is understandable that they would be greatly concern for their daughter's well being, particularly more so because of her blindness, caring so deeply for your daughter is a virtue that Altair can appreciate very well, considering how infrequently he has seen such a thing in his life.
However, Altair had told Toph before when they were speaking of this meeting. Could it be that Toph's parents could be /that/ blind, that they could not see Toph's true strength? Surely, anybody could see that the girl can walk without a cane and turn to address people that talk to her directly. How could anyone be in so much denial?
Even now, Altair remains quiet as he thinks of how to best approach this.
He'd also normally go directly to the forbidden areas only because he was told not to. At night, when he couldn't be seen, but he realizes that this is for Toph's sake and he wouldn't dare risk her last opportunity to make peace with her parents simply because of his own spite.
He sits in between Steve and Connor as they had practiced, also noticing the tension between Mister Beifong and Stark. He figures he will find out what happened between them at some point.
As the servants arrive, Altair attempts to also give them a glance to at the very least acknowledge their presence, liking to treat everyone as an equal. Unfortunately, Altair lacks that honest and well meaning look Connor has in his eyes, and it pretty much ends up looking like he's staring daggers at the servants. Giving them his usual +_+ look he gives everyone.
The Master... Trouble-Shooter.. nods in agreement with Connor, already playing along. "As it had been said, I am Altair ibn la'Ahad and I am the owner of the organization that deals with these complicated social matters."
"Matters that could have likely not been resolved without the aid of your daughter. She has been of much help to us, as she has to society as a whole."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony takes that opportunity to nod agreement and lift his teacup slightly in an almost-toast. "She's pretty amazing," he declares, and turns his head to aside to her mother, "I really am sorry it's taken this long for her to reach out to you. I've been working on her for a while. But you'll be so proud of the stuff she's accomplished."
Laying it on thick.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
With the three of them sitting down, some tension seems to disappear from the room. Though Poppy does glance slightly at Tony when he takes the seat next to her. Oh well, at least she doesn't seem to show any open dislike for the man unlike Lao. And while Lao doesn't seem to be enthusiastic about the others either, he does offer a nod to Steve as he explains his role in all of this. A special unit? Lao arches an eyebrow at that even as he raises the lid from his tea cup slightly, inhaling the scent of it before he takes a small sip. "I see. You are warriors." It doesn't seem as that is cause for alarm. Yet Connor's words seem to bring a smile to Poppy's face. "That sounds like a difficult task, Connor," she says with a soft smile crossing her painted lips, holding her tea cup with both hands. While Lao doesn't smile, he does nod once. Yet... neither of them seems to be able to meet Altair's unnerving gaze for more than a few seconds. Why, Poppy looks away rather quickly. And the man's words draws a frown from the master of the house. "I hardly see how Toph has knowledge about social issues," he states. If Altair's words were enough to make the man frown, then it only seems to increase when Tony speaks. Oh yes, he heard similar words last week when the billionaire superhero stopped by. "If you are going to--" His words are cut off as there is a slight thud nearby, and he and Poppy turn their heads towards the source of the noise.
"Miss, you can't! Your father will-"
The female servant's vocal protest is the only warning that the people at the dinner table get when Toph finally rejoins them... now wearing a simple hanfu dress, though the servant is carrying a shawl with her as well as some hair jewelry. And it seems that Toph hasn't been too keen on smoothing out the dress, putting it on in a hurry. The belt isn't completely straight, and the collar of the dress is uneven as well. That detail isn't missed to her parents, who glance at each other and draw silent sighs.
Who wants to bet on whether they have gone through this scenario before sometime?
The blind girl finds her seat easily enough, setting her backpack next to her chair before sitting down and reaching out for her tea cup when another servant hands sets it down in front of her. Though once she's seated, Toph seems to relax just slightly. Even when Poppy reaches out to carefully adjust the collar of her dress. Lao sighs, lacing his fingers together. "I have heard the claims. But I can't say I like the thought, especially not when you have been gone for nearly a year," he says, addressing the latter part to Toph. "After the Avatar kidnapped y--" "He didn't kidnap me," Toph interrupts, her face calm. "And if it weren't for my friends here persuading me, I wouldn't have come home to visit today."
That word doesn't seem to escape both of her parents' notice, and Poppy seems nearly shocked where she sits, with Lao blinking.
In the meanwhile, the servants begin the task of serving the first dish: cold pork dumplings and sauce.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Yum! Tony takes up the chopsticks and starts on a dumpling with gusto. As a deference to his hosts and his desire not to make things harder for Toph, he actually takes the time to chew and swallow before forming words. "Of course not, Lao Beifong," he accedes politely. "What parent WOULD want to think of their child in dangerous situations? I know I wouldn't. I'm sure if my mother were still alive she'd worry about me every day. But I think she'd also understand that this is what I need to do. Making the world a better place. Or trying, at least." He hopes that sounds humble. He doesn't do humble well. "I'm also sure she'd be pretty annoyed with me if I took off for a year with no contact," he also admits with an incline of his head. "But, that's what this is about, isn't it. Bringing people back together. Starting the healing process. I'm at your service, of course, if there's anything more I can do to help with that."
Strange, that he didn't mention his father at all. But at least he's doing the best 'humble' he can.

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor nods to both Altair's and Tony's words. "She has indeed been very important in the issues we have dealt with together. Without her help I do not know that we could have accomplished our aims as smoothly as we did." Poppy's words draw a nod as well. "It can be. This is why I am grateful for your daughter's presence." As to Toph's lack of social knowledge? "She has a no-nonsense approach that is very useful in the situations we must deal with." Vague but he's still telling the truth at least.
The thud catches his attention and he blinks. And then Toph comes back a little messy, and he chuckles. He finds it all very cute but he's fairly certain Lao won't. He inclines his head in greeting to Toph as she returns, not at all mentioning the rumpled outfit. He listens quietly to the conversation between Lao and Toph. Ah-ha, a little background! Something tells him the whole 'all baby birds must leave the nest sometime' bit isn't going to fly with Lao. So instead...
"Many of us have lost either one or both of our parents so we all felt it was important for her to reconnect with you." Sure he wasn't involved in the initial decision but he supported and agreed with her coming back to see her parents, to explain to them how she's grown.
Oooh dumplings. Toph's lessons and what he had read about the use of the chopsticks are both very useful here. Toph's lessons moreso since he got to practice, he totally has that rice thing down. So these dumplings are no problem.

Altair has posed:
If Altair is aware that he is unnerving people with his dagger like gaze, he doesn't seem to realize it, or care. It could be possible that he is wholly incapable of changing facial expressions, a big problem of his as Tony might recall ages ago when he was asking for dating tips... anyway, that is a long story for another time.
Toph enters the scene again, and Altair notices the dreary sighs from both parents, no doubt this had happened many times before. Altair eats slowly from his food using surprising good care to handle the chopsticks, though he does so whilst looking up, keeping his eyes ever focused on Toph and her parents.
"It is clear that Toph cares very deeply for you. We would never keep her from visit her home, no matter the circumstance."

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve takes another sip of tea before starting on the dumplings - which also buys him a bit of time to turn over what he's going to say next to the Beifongs. It also gives the time for some of his companions to speak ahead of him, and he takes note of what they're saying.
"Lao Beifong," he says - again, his tone polite and a little bit deferential, "I can understand your desire to keep your daughter safe and well cared-for; I'm sure I would have the same desire if I had a daughter, particularly of Toph's age. But no flower grows best under a pot; flowers and children alike need open air and sunlight, room to grow and reach for the open sky - and there is nothing that will stop Toph from continuing to grow. Her adventures thus far have only aided her growth, from what I've been fortunate enough to see since I made her acquaintance."
He takes another sip of tea, looking primarily at Lao as he sets the cup down and covers it again. He's paying attention to Toph and Poppy, though, even if out of the corner of his eye.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Between Toph's words and what Tony says, it doesn't seem as if Lao wants to believe this at first. Doesn't Tony remember the words they exchanged when he visited before? Though honestly, Lao seems to have forgotten some of them as well. When Connor joins in, Lao turns his attention to the Iroquois youth, not looking very pleased. "Doesn't it embarrass you to rely on a young girl? To endanger her?" Surely they could handle this on their own without putting his daughter in danger's way! As it is, Lao's annoyance seems to make Toph displeased in return. "I chose this for myself!" As for Tony's comment about no contact over a year, Toph sees it fit to respond to that. "It's not like I had the opportunity to write a letter..." she says while she uses her chopsticks to pick up a dumpling and dip it in sauce. And she resists the urge to push away her mother's hand when Poppy decides to brush some hair out of her face. "You should have stayed, your father and I were worried sick about you!" the woman says, not hiding the worry in her voice.
That comment seems to frustrate Toph, and she swallows her half chewed food before she speaks. "But I had to go. Aang needed me to teach him. And right now the Union needs me. You think these guys would have come here otherwise?" The blind girl gestures to the guests. Why, Connor even confirms it! It's not like they want to keep her away from her parents, it's the opposite! And Altair drives the point home, really. "I have been able to help them, and my bending is improving too, I--"
"Toph, that is enough! A war is no place for a young, blind girl!" Lao says, his voice firm as Poppy nods her agreement. Immediately Toph's face hardens, her knuckles turning white as she grips her chopsticks tighter. "Children should not be made to fight. Especially not without their parents' consent," he adds, giving the four men a look of clear disapproval, worry underlining his words. And while Rogers' words are sincere and do hold great truth, the Beifongs do not seem utterly convinced. "And you think a flower will bloom on the battle field where it will be trampled? We have tried giving Toph freedom, but that only lead to her abusing said freedom to fight in the local earthbending tournaments under our very noses." Toph slouches where she sits, narrowing her eyes. "I beat them all. And I nearly won the B bracket of the WMAT tournament last year." Clearly somebody doesn't like being compared to a flower. But yes, it's like Steve says, she has grown. And they all know it.
"I will not have you risking your life," Lao snaps, turning his attention to Toph, who seems rather tense where she sits.
The servants now begin pouring what looks to be like liquor into small cups, setting them out for the adults at the table. The smell is clearly that of strong alcohol, and not without a pleasant scent to it.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Oh, Tony remembers all of the words that passed between them on his last visit. He's just not backing down from his point. Although he does, grudgingly, have to admit that her parents have one too. She's only thirteen; and by the standards of his world at least that makes her a minor and subject to parental consent. But it's not really fair, when the parents insist on seeing even less of what's in front of their faces than their blind child.
He keeps his eyes downcast now, but speaks with determination. "I agree, it's not right for ANYONE to have to fight. But if we who can, don't, then those who can't, suffer. There's not a single member of the Union who was MADE to be there. We're all volunteers. We signed up because we have the abilities and talents to protect all of the innocent people in our sector of the 'verse. Your daughter," he glances up briefly, just a flash of steady brown eyes beneath dark lashes, "is incredibly talented. And if she hadn't volunteered -- along with so many others brave enough to make that sacrifice -- I might be dead right now. And so might hundreds of innocent people."
He pauses, takes up his booze and sniffs it -- whoa, he thought she said it would be /weak/ alcohol; good thing he can hold his liquor -- and takes a sip to clear his palate. And perhaps his thoughts as well.
"There are a lot of children like her, with... talents," he tries to explain. "We call it an 'aura'. People who are important in their respective worlds seem to have it. And because of that, we... do have a lot of kids who fight. A lot of them are orphans, or otherwise... on their own, so parental consent doesn't come up. We assume that anyone with the strength of character to have an aura, also has the awareness necessary to know what they're getting into when they sign up. In the case of your daughter's involvement, I do apologize, Lao Beifong. But the fact is, she's been with us for almost a year now, and she's proven her ability not only to fight, but to take care of herself and do the right thing, time and time again. It would be..." he searches for a word that will express the right tone, without insulting the man, and doesn't really succeed, "...foolish, not to take that into consideration."

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor raises an eyebrow at the mention of being embarrassed to rely on Toph. "Her gender makes no difference, Lao Beifong. Her skill is real. The same could be said of any here. And in the Union. I have worked with young girls who wield magic, young boys who wield weapons as artfully as a painter wields a brush, and many more. Male, female, young, old-- age and gender does not matter. What does matter is that we all support and help each other, that none of us stands alone. Including Toph." He sends a fond smile Toph's way.
Now, he keeps his voice polite and soft, but something Lao says intrigues him. As Tony speaks, he nods in agreement. And adds his own thoughts to the mix. "You believe her helpless because she is blind?" he inquires gently. "She can see better than any of us here. Can you tell me at what speed my heart is beating? She can. Can you instantly discern lies in those who speak to you? She can. Can you instantly mark an enemy force's position when they are hidden behind forests and hills? Tell how many, what kind of soldiers, and what weapons they possess? She can. Toph sees more than any of us here can."
Always keeping a polite tone as he speaks, mind. In a way it's a kind of teasing, a kind of poking at Lao in a way he can't really come back at him for. Because he's staying polite and deferential in tone, demeanor, and action. So there's nothing to be upset about. Except /WHAT/ he says, and it's delivered in so polite a tone that... well, circular reasoning-- hopefully Lao can't really object too much.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony tosses a look across the table at Connor with a little smile. Why didn't he think of that angle himself? It's all of this politeness and humility, throwing him off his game.

Steve Rogers has posed:
That could have gone better, thinks Steve as the liquor is poured; he's curious as to what it is - or rather, what it's made from - but he refrains from asking just yet. He has no compunctions about drinking; heck, he could probably drink *Tony* under the table, not to mention anyone else here (but technically he'd be cheating). However, he doesn't lift his cup just yet, finishing another dumpling, savoring the taste. And while he's doing that, Tony is still taking the frontal approach - even though it's patently obvious that Toph's father is NOT going to bend in the face of direct opposition to his way of thinking. At least, not when it's framed as arguing with his authority as Toph's father and the head of the family ...
By contrast, Connor's probably on the right track, or so Steve believes. For now, Steve sets his chopsticks down across the edge of his plate, lifting the cup of pleasant-smelling liquor that was poured, and holding it up as in a toast to the Beifongs. "Whatever else may be said or unsaid while we're here ... we deeply appreciate your hospitality during our visit, Lao Beifong. May Heaven grant you and your household continuing good health and prosperity."
Hopefully he worded that right; he waits a moment - for the toast to be answered, mainly - before sipping from his cup.

Altair has posed:
Altair admits that this situation is a lot worse than he thought at first. How could anyone make someone /that/ blind see reason? No, he's not talking about Toph here, but her parents.
Admittedly, when he first met Connor, Altair could hardly believe he was an Assassin. He was too kind, too innocent... frustrations that Achilles no doubt experienced as well when he was training the boy.
But, as time went on, Connor had truly proven himself more than enough material for the Order. And not only because of his fighting skill, but because of his honest, pure reasoning. It's a refreshing outlook, and one that Lao Beifong would be hard pressed to counter, if anything because Altair himself had often countering the young Iroquois' arguments.
Truly, Altair could have spent the entire meeting in silence and let Connor take care of it, he has only spoken so far because it would have been impolite for him not to.
The Grand Master 'Trouble-Shooter' waits for Steve to play the part of good cop for Connor before Altair gives in his two cents as well.
"Your daughter is an amazing individual, Lao Beifong. Regardless of her age and situation, to keep her to yourself would be to a great disservice to the world."
He chews on a dumpling and gulps it down, his ever so casual self.
"Indeed, keeping her here would mean to see her wither, rather than to see her full majestic blooming." Yeah, he's referring to Toph as a flower if only because that's what Lao seems to understand.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
When Tony speaks, Poppy and Lao turn their heads to look at the man. Poppy looks worried, though Lao seems more irritated with it all. At this point the servants are not slow to serve the next course on the menu, which seems to be beef, rice and fried vegetables served in a dark, rich sauce. The previous plates are taken away, and tea is refilled.
If this was the right place to speak up, perhaps Toph would have done so. But no, it's better to let her friends keep on talking. Though when her friends compliment and praise her skills, she blinks, halting in eating her food. Sure, Toph is confident in her own skills and powers, but to hear others state just what she is able to do, to not be called weak or helpless... it's truly something to hear, especially in this house. While she doesn't smile, her expression seems to ease up as they speak in turn. All while her parents listen, not really eating too much of their food right now and more occupied with hearing of these strange things. "So you have several children working with you?" Lao asks rhetorically, clearly not approving of this idea. Auras, powers and strength... the danger is still there, right? Tony's choice of words earns a disdainful snort in return. Foolish? Yet the man does not respond. Instead he glances to Connor. "I do not know where you get such preposterous ideas from." See? Toph is /blind/. "Sure, her hearing is good, but-" Somehow it's tougher to find a good response to those who keep their tone civil. And the toast that Steve suggests is something that the Beifong parents agree to, raising their cups. At least Steve hasn't been criticizing him out loud! "Thank you." Toph doesn't raise her tea cup, instead she carefully picks at her food.
Then Altair speaks, and Lao's eyes narrow. "And what will you do if my daughter /does/ get injured?" Or even worse, killed? The words are implied in his voice even as he continues, and Poppy nods her head, reaching a hand out to rest it on Toph's shoulder. "If it truly is as dangerous out there as you are saying, then even the strongest warrior will be risking their life. To be honest, I do not care for this Union of yours. Name one single thing that Union has done for me an--"
"The Bohai mines."
The man blinks as Toph speaks up, raising her head slightly. "They helped take back the Bohai mines. And they will help us against the Fire Nation while the Avatar gets ready to defeat the Fire Lord," Toph adds. "And..." She sighs, her expression serious. "They keep me safe too. It's not like I'm fighting alone, and they help me get stronger so--"
The dishes and glasses on the table clatter as Lao slams his fist down, fastening a determined glare on Toph, his voice slightly raised. "I will not have you out there where you can be killed!" A few seconds pass, and Toph blinks, her jawline tightening before she abruptly pushes herself up from her chair and away from the table.
"You sit down!" Lao orders, rising as well, even as Toph walks over to the other end of the room. Poppy turns in her seat, worry on her face. "Toph?" Only to gasp when the blind earthbender reaches out to grab a decorative metal vase that's on a table.
Then, with as much defiance in her expression as she can muster, she turns around to face her parents... and crushes the vase in her hands. Silence reigns as the two Beifongs stare in shock, eyes wide.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony has a good intuitive feel for the business of negotiation, and he can tell this isn't going well. Maybe humility isn't his thing after all. Maybe he really should just do some face punching and... no, no, he doesn't want to fuck this up for Toph if there's any way to salvage her relationship with her parents. He grits his teeth and silences himself, resisting the urge to keep arguing. Lao clearly needs to feel that he's in control here, and continually challenging him won't help with that.
And so Stark offers no quip, no told-you-so, indeed no explanation at all as Toph decides to demonstrate her newfound skill in possibly the most dramatic way available at the moment.
Atta girl, he thinks. Show them you're your own person, not their toy to boss around.
Outwardly, he merely scoops up some rice on his chopsticks, using the wrist motion she showed him the other day, and calmly enjoys the meal. Toph's abilities speak for themselves. Lao Beifong doesn't want to listen to him; maybe he'll take notice of this instead.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve sits up straighter as Toph demonstrates metalbending - and he has to hope that the vase wasn't irreplaceably precious or expensive, but it's on Toph if it *was* (and she can't set it right). On the other hand, if she deliberately crushed an expensive vase, well ... she DID choose the vase.
"Lao Beifong," he says quietly, "your daughter's strength is unique. If she chooses to join us on the battlefield, I doubt there's any force that can stop her, except for her own choice. If you continue trying to hold her close against her will, to deny her the freedom to pursue the life she has chosen ... you will force her to make a terribly painful decision, one that nobody, adult or child, man or woman, should be forced to make. But rest assured, any of us would stake our lives to save Toph Beifong's own, just as surely as she stakes her life for our sake."
He follows Tony's lead, using his chopsticks (with the same wrist motion Toph taught them) to pick up some rice from the plate that was just served, and watches the elder Beifongs for their reaction as he takes that bite of food ...

Altair has posed:
After that, is there anything really that could be said to Toph's dad?
Not only do the men she had brought along constantly remind him of Toph's true strength, her strength as a warrior, but Toph clearly does not enjoy being locked up inside her own house in the least. Lao Beifong will just have to accept that his daughter is a fighter, and ultimately, that realization can be done by no one but himself.
Like Tony, Altair feels he can just let the situation explain itself. He munches quietly on the beef while Toph proceeds to break stuff to prove a point.
Hyep.

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor lets Lao get his little fit out, having recognized the rising anger. The Iroquois is silent for a moment, long enough for Toph to get up from her seat. He frowns, worried for a moment that she has had all she is going to take from her father and has given up. And then she goes over to ... crush a metal vase. Connor smiles.
"You see?" he replies, turning to look at Lao again. "I have seen her do everything that I said, sir. And more," Connor replies. "She is no mere earthbender. She uses it like your ... badgermoles?" Looking to Toph to confirm the name, "Is that what they are called, Toph?" Once confirmation is given, "And you see that she can ... metalbend." Yay for studying Toph's world. "I have seen Toph, and the Union as a whole, do many amazing things. But this." He indicates the vase-- no pointing, though! He indicates it with a wave of his hand. "This is something I have never seen before. I have never seen people who call upon metal and make it bend to their will as your daughter does. From what I am told this is even an amazing thing in your world as well?" Defering to Lao this time for twofold purpose. First they have spent a lot of their time talking AT him, it's time to let him get in the conversation instead of pushing at him from outside it. Second it rather FORCES him to verbally acknowledge that Toph has done an AMAZING THING, by Lao's own world's standards no less. Steve's words get a nod from Connor and he adds, "I would rather see her able to count on your support as well." Unsaid is, 'rather than relegating Lao to a part of her life she regrets'.
There's a second angle they can use too if Lao still stubbornly insists upon keeping Toph locked in a tower like a fragile maiden. And he regards Lao with that same polite gaze he's had the whole time. "I should mention, sir. Toph has asked us to help her with matters in her world. If Toph is no longer with the Union ... it is likely they would remove their soldiers from this world, so as not to interfere any more than her people ask."
The implication is clear. What would happen to their world if the Union left while the Fire Nation was still active? Furthermore, what would happen to Toph in such a situation? Lao probably knows without Connor having to tell him-- Toph would go fight, with or without her father's consent.
Except she would be alone.
Hopefully Lao has the intelligence to realize that much at least.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
It's only when the Elites speak that the silence between the three Beifongs seem to be broken, and Poppy stammers, grasping her hands in front of her mouth. "T-Toph...?" Lao seems stunned, mouth agape as Toph lets the broken vase fall and clatter to the earthen floor. He then turns towards Steve. "But...!" he says, his eyes once again drawn to the vase before he looks at his daughter, who seems to do her best at glaring straight ahead in her parents' direction.
And Steve continues pointing out the truth, even if he never states it directly. And no matter the comraderie, the loyalty that the Avenger speaks, the worry and shock seems to still be present there as the two stare. Likewise, the servants are now also muttering amongst themselves.
At Connor's question Toph nods her head once. While her parents do not nod in confirmation that what Toph just did is unique, their expressions should say enough. And when Connor points out that there will be consequences to this world if the Union is to withdraw its support? Lao's face pales slightly, and he and his wife grab at each other's hands, casting each other worried glances.
"I learned how to metalbend," Toph finally says. "Which is why the Union needs me, and why I don't intend to be locked up for another twelve years!" Those are her final words before she turns and marches out the door.
Again there is some shocked silence left behind, and Lao swallows, tightening his grip on Poppy's hand. Then he turns to glare at Connor. And perhaps regretting giving him that place to sit for the dinner. "The servants will show you to your quarters."
Looks like dinner is over early.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Well, Tony's glad he chowed down on those dumplings while he had the chance. Not wanting to appear rushed or disgruntled, he doesn't try to shovel a few last bites of the second course into his mouth; just sets down his chopsticks and defiantly gives the servant who comes to take his plate away a tiny nod of appreciation. He even remembers to burp. Politely, of course. He rises from his seat and takes up his travel bag, and ponders the merits of having Jarvis fly in some fruit or something with one of the Mk 42 gauntlets. Meh. He's gone on far less before this.
"Good night," he addresses the Beifongs formally, as if Lao hadn't just thrown a temper tantrum, and allows a servant to show him where he'll be sleeping.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Rather than trying to shove more food down while he has the chance, Steve simply swallows the next bite he had in his chopsticks before setting them down. He does, however, finish the cup of whatever liquor this is - he may have to ask; not having to worry about getting drunk means he drinks strictly for social purposes and flavor. "Thank you," he says politely to Lao as he rises to his feet. "May you sleep peacefully and have pleasant dreams, when you retire for the night."
He may not believe in turning the other cheek, in the strictest sense of the word, but Steve Rogers isn't about to let entirely justifiable anger from his host put him off his stride, or provide an excuse for rudeness.
(... well, ruder than neglecting to burp in appreciation for the meal. Oops.)

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor nods as Lao calls an end to dinner. He stands from his chair and bows politely to Toph's father. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lao Beifong. Pleasant dreams to you both."
... Oooh Connor is SO MEAN, making Lao think of what would happen if the Union left and then wishing them pleasant dreams. Even if he wasn't rude or mean in words, tone, or deed it's still kind of mean. But then ... this is what happens when your dad is a Brit with a sense of humor and wit you could slice a pineapple open on and your mother is a brutally honest native woman who'd just as soon punch someone for being asinine as talk to them.
He pauses to listen to something that Altair says to him quietly, and answers with a nod and a quiet murmur of his own in return. So true. And then he too follows the servant to his quarters, back straight and head high. Yup he stands by everything he said.

Altair has posed:
Altair on the other hand is not as subtle, ironically, in hiding his displeasure. After exchanging a few whispers with Connor, the Master (not)Assassin finishes the food he had on his chopsticks and raises with that ever stoic expression. Except this time, the eyebrows are pointedly more furrowed. He leaves with the others in silence overhearing what they might say. Honestly, they need a game plan for this, he has half his mind to try to do a huddle.

Radio chatter has posed:
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong lets out a long sigh. "That could have gone better. Though I guess it could have gone worse too."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Altair hms.
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Corvo Attano hms?
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Steve Rogers says, "Sorry if I could have done better for your benefit, Toph."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Eh?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Steve Rogers says, "Visiting Toph's family."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "No, you guys did well. I'm sorry my dad still has a stick up his ass."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "...oh."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "I see."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Perhaps I should go see them."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Altair says, "In all truthfulness Toph, do you really think your parents will understand?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Steve Rogers says, "I ... think they're about as hospitable as can be expected at this point."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Steve Rogers says, "More guests might make things worse"
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Altair says, "It would appear that we could bring all the evidence in the Multiverse and they would still not listen."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "At least he seems to listen more to you guys than to me."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Trust me, Captain. I know what I am doing."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "He's not listening to us at all. We can back you up, Toph, but you're the one who's gonna have to convince him in the end I think."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Anyway, I think that was a decent start. It didn't come to blows. I think your mom's more willing to listen to reason. Maybe we can catch her for a private talk without your dad looming over us."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Altair says, "No, Stark, not even Toph can force his mind to change."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Altair says, "That realization ultimately has to come from him."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Altair says, "But, yes, it is a good start."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Altair is correct."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Altair says, "The dumplings were good."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong mumbles. "Maybe... and I'll sneak some more food over to you guys later once the servants leave the kitchen."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Altair says, "Thank you."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Thanks for coming with, guys. I'll make it up to you."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Altair says, "Anything we can do to help."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "We are here for you."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Steve Rogers says, "Any time, Toph. Thank you for inviting us over."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Steve Rogers says, "... and help me remember to ask your father what the liquor was. I might want to buy some before we leave."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "See you guys in a bit. I think I smelled some of the shrimp. Those are usually very good. And that was baijiiu."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong yawns tiredly. "Oh well, at least I'll sleep in my own bed for the first time later. Catch you tomorrow, Union."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Good night."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "First I'll sneak off to the kitchens though. So I'll turn off my radio so the servants don't catch me."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Maya says, "Night Toph"
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Rarity says, "Rest well dahling."

Day 2

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
There is one thing that isn't too good about being in the east wing. Any late sleepers would have their ambitions disturbed as the sun rises on the horizon, gentle rays of sunlight intruding on any sleepy eyes. But then again, some of the present company might be used to waking with the sun.
The household is certainly up early, with the servants ready to tend to the guests of the young lady Beifong. Even if Lao seemed tempted to throw the lot out the previous night, Connor will still be greeted after he has gotten ready in the morning. The rooms have indeed been very comfortable and luxurious, even if the four men had to make due with two bedrooms, one combined living room and one bathroom. It is nonetheless more luxurious than most people will ever live in their lives.
Breakfast will be served there, with the excuse that the master and mistress of the house have already eaten and that Lao Beifong is occupied with other matters at the moment. But Connor is still free to roam the estate except for the northern and the western wing. The area is large enough as it is, with the gardens spreading out with the occasional guard here and there.

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor is indeed used to waking up with the sun. Besides that he is not likely to have slept very long anyway, the results of his 'trouble-shooting' often come back to haunt him in dreams. Particularly so close to his father's death. Second death actually. And both by his hand. This is another reason he had chosen to share accommodations with Altair instead of Steve or Tony (well that and he does not really know either of them well enough to share quarters). Because his nightmares kind of embarrass him.
Anyway. Getting ready is easily done, he dresses in one of the other Chinese outfits he brought with him, this one black with gold accents. But as he makes to use the cosmetics that will cover his tattoos ... he pauses. After the verbal beating they had all given Lao the previous day it seems unfair of Connor to hide this from Toph's parents. So he puts them away unused and then makes to go face Lao and Poppy again.
Except ... they are not there. This does not really surprise Connor though he is disappointed, he wants to apologize for the tagteam tactics. But with the master and mistress of the house gone, Connor can properly acknowledge the servants-- maybe even chat with them so long as he does not keep them from their duties. He is a lot nicer and more informal than he appeared at dinner.
And after breakfast he will find his way out to the gardens. Being rather an outside type himself he does not like to be cooped up either. In this he agrees with and understands Toph. For the time being he wanders the garden, exploring the place. No fancy parkour moves here.
Not yet anyway.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The markings on Connor's face causes some of the servants to look at him a bit strangely, though it doesn't seem to cause them great concern. Perhaps it's added in with the pleasant demeanor he displays. And it does seem that even if it does surprise them that the young assassin wants to talk, they do respond, wishing him a good meal and a fine day.
The gardens are large and do offer the opportunity for long strolls in a nice and calm environment. Sure, there aren't as many trees about as a forest, but there's still life all around. Birds chirp merrily in the trees, insects can be seen buzzing and crawling around. Perhaps the most peculiar thing that Connor spots however are the strange ducks near the pond, as they have turtle shells on their back. But at least they do not seem to mind him, even wandering around him, quacking away before they decide to go for a swim among the large, colourful koi fish that inhabit the pond itself. Why yes, this seems like quite the peaceful place.
At least until a familiar sound comes from near a hill leading up to the shrine.
"Toph, be careful!"
"It's not about to topple, mom. Now just watch!"
The voices should be easily recognized as well, and then found if Connor heads over to near the small hill. There, standing a bit away and dressed in her usual heavy robes, her hair overly adorned with fresh flowers, the very image of sophistication, stands Poppy. Her expression is somewhat worried as she watches her daughter, clad in a simple hanfu dress today, and it looks like the mother has at least been permitted to help Toph with getting the hair away from her face. Overall, this should be a look that Connor hasn't seen on the girl before. Toph herself is in the middle of a kata, pushing her right hand up and forward, raising her left leg as a spike shoots up. It looks like Poppy is about to say something, but the blind girl speaks up first as she sets her foot down and uses her raised right hand to wave in Connor's direction. "Heya! You up already?" Yes, there is no sneaking up on her.
Her mother blinks, looking surprised as she spots Connor. "Oh... good morning."

Connor Kenway has posed:
The sound of the voices get his ear to twitch slightly, briefly, and he heads in the direction of the sounds. He remains quiet as he catches sight of Toph and Poppy. Because yes, he knows that Toph can 'see' him, he wants Poppy to see that Toph can 'see' him though. He is an Assassin and so knows how to sneak up on people. Particularly if they have no training against it (Connor assumes Poppy does not).
"Good morning to you both," he greets with a smile after Poppy has acknowledged him. "Practice? I hope I have not interrupted you, Toph."
He also offers a low, apologetic bow to Poppy. "I apologize most sincerely for the conversation over dinner last night," he offers. "I realize that it may have seemed as though we were 'ganging up' on Lao Beifong. This was not my intention and I apologize that we made it seem like that."
Notably he does not admit to lying, exaggerating, or otherwise bending the truth. Because he was not.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The Beifong matriarch was told by Connor that Toph could see far more than normal do, but it's one thing to be told something and then seeing it for herself. She blinks, looking between her daughter and the Iroquois brave. And she does cant her head slightly as she sees the markings on his face. Are those... tattoos?
"Nah, I'm just showing mom some of my bending. Since she wasn't there to see me defeat those seven benders right before I ran away last year," Toph explains. Somehow, it looks like Poppy looks nervous and uncomfortable at Toph admitting that her absence during this year was voluntary. But she turns her attention to Connor soon enough when he apologizes for what happened at the dinner the previous night.
"I know it wasn't your intention," she sighs, turning her head to look at Toph, who crosses her arms across her chest with a serious look on her face. "I know that my husband can be very stubborn. What we do is for Toph's sake. It always has been." Those words however does make Toph sigh, turning to kick a small rock off to the side. "I'm not six years old any more. You and dad have to realize that."
At least the group should know where Toph gets her stubbornness from.

Connor Kenway has posed:
"Only seven?" Connor appears to be teasing Toph a little. Though the chuckle is clear enough, yes he is only teasing her. More seriously, "This art you practice is very strange to me. Yet I hear others can bend other elements as well? You truly are an earth shaman, as the Huron said."
Ah but then Poppy speaks. For Toph's sake eh? Connor pauses to collect his thoughts. It may look like for the moment that he has ceded. But he has not.
Finally, Connor begins, "With respect, Poppy Beifong." He has not been told how to address Poppy and since full names appear to be the order of the day he uses this. Can't hurt, right? Besides with what he's about to say, extra politeness is going to be needed. Which is why he keeps his voice polite. "What you and Lao Beifong do is for the sake of the image of Toph that no longer exists. You do what do you to hold that image of little Toph, no taller than this--" He places a hand at about knee level. "-- Close to you. That Toph no longer exists. She is older, and has overcome the boundaries of her disability.
"I understand why. But that is why she is here again. She wishes to show you how she has grown, how she has overcome her limitations. And rather than be proud that she has done so ... she is expected to return to the 'blind, helpless little girl' she has always believed to have been. All her efforts passed over like so much rubbish."
Pause, Connor tilts his head. "Do you see now why she left?"

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony can get up with the sun; he just prefers not to. Still, his rumbling stomach from the abbreviated meal last night in combination with the rays that creep over his face and don't respond to his usual, "Jarvis, dim the lights," rolls him out of bed in due course. He's pleased to find that Pepper recalled the difficulty in acquiring coffee on their last stay, and packed a travel Keurig among his locale-appropriate clothing. Being a naturally generous (or one might argue, careless) person with his wealth, he'll casually invite his fellow Elites to help themselves if they want. The coffee helps a lot, in combination with a bellyful of dumplings and a quick wash and shave.
Then, clad once more in loose-fitting silks somewhat more reminiscent of the martial art he practices than of the opulent nobility that surrounds, he ventures out of the guest house to see what's to be seen. It's a little weird, not having Jarvis to tell him exactly what's going on everywhere on the estate; but though he does have a line to his AI majordomo in his codec implant, Stark Industries doesn't have satellite coverage of this part of the multiverse and so he's a bit limited. Time to rely on his own five senses. Tony stands still in a beam of sunlight, closes his eyes, drawing a deep breath of the fresh morning air, and methodically relaxes his muscles, just listening to the birdsong until the distinct sound of earthbending reaches his ears. He's gotten quite familiar with that sound since becoming Toph's SO.
"Morning," he calls out, as he mounts the small hill to join the little gathering.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
It shouldn't surprise Connor that Toph reaches out and punches him in the arm at his teasing. If you dish it out, you better be prepared to accept a response from the earthbender! But it should be clear from her expression that she isn't offended. No, she knows that Connor doesn't see her as a helpless little kid. Though she has her moments of weakness, she's doing her best to overcome them.
For now Poppy is the one who responds to Connor's comment about Toph's bending. "Toph is the first earthbender in our family in some generations now," she informs him, looking a bit concerned. "And since we didn't want her to accidentally hurt herself, we hired a teacher for her. And because it seemed to make her happy..." To which Toph sighs. "I told you that I love being a bender. It..." The blind girl hesitates slightly. "It's what I truly enjoy in life, and what I feels defines /me/."
At least it seems like Toph can talk with her mother without either of them raising their voices. Connor's words as well does seem to be understood, though accepted with a little more difficulty. Poppy blinks, not hiding her worried look. "If you have children of your own, you will learn just how hard it is to forget those early memories. And Toph had more difficulties than other children growing up." The woman reaches a hand out to brush it along her daughter's head, and the young girl only lets out a sigh, her own expression one of slight irritation.
As Connor continues talking, Poppy nods. "I know... Toph asked me to follow her here so she could show me her bending. I have to admit, I did not see all of her lessons with her earthbending master." "I never showed what I could do during those lessons anyway," Toph begins, only to blink when her feet catches the shape of another person joining them by the shrine. "Goldie!"
With the arrival of the other Union Elite Poppy turns her head, blinking before offering a polite nod to Tony. "Good morning," she offers, still not looking like she's comfortable with all this talk of fighting and the multiverse. But at least she's polite and calm about it.

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor looks up as he hears Tony speak. He nods in greeting. "Good morning," he offers in return. He has not bothered to apply the cosmetics that would hide the marks on his face so they are on full display now. "Did you sleep well, sir?" Technically Tony is his superior officer too right? Connor being a Last Chancer and all.
He also offers a startled 'oof' at the punch to the arm. Toph has a pretty good punch, and it is definitely enough to feel. Though he too chuckles, clearly he is not upset at the punch. He has been known to be a little rough with those he calls friends himself.
However to Poppy he nods. "I do understand, after a fashion. My organization cares for several orphaned children, and I myself have five ... trainees that I see to." He can't call them 'assassin recruits' in front of Poppy. "So I do know something of what you must be feeling. But if you hug someone about the neck too tightly, they suffocate. And a prison is still a prison, no matter how luxurious. Or how well-intentioned."
He pauses to rub his chin. "I have an idea. I have certain ... skills. With your permission, Poppy Beifong, I would like to help your daughter make a stronger demonstration of her skills." He adds quickly, "At no risk to her or anyone else here of course."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony raises his hands, left fist into right palm before his breast, and bows respectfully to the matriarch. This is the feminine form of the salute, which he's been taught to exercise in general, as the founder of Wing Chun was a woman, but also appropriate in this case. Truth be told he's relieved to see that it's just her, and not Lao, out and about with Toph in the garden. She seems a lot more tractable to their crazy Western notions like 'letting Toph make her own decisions'.
Connor being a Last Chancer means he's not allowed to acknowledge his direct superiority in the chain of command, but 'sir' is innocent enough and a common mode of address to the billionaire industrialist. "Like a baby," he declares, and the caffeine in his veins lets him be convincing at that. He favors Toph's mother with one of his dazzling smiles. "The hospitality of your estate is both generous and very appreciated."
He has no corrections to make to Connor's assessment of gilded cages, but his eyebrows do pop up a little bit in interest of a demonstration. "Can I help?" he asks. Truth be told he might just be a little eager to show off his proficiency in front of actual Chinese people. Too much humility makes Tony Stark a restless boy.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The greeting from Tony is something that Poppy know how to handle, and she inclines her head in turn with a soft smile grazing her lips. "I am glad you are making yourselves comfortable," she says in response to his comment about the hospitality they have been shown. And why, it even sounds like she is completely sincere when she says it as well. Indeed, Toph's mother seems to be more inclined to listen to the guests. And Toph seems less tense than she was last night. Even if she's wearing a dress.
It does look like Poppy is a bit disapproving of the punch Toph gave Connor, though she doesn't say anything. As Connor explains about the children at Alamut she seems to consider this. "It is different when it's your own child, I do hope you realize that, Connor." Having her home being called a prison though, that seems to startle her. Toph however nods in agreement. "I can't stay here forever, mom. Not when people need me..." And she needs the freedom herself.
Connor's suggestion does cause the mother and daughter to turn their attention towards him however, and Toph blinks. "What were you thinking of?" Oh yes, she does /not/ mind showing off what she can do. Which might just be what her parents need in order to see that she's capable of handling dangerous situations. In contrast, Poppy does look like she isn't too eager for this, even if Connor does state that this isn't dangerous. But eventually she nods, looking between Connor and Tony. "Do you have those strange abilities they say people from the other worlds have...?" she inquires, raising her sleeve in front of her mouth.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony laughs easily. "In my world, the abilities of your benders are considered the strange and amazing ones, Poppy Beifong. But no -- I can't speak for Connor here, but any 'abilities' I have are up here," he taps his temple with one finger. "Of course that's all I /need/," he explains, some of the ego poking through. "I design the technology that lets me fight. And fly," he adds, since that's kind of a big part of it to him. "As well as the tech that lets Toph read printed text. Though she had to learn the translations herself," he gives credit where due, with a grin. "Captain Rogers, now, he's got some powers. But I try not to hold it against him." Silly Cap, needing powers to hang with him on the same level.
He decides it would be best not to mention the arc reactor in his chest at this time, since it's covered by tunic and undershirt and would probably only upset her in addition to being difficult to explain. As a 'power' or otherwise.

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor nods to Tony's question. "I was going to ask your assistance as well," he confirms. To Poppy's assertation of it being different with his own child, he nods. "I do know," he says quietly, his voice is sympathetic. He knows it's hard. But it's got to happen. If they don't let Toph be her own person she's going to cut them out of her life.
As for what he has in mind? "First I would like to demonstrate that Toph's sight is indeed all that has been said of it. If all that has been said is true she should not need sight to know exactly where I am." And since Tony explained his own abilities, Connor supplies, "My abilities come from animal spirits-- Wolf, Eagle, and Bear. One of these abilities is to disappear from sight. I will use that and then walk unseen in the area. Toph should be able to find me when you cannot."
He has got more, too. "Then I will approach Mister Stark with intent to tag him with a hand. Toph, will you point me out to Mister Stark so that he may deflect the tag?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
What a weird idea! Poppy blinks as Tony points out that people from other worlds consider bending strange and amazing. "Bending is a part of the culture of the four nations, although the air nomads are all but wiped out save for the Avatar," she says. Though she does pay attention when Tony does what he does best, letting his ego shine brilliantly. "Oh, you're an inventor?" When he states he can fly however, Poppy blinks in surprise. Only to have Toph nod besides her. "He flies." That reminds her, she should show her mom how she reads later. Which might also be a point in Tony's favour, since they have been told that he is supervising her in the Union.
It's a bit easier to understand the concept of spirits for Poppy, who nods her head slightly. "So there are spirits in your world as well?" But as Toph did at first, the Beifong matriarch seems confused at the animal names. A wolfbat? A platypus bear? A snakeeagle? But she doesn't ask, merely nod. At least the demonstration /sounds/ safe enough. Toph too agrees with this and nods her head, stepping forward as she cracks her knuckles. "I'll keep quiet until I realize that you are going to tag Goldie then," she nods, signaling that she is ready.

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor also confirms, "Mister Stark does indeed fly. The machines he creates are strange and wonderful. I have not seen such things as he creates." His words are simple but he means what he says. Totally not trying to suck up to Tony either, he's completely serious. As for spirits in his world Connor nods to that. "Animal spirits, yes. Though if the badgermoles are any indication, the animals from my world may be a bit different than here."
He also suggests to Toph, "You could also raise a small bit of earth in the direction I approach from and Mister Stark could watch for that. Not enough to trip over, but enough to see."
Then he pauses. Takes a breath and closes his eyes for a moment. The concentration is at least something that may be familiar to Poppy and Toph-- intense concentration is needed for bending right? Connor calls to his powers. As he begins to move into a crouch, his image shimmers ... and then finally fades from view entirely.
He is very hard for sighted people to see like this. If he moves quickly he is barely visible as a distortion like a heat mirage. But he moves slowly. He also still leaves footprints like this. Which is why he makes for rocks and things that do not procude footprints when he walks upon it. Toph however... will note not a thing has changed about him. Well his heart is beating faster and his breathing is a little heavier. The powers take a toll on him after a while. But except for the fact that he is crouching and walking slowly in a predatory stalking posture Connor will register to Toph near exactly as he always has.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"With my equipment," Tony clarifies again, with false modesty. "Of course anyone can fly with an airplane or a balloon, but mine's a little more personal and... faster, than that. And it's made from a titanium-gold alloy, hence your daughter's charming nickname for me," he adds wryly. "But yeah, I'm pretty much THE name in engineering back home. And... in some other worlds now, too." He stops short of mentioning he's part of the mythic pantheon of at least one.
To further the demonstration of his trust in Toph's ability, he closes his own eyes to remove any chance he might catch a telltale sign of Connor, and adopts a relaxed posture, hands raised slightly on guard, ready to snap a block in whatever direction she indicates.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
These men are indeed strange, that much Poppy can realize by the items they have, the way they speak and dress... and also by how they make such claims about her own daughter. But when Connor displays one of his powers? The effect is immediate. The woman gasps, clutching one hand to her mouth as she peers around the area. Where did he go? Toph however never loses 'sight' of the assassin, and she breathes calmly. Oh yes, she knows where he is, every step he takes on the ground is not lost to her sensitive feet. But she does also note his heartbeat and his breath. It clearly takes a lot for him to use those powers he gained from his sky journeys.
"Here only the airbenders have been the ones to fly," Poppy says to Tony, even as she tries catching sight of Connor, keeping close to Toph and wrapping one arm around the girl's shoulders. Yes, this is is sort of uncomfortable. What if there are bad people out there with that sort of power? Sure, the friends her daughter brought with her do seem honest and trustworthy even if her husband doesn't like them, but... there must be dangerous people in the multiverse as well.
For now, Toph waits, patient as Connor stalks towards Tony... at least until she raises her hand, stabbing it forward twice with extended fingers, though she does twist her wrist. The effects are immediate.
One small pillar rises right in front of Connor, and at the same time Tony should feel something bumping against the side of his sole. Towards the side that Connor is approaching him from.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony grins, eyes still closed. "I can show you later, if you want." He'd even take her for an aerial tour of the grounds if she'd let him. "Toph isn't too keen on it herself; of course she needs to have her feet on the ground to see."
He had been expecting something more along the lines of an audible call-out, but then again of COURSE Toph would use earth as her mode of communication. He shifts his weight forward as he turns into the nudge, his hands coming up in a sweeping motion to catch and deflect the anticipated touch. He really has come quite a way from his initial boxing lessons with Happy; superheroing has forced him to actually learn how to move in a fight.

Connor Kenway has posed:
The small pillar of earth is short enough for him to swing over-- and also visible enough that Poppy can see it. And as the bumping of Tony's foot with the earthen 'poke' has the man turning to meet Connor's punch the Iroquois becomes visible again ... AFTER he throws the punch. Between Tony's eyes being closed and the fact that Connor did not become visible until after he threw the punch there was no way Tony could have seen it Toph had to have warned him.
And it was totally a punch ... definitely not a gentle slap. Not hard enough to cause injury mind-- no Bear Strength here. The punch is about the same strength as Toph's when she is teased, playful but still strong enough to feel.
Though Tony's expert turn and deflect pushes the punch away from him before it can make contact. "Good!" Connor compliments, it is aimed at both Tony and Toph. Then he retreats and shimmers out of sight again to circle Tony again. After all Poppy saw her daughter's earthbending abilities first hand at the table and it did not convince her. A single experiment is probably not going to get through. She needs to see it a few times. Connor has that much in him at least.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Show her later? At that Poppy blinks twice before she nods her head. Well, them showing her what they are able to do shouldn't be bad, right? "That would be acceptable."
Sure, Toph /could/ say something in the lines of 'behind you to your right' or something like that. But why not be more precise with it? Toph nods in satisfaction when Tony manages to intercept the attack from Connor. To her it's so weird to think that they can't see him, when he is just as easy to see for her. Then again, they probably can't imagine living without sight. It's all about what you are used to. Perhaps this demonstration can help show her mother that she can indeed compensate for her blindness. As expected, Poppy lets out a gasp, though there is a surprised and half impressed look on her face. She never saw Connor approach Tony, nor did she hear him. Her other hand tightens its grip on Toph's shoulder somewhat before she looks down at the blind girl, as if she's trying to come to terms with all of this.
Again Connor circles and begins sneaking up on Tony, and Toph waits, measuring each step the Iroquois takes. Again she raises her hand, repeating the motion though at a different angle, causing another small bump to knock against Tony's shoe while a small pillar rises in front of Connor. "As long as people are connected to the ground, I can feel them with my bending. I don't know what it looks like to you, but I can 'see' Connor just as easily as I can 'see' you, mom," the earthbender explains, waiting for Tony to block the incoming attack.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony swivels to bring up the same blocking motion on the new side. It has to be a fairly generic sweep, since he can't see Connor's specific method of attack to block and counter more effectively; all he knows is that he's coming from that angle.

Connor Kenway has posed:
Thud! Again Tony's block intercepts the punch aimed at him before it can hit. It is the same kind of blow as before, Connor also becomes visible again after the throws the punch. "Good block." This one aimed more at Tony. But not to worry, Connor has something special in mind for Toph. As he darts back from Tony again Connor once more becomes invisible. But instead of circling Tony ...
... He heads in Toph's direction! He approaches from the side that Poppy is not on. And he gives a thumbs-up as he nears, he is indicating to Toph that everything is all right and that he has this in hand. His heartbeat shows he is feeling some serious strain from the power usage though, he will have to stop soon.
Anyway as he reaches Toph this time it is less a punch and more a reach to touch her arm. Bad enough that he's going to end up becoming visible RIGHT NEXT TO Poppy. The poor woman would probably have a heart attack if Connor actually tried to PUNCH Toph!

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Again Tony manages to use her cues to block Connor's attack, and Toph nods yet again. "We could probably use this in battle sometime somehow," she says, feeling how her mother stiffens next to her at the very thought of the blind earthbender actually being in a fight. It's a good thing she hasn't been around to see some of the fights Toph has been in, huh?
Even as Connor goes invisible with the stealth cloak, Toph is ready to alert Tony again... only to blink slowly when she notices Connor walking towards her. But she doesn't turn her head, doesn't indicate to Tony that he's not the target this time. Surpressing the urge to chuckle, Toph remains still and quiet, only reaching her hand out to grab at Connor's wrist when he reaches out to touch her. And as the man becomes visible to the naked eye once more, Poppy lets out a surprised gasp, pulling Toph close against her, staring wide eyed at the assassin when he's suddenly there. Though she does notice how it's Toph who has grabbed his wrist, and not vica versa. Indeed, if he had tried to punch Toph, her reaction would most likely have been more prominent. Instead she looks shocked, holding Toph against her, even as the blind girl pushes with her free hand at her mother's chest. "Mom, it's okay! Connor wouldn't hurt me anyway." She lets go of his wrist, then turns her attention towards Tony. "You should show mom the suit though." Then she can see that there are dependable people who are watching her back out there.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony opens his eyes at the sound of Poppy's gasp, and he too realizes, belatedly, what Connor did. He smirks. "I'll show her the suit when you show her how you can read," he counters. "Poppy--" he's feeling less formal in this setting and drops the last name without really thinking about it as he offers, "if you'd care to write something down so you can be sure it's not a setup...? --Actually, maybe you'd like to weigh in on some suggested reading material. I've been giving her childrens' books with lots of digging and caves in them." But surely there's some local literature her parents would like her to study. Once they're convinced she can actually read it.

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor chuckles as he becomes visible again, with Toph having taken hold of his wrist. Retrieving his wrist from Toph's grip he takes a step back and bows politely to Poppy. "I apologize ... for startling you." His voice is a little wheezy. And sure enough when he straightens there is a pained undertone to his polite expression. Toph may not be able to see his face but then again she does not need to-- the tensed muscles at Connor's sides and the quivering of the muscles at his solar plexus are both telltale signs that he probably pushed it just a little too hard.
He coughs a little but leaves his hand before his mouth for a moment as he politely turns so Poppy won't see him wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth.
Gruesome maybe ... but he's doing better than Nasrin when she pushed her own power, Connor's kept his breakfast down! Even if it is hard to do.
Once he has composed himself he turns again to the group. "I have not seen how this is managed," he notes of Toph's ability to read. He doesn't doubt her, he simply has not seen the method that she uses to read.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Toph turns her head slightly towards Connor, listening intently. The tense muscles there are noticed, and she hears his breathing. Is it that taxing to use the powers he was given? But she keeps quiet, figuring that perhaps it's better to discuss it with him privately instead.
There it is again, the mention of reading. Poppy seems slightly taken aback when Tony refers to her in a more familiar manner, but she collects herself quickly. Write something? "I guess I could do that..." But when Tony asks for suggested reading material and talks more about it, she looks somewhat pleasantly surprised. "You are serious about this?" Then again, Toph lets out a slight groan. He's going to make her read /boring/ stuff? Then again, this is hardly the time to protest, now is it? This too is something to talk with Tony about later if he thinks she should read boring stuff. Instead she raises her hand. "I'll go get the glove..." Not without a slightly exasperated tone to her voice though.
Poppy watches Toph walk off towards the northern part of the estate, then she gestures for Tony and Connor to follow her. "Let us walk to one of the sitting rooms, there is paper and ink there." So the lady of the house leads the way, heading inside the southern wing, and then makes her way to one of the rooms near the audience chamber where Tony went on his first visit here. The room isn't all that large, and there is a low table there where Poppy sits down, reaching out to grab some paper and some ink that seems to be kept ready. Her left hand grabs her right sleeve, pulling it back as she dips the pencil in ink... and then expertly begins writing down some Chinese characters. "How much do you want me to write, Tony Stark?" she asks, glancing over at him even as she continues writing. She too can't help but be curious. How is her blind girl supposed to read the letters with her fingers?

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony honestly doesn't even realize his gaffe; he was just being friendly. No doubt once Lao shows up he'll recall his formal matters.
Now, does he intend to force Toph to read 'boring' stuff? Maybe a little. He had to read some pretty boring stuff for school, too. But mostly this is an opportunity as he sees it to let her mother feel like she's involved in her daughter's education. If she suggests anything truly awful he's sure he and Toph can fake it with the Cliff's Notes.
"However much you feel like," he replies. "Maybe a short poem?" he suggests. "I /will/ have to transcribe it to English characters before she can read it. Unfortunately the Braille alphabet hasn't been adapted for Chinese yet." Fortunately though, Jarvis can scan it from his phone and tell him what to write. He grins a little wryly. "My apologies in advance if my translation isn't perfect. I can speak most of the European languages but I'm not as good with the Eastern ones."

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor chuckles when Toph groans over the 'boring stuff'. But he does not add anything to it. He nods to Toph and then follows Poppy to their where the ink and paper is. He sits to the side out of the way. When Tony mentions his Chinese isn't as good Connor offers, "I could double check. My predecessor's journals were written in Chinese so I needed to learn the written language." Shao Jun is getting so many hugs if Connor ever meets her.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The suggestion earns a soft nod of her head, and Poppy resumes writing neatly, not spilling a single drop of ink on the paper. Soon enough the paper is filled, and she hands the paper over to Tony. "Here you are." Why, she looks curious as to how it will be translated. "What is this Braille alphabet?" she inquires curiously. And then Connor surprises her again. "You can read our language?" Of course she seems pleasantly surprised upon learning that, and she gives Connor a warm smile. My, her daughters friends certainly are an interesting bunch. If not a bit peculiar.
It isn't long before Toph walks in, her bag over her shoulder. And it seems she's in the process of putting on her reading glove, making her mother blink in surprise. "What is that thing?" Poppy walks over and reaches out to take a hold of Toph's gloved left hand, turning it over. It doesn't look like Toph is going to stop her anyway. "Goldie made it for me after I began learning Braille, which means I can read normal books and not just books written in Braille. It kinda translates letters to Braille for my fingers," Toph explains, moving to sit down at the table, giving Tony a nod. She's ready whenever you are.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony takes out his phone and lets Jarvis get a scan of the Chinese lettering. Taking another sheet of paper and pen, he begins to transcribe -- not as neatly as Poppy's elegant script, because he's not used to writing with this sort of instrument, but at least he doesn't make any big blotches. He waves Connor over to be a second set of eyes on the glowing words Jarvis prints on the phone screen, to make sure not too much gets lost in the AI's literal translation.
"Braille," he explains as he writes, "is a direct translation of every letter in the English alphabet, from strokes on a page to patterns of raised bumps. A blind person can feel the letters with their fingers that way. Of course there's only so small you can compress a pattern of bumps before even the most sensitive fingers can't tell them apart, so, Braille translations tend to be really big and bulky. The glove gets around that by translating on the fly."
It takes him some several minutes to write out the lettering in longhand -- with corrections from Connor, no doubt -- and he stretches the stiffness out of his fingers as he replaces the pen in its holder, and blows gently on the ink before passing the page over for Toph to wrestle with.

Connor Kenway has posed:
"You have very pretty writing," Connor compliments Poppy as she writes. Not an empty comment either, Toph at least knows-- and Tony may have figured out-- that Connor doesn't do empty flattery. And at the question of him reading Chinese he nods, "My organization has many agents all over my world. One of these agents was in China. Those who follow must learn at least the written languages of our predecessors." Which means Connor knows how to read Arabic and Italian on top of Chinese. He does not seem to be able to speak any of those though.
He listens to the explanation of Braille, it looks like he has not heard of this before now either. And he seems impressed by it if the raised brows are any indication. "Interesting." He does not ask if it really works, obviously it does or Toph would not be able to read as she does.
Likely between Tony and Jarvis the translation is not too off but Connor will indeed assist with the translation.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The sincere compliment from the Iroquois brave seems to take Poppy by surprise, though she nods her head to show her thanks. "Thank you, my mother was very pertinent in teaching me. A lady should always do everything beautifully, she told me." Which she seems to have taken to mind. Unlike her daughter. "I am glad to hear that your organization sees the importance of history and knowledge." Perhaps he can teach those lessons to Toph?
The phone earns a curious look from Poppy, who leans a bit closer. Is it like the recording device Tony brought them with Toph's voice on? But she watches as Tony begins writing down some strange letters she is unfamiliar with, though she notes how they seem rather simple compared to the Chinese letters she was writing down. "The worlds you come from must be rather strange places," she states with a slight smile. So this is... English? And people can read with raised bumps? Now that seems curious indeed, and she watches intently as the two men work on getting the peculiar letters down on the paper. And she also notes how they seem to be writing from left to right in a horizontal manner, while she was writing from right to left in a vertical manner.
Toph meanwhile waits patiently, tapping her fingers together until Tony gives her the paper, and she places it on the table in front of her, her left fingers moving to the top left of the paper, all while Poppy watches curiously. For one, did they manage to translate it correctly into that strange writing, and will Toph even manage to understand it? The question should answer itself when the blind girl opens her mouth and begins reading out loud.
"Once upon a time there was a man who dug up a big, earthen... we... earthenware cask in his field. So he took it home with him and told his wife to clean it out. But when his wife started... brushing the inside of the cask, the cask suddenly began to fill itself with brushes. No matter how many were taken out, others kept on taking their place. So the man sold the brushes, and the family managed to live quite comfortably," Toph reads, her gaze one of concentration as she keeps her face turned ahead, a bit slowly in some places as her fingers move a bit slowly to make sure she gets the letters right. And Poppy?
The woman stares at her daughter in shock, even as her eyes do seem to be brimming slightly with tears as she blinks rapidly, one hand reaching out to rest on Toph's shoulder. The girl blinks and turns her head slightly. Then yelps when her mother pulls her close in a tight hug.
"Mom, GEEZE!" Toph groans, seemingly haven given up and letting her mom be sentimental.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony grins broadly, proud of his charge. THAT should go a long way toward convincing the Beifongs that their daughter isn't as helpless as they think. He keeps kneading his stiff hand though. Who writes longhand anymore when there are computers? And voice interfaces? He's out of practice.
He chuckles at the public display of affection. "Let her have a /moment/, Toph," he chides teasingly. A beat. "Cute story," he remarks. "I'm not sure we have an analogue from my culture... although I do very dimly remember something about a pitcher that kept refilling with water?" he muses to himself, trying to track down the errant memory, then failing with a shrug. "Mostly I remember the ones about forest animals eating people one way or another. Huh. Our fairy tales are kinda dark, come to think of it."

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor listens to the tale written out and read by Toph. And he cannot help but chuckle at the hug. Though there is a distant quality to that smile, he is remembering his own mother. When Tony speaks it breaks into his reverie though, he starts a little but recovers easily.
The mention of similar fairy tales gets a 'hmmm' from Connor. "I remember one, I think it may have been German, in which spirits from heaven blessed a poor man for his hospitality with three wishes ... one of those was 'whatever you begin doing at sunrise you will continue to do at sunset'. Linen was folded and money was put away. All day." A pause, Connor thinks a moment. "I also seem to remember such a story from Italy that mentioned a pot that could cook as much pasta as the person asked, but there was a charm to stop it. Ah. 'Strega Nona'.
... Did he just roll that 'r'? And draw out the short 'e' in the first word and long 'o' in the second?
Yes. Yes he did.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"Grandma Witch?" Tony asks, puzzled. Of course he speaks Italian; his mother was Italian. His name is ANTHONY. "Must've missed that one." Of course, it came out in 1975 and he was already five years old and far too advanced, as a rule, for wanting fairy tales from Jarvis.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The chiding comment makes Toph turn her head slightly and do her best in giving Tony a grimace, her tongue stuck out. Yeah yeah, real funny. She's the one being choked here! Poppy even sneaks in a kiss to her daughter's forehead, stroking Toph's back. "You really /can/ read!" Even if it's not the way she thought, it still works. Yes, the mother is far more sentimental than the daughter at the moment. Is that a deadpan look on her face as she waits for her mother to let go? Yes, it is!
The talk about the fairy tales does make Poppy laugh softly, and she reaches a hand up to wipe her tears away, one hand still wrapped around Toph's back. "I beg your forgiveness..." It does look like she gathers her wits soon enough though, and she nods. "Fairy tales and stories do hold some value. Perhaps your box there," she gestures to Tony's phone, "could translate some of the scrolls and books we have? I would not mind lending them to you if it means that Toph will finally get the chance to read them for herself." Understandably enough, Toph sighs just slightly, though that seems to be her only clear protest. Though she does input her two cents. "I like the stories I'm reading nowadays." At least Hobbits make sense.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"I think that's a great idea," Tony agrees with enthusiasm. He ignores Toph's minor protest. Surely she can't object to fairy tales TOO much. He wiggles the phone in his fingers. "I can scan whatever you'd like me to while we're here, and then Jarvis can re-print them in English at leisure." Oh right, he hasn't explained Jarvis. Well, hopefully she'll just assume he's his manservant, which isn't TOO far off the mark, and he won't have to go into an indepth explanation of computer programming and artificial intelligence.
"So anyway... yeah. Maybe this'll help to convince Lao Beifong that Tony Stark doesn't just make up stories to sound good." He doesn't have to make anything up; he's just naturally that awesome.

Connor Kenway has posed:
Connor nods to Tony's question. "More recent than most such tales ... the late nineteen-hundreds?" He is not quite sure. Anyway, TL;DR version go! "A magical pot that makes pasta was stolen and someone forgot the charm to stop it." Unsaid of course are, 'Hijinks ensue'.
He nods to the mention of Toph reading some of the scrolls that are here. He too seems to think it's a good idea, "If she can read about the history, perhaps she will understand why." He doesn't say 'why' what. Toph will probably know what he means-- the 'that's how it's done' vs. 'this is why we do this' conversation they had.
And he also agrees to Tony's comment, "I hope so. He seemed quite upset with us last night." And Connor actually sounds upset at that. He clearly does not like the thought that he might have upset Lao. Not only for the obvious reasons. But it just SUCKS to have people mad at you!

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Give her some slack, she just had to handle being smooched and smothered by her mother! Toph sighs, pulling back when Poppy finally lets completely go of her. "Do all blind people in your world read, Tony Stark?" Poppy asks him even as she stands up, walking over to the shelves to find the various books here. "And scan," whatever that means, "whatever you want! Ah, I do want to hear you read more, Toph." Oh yes, mother dearest seems rather happy with this, compared to how she was when they first met her this morning. Then again, it's not so strange that a woman who finds combat scary would be more pleased at these things that the strange people from the multiverse are teaching her daughter.
"You have to admit though, that we had little reason to believe such a claim. Such things are unheard of in this world."
Oh yes, Toph did not miss the unspoken words that Connor implied there. But she says nothing, merely working on turning off, then taking off her glove. At least she is careful with the thing, knowing just how much work Tony put into it and that it's a prototype.
Why yes, Lao did seem upset. And Poppy acknowledges that with a heavy sigh, her eyes downcast as she hands some books over to Tony. "My husband is only concerned for Toph's safety. Especially with how dangerous the multiverse is. You must understand, it all changed in the course of a day. But still, we are very grateful to know that Toph is doing well. We... just don't want to have to feel that fear and that worry /yet again/," Poppy explains. And understandably enough, Toph seems a bit awkward where she sits, putting her glove back into her bag. Being the topic of conversation is weird.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"Not all," Tony admits. "It takes time to learn and master. But a lot of 'em do." He hesitates, his little hangup about being handed things making him pause for a moment before necessity to be polite makes him consciously assert himself and accept the books handed over. He opens the first (from what he'd consider the back) and holds up the phone in one hand as he leafs through the pages with the other, letting Jarvis get a good look at each. Good thing the power cell in this thing can hold a charge for days, even under intense use. It would have to, given the uses he puts it to.
He lets Poppy explain, nodding quietly. And not without sympathy. "I guess the way we see it," he replies in the end, "is that the multiverse is a dangerous place with or without us, and it's our job to try to keep it safe for those who need it. I think that's a worthwhile calling. But I understand not wanting to see your loved ones in any danger." His lips purse; he's thinking of Pepper: the last time Loki threatened her; hell, the last time she got death threats for completely mundane-but-cutthroat business reasons.
He turns, abruptly, from the book and looks Poppy in the eyes. "Your daughter has saved my life. I promise you, Poppy Beifong, I will not let any lasting harm come to her if it's within my power to stop it. And," his lips curve in a slightly rakish smile, "my power is not insignificant."

Connor Kenway has posed:
"Such things were unheard of to my people as well," Connor replies. "We lack technology such as what Mister Stark has created. It is astounding, and amazing to think of."
Now, Connor hadn't meant anything bad by the reminder of the conversation. But this was Toph's chance to maybe learn why, it if was in history books then maybe the books would explain it.
Ah. And then Poppy mentions feeling that fear 'again'. Once Tony speaks Connor nods to confirm it. And he adds, "I will not say do not worry. Toph is your daughter, it would be impossible not to worry about her. Rather be comforted in the knowledge that there are people who would risk their lives for her. That she is not alone."
He pauses. Reaches to one of the pouches on his belt and draws out something that clacks as he unrolls it into a four inch wide band of native American beads. It is woven into five strips of two colors-- three rows of green jasper beads with two rows of tortoiseshell beads.
"I had intended to give this to Lao Beifong. But a gift should be given to one who can perceive it as such." And as such ... he presents it to Poppy! "My people make these out of a kind of bead we call wampum. This is not wampum but the design is that of the Tekeni Teiohate." He pronounces this 'de-gen-ee day-oh-ah-deh'. The phrase translates out to some sort of oath of friendship. "My people gave it to the white settlers in the hopes that it would serve as a treaty. I give this to you now, Poppy Beifong, with the same hopes."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Poppy seems rather pleased and eager to share the literature with Tony, smiling and watching curiously as he lets Jarvis scan the writing. It falters slightly though when he speaks of the multiverse and its dangers. It's clear that she genuinely cares for Toph, if not in the same possessive way that Lao seems to do, then clearly as a loving mother. She does not respond, she only turns her head to look down at Toph where she sits, and Toph in turn tenses just slightly, perhaps not enough for the three to notice. When Tony states that Toph saved his life however, the woman blinks. Yes, he said that before. But she still can't imagine /how/.
"He got stuck in a blast furnace in the Bohai mines," Toph says, fiddling just slightly with the hem of her dress. "That is when I figured out how to metalbend." And heh, Tony might be a bragging asshole at times, but he is right. He is strong, and she knows he would help her if she was in trouble.
As would Connor and the rest of her friends, she knows. And he says something that makes sense. Yes, Toph knows that her parents /will/ worry about her no matter what. But it would be nice if they would worry less so they would actually let her live her own life and make her own decisions. Though both Toph and Poppy seem to wonder when they see and hear Connor reaching into one of the pouches on his belt. Upon seeing the beads Poppy looks a bit confused, especially when he states it was originally to be given to her husband. She is just about to protest, but then the assassin says who he thinks it should be given to and why... and holds it out for her. The strange names puzzle her at first, though she blinks and inspects the beads. Her expression is one that speaks of deep thought, and she doesn't look up at the two men as she studies it. Toph turns her head towards her mother, blinking once and almost holding her breath.
Then slowly, Poppy hugs the beads close to her chest with one hand, giving Connor a small smile. "I have to go now. I will have the servants let you know when it is time for dinner."
With that she turns towards Toph, leans down and kisses her on the head and then gathers the skirts of her dress as she walks to the door. Only to halt and look at them, offering a faint smile. "Thank you." Then she disappears down the hallway, heading off to who knows where.
Toph sighs, slouching more at the table. Well, at least her mother isn't the type to yell. "Well. I'd say that went pretty well," she offers.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony sounds smug as he turns back to his book-scanning. "Went pretty great if you ask me. You think she'll talk some sense to your dad now?" Pageflip. "I think it was a pretty good idea," he compliments himself, "asking for reading material suggestions."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
"You only think it was a good idea because now you won't have to think of any for a while," Toph says, giving Tony a raspberry as she leans on the low table. Oh yes, she's onto you!
But seriously. Toph narrows her eyes, her expression pensive as she considers Tony's question. "I do think she will talk with dad. I'm not sure how much it will help though. You saw how he was last night."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"There is that too," Tony admits without shame. Scanscan. Pause. "...Yeah, I did. I don't think he likes me much," he understates the situation dramatically. "But hey, just remember: in the end, it's your life, not his. And at least your mom's coming around. That's not nothing."
Tony has another thought. "What does your dad do for a living? I mean I know he probably won't have any appreciation for MY business but maybe I can relate through his." It's a narrow shot. But he DOES have pretty wide business relationship experience.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
What he does for a living? Toph blinks. "He does business around the Earth Kingdom, and he invests in a lot of various businesses around. He was part of the money behind the company that managed the Bohai mines. He's probably busy in meetings now, he usually is."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Aha, the nice vague 'investor' occupation. Tony's dealt with plenty of those. He's also been one, many times. He begins constructing a new plan of attack in his mind. Maybe if he approaches Lao Beifong more as a business associate and less as 'officer in the military your daughter ran away to join' he might make more headway. It's worth a try, anyway.

Day 2 - Evening

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The early afternoon at the Beifong estate seems to pass by quietly for the most part, with Lao and Poppy scarcely seen. Toph however seems eager to show her visitors around, marching them around the southern and eastern wing. There are many rooms, and the blind girl shows them the various sitting rooms, the music room, another sitting room where they are served tea and some light snacks. And Toph is not hesitant to tell them various daring tales from her younger years, about how she managed to sneak into this and that room, evade the servants when it was bath time and other such things. Yes, she does have many memories of this place, though not all of them are looked upon with fondness.
When the sun starts to set however, Toph becomes more solemn and quiet, leading the way when the servants alert the guests that it is time for dinner. Today the food is just as good as it was the previous evening, yet the mood is somewhat more tense. Lao and Poppy arrive, sitting down in their seats with not much of a word. Not much is said, and it becomes clear that Lao does not wish to discuss the matters that were spoken of the last time they were seated around the table. Instead Poppy seems to ask more about the multiverse in general. As well as the Union. And Toph will let the others answer for the most part. Today, dinner does not end early.
Once dessert has been eaten though, Poppy excuses herself, and ushers Toph with her to only some mild protests from the girl. The servants clear the table and then head off to do their other duties. And Lao Beifong seems to retire to one of the sitting rooms that overlook the garden, sitting down at a table as one of the servants bring him a small cup and a mug. With one hand gesture Lao calls for solitude, and the servant leaves the room, with the master of the house left on his own for the first time all day.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony doesn't particularly want to /bother/ Lao, not after a... civil, if tense dinner, and certainly he doesn't want to risk losing all the headway he made with Poppy earlier in the day. And he has noteably not been invited to intrude on the man's solitude.
So he doesn't press the issue. However, as the sitting room overlooks the garden, Toph's father may just notice his very Western guest outside for an evening stroll. He's holding that funny little device he calls a 'phone' to his ear as he absently kicks a pebble out of the way, and he's laughing and carrying on a conversation with some invisible person he calls 'Pep'. It's evident, from the few wafts of phrases that drift up, that this is someone he's very fond of though of course nothing improper gets said in any tone loud enough to be overheard. There are, however, a few references to 'making him see reason' and 'not his puppet' that are pretty telling as to the content of the much of the conversation.
Finally, Stark signs off, and leans on a decorative fence for a little while, watching the duckturtles in their evening activity before he steps into a clear patch of grass and starts on a slow, meditative form of kata. He's no master, and this is evident in the student-level skill of his movements, but the slow deliberation of them seems to be more for relaxing effect than to really simulate a fight.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Is there no peace to be given nowadays?
No, those technological things from the multiverse are not something Lao understands all that well. It was strange enough with that thing Tony brought with him the first time, the thing that captured Toph's voice. Is he doing something similar now, perhaps? What little he can overhear of the conversation doesn't ease up on the frown set on his face though, and he can't help but let out a slight snort. Yet Lao does continue to listen until the Union Elite stops speaking into the strange box. The view out of the window also allows him to watch Tony as he begins his relaxed evening work out.
Sipping his drink, the master of the house seems to consider something... and then he rises from his seat, heading towards the hallways and the way leading out into the gardens.
"I do question my daughter's choice in allies when it's clear your skills are that of a student."
Lao's voice heralds his arrival as he walks down the path leading towards the pond. "And I consider that a rather reasonable observation," he adds with a scoff, narrowing his eyes at Tony. Yes, he seems to dislike all the guests, but he has made it extra clear that he does not care much for Tony, hasn't he?

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony startles, visibly, at the sudden intrusion of That Man's voice into his routine, but to his credit he recovers and performs a truncated ending to the kata rather than letting it rattle him out of it entirely. He stands for a moment with his back to Lao, eyes closed and gathering control of his thoughts and temper both before turning around. When he does, he's wearing the same unconcerned smile that has been his mask for much of this visit.
"Well, everyone has to start somewhere," he reasons. "And I had a lot to unlearn when I started last year." In truth it's been slightly more than a year since he started the lessons; but close enough. He knows he's more than adequate for his level of experience; his sifu has told him as much about his rapid progress, and the dedication of three sessions a week. Unlike most things though, he tries not to let this one go to his head. Kind of goes against the philosophy. He bends his head. "Just trying to better myself, Lao Beifong. Surely you wouldn't hold that against a man." There's still an edge of tension, of annoyance there, but he's trying very hard to mask it.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
To his credit, Lao does give Tony a moment to compose himself before he walks over towards the pond, not looking directly at him as he rests his hands behind his back. "Indeed." Well, neither of them seem to not understand just where they stand with one another.
"One can always try to better oneself," he agrees, standing still as he looks over the turtleducks by the pond. "But that doesn't necessarily mean he will be able to do so. And there are many other things I can hold against you instead, do not worry." Yes, the tension is thick in the air. But luckily Lao seems to change the subject slightly.
"I would prefer if you were not to fill my wife's head with empty promises. I do not trust the Union, nor do I trust the rest of the multiverse. Things were bad enough to begin with, though they are now getting worse."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony smiles faintly at that jab. That's the kind of verbal sparring he's used to; but he refrains from retorting in kind. Instead, he takes the self-deprecating route and runs with it. "You'll have to get in line," he quips. "I've got all kinds of people dying to kick my ass."
Lest any actual ass kicking be about to commence, though, his fingers twitch in a subtle but deliberate pattern at his side. Some miles away in the trunk of his car, there's the soft whine of repulsors powering up. He doesn't want to start anything but he's not going to let this self-important jackass stomp all over him, either.
"Probably wise," he acknowledges with a bob of his head, eyes also on the turtleducks. "If I hadn't been thrown into the thick of things when I unified I wouldn't be so keen on trusting them either. I can /say/ they're good people, that we've saved worlds -- including yours, hell, the whole multiverse -- but I can't expect you to take my word for it. That's something you just have to see for yourself, I guess. For my part, though," and here he casts the other man a sideways glance, "I don't make empty promises."
A beat. "How are things worse? Believe it or not, Lao Beifong, I WOULD like the opportunity to prove myself, and the Union, to you if there's anything we can do to help."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Somehow it seems that Lao lacks Tony's sense of humour, as the only reply he gets is a slight huff. "Somehow that does /not/ surprise me."
Only a fool trusts people without good reason, and well, Lao does have some pretty high standards and expectations. Especially of the people whom his daughter needs to rely on out there in the big, dangerous world. "Before the only thing we had to worry about was the Fire Nation. Now there are other unknowns thrown in. How can I know that the Union will share our interests in the end? Why would you respect our traditions, our politics and our culture?"
Continuing his stroll, Lao makes his way towards the small bridge crossing the pond. "You can say many things, but that will not make them true. The only thing I know is that the Union has taken my daughter one step further away from this place. You might claim you need her, and that this is a chance for her to grow stronger and improve her bending, but I still don't like it." Why, the man even turns his head slightly as he fastens his gaze on Tony. "To be honest, I would have preferred if she had not discovered how to metalbend. Then she wouldn't have gotten the silly idea that she's needed. There is no reason why she can't continue her studies here safely at home."
Of course, the other implication is also there, unspoken.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony grits his teeth and maintains his public relations face. "No, the fact that they're true is what makes them true," he retorts, much in the way he'd perform a verbal slapdown of an irritating reporter at a press conference. "Why should we respect your culture? Your world? Because we're the good guys, Lao Beifong. You can believe that or not as you choose, but your belief won't change the fact that it was the Union that liberated Bohai Mine. Or that it was the Union who reversed the blue sun two summers ago. We don't need your belief, or your approval. We come to you only as a courtesy, and because I, and Toph's other friends, didn't want to see her estranged from her parents forever. Rejecting us won't make the bad people go away. It only makes you more vulnerable."
"And as for your daughter... maybe you should consider the notion that it wasn't us, or anyone else who 'took' her from you. You drove her away yourself."
Shots fired.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
"Truth is relative." Lao knows this game well enough, and he gives Tony a disapproving look. No, he doesn't seem to be completely convinced that the Union are the good guys. Would the Union have liberated the mines if Toph hadn't asked them to? Tony's words are clearly heard, though the master of the Beifong house does not seem to approve. "A courtesy, you say? You speak of not wanting to see her estranged, yet you bring her back now in a state even more rebellious than she was before she ran away."
At least he seems to acknowledge that fact now.
Perhaps Lao would have responded to some of those words. But Tony's last words understandably get a visible reaction from Lao, and he tenses where he stands, eyes narrowing even as he fastens the mother of all glares on Tony.
"Do not speak of matters you know nothing about!" he snaps, his voice clearly irritated. "Any father would keep their child safe, and I do not wish for her to stumble headfirst into danger. A bender or not, she's still a young girl! A child, and she is not old enough to decide on these things for herself!" Even as he speaks, Lao takes some steps towards Tony, not looking away from the man.
"You are the one who needs to see reason here."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony stands his ground. A subvocal buzz in his codec implant would be Jarvis giving him the ETA of his armor which is looking more and more likely to be needed. But hey, maybe this is a good thing. He tried diplomacy, politeness, even humility, and this guy just won't get it. Maybe they need to duke it out, man to man, and form a new respect and understanding from it.
And maybe monkeys will spontaneously fly out of his butt, but hey, at least it would feel really good to punch this asshole.
"Oh I think I might know more about it than you realize," Stark taunts in a soft, rapid monotone. "Any /good/ father would keep his child safe without completely stifling everything that makes her who she is. A /good/ father would encourage her talents, and help to steady her when she stumbles so she can learn from it. He'd let her make her own decisions now and then, and explain why he has to enforce rules sometimes, so she learns HOW to make her own decisions as she grows to adulthood. Hell, he might even teach her how to read, or even swim, instead of telling her she'll always be a helpless baby who'll never amount to anything but a showpiece for the family!" It can't exactly be said that he's shouting by the end, as his volume never exceeds conversational level, but his eyes flash and his lips curl back from his teeth, and he braces himself for the probable blow.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Whatever Lao was expecting, it sure as hell wasn't /this/. Taken aback, he blinks as Tony launches into his tirade, just /staring/ as the shots keep on coming and hitting every sore point, it looks like. All in all, it doesn't look like he takes kindly to those words, his own eyes flashing with what is clearly anger. There is a twitch near his right eye, and he resists the urge to point out how and why he did not do those things... but that would only lend credibility to the man, wouldn't it?
Instead he steps closer, now very much up in Tony's face, practically snarling. "If you were her father, it would be for you to decide. But you are not." Yes, Lao does not look happy. But he seems to be able to keep his cool. His jawline is taut however, his lips tightly drawn. "Toph is far better off somewhere safe. If I could, I would keep her here. Unfortunately, I know that I cannot stop her from leaving tomorrow." It's clearly a fact that stings. And when he's hurting, he doesn't seem to mind sharing the pain.
"I am starting to suspect that your own father could have done a far better job with /you/."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
There's a sudden whirring mechanical sound as several shapes fly in from the dusk, dark against the shadows but for the faint illumination of the repulsors that drive them. Noticing this is perhaps secondary, however, to the much more immediate visual of Stark's fist flying to drive a knucklebuster directly into the Beifong patriarch's jaw. As the other man's ass hits the ground, Tony steps up to sneer down scornfully. "Yeah, I daresay he could have," he grunts as he rubs a thumb over his knuckles.
Still the unassembled pieces of Mark 42 hover behind him, awaiting orders. He lets them hang in the air for now -- the backup power cells for independent propulsion have plenty of charge after only a couple miles' deployment -- as a little puzzle for Lao to ponder in the 'exactly who he is fucking with' category.
"And maybe if you actually ACTED like a father to Toph I wouldn't have to be your surrogate."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
There are many things one prepares oneself for. Lao had considered many things might happen once he opened his doors to these people from the Union.
Yet being socked in the jaw was not on the list of those many things. The force of the punch sends him sprawling back, stumbling against the railing of the bridge before he falls back, bringing a hand to his jaw in complete and utter shock. Then again, he's never been punched before, and that much might be easily read as he stares wide eyed up at Tony, even as the parts of the Iron Man suit hover behind him. While Lao does not know just what it does, he does correctly assume that it's nothing that bodes well for him right now.
No, punching Tony back does not seem like a good idea at the moment. Instead Lao's face hardens further, even as he indignantly rubs at his jaw.
"You want to be responsible for her? Then be my guest!" His voice has a chilling tone to it. It's not like he can lock Toph up at home, not when she has proven herself to be a skilled bender. And these friends of hers would probably not accept it either. Can he really afford to make an enemy of the Union? Even if he doesn't see why they should be allowed to decide over his daughter.
The Beifong patriarch pulls himself up to his feet and also a foot back from Tony, fastening a hard glare on the man. "Since you clearly now how and show such enthusiasm for the task, then /you/ keep her safe. If something happens to her, then I will hold /you/," he says, pointing at Tony in a clearly threatening manner, "directly responsible."

Steve Rogers has posed:
If Toph were observing what's happening in the garden, she would pick up on another pair of footsteps approaching Tony and Lao at a very brisk jog - probably well before Steve makes his presence known to either of them. He's got his sketchbook with him, portfolio and cover open to a half-finished sketch of a tree overlooking the estate, and a pencil tucked under the flap where his hand is gripping it. At least the 'fight' didn't get drawn out -
Then he spots the hovering components of an Iron Man suit, floating behind Tony.
And it's all Steve Rogers can do not to openly facepalm as he slows to a walk, then comes to a halt. How to deal with this?
"We may be leaving earlier than planned at this rate," he says - mostly under his breath, but it should be audible anyway. Then he speaks more clearly, "Is there a problem?"
Best approach he can think of to interjecting himself into the situation. This would be so much easier if Stark didn't outrank him by several grades - but there's no help for that.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Spoken like a true coward, Tony thinks darkly, but even as the thought flashes through his mind he knows that's not fair. He's just /unbelievably pissed/ at the gall of the man, to deliberately bait and needle him like that and then STILL refuse to take real responsibility for-- no, he's not a coward. He's a child. A child sheltered by his wealth and surrounded by yes men to the point that he's terrified to admit that he could have been wrong about anything.
"As I made my 'empty' promise to your wife, Lao Beifong," Tony replies coldly, "No lasting harm will come to your daughter if it's within my power to stop it." He can't resist another snipe. "I wouldn't say I'm /eager/ for the job but it'd be a damn shame to deny her a life just because her /father/ was too afraid to do the duty himself."
And then Steve jogs up. "There was a problem. I think we handled it," he replies with deceptive calm. "Jarvis," he taps his ear though it's hardly necessary to speak via codec, "stand down Mark 42. There's no threat here."
As the suit pieces wheel about to make the return trip to the car, Tony flashes Steve a bright smile. "ARE we leaving early? It's up to Toph, of course, you know, seeing as how we're only here to support her in the first place. Must be awful, to have such a terrible relationship with a parent that you dread even visiting. Oh wait, I know what that feels like, don't I?" He throws Lao another scornful glance and turns as if to retire to the guest house.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The footsteps do catch Lao's attention, and he blinks, turning his head slightly to look at Steve. And give him a slight frown. It's still a far more relaxed glare than he has been giving Tony at least. Is there a problem? Quite obviously it is. "Tony Stark and I were just done talking," he responds to Steve, rubbing some more at his bruised jaw as he throws a glare at Tony. No, he can't say he likes the strange technology.
On one hand there is nothing he would like more than to have these visitors leave. Then again, if they leave, so will Toph. Which might be why he hasn't called for the guards yet.
Instead he brushes himself off, trying to look as dignified as he can as he brushes off his robes. Tony's snarky comments do not earn a vocal response, though Lao clearly shows disdain for the words. Strangers barging into his house, thinking they know what's best for his daughter, not realizing just what they are saying, using their own issues as a reason to topple the fragile peace...
With that, the man walks back towards the buildings, clearly heading in the direction of the northern wing without a single word.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve lets out a breath, and untucks the sketchbook from under his arm. "Setting that aside for a moment, Lao Beifong - if you're able to - I wanted to show you some of the sketches I've done since we got here. I wasn't able to pick any of my previous pictures as worth offering as a gift to you and your family, but perhaps there's something here in your estate that you'd like a sketch of?"
He DID mean to offer an appropriate sketch, but - as he said - he couldn't come up with a good one that he'd already done. Most of them would be irrelevant to Lao, and any of the handful he's drawn featuring Toph would focus on aspects of her work with the Union that he probably doesn't want a constant reminder of ...
On the bright side, maybe there's a way to mend the bridges that Tony just lit on fire. If Lao doesn't come up with anything specific he wants sketched, Steve can make a suggestion ...

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony hesitates, a few steps down the path. Good old Steve, trying to make things all better with his boy scout cheer. He doesn't see this going anywhere better than his initial attempt to be polite and deferential to Lao when he opened by insulting his kata form. Still, he's curious.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
It seemed as if Lao was ready to depart for the evening, not wishing to spend more time around the guests. But then again, Steve wasn't the one who punched him, now was it? "Sketches...?" he asks, arching an eyebrow. A glance down at the sketchbook, and he extends his hand, a clear invitation for Steve to hold out the sketchbook despite the somewhat sour expression on his face. "I have artwork in every room of my home." At least he seems a bit curious as to what kind of art Steve is able to do. It doesn't look like he is about to say anything just yet, so Steve is free to make a suggestion.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve leafs through several pages, then offers the sketchbook, currently open to a view of the estate's front gates, as a visitor would see it on the way up. It's all monochrome, of course, but it's VERY detailed - you might have to wonder how Steve got the guards to hold still while he was rendering them with strokes of his pencil.
Other sketches that he's done during the day so far are of the outside of the buildings, from different positions and angles, and of the plants and any animals that live on the estate grounds. They're all just as detailed as the first one, too - Steve doesn't half-ass his sketchwork.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Well... this is certainly something. Lao blinks when Steve shows the first sketch of the gates. The man blinks as he studies the detail. Nobody he knows paints like this nor in such detail. What kind of ink did he do this with?
The buildings are well enough, as are the sketches done of the various critters that live on the estate grounds. And Lao looks over them all with great interest. Then, handing the sketchbook back to Steve, he nods. "A sketch of Toph would be more useful than anything." He was able to draw the guards, so of course he should be able to draw his daughter, right? For now he even resists giving Tony a glare.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony Stark is impressed. Not with the pictures -- he's seen Steve's work and he knows it's good, even if he can't get a good angle on the sketchbook from here just now. But the fact that Lao would even deign to entertain the notion. Maybe he's just trying to assert whatever shreds of dignity he still has with his guests. Tony gives a little, 'whatever' headshake and moves on to the guest house. Maybe he should call Pepper back, talk this out. No, he doesn't want to bother her...
Still, he's starting to feel shitty about the whole thing. He replays events in his mind's eye, trying to find the point where things really went bad, but no matter how many times he goes over it, it's still Lao's fault. He, Tony, was diplomatic to a fault. Practically bent over backward for the guy. The only thing you could possibly fault him with is maybe being a little too vocal in his appreciation for Toph's abilities? Lao, meanwhile, came out into the garden with apparently the express purpose of being rude to him. Probably no one has ever stood up to him before. He's kind of like an unsocialized puppy that doesn't know it's not good manners to bite.
Tony should know better, though.
"No, damn it," he mutters under his breath, and concludes with the silent thought that Lao needed a good smack with a rolled up newspaper.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve smiles, nodding. "I haven't had a good opportunity to draw her from real life yet, so I'd be happy of an opportunity to do so. Did you have a particular pose or setting in mind, or would you rather leave that up to her and myself?"
He does have a couple of thoughts on the subject, but if Lao doesn't express any preferences, it'll be Toph's choice - for the most part. And while Steve keeps his expression carefully schooled to quiet politeness, he's also cheered to know that his own gambit is paying off, juuuust enough.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
At that Lao just shakes his head. "Just draw her as she is now, I will leave the details to you. My wife ought to be sending her to bed soon, but you may delay her further for a while." With that Lao offers a brief nod to Steve, turning and walking off, leaving the two Avengers out alone in the garden even as dusk starts to settle, casting long shadows across the garden.

Radio chatter has posed:
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Toph... if you're awake, I'm really sorry but I don't think your dad and I are ever gonna be friends."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Staren says, "What happened? And hey, is your offer still open?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "We got... fight-y. What offer?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Staren says, "Replicating the nanoball."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Oh. Yeah, sure. Do it with magic and document it so I can follow and I'll cough up fifty G's."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Staren says, "Huh. What was it again?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong synchs on. "Seriously... okay guys, sorry about that, mom was being clingy."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Oh, hi Toph. I, uh, punched your dad. Sorry."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "..."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Okay."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "...yeah."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Steve Rogers says, "I only heard about it immediately after the fact ... wasn't a lot I could do besides damage control."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Do I even wanna know how and why? Or should we jump ahead to where I ask you guys if I should sneak some more food over to the east wing?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Look, I was just walking in the garden, and he came out and started insulting me and then... stuff was said, and... I... basically accused him of being a terrible father and he said mine obviously was and then I was punching him."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Which is kinda funny because my dad WAS pretty terrible, but..."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong makes a audible wince.
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Is he still there?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Nah, he went off to lick his wounds, I think."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Figuratively. There was only the one actual... physical wound."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "I'll grab some dumplings from the kitchen. And heh."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Anyway I'm sorry, I know what this means to you and I really was TRYING to find some kind of common ground with the guy but jesus."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Dad isn't easy to get along with. Trust me, I know."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark mutters, "Try impossible."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Tell me about it."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Steve Rogers says, "Aren't you in a line of work that defies the usual definitions of 'impossible' on a weekly basis, Stark?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Okay I'm... not actually sure if that was literal or rhetorical."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "I'll grab some dessert as well. You want some too, Cap?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Rogers, if there was a gadget or program that could make Lao Beifong listen to reason I'm sure I could design it."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Steve Rogers says, "I wouldn't mind it. And Toph, when is a good time for me to draw a sketch of you for him? Not one of the 'action' sketches I've done before - I mean actually sketching you, from life."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Yeah. Let's sit in our room and eat ice cream and talk about what a jerk Toph's dad is."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Priscilla says, "How mature"
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Staren says, "What happened?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Priscilla says, ". . . yet not disagreeable"
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "No freezers nor ice cream here, Goldie. We can be girly when we get back to Malibu."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "I can even do your nails."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "And heh, I think I can manage an hour before I fall asleep, Cap."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Staren says, "Well, uh... good luck with your dad, Toph. Whatever his problem is."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Thanks. Maybe he just needs time, dunno. Either way, it's not like he can force me to stay."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "No, he... kind of came to terms with that part, at least. Right about the time he was declaring that if anything happened to you he was holding me personally responsible. I mean, way to miss the point."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "... okay, he really doesn't like you."

Day 3

Radio chatter has posed:
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong yawns sleepily. "Mooorning. Whassup?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "Hello."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "So Tony punched your father."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Ah, yeah. He did."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "I can see there being a very good reason for this."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "...that is a thing to wake up to."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "It is."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong mumbles tiredly. "Dad doesn't seem to like Goldie. Nor the others. Which is too bad for him, really. Mom seems to be handling all of this better."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Regretable, Toph."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "Oh. Did they... just learn that you are an officer of the Union?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong pause. "I don't think I've actually told them. But I should probably go talk with dad before breakfast."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "That might be best."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "There is no use tiptoing around the fact."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Dark Schneider says, "Oh hey, you need someone to talk to your parents?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "I wish I could say more, but admittedly, I can't claim to quite know how this feels myself."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Dark Schneider says, "My dad is a giant cock."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore hn.
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Heya, and well... I brought four people with me to talk with my parents. Mom seems to accept this somewhat, though dad was always the more overprotective one."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "Overprotective... ahh."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Seems the opposite. My mother seems to have taken things in stride these days however."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Staren says, "How overprotective are we talking?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Your mother is nice, Silky."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore -almost- spittakes. "...y-yes, she is."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "And well... when dad found out that I was much better at bending than he thought, he wanted me to be cared for and guarded at all times."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "You are his little girl."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Staren says, "Because... people might attack you for being a good bender? Is that a thing that happens?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Yeah yeah, I know."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Some people would relish the challenge of toppling what they think is an easy target."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "In her world, Staren, there is a war. The Fire Nation is a Confederate-aligned country."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Dark Schneider says, "Eh that's pretty normal. I mean, even I can get a little protective of my daughter."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "There is also that."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "He doesn't think I should be out in the multiverse in risky situations because I'm a kid and oh my friends are oh so horrible that they let me fight. Blergh."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "Hmm."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "He certainly sounds stubborn."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Staren says, "Ah."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "Staren."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Where do you think I got my stubbornness from, Ainsley?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley laughs softly.
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore laughs, "You certainly make it work better than he does, by the sounds of it."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "Ahh. Staren, next chance we get, we are going to investigate that Architect door in the City of Steel."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Oh?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "You would also be helpful, Ezio."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Count me in."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Well, time to get ready for breakfast and talking with dad. If he's angry, then he should be angry at me since I decided this for myself."
<X-Union-Chatter> [A] Ainsley says, "A...ah. Good luck."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Good luck, Toph."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Do you... want me there, Toph, or would it be easier if I stayed away?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [5-SA] Himei says, "Who else is there?"
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Steve, Altair, Connor."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Steve seemed to be making headway last night after... stuff."
<X-Union-Chatter> [5-SA] Himei says, "I'd prefer if you were there, Tony, personally. Steve can do the talking if you're comfortable with that, but Altair and Conner are not officially affiliated with the Union and are not good representatives for that reason. An officer of your rank would be good to have nearby, just... I dunno... hang around unless needed."
<X-Union-Chatter> [LC] Rich Italian, Ezio Auditore says, "Troubling. We'll have to investigate ourselves then."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "Well, I'm here, but it's tricky. Toph's dad REALLY doesn't like me."
<X-Union-Chatter> [4-Of] Tony Stark says, "But Toph knows him better than any of us so I'm making it her call if she wants me in the room or not."
<X-Union-Chatter> [1] Young girly voice - Toph Beifong says, "Hmmm. Head on over to the southern wing, Goldie."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The southern wing is bustling with activity this early in the morning, and the servants are busy with preparing breakfast in the kitchen as well as some light cleaning around the many rooms. Not that the place is allowed to get messy to begin with. While it is busy, it's quiet.
Save for what seems to be a loud argument in the sitting room that the guests have been using during their visit to this place. This unnerves the servants some, and they give each other uneasy looks and glances as they walk past, not feeling comfortable with entering the room as the argument goes on.
"... you have to understand how I feel about all of this, Toph!"
The blind girl paces back and forth on the floor, her expression stern and only partially invisible as she hasn't bothered pulling her hair completely up the way her mother prefers, instead going with her normal hairdo. "But you don't understand how I feel about it," she counters. "I don't want to be stuck in here and be useless! You heard what they said, they can vouch for me! I have helped them before, and they can help us! That is why I joined the Union in the first place!" Lao grips his knees tighter where he sits, looking up at Toph with doubt in his eyes. "But an officer?" It's a conflicting feeling. Officers are generally not the ones who are put on the front of battle, at least not in the Earth Kingdom military. Then again, is Toph really ready for something like that?
Idly he reaches up to rub at his sore jaw. Even with makeup, it's still visible, and the servants had been staring without daring to ask the master of the house /how/ it happened.
"Yeah, I am. Not a real important officer, but things are expected of me. And it's not like I would have been made one if they didn't think I could do it, right?" Toph lets out a huff and crosses her arms across her chest, tugging slightly on the sleeves of her dress. "I certainly won't learn by being stuck in here. I'm /learning/ stuff, and... it's actually fun. Not just the fighting."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony had been planning to lay low today. Maybe have a word with Poppy if the opportunity presented. Apologize to her for losing his temper with her husband; maybe show her the suit if she still wanted to see it since Toph did fulfill her part of the bargain in showing her how she could read. He does have a genuine respect for her, at least. She's just a concerned mother trying to do what's best by her daughter, not a psychotic control freak who calls him a liar and goes out of his way to be passive aggressive with practically every breath.
So when he hears the voice of the latter in the sitting room, just as he's stepping out of the bathroom from his morning wash, he pulls up short. He does remember mentioning Toph's officership on his first visit, and having that too dismissed as a lie. He rubs a thumb over his knuckles, slightly reddened perhaps but otherwise no worse for wear from a single pop to the jaw to a man who wasn't expecting it. Again, the notion occurs to him to try apologizing to HIM, but again he just can't bring logic around to any explanation that doesn't put Lao at fault. Maybe best to just pretend the whole thing ever happened; put the ball in the other man's court.
In any case, he wants his coffee, and he left the coffee maker out in the other room for his fellow guests to use. So he steps through the door.
He did, fortunately, dress first.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Somehow Toph doesn't seem surprised when Tony enters the room, though Lao visibly stiffens as he turns his head to look up at the man. "Morning Goldie." The earthbender does turn and reach out for Tony's sleeve, yanking him over towards the table and indicating that he should sit down. Of course this doesn't seem to make the Beifong patriarch relax, and he looks between Tony and Toph.
"If you should be mad at somebody, it should be me," Toph continues. "I decided on this for myself. But... it's Tony who persuaded me to come back here to visit." Which is why it is so frustrating that Lao has been lashing out at him.
"Because he has gone through something similar himself." Forgive her for saying this, but at this point it kind of needs to be said, right?
Lao himself is still frowning, though at least his anger seems more subdued this morning. "I hardly see the similarities here," he offers gruffly, pointing his hardened gaze at Tony.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Of course not, you righteous asshole, you haven't LOOKED, Tony thinks, but he bites back the retort. He was surprised to be summarily grabbed and yanked down to a seat at the conversation -- he really had come in with no designs beyond getting a cup of coffee -- but now that he's here, and furthermore in a fashion that makes it clear Toph WANTS him here, he supposes he'll make the best of it. He turns away first, though, to start the Keurig brewing.
"I didn't have the ideal relationship with my father," he states, still with his back turned. "I'm not going to go into details for you, Lao Beifong, because I can't trust you to be respectful of it." Ouch. "But we fought. A lot. And when I was twenty-one I told him I'd prefer never to see or speak to him again. And then he and my mother were killed in a pointless accident."
There's nothing left to occupy himself with at the coffee maker -- damned efficient things -- and so he turns back. "They weren't looking for trouble and they weren't a part of any war. They were in one of the safest model vehicles of the time, on a known route with an experienced driver. And they still died. And I will NEVER get to reconcile with them."
His eyes shift between father and daughter. "I don't want Toph to have to go through that."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
For now Toph remains standing, taking a deep breath. All the three people in this room are equally stubborn, she realizes. And something needs to be done to perhaps make her dad and Tony less hostile to one another. Not that she can blame either, but still.
Lao listens as Tony begins explaining matters, narrowing his eyes. Oh yes, he could gather just as much from his interaction with the man yesterday, hearing him berate him for how he has been raising Toph and keeping her safe. And the man certainly reacted when he suggested that his father could have done a better job of raising him. Yes, spare him the details. The Beifong patriarch snorts, then blinks as Toph turns her head and gives a stern look in his direction. When the accident is mentioned the earthbender stiffens. Yes, she remembers all too well how Tony reacted on the anniversary of their death. Hopefully the next time that date rolls around it will be easier for him...
Even as Tony turns back to face them, Toph keeps her face pointed at her father, who in turn looks between them. His jawline is still taut, and the frown is still present on his features, but somehow his eyes don't seem to be glaring holes in Tony at the moment. "I still don't like the thought of Toph fighting in a war," he finally settles for. In response the young girl sighs, closing her eyes. "I know. But I'm thirteen now. And I have learned far more this last year than I had the twelve years I was stuck here. I know you are worried, but..."
"So you're just going to leave again?" Lao asks, turning his attention fully to Toph. The harsh tone is gone from his voice, replaced with worry.
The blind girl doesn't answer at first as she fiddles with the sleeve of her dress, her face turned to the floor. Then... "I was scared of coming back."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"You can't protect her from everything," Tony points out, thinking he's being very reasonable here considering. The coffee-maker dings and he swivels to retrieve his cup. First sip. Oh god that's better. "And you can't protect her forever. She's gotta live her own life at some point. Personally I'd rather see MY kid in the company of competent people who give her the best chance of surviving the war -- which is going on whether she chooses to join it directly or not -- but my personal opinion doesn't even matter because the point is, it's HER choice."
Yeah, thirteen's a bit younger than the usual age of ascension, but... she's an Elite. By the Multiverse's own laws of... physics or whatever, she's competent to make that decision.

Altair has posed:
Altair is here! In fact, he's been there the whole time, he's really good at not making himself be seen. Kind of like the opposite problem that Tony has. It's like he hasn't talked for days, but he's there again watching things from the sidelines, always with that sharp, disapproving, stare on his eyes.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The fact that he has been shown that he /can't/ protect Toph from everything is perhaps what strikes Lao the hardest, and his face stiffens. Toph nods at Tony's words, agreeing silently where she stands. "The Union helps me, just like how I help them. And if there's problems in this world, I will get them to help just like how they helped at the Bohai mines. We have many allies who aren't Union as well, who will help if we ask them. Like Altair and Ratonhnhake:ton's group." It's a good thing she practiced those names, huh? "And I chose to join the Union, because they will help us with the Fire Nation. Because they want to do the /right/ thing! We can't just sit still and let people do bad things, right?" Yes, she is pretty certain about her choice. Even more when her friends have been there for her.
There's a worried look on Lao's face now, and he reaches a hand out for Toph's. "But what if you get hurt? Or something else? It--" He is broken off when Toph suddenly turns her head sharply, then kicks the floor... and an earthen pillar rises from the floor, knocking Altair facefirst into the room, though it shouldn't be enough to make him fall, only stumble slightly. In response Lao blinks in surprise, staring at Altair before he turns his attention back to Toph, who continues talking. "I have gotten hurt before. That's kinda what happens in war. But like Tony said, he would have died without my metalbending. And maybe I can save others too."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:

Tony gives Altair a teasingly disapproving look, pursing his lips and making a tutting noise with a small shake of his head before he lifts the coffee cup to his lips again. "I think that if we never get hurt, we never grow," he remarks. "And we end up never doing anything with our lives worth being remembered. If I hadn't been hurt once, and had the chance to rethink what I was doing with my life..." ponder. To go there or not. Fuck it, to go. "Well I might have just stayed a self-absorbed rich asshole who thought everyone else's considerations were secondary to his own."

Altair has posed:
The ways of the Hashshashins are meant to elude the sight of the eyes, and Altair cannot say he is surprised when he realizes that Toph had been aware to his presence all this time. It also helps that he has interacted enough with the girl to understand her ways, being the ever assertive tough as nails earth bender, it makes sense that Toph would have a very direct way of requesting Altair's presence into the room rather than ask him to come in.
Altair raises an eyebrow when he feels movement under his feet and realizes what is coming.
The Assassin shifts his feet back onto the pillar of stone that's coming under him and flows with the momentum, making a full flip in mid air to land on his feet right next to Lao and Toph. His expression as stoic and sharp as ever, even after doing that bit of antics.
"I used to be like you, Lao Beifong." He says calmly, not breaking stride, even as he just sort of appears next to them, Assassins do that sometimes. "I too thought that I had the power to protect and to change people, I thought I knew what was best for them."
"Then, I realized that I am not a God, and that no matter what laws you impose, people will always do what they wish, even if it means breaking rules."
"This is something that you must understand. Your daughter will ultimately do what she wills, she has shown already that she can. The best you can do is support her in her decisions, for this too is a way to protect her."
"I must warn you, do not lose her over this, you will never forgive yourself for it."
Altair also returns the look Tony gave him, although his is more amused, possibly implying that Tony didn't change /that/ much if that's the case.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony's cheek twitches in a very small return smirk: reciprocal acknowledgement of Altair's unspoken thought. Also, the man makes a very good point from an angle he hadn't considered. Toph IS gonna do her own thing regardless, so Lao can make things a lot easier on himself by accepting her for who she is instead of fighting every step of the way.
Coffeesip.

Altair has posed:
Incidentally, Altair also takes that opportunity to get himself some coffee along with Tony. These kids already got him doing somersaults and he hasn't even had a cup of joe yet, sheesh.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Seriously, the estate was so much calmer before his daughter brought these people in. And well... Tony's comment does seem to strike a nerve, as Lao's right eyebrow has a slight twitch. "I am doing this to protect Toph!" he protests, his words sincere. Tony's admission does seem to confuse him slightly though. He was hurt? At this Toph only sighs. "It's a long story, dad. Just take my word for it, Tony has been through hell." No, she doesn't expect Tony to share that story with just anybody. As she has heard it, she has a respect for the man. Just like she respects the assassins, even if she doesn't always agree with how they do things.
At least they are classy and agile even early in the morning.
Altair adds his two cents, and Lao seems a bit uncertain how to respond as the barrage continues. And for a man who is seldom used to being questioned, this entire visit is taking its toll on him. Still clutching Toph's hand, he watches the grandmaster assassin as he points out what Toph already said before the two men entered the room. The warning to not lose her though? That seems to get the biggest reaction from him as he swallows and narrows his eyes. "You're still a child..." A heavy sigh leaves Toph, and her expression is serious. "But I am the greatest earthbender there is. And I /will/ continue bending. You and mom kept me secret from the world and I kept my true bending skills secret from you... and how I kept the last year secret from you until my friends persuaded me to return here."
Then the girl sniffles slightly, her voice slightly weaker as she speaks. "I'm so sick and tired of secrets."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony... really has nothing he can add to that. If the man is still so obtuse as to deny the facts at this point, there's probably no hope. "Your daughter loves you, Lao Beifong. And I know that you love her. Accept her for who she is. Please don't make the same mistake my father did."
Because Tony could never be perfect in Howard's eyes either, and now neither of them has the other.

Altair has posed:
Altair listens to the exchange whilst sipping on his coffee. He is a man of few words, the Master Assassin, not because he has a lack of things to say, if given the opportunity Altair can and will talk a person's ear off thanks to his many many strong opinions about how things should be done. The thing is, that he both loathes forcing his opinion on others, and also dislikes talking in circles.
He had told Toph before, Tony, Steve, Connor and himself have brought all manners of evidence to Lao that Toph can fend for herself, and they could bring /even more/ evidence if needed. They can bring the entire Multiverse to testify for Toph and Lao still seems like he would refuse.
This conversation was long over as far as Altair was concerned, the ball was and always has been in Lao's court.
"You are a good man at heart, Lao Beifong. You know very well which one is the right decision." Says he seconding Tony's own thoughts.
"All you need to do is to take it."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
The confession from his daughter draws a concerned look on Lao's face, and he sighs heavily, his shoulders sagging where he sits. Sure, he can hear Tony and Altair talking, only confirming the thing that Toph had been saying ever since she was a young child.
It is tough to take those words to heart though, even now. His expression is lost on Toph, but it's clear that the man doesn't seem to know just what to say nor what to do at the moment. "You're still so small," he finally settles for, swallowing nervously as he looks up at Toph where she stands. She in turn doesn't say anything, her pale eyes unblinking. "But I'm /not/ helpless. And I'm not alone either."
Somehow it feels wrong when the two Union Elites point out what he already knows, and it looks like he's about to open his mouth and snap at Tony and Altair again like he did the first evening at dinner. The right decision? The best decision would be if Toph would stay at home. But that is unrealistic, he knows that.
It still hurts though.
Suddenly, Toph lets out a slight yelp, eyes going wide as she finds herself tugged forward. Lao pulls her closer, similar to how Poppy had drawn her close yesterday after the impromptu reading session, and the blind girl is silent even as her face is buried against her father's chest. "I still don't like this," Lao repeats, perhaps mostly to himself. "There is nothing I can say to convince you stay here, is there...?" To which Toph shakes her head slightly, even as she moves her arms to weakly hug her father back.
He raises his gaze to Tony and Altair next, and while he doesn't seem as angry, he certainly doesn't look happy.

Altair has posed:
That actually worked?? Incredible.
Even Altair can't help but to arch an eyebrow in mid coffee sipping to this development. He was certain that this could only end with tears, yelling and lots of broken hearts. Then again, almost everything that Altair gets involved with ends with tragedy and with lots of people dead, so it is understandable he'd have such a cynical outlook. Still, it's nice to see a happy ending for once, its very refreshing, and it restores his hopes that all his efforts may not be for naught after all.
He stays quiet this time, letting the two finally enjoy this moment of understanding. That is until Lao looks at them back again.
"You have done the right thing." He assures him.
"Do not worry, I believe I speak for all in the Union when I say we will do everything within our power to assist her in any task."
"Even if she does happen to be the best earthbender and soon to be best metalbender ever."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"Let's... head outside for a while," Tony suggests. He drains his coffee and rises to his feet, plucking at Altair's sleeve. This feels like the kind of father/daughter moment that doesn't need their intrusion. And he's sure Lao doesn't need to be made to feel any more humiliated by 'I told you so's from a bunch of foreigners. "You can show me that... thing."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
Happy ending? Perhaps it is, perhaps it isn't. Lao doesn't seem to consider it a happy ending at least even as he hugs Toph close, maybe a bit too tightly for her preferences. But she seems to put up with it, letting him hold her close. And it doesn't seem as if he likes this decision much at all. Even if Toph does turn out to be the greatest earthbender there is. And even if she has managed to figure out how to bend metal.
As Tony suggests they should leave, Toph manages to turn her head slightly so she can speak without being muffled by her father's chest. "I'll catch you guys later." Heck, even she seems to understand that her father needs a moment. And that he probably deserves it too, not saying anything for once.

Altair has posed:
Altair gets tugged away, managing to drain the last of his coffee before Tony pulls him off. He raises a hand to bid Toph farewell for now, before following Tony outside. "Oh, yes, I do have much to show you." He flexes the fingers he has left on his left hand. Well, he's not one to pass on an opportunity to mess with Tony, especially after he heard that he decked Toph's dad. He wanted to be the one to do that!

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"Wait-- you do? Because I was just trying to get us out of there," Tony rambles, a little off his game admittedly. He can't say he's entirely displeased with the way things just went in there but it's all very weird, considering this is the guy he decked last night for being an unmitigated cunt. God, if it weren't for Toph's sake... "Christ," he mutters, when they're safely out of earshot. "she deserves better than him." But we don't get to pick our parents.

Altair has posed:
"Mhm, yes, I heard you've become rather formidable without your suit. I believe I can make you even more so." Altair is definitely not Steve, he won't ask Tony to put his suit on before sparring. In all seriousness though, he nods his head to Stark once they are out of the house and into the courtyard. His face turning to its usual grim features. "I've never seen anyone so blind." Rest assured he doesn't mean Toph.
"Had this been a mission, I would have given up on trying to convince him verbally a long time ago." And well, he doesn't say it up front, but we all know what's the next step for assassins when negotiations fail.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony snorts. "Yeah, well, I pretty much gave up on that myself when I popped him last night. Just lucky Steve was there to calm him down at all. And... well, I don't think anyone had ever hit him before. I don't want to say it was a wake up call, but being polite and respectful sure as hell wasn't getting me anywhere."
He shoots Altair a sideways look. "And I have /always/ been formidable, suit or not." How dare he forget his innate awesomeness?