Yeah…I want to keep my author comments shorter from now on. Here it goes…

Disclaimer: I don't own avatar, yadayada. In fact, who else owns it except for Mike and Bryan and their workers. They hypnotize us for heavens sake! Warning (?) – Uh…Not really. Only some depressing parts…

Fingering the square Earth kingdom pendant hanging by her necklace Toph drew A long distracted sigh. She had not planned to be pushed back in rich society, but she had to prove herself to her parents she could care for herself.

Of course, she could stand before A whole lot of wannabe-benders and dodge all the boulders she could.

Or even battle A few of the stronger benders and win. Perhaps she would reason them she was strong.

But she would worry her parents more with just that. She would give them the image of A young, ruthless, bad behaved, dirt coated earth bender. The only reason she wore this silken robes, had her hair awfully knotted in different kinds of hair clips, and cleaned all the dirty but healthy coating of her skin not because she enjoyed it-

She wanted to prove her parents in being faithful to them. Act kind to guest they would receive. And be A girl they thought she would be. Only A little more headstrong.

She had A feeling half of the guest in this fancy ballroom were hired to guard her. Which made her more crankier than when she first walked inside the entrance.

Toph walked slowly outside, slightly peeved. The longer she would stay in this room, the more hope she would loose. At least, what was over from it.

The balcony wasn't terribly big. It was just enough for three people to stand and chat. Luckily she had guarded the spot for A long time. Hours straight. But it was always taken by some boring old people or unhappy discussing couples. She knew she wouldn't be all alone, but she at least had enough air to think straight. No strong terribly smelling perfume to fill her nostrils.

Pushing all the issues aside Toph took the natural scent of air in. Sighing happily that she could breath normally without having the sensation of vomiting out of nowhere. She had only light trouble with her stomach. But the itch for throwing her lunch out was poking her the whole time. It would be all gone if she just gave up and puke. But at parties such as these it wasn't taken 'respectful' So she just held it in, for her parents sake.

She hadn't noticed she had her finger tightly clutched in the wooden rails. Her fingers burned of the stocky material, but for some reason she just dragged her fingers deeper and deeper until her knuckles turned wide. She wouldn't even notice if the drew blood. Spirits, she was in stress wasn't she?

She was proud. Proud that she travelled and enjoyed her youth. Eleven years have been only half spoiled for her, the last five years she enjoyed every joyful swallow life gave her. But every period of time had an end by its path. Toph just wanted those careless, fun and playful times the longest ones of her life. But much to her dismay, seemed the most shortest of all. It felt shorter than it actually was.

She wondered how it went with her friends. When were Aang and Katara finally going to openly admit their love to the world. Why was it almost as if they were hiding it secretly?

How where Iroh and Zuko doing? Probably well enough. From she had heard rumors that Zuko had not so long ago proposed to Mai. So they would be the least in her care…She thought

Sokka…Only imagining him made her strong being tremble from dejection. Her skin crawl in frustration and A little bit of embarrassment. He would be just fine with Suki. She respected that. Suki was A very reasonable woman. Exactly good enough for Sokka. Just what Sokka needed. Another warrior. Not A bender.

She just hoped after all of these matches, prayed, that one being in the whole universe would be patient and noble enough to love her equally as she would love him (Or spirits, it always could be A her too…) She chuckled lightly, proud enough of herself to make little jokes after such rather emotional thoughts.

She felt upcoming footsteps. Judging from the determinant steps it wasn't her fathers nor her mothers. Sure they were headstrong business people, but when it came to handle their daughter, they seemed always A bit hesitant how to talk to her now and then.

She recognized the steps, frowning suddenly. It were two persons which she thought they were the most amazing people on the world…

''Xin Fu, Master Yu? What are you two doing here?'' She voiced with distaste, crossing her arms in A bored stance.

She could easily hear the grumpy tall haired man gruff 'Stinkin' Brat' under his breath, and his stance getting more impatient already.

''We have, sadly, unfortunate news to report, Miss Bei Fong.'' Master Yu answered her question, only calmer than Xin Fu could be if he even tried.

''What is it, both of you are broke out of money? Again?'' She snapped, directing them on their greed for more, more, more and more money.

''I wouldn't be so spunky if I were you, Bandit.'' Xin Fu reported rudely. ''Because we're trying to tell you something that could devastate you.''

Something felt like Xin Fu would report that matter with pleasure. Master Yu glared unnoticed at the man, folding his hands flat on each. A respectful look and behaviour directing at the sixteen year old girl.

''I will tell her, you just go eat or something.'' Yu told Xin Fu.

First Xin Fu was silent. Than gruffed once again. Trudging to the buffet. Toph was getting her suspicions.

''Tell me what?'' Toph questioned, softer than she was aiming on.

Yu let out A deep drawled sigh, putting A hand on her shoulder.

''Poor girl.'' He muttered. ''So young, so bloomed over the years. I am afraid this news could shatter you like the porcelain doll you look.''

''What?!'' Toph asked again, disturbed by his words only slightly.

''I know you were familial bonded with that firebender.'' He said quietly.

''Fire lord Zuko?'' Toph added.

''No, his uncle. Iroh, wasn't it?'' Yu asked.

Toph only nodded slowly.

''Here comes the bad news.'' Yu slightly muttered, sliding his hand from her shoulder, to hold her wrist. ''He died.''

She was silent. Than her voice croaked.

''…What?''

''He died peacefully in his sleep.'' Yu tried to comfort her A little bit. Noticing the girl trembling.

''What…?''

''He died A week ago. The fire lord invited you to the fire palace to memorize his greater deeds.''

Toph only was silent again. Not shedding A tear. Even when she was in her bed, folded in the warm blankets her words went out without sound…

To inform you: Toph is not the first to hear the news. The earlier chapters were meaning to inform their lifestyles for A big part. Just pretend the other heard it also…okay?