[ Toph's full of surprises. And a disturbing lack of fear. It's an offputting combination sometimes. ]

Right. Fire chicken. Got it.

[ Good, she should be upset, it serves her right. But the reason Toph's come out to see her is pretty evident soon enough. The catch. ]

Then why are you out here, hiding like some snivelling gliding mouse?

[ She's not even going to comment on the lackluster 'camping' setup. ]

Don't like the journals. I'd rather hear and feel how people are talking. Not some weird made up voice that doesn't sound real.

[ She dismisses that idea almost instantly. Also she doesn't know Azula's contact details. ]

Is that how you treat people that come out to see you? Geeze, no wonder it's so quiet out here. [ She scoofs, faded eyes looking right past Azula, like she's looking through her- wait. ] I said before, I'm not going to pretend I know you.

But that didn't feel like you. Aside from maybe the anger.

I'm surprised a spoiled princess like you has managed to last this long out here, really.

[ Yeah, that anger. No point hiding it now, right? Is it possible she came to make sure Azula was alive and kicking? Nope. She'd never say it. ]

And that wasn't an answer.

Pretty sure you didn't want 'company' even when you were in the city. You push people away almost as well as I do.

[ She is a bit of a loner, after all. Half here time here has just been wandering.

There's a long pause. ]

So, what's going on?

[ There it is. The cold mighty Azula, worried about something? Toph can't help but smile just a bit. ]

Yeah, not being concerned about your activities has helped me a lot so far.

[ The shoulder to her bandaged arm shrugs, pointedly. Toph stands, letting out a briefly irritated huff. Why is she even out here? This isn't meant to be her problem. But it always ends up being somehow. ]

You need to talk to someone. Hiding out here is just running away.

[ She can't believe she's saying this. ]

I'm around if you want. You know how to find me.

[ Not quite dismissing herself, but she's clearly said her peace, ready to leave if she's not wanted. ]

[ Another telltale burst, collapsing form. She's really off her game huh? Toph can read that like an open book. Or... a. Uh. Open boulder. ]

Because I can tell when people are being genuine. As much as you keep trying to hide it. I can feel you losing control even if you think you're fooling everyone else.

[ She turns back, holding an accusatory squint her way. ]

I didn't like Zuko either. So? Maybe I just want to give you the same chance he got. Since no one else would have given it to him if I wasn't there.

Yeah, and? What's that got to do with anything.

[ She scoffs, eyes rolling like an adult trying to talk to a child. ]

You're way more annoying than he is. Stubborn too. That part I kind of get.

But I don't know why you're trying so hard to be unlikeable.

[ Because that's also usually Toph's thing. Standoffish and rude. She doesn't want to think of the parallels that much. ]

[ One thing she might have to get used to. Toph can be incredibly expressive when she wants to be. She usually just doesn't spare the effort if it's not worth it. ]

Are you sure? Cause you're pushing people away even faster than I do.

Kindof impressive.

[ Hey look, a compliment from Toph. Kindof. ]

And I lack your skill in deflecting.

[ There's that challenging look again, Toph's a straight shooter. ]

Yeah. I'm good at it.

[ She almost sounds chipper, if it wasn't just a little mocking (and a touch self depreciating). Usually because she wants to be... Usually. But that's also besides the point. ]

Really, it's a wonder we've talked as much as we have already. This place is weird. Definitely not boring though.

Don't get ahead of yourself. I'm the one managing you, duh.

[ She puffs out some air to blow her bangs aside again. ]

Sounds like you're feeling better already. Jee, what a surprise.

Yeah? Good to see a princess can handle toughing it in an attempt at shelter.

[ She shrugs, and once more the offer is there to leave, starting to turn again. ]

Next time I won't make sure you're alive then.

Yeah, sure, whatever.

[ Her foot stomps, hands push, and in an instant Azula's stick shelter is smashed to pieces as a smooth stone formation grinds out of the ground.

As the dust settles, a waterproof stone tent is left behind, a bit more spacious, and if Azula dared look away from Toph to see what the fuss was about, by the time she looks back the earthbender is gone.

Else, she's quick to fade into the bushes again. ]