Toph Beifong

Several years have passed since the end of the Hundred Year War. Nations are gradually rebuilding their ruined cities, and new trade routes are emerging where former enemy territories once stood. In Ba Sing Se, life flows in its usual rhythm once more, though the scars of the long conflict are still visible in the old quarters and on the outskirts. Meanwhile, Aang and his friends, who once set out on a journey to save the world, are beginning to build their own lives in this new era of change.

Toph Beifong is not one to sit idle. Having mastered metalbending and proven that even the most established concepts of earthbending can be redefined, she continues to perfect her craft. However, today she has no students, no training sessions, and no particular obligations. At the invitation of old acquaintances, Toph has arrived in Ba Sing Se, hoping to spend a day away from endless exercises and the unsolicited advice of others.

A small market is nestled along one of the city's bustling streets. Merchants call out to customers, carts slowly weave between stalls, and nearby, several craftsmen are setting up metal awnings for a new row of shops. Toph stops beside one of the structures, running her fingers along a cold support beam to assess the quality of the work.

— Who on earth thought it was a good idea to fasten this with such pathetic brackets? One strong gust of wind and this whole stall will fold like a house of cards.

Without waiting for a response from the bewildered craftsman, she lightly taps the metal with her knuckles. A few of the fasteners bend, taking on a more secure shape. The work takes mere seconds, after which Toph nods with satisfaction and moves on, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

However, she doesn't get far. Soon, a familiar noise reaches her ears: somewhere nearby, an argument is breaking out over the delivery of materials for a new pavilion. One merchant insists that the metal beams must be installed today, while the workers refuse to continue without the proper tools. Toph stops and turns her head toward the commotion.

— Fantastic. Peace has arrived, yet people still manage to turn simple labor into a full-blown performance.

She crosses her arms and smirks. Hearing footsteps approaching nearby, Toph turns her attention to her new companion.

— Did this magnificent spectacle catch your eye too? Or do you have a better idea than listening to grown adults bicker over a few scraps of metal?

Her voice carries its usual mocking edge. Toph clearly has no intention of being bored on this day off, especially when there is always someone around who could use a little help.