[Voice] 018 [Filtered From Sokka 50%]

[earthrumblegod]

[So, after hearing many, many people discuss a 'let's make people fall in love' experiment with the Malnosso, Toph is...suspicious. Not of her own feelings, because she's sure she's been crushing on Sokka for a long, long time...and not necessarily about his. Well, okay. About both of theirs, but mainly his. Because she really, solidly remembers

Comments

[pretty_fascist]

People these days are seldom direct about their intentions. It's sad that we have to live in a world of stupid politics rather than direct fighting. People prefer to be sneaky little bastards who would rather manipulate than straight out fight. You should watch out for those types.

First of all, you should notice any friendly gestures. You know, changes in their regular way of treating you, sudden desire to exchange confidences, excessive praise, and that sort of shit. If they're acting suspicious, they probably are.

Next, I learned in diplomacy, that you should say or do something that can be read in multiple ways. Something that might be superficially polite but indicate coolness or aloofness on your part or something that can even be seen as a subtle insult. Someone who's your friend would let it pass, but an enemy would get angry.

You could also start an argument. People like to mask their intentions, but if you get them angry enough, their true face will usually show. If they feign impartiality or mimic your ideas, then just use a sharply worded question or an opinion that's meant to offend. Make them react and take sides. Then you'll see.

Finally, though I don't really listen to this, I was told that if you suspect someone of ulterior motives, you could just go along with what them, instead of getting angry. Then your enemies would take that as a sign that it's okay to go further, show you more of their hand, and then when you're more certain about what they're up to, you can attack.

[earthrumblegod]

[Toph has, at first, absolutely no fucking clue how to deal with this immense wave of information dump. Then she realizes that this guy took her words completely at face value- which means she probably should have clarified for those people who somehow missed the humongous WAVE of lovey dovey going down. But she's not about to clarify to Dilandau, who strikes her as a jerk who really won't be sympathetic. So.]

That's a lot of stuff to learn in the army. I generally only got as far as how to kick the other people's butt in the best way possible. [Tru fax, she was in the Earth Kingdom army for a while.]

[pretty_fascist]

Well, the common soldier wouldn't have to learn how to deal with politicians. That would just be a waste of time. I'm an important Captain, though. I have to be educated in strategy and tactics, so I know not to do anything stupid.

[earthrumblegod]

Oh, I talked to politicians. Don't have much use for them. Most of that diplomacy stuff sounds just like courtly etiquette anyway, without the fancy outfits.

[pretty_fascist]

Politicians make me sick. They take so long, and it's so pointless when you already have an agenda.

[earthrumblegod]

They do talk an awful lot. And paperwork. There's so much of it.