Carried over from the Test Drive, Open!

[motheroffaces]

[A pool has formed in the Spirit Wilds. Probably it used to be a fountain, but seems to have been taken over by something else, the center lopped off and away. The water is absolutely clear, but also absolutely deeper than it should be; one can no longer see the bottom of it. For anyone spiritually sensitive, the place is flush with spiritual energy.]

In the center of the pool stands a figure, body almost human, but not quite. Her body is gaunt, too long, wrapped in layer upon layer of vines and roots. Her arms and hands hang far longer than any human's, tipped with claws. And her head . . . a slim neck supports a head that is many-branched like the upended roots of a tree. Between and below each branch, there is a human face, exquisitely formed but blanched of all color.]

[No eyes are visible, hidden behind loops of vines and roots, but if anyone enters the clearing, they will find that immediately she is aware of their presence.]


((ooc: All other conversations that didn't happen on the Test Drive will take place after MoF meets with Aang.))

Comments

[motheroffaces]

[A forward question -- one that surprises her, stilling her fingers. For long moments, she is silent.]

[When she speaks again, she is quiet.]

Long ago, the humans knew me and understood who I am. Long ago, they visited me and shared their lives with me, and asked for my help because they trusted me to give it, because they honored what I gave.

Now there are few who know me -- not even the ones who seek me out. And the ones who look for me hunt me, stalk me within my own home, asking me to alter life's first gift to them . . . my work, my purpose, to which I devote the very essence of my being. They do not care what I do; they care only that I can do it, that it can be used for their own purposes. I answer them because my heart is still soft -- yes, still soft, in spite of everything!

They ask, and then they leave. And they do not return.

The time in which I live, there is such scant room for spirits. Given the city that I see beyond these vines . . . I have little hope that the situation has improved.

So I return the question to you, priestess: What is it worth to be known to a world such as this?

[mercuryadept]

[Mia is not entirely prepared for the answer that the Mother of Faces gives her, and the question that's put before her is a significant one, and not one that Mia has an immediate answer for. She hesitates in answering, looking away from the spirit's own faces as she mulls over the answer. Yet inevitably, she looks back up again with a sympathetic frown.]

If what I have heard is true, it has been thousands of years since the last Harmonic Convergence, since the world when humans and spirits have, in the broader sense, cohabited together. Yes, this world has changed since then. I could not tell you to what extent it has; I can only guess. But yes, you are right; I know that there are many who do not value the spirits as they once did.

But have we not seen miraculous events such as Tui giving life to Yue as well as Yue returning it to her? Have we not seen so many spirits coming here to join their human brethren to coexist with one another once again? Do we not still have the spirit lights in the North, with the spirits dancing in the night sky to remind us of their presence?

If your heart is still soft, then am I wrong in believing that, despite it all, you wish to be known? That you wish for my kind to come here and relate our stories to you? To pay back the favours you have bestowed upon us at birth?

If that is not your wish, then I will am more than happy to leave you be, just as I said I would earlier. But, if instead I am not far from the mark, I am ever yours.

[motheroffaces]

[She is silent again, but it is a different sort. Quieter. More muted. Her head lifts, for long moments tilted upward against the light as though looking upward toward the sky . . . or perhaps gazing over the lines of the city beyond the ruins.]

I will remember.

[The words are soft. And while they are not a decision, they also do not dismiss.]

[All other questions remain unanswered.]

[She is quiet for a brief time more, then finally:]

An Avatar has suggested that I see the city for myself. And while I do not relish it, perhaps it will be worthwhile towards your question.

[mercuryadept]

[Well, okay, so maybe Mia won't win the Miss Spirits Liaison award of the year quite so quickly, but she definitely can sense the change in the Mother of Faces' demeanour as she mulls over Mia's many questions. She offers a gentle smile to her, glad to see her decision, even if it isn't a final answer.

[Though she can't help but be surprised by the words "an Avatar." Shouldn't it be "the Avatar"? Oh Mia, you sweet winter child.]

That is the most I could hope for. [Her words are as soft as the Mother's, and she looks up at her reverentially.] I cannot promise that you will find the city—or even everyone—entirely agreeable. But, at the same time, I can certainly hope that you will have a renewed faith in humankind.