from swedenborgian space... | action

[timegirl]

Wordlessly, hesitantly, a young girl is making her way into town. She walks slowly, gazing about her as she does, her fingers brushing and lingering on the leaves of each plant she passes by. Now and again, she looks up at the sky, watching the clouds move and shift the light. Clearly, her surroundings are deeply fascinating to her.

Her clothing is well-worn, darkened with age and abuse; an old-fashioned, plain apron dress hangs down to her calves, sitting atop a dark shirt, the sleeves not quite reaching her elbows. Her laced ankle boots are crafted of an equally weathered brown leather, and she steps gingerly over the stones as she wanders onto paths.

As enthralled as she is, when she isn't marveling at the sky or the plants - taken in by the bright and vibrant living things - she's looking eagerly around at anyone who passes her by. She is clearly looking for someone.

Comments

[o_tea_p]

If she happens to wander past Iroh's little home, she'll find the old man working in his garden. His movements are very slow and careful -- the adventure in the evil forest had opened an old wound (and added a few new ones).

His garden is bright and colorful, full of butterflies and there may even be a bunny or two hanging around. A perfect place to stop and take a break.

[timegirl]

His garden is very inviting - the brilliant colors are what initially grab her attention, though the flight of a vibrant butterfly is what really draws her in. So she approaches, quietly and slowly.

As she draws close, she spots him working carefully. So she stands still and quiet, before venturing in a soft, small voice.

"Hello?"

[o_tea_p]

It takes Iroh a moment to realize someone spoke, her voice is so quiet. Getting soft in my old age.

"Why hello there!" His heart melts at the sight of the small girl, standing there so timidly. "Are you new here?"

[timegirl]

She purses her lips in a tiny frown across her pale face, and nods slightly.

"This isn't where I belong."

[o_tea_p]

"Just because you are somewhere you did not expect does not mean you don't belong," Iroh says.

But obviously, what this little girl needs isn't proverbs. It's tea.

"How would you like a nice cup of jasmine tea?" he asks.

[timegirl]

It's been a very long time since Mary's tasted anything, and with her background, she's never had anything like jasmine tea. So she looks puzzled.

"I don't know."

[o_tea_p]

Iroh notices the look. "Have you ever had tea before?" he asks.

[timegirl]

She nods, a tiny inclination.

"Not... Jasmine tea." She says the word very carefully, uncertainly.

[o_tea_p]

"We'll have to fix that!" Iroh says. "I have some little cakes that go perfectly with them. You look like you could use a good meal."