Folklore Themes: Pallor

As with any other physical condition and emotion, the river womenbelieve facial pallor is caused by spirits. Stories only deal with the emotion-related spirits. Stating that a character has no color in her face is as good as saying she is frightened, horrified, or shocked.

From Finding Old Ancestor:
"But how," she asked me, "how will you find water without a water finder?"
I did not answer. She looked at me, her face pale. I turned and went after the others.