<div class="floatleft">(http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/9637/basisliskxxx2sg2.png)</div><br/><br/><em>My cousins always seek to make their presence known.  To stand amidst their armored might with banner raised in defiance of the darkest beasts known to mankind.  Weighted tetsubo near impossible to hold are hoisted upward while they release their battle cry.  Even among my closest relatives, the Kuni, there is much for making their presence known with fear and intimidation.  Perhaps my time among the Isawa has taught me something different or tainted my view of such dramatic performance.  For now my lips remain quiet as my mind gives turmoil to the words spoken by others.  I cannot help but turn my gaze from one to the other, to examine each in turn while reserving my speech.  There will be no point in words for this time.  The Seppun has spoken and our task set forth if not made clear.<br/><br/>The ronin is brash.  My first thoughts are of the one with no Master.  There is pity for the creature.  No warrior should be without purpose and destiny.  The notion of failing my ancestors is a horrible one.  The idea of existing without duty even more terrifying.  My head shakes at the thought and instead I seek solace in the opposite of this man, the Lion.  Already he has noted my weakness.  Good for him that he had enough sense to withdraw his assistance for a Kuni.  There is no tolerance among my people for weakness and I will not defy their legacy of strength by leaning against another.  <br/><br/>The magistrate has made suggestion that the plot might involve ronin.  Perhaps then the purpose of one among our group.  That a merchant of the Yasuki is here makes me think also that our threat originates from the lesser people of this landscape.  Ronin and peasants, while typically cowed with Imperial presence can also be a source of discontent and rebellion.  <br/><br/><strong>“Honored magistrate, would I be correct to assume that your sources hint at something amidst the lower classes of this village?  Often the cults draw from the discontent and restless for their ranks.  If ronin are involved then they of course take their orders from any able to make payment, including the peasant.”</strong></em>[/b]