<div class="floatleft">(http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/9637/basisliskxxx2sg2.png)</div><br/><em>The pond has become deeper now and the water less clear.  My eyes have only just now glimpsed the prestigious symbol of the Jade Magistrate and already my mind begins to wonder.  Thoughts quicken my pace and keep the pain at bay, keep the pain away so that I do not fall on the mud.  Splatters of the filth have come across the bottom of my kimono but I pay no attention.  How much gore and blood stains the armor of my brethren while I waste time over kimonos and sandals.  That grim thought gives me pauses before the tent.  The magistrates that bear such a symbol are never to be taken lightly, especially by one of the shugenja class.  Many a Kuni have found themselves as suspect among these investigations and even more Phoenix as they dance the thin line of knowledge and heresy.  My blood quickens and spine tingles to think this might indeed be an interrogation rather than an assignment.<br/><br/>My ancestors breed no cowards and my footsteps resume.  Painted women move to greet me and my hand raises to shove them away from me.  Already I know their giggles are meant for me and my lack of grace.  I would spit on their useless kimonos and grace if I dared to waste the water in my mouth.  They are the epitome of all things I cannot be.  To them I am a joke with my lame leg and slow gait, for them I am little more than the barbarians of the Unicorn.  To me they are little more than children playing at games while blood is spilled to defend their precious tea set.  Painfully I acknowledge that I would rather be one of them, than they me.  Still, I am their superior and they obey me without word.  To do otherwise would place them in my way and few willingly step before a Kuni.<br/><br/>Already my mind churns over what has been seen.  There had been strips of cloth outside the tent, distinctive colors each of them.  Were those a symbol to observers or a symbol of something else.  My own colors had been there, along with another similar to my own.  White and blue had also been set on display with a gold beside.  Was such an indication of clan.  In my heart I hoped for something different because to deal with a Crane would be punishment.  Better the geisha then their ilk.  Pain returned in my leg as such thoughts danced around me and I longed already for the comfort of a warm fire and soft cushion.</em>