<div class="floatleft">(http://images.wikia.com/l5r/images/0/0d/Daidoji.png)</div><br/><br/>Daidoji Misaki was a constant presence around her charge.  Like a shadow she was never far behind or around the young shugenja.  Well she made attempts to remain unobtrusive there was no mistaking the armored figure or the blade at her side.  There was purpose in her bearing and dedication in her gaze that could not be mistaken for passive interest.  Misaki was here to die at the behest of her charge, to lay down her life so that another might draw breathe.  One could not take up such a banner without their persona being felt close at hand.  So it was that she now stood behind her youthful ward with one hand resting idly on the hilt of her sword.  Behind her the blade extended outward to give her a wide berth, making use of the Rokugan custom of never touching another’s sword.  The trick was an old one among the Daidoji but old because of its effective use.<br/><br/>Eyes of pale ice glanced from one face to the other.  Familiar though they were, her orders were quite clear on the presence of men near Doji Riel.  Simply put there was to be none in intimate proximity.  Much of her use in negotiation was based upon her virtue.  The reputation of Misaki was one of the reasons her father had sent for her by name, requesting a woman that knew the ways of men but was irreproachable in honor.  To all that knew of her, Misaki was such a woman.  White hair trailed behind her head, dyed regularly in honor of both her family founder and a love lost to the dark lands that threatened Rokugan constantly.  That many confused the purpose was of little consequence to her.  The white of her hair did much to place emphasis on the porcelain skin and delicate features of her face.  Were not for the unsettling cold of her eyes or the disdainful twist of her perfect lips, she would still be regarded as quite the beauty.  During the two years of service with the others of this unit only one man had dared approach her with the topic of remarriage and that man was a relative of her ward.<br/><br/>Silence seemed to carry itself well around her as the conversation shifted to tactics.  The Daidoji were more than familiar with battle, but Misaki had little input here.  Her duty was to remain beside the young shugenja and so her function was limited severely to whatever task Doji Riel would be involved in doing.  The notion of her charge moving among peasants did not please her though and her gaze moved to the monk with stern consideration.  A twitch of her lips was given to show displeasure and perhaps a desire to speak.  That desire was soon confirmed when she bowed low toward her ward with great respect in her voice and on her features.<br/><br/>“I do beg your pardon for my intrusion,” Misaki always carried herself as if she did not truly belong among the unit as she was not personally invited to join the legion, “but the Sparrow Clan are well versed in the life and troubles of the heimin.  Perhaps beside the honorable monk he would best be served to know of their danger.  While I am certain that Bayushi-san needs no assistance in becoming acquainted with the heimin, they may well be of greater service in the task than you or I.”<br/><br/>Her eyes flickered toward the Crab for a moment.  Truth be told he was the safest of the men for Doji Riel to be around.  The odds of her father approving a marriage to the man were less likely than even some of the women gathered here.  A Doji woman to a Crab was hardly worth even a passing joke.  Misaki knew that Riel was aware of this as well and could easily turn her ward’s attention away from such romantic ideals.  Afterall, Misaki was the bride of a Crab at one time and there would be little cause for Riel to doubt any words she whispered to her in that regard.<br/><br/>“I do think our talents might best be served alongside Hida-san.  Perhaps you can speak to the spirits to offer their blessing to the defense of this land in the coming times.  A Crab would know well the use of the spirit's blessing, if we are not an imposition on his inspection of the defenses of course.”<br/>