Beatrice let out another heartfelt sigh, looking to Hitomi once more, "I know there are those who...disagree where the council is concerned, but you must understand from my point of view.  They serve a purpose.  To protect mankind from things they do no currently and do not truly wish to understand, as well as protecting wizards and our kind from the predations of others as well as man."<br/><br/>She shrugged a little, "I'm not certain what you mean by not agreeing with me where Shinto was concerned...all I said was that I do not understand it as well as I might wish, though I will certainly consult my library when I return home."  She smiled a bit mischievously, "it is seldom that I have an opportunity to discuss philosophy with others, but I would hate to muddle such talk when I lack proper context and understanding of much more than the fundamentals of your faith."<br/><br/>"The key, though, of the moment, beyond spells and wizardry and spirits, is your involvement in this situation."  She looked more pointedly to Hitomi, "if you are looking to aid, I would be happy to have any additional information and may share what I have...though I am curious what you mean by a personal stake?"