[@jumpadraw][@rocketrobie2][@Fancy Party]

The blind man's eyebrows raise at Haru's question, and he begins trembling.  For a few tortured moments the world seems to stop as everyone anticipates his reaction.

His trembling ends when he can hold himself back no longer; and bursts into laughter.

"I think you're the first person to ever say that to my face, or at least the first to ask so bluntly!"

The entire mountain seems to shake until he regains his composure.

"My eyes are useless, this much is true.  But to assume I can not see would be truly blind.  There are none blind who Master Peng takes in.  But where are my manners?  My name is God-Speaker Mesu, and I have indeed heard of your Tanka.  He came with another man, I believe by the name of Fan Gang.  They left our Temple some time ago, with a small group of other men."  He sighs deeply, "Many people have left our Temple as of late."

The people behind him bow their heads as he speaks.