Dark Edge Village

Kyra stalks a small puppy in one corner of the dojo the two four legged creatures seem to be squaring off circling each other intently as Ryori watches nearby.

A giant puppy and its tiny owner were also taking a trip to the dojo. This owner did not have a giant cat, but did have a horse that could kill you before you drew your sword. Almatar waited outside while Asha and Imane went to explore the Calm Heart.

Spotting the big cat caused Imane a moment's pause. "Ah, there's a giant cat in here. Would you happen to be a Matsu? Lion-san?"

"I am Matsu trained Otaku-san, Shimizu Ryori at your service, this is Matsu Kyra" he bow as the two continue circling and sparring.

"Shee-mee-zoo?" Her accent made it sound a little exotic and strange. "Forgive me for not knowing this, you are the first of your family that I have met."

She smiled and returned the bow before looking at the actual lion. "So this is a Matsu lion, not a Shimizu lion?" The Otaku sounded a little confused.

"Hai all Lions are Matsu, it is a Matsu School, Shimizu is a new and smaller family" he smiles " Only recently founded in the last 15 years, I am the only one here"

"Ah, then I do not feel foolish for having never heard the name before!". She watched the antics of the two puppies and the lioness, surprised the latter did not seem to want to eat the former.

"I suppose the Shimizu are too young to have their own school. Is there a particular thing that your family is famous for?"

"Our Daimyo is a renowned Magistrate and Tactician, he is known for his abilities to detect those who are trying to hide from justice and to ferret out spies and assassins. He once found one in the Imperial court, and was granted a family for his service. I believe he plans to attempt to develope a training program for yojimbo and magistrates with in our clan. The Akodo Kensai are renown masters of swordmanship and strategy, the Ikoma Bards of History and Jiujitsu, the Matsu berserkers of offensive combat, while the beastmasters handle scouting and the Kitsu act as our conduit to the ancestors. We have a hole in the areas of protection of others one on one. The Lion philosophy is a Lion does not need a yojimbo, so why would we train Lion yojimbo. Our daimyo is considering that maybe others might need the lion to protect them."

Imane listened with obvious interest and started to stretch off as Ryori spoke.

"Thank you Shimizu-san, I am grateful for your description of the Lion clan. It sounds as though your daimyo has a very worthy goal in mind for your family. Our Shinjo family are often magistrates or bodyguards, and I hear the Shiba of the Phoenix often perform these roles as well."

She looked at the lioness again.

"May I ask about your own training? You are a beastmaster, were you always close to nature?"

He smiles as he watches the two spare he stands and stretches a little. "My mother is Omidasu, Ikoma trained in the ways of brewing, wrestling, and bragging, she is a bard and storyteller, I once thought I would follow in her path." he shakes his head " But I have a natural affinity for our four legged cousins, they speak to me and I to them, and the senseis saw that. The beastmasters are trained to fight as one unit with thier warcats, but also in the training and care of other animals and in basic woodland tracking and scouting technics, as well as battlefield combat skills. "

"Your mother sounds like a formidable woman Shimizu-san. As for your own skills, I think you will fit in very well with my people." She looked over at the lioness. "Once they get over the fact that you are accompanied by such a magnificent creature."

Kyra seemed to be doing an admirable job of herding the puppies. "Do you have much experience working with horses?"

"Rokugani ones, yes, though to place them and the magnificent creatures the Otaku ride in the same category seems almost disrespectful at times."

A smile crossed her lips. "I will admit to occasionally wondering what could have happened to shrink these Rokugani ponies to such a small size."

Her big puppy was attempting to use the headbutt strategy against Kyra. Unfortunately the lioness had perfected the 'paw on forehead' technique.

"So you are a scout Shimizu-san. My people would benefit from such familiarity with the Empire. Especially in these new old lands."

"Hai, a scout and beast trainer, and warrior." he smiles "I am hoping to assist in any way possible to help your family and clan fit in"