Those Aren't Horses... (D3, EM)

[Kitsune Takeo]

"Then I shall endeavor to ensure I am not on the wrong side of such a charge," Takeo replied.

"I am eager to see how your tactics will change the Empire. Cavalry is almost unheard of in the Empire...." he mused, "To credit the generals, the horses here are not well-suited for it." He gave an excusing shrug.

"Were there many mounted armies beyond? Moreover...were there armies beyond?" he asked, realizing he lacked even a basic understanding of what they might have encountered.

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"There were many. The greatest was the Moto before I joined us. Moto-san, perhaps you could tell Fox-sama your history?"

[Kitsune Takeo]

Takeo nodded to express interest and looked turned to hear what the Moto what say.

[Moto al-Kalb]

The oversized Moto looks slightly uncomfortable as he scratches unconsciously at his chest, "I ain't much of a storyteller. Reckon any of my kin could tell it better but I'll try."

He pauses as he parses what he wants to say, "Before the Ki-Rin those who would become Moto were among the Ujik-Hai. They were a tribe of great warriors, feared across the sands as raiders, and lived between Rokugan and the desert. As such they were the first people Shinjo met. Some of the leaders of the Ujik-Hai believed the Ki-Rin to just be another target to raid not realizin' they were dealin' with a god." He chuckles, "Needless to say it didn't go well. But the two sides impressed each other and eventually some of the Ujik-Hai would marry into the Unicorn as equals and, under the first Moto, became the family to bear his name."

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"You sell yourself short. That was a fine recount."

Chi-Pu looks at Takeo.

"As you can see, the Moto were, and still are, fearsome people"

[Kitsune Takeo]

"I would expect nothing less," he returned, "The prowess of the Moto has already spread through the Empire, in much the same way that the honor of the shiotome has. You are newly returned home - even the wind carries stories of your people."

[Moto al-Kalb]

"As it should." al-Kalb's chest puffs up with pride.

With the focus shifted from them the two dogs have moved to less training and more playing among the obstacles. The big Moto observes but allows them a bit of time. They were still young after all and shouldn't be overstressed.

[Kitsune Takeo]

Seeing the pups playing, Asahi edged forward hesitantly. He couldn't resist a good time and at such a young age creatures need not be enemies - natural or otherwise. The closer he got with no bites, he grew more confident before bounding in to rough house with the pups.

Takeo smiled slightly.

"How did you come to train such fine creatures, Moto-San? "

[Moto al-Kalb]

Having not been giving a hunting order the two dogs, though hesitant and cautious, do not strike at the fox.

Their master lets silence hang for a moment at the question, "My parents had no want for me so the kennels were my home. The hounds are as much kin as my blood ever was."

[Kitsune Takeo]

Takeo nodded in understanding.

"Such a sentiment is not unknown to us. My own people have a deep respect for animals, and the foxes of our land in particular. They protect us and we protect them and each is the stronger for the other. "

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"al-Kalb, Fox-sama and his people used to be part of the Unicorn. When the Unicorn left centuries ago, they stayed behind, vowing to wait for our return! It is no wonder their people have similar talents."

Chi-Pu smiles at Takeo

"And now we have. Fox-sama, are there any Fox women al-Kalb can meet?"

[Akodo Runno]

For the second day, Runno had chosen to observe the Unicorn's morning maneuvers. It was a largely silent vigil as the tactician took in the displays, categorized them, and began to form her own ideas on how to use such things.

Seeing a group of conversing samurai, the Akodo maintained polite distance. Her gaze only lingered for a moment on the dogs, considering what purposes they may serve before returning to the field itself.

[Kitsune Takeo]

Takeo nodded.

"One of my cousins is present - Kitsune Kumahime - she is one of our sumai students - Rokugani wrestling. I understand the Moto have their own wrestling traditions as well. "

[Moto al-Kalb]

"Ain't much of one for it but we do indeed. Perhaps we should set her up with Butaj sometime."

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"You are here to be married too, Moto-san. "

Chi-Pu gives a playful smile to the beast of a man.

"Have you found many matches you are interestes in, either of you?"