Jax came from the priestess dwelling looking relaxed but focused. His ears fell back in relief at seeing Taryn and then one rose as he realized she was held by the hand of the Kuguar. His paw itched to throw a knife until he realized she acted as if her hand in that paw was a normal occurrence.<br/><br/>"These attacked are unconscionable. " The priestess spoke, frowning at the messenger who coward at her feet. "Raschen!" she snapped. "We need an emissary. Go and take the Hume with you."<br/><br/>Jax automatically stepped up to join Taryn.<br/><br/>"No," the priestess commanded, holding up a paw. " The Hase stays as security." Two Kuguar guards stepped up beside him and took him by the arms.<br/><br/>Taryn started to protest but the pressure from the Kuguar conveyed calm to her and she snapped into military bearing, waiting to hear what the plann was for the mission. She hated to see her beloved Jax taken away but she felt as if the Kuguar would treat him with respect. Taryn glanced up at the Kuguar, something about him inspired trust.<br/><br/>"Go visit the Kyote and then the Hyane. Find out what they know. Find out what they don't know." the priestess commanced. She produced the skull of a cougar, an old world creature and held it aloft. Invoking rhe power of the cat, she blessed their journey. From  a fold in the wrap she wore, she brought out a small pouch. This she opened, pinched the herbs from it and blew these in their faces.<br/><br/>"From times when the Earth was green and herbs were taken for granted Fron the times of our Great Mother, blessings, stealth, cunning, wisdom and survival. Walk in the paw prints of She Who Ruled the Mountain."<br/><br/>As she finished the incantation, Taryn noticed the others had taken up the refrain, their faces taking on more feral qualities than Kuguars usually exhibited. A group of young Kuguar came with supplies and women produced traveling food. Feeling as if life had begun to truly spiral out of control, Raschen handed her a backpack and a long knife.<br/><br/>"We are leaving now?" Taryn inquired, shouldering the load. She faced him and knew she could depend on him for her life.