Taryn regretted that she had nothing lovely to wear to the field. Biting her lip, she tugged on her fatigues and knee high lace up boots. They were well broken in, but not scuffed. Talent Warriors took good care of their gear. Not only was this good practice for staying alive during missions but good discipline. Well cared for equipment could stand between life and death during times away from Home. She was clipping weaapons and other gear, a length of rope, traveling rations, a canteen with water, when a young Kuguar wandered into Raschen's dwelling. She caught her breath because in Home, a young one would  not come into the Tunnel and go unpunished. The Elders did not waste kindness on childer. To be Hume, a person must be strong, healthy and to prosper, one must be a Talent. Childer were never coddled. They learned the hard facts of life early. Only the strong survice.<br/><br/>When the young one, Lani, came in, Taryn stifled an urge to pick her up and rub her face against the small furry ears. In Home, approaching the young was no only frown on but would result in punishment. She was a renegade for the need to make a better world for the childer. She was a maverick for withholding her breeding capability because she didn't want any child of hers to suffer in the "humanity" of Home.<br/><br/>Raschen spoke to her, close to her face, eye to eye. The love that lit the cubs face brought tears to her eyes. Taryn turned her back, horrified at her reaction. How could the Elders think the Beasttkin were uncivilize? How could the Elders insist that the Beastkin didn't feel, or have emotions like the Hume? Curling her hands into fists, Taryn fought back the urge to hurl herself into Raschen's arms and scoop up the cub. She saw this scene graphically in her mind, except his arm was around them both.<br/><br/>A woman brought in a woven platter piled with bread and cheese which she set on the table. The toddler followed her out of the dwelling and Raschen handed Taryn a wedge of the strong smelling cheese and the still warm bread roll. Jerking his head to the door. they started out into the courtyard where solemn Beastkin and Jax were waiting to see them off. The Hase looked peacefull, rested and well fed. He waved to Taryn and nodded. She paused, returned the nod and fell in beside Raschen.