Taryn kept the cloak well around her, as Raschen had indicated. She had not thought the Kyote to be judgmental people because Jeb and Devlin had such a devil may care air about them but Raschen seemed to think differently. Something in his manner was not the confident swagger that should accompany a returning hero and maybe it was his hesitance that was conveying uncertainty to the Elders. The sharp eyed matrons snarled, with a pulled back lip, and stiff posture. The oldest grandmother held out her paw to receive the token from him, eying it and him suspiciously. Her words were gracious and Taryn's expelled breath, not even realizing she had been holding it.<br/><br/>"Come and sit fer a spell," she instructed.<br/><br/>As Taryn started forward, the wind gusted from the North and the cloak billowed around her. She heard a low growl and realized that all yellow eyes were on her. Taryn decided that things would not get simpler the closer to Home that they moved so she squared her shoulders, assuming a warrior's demeanor. Putting on her battle face, she stepped toward the trailer the grandmother indicated. As she entered the door, the low rumbling of voices followed her. Taryn turned in the doorway and said,<br/><br/>"I carry child of the Kuguar. The Kuguar who defeated the entire Warren's worst nightmare. If I enter this dwelling, I will speak freely with you and you may with me. However, if you plan to whisper behind your paws, then I will refuse your hospitality. Grandmothers, you decide. Will you dishonor the Kuguar?" She stared at them, boldly holding their gazes. Her hair was like a flaming banner, whipping in the wintry wind. Her form was strong and lithe with just a hint of life budding, making her stand in the traditional stance of a woman with child. She was magnificent in her controlled fury.<br/><br/>The women circled her, sniffing the air, baring their teeth, ears flat against their ancient heads. Raschen would have come to her rescue, Taryn knew this, but the determined set of her jaw let him know that this was the first of many showdowns she would have to fight. If she cowed this time, she knew she would live in shame forever. Her children's status depended on her. They would be different but the good or bad of that remained to be seen.<br/><br/>The Elder Grandmother finally nodded once.<br/>"Get your ass inside. It is too danged cold to be standing out here. Women don't pee on trees and babies is babies."<br/><br/>Taryn entered the dwelling.