Matriarch Raih Kaatah listened intently to Lyn's words. Her expression remained neutral during his whole explanation. When he finished, the Matriarch grinned widely to him. He had just confirmed that his name and origins were not from Keeper society. So, why was she grinning? Kiht wondered.
“Correct...†The Matriarch said to Lyn as if he had answered a question right. “I suspected the origin of your name the moment I heard it. However, I wanted to see what kind of man you are.†The Matriarch said in a calm tone.
That was the test! Kiht thought. She had told Lyn that he would be tested more on trust than anything else, and that was it. The Matriarch saw his knowledge and respect of traditions based on how he presented himself, and she saw the effectiveness he would bring as a Guardian with the Ixal badges he presented. She just needed to know if he could be trusted. She just needed to know if he was honest.
“You cannot lie to nature.†Kiht said aloud as a confirmation of her realizing that the Matriarch had just tested him. The proverb was a common motto spoken frequently within the group. It was the verbal representation of the group's way of life. Lyn had just shown that he lived by it as well.
The whole group remained quiet, Raih'a Kaatah gave Lyn a disapproving scowl. Hahs'a crouched low, and was attempting to sneak up to the sack of spilled badges so he could snag one. Alanah smirked to Kiht. It was a positive turn of events.
“You must be quite smitten with young Kiht here to so readily adopt Keeper traditions, and offer your life to fight Ixal for us...†The Matriarch finally said after a moment of silent contemplation. “However, we do not want a martyr, nor do we need a reckless warrior who stirs up Midge nests.... The Ixal have been more active and aggressive lately due to this mysterious masked attacker who I assume to be you.†The Matriarch said with a tone that seemed a bit more serious as she pointed her finger at Lyn. “Do you not consider the repercussions of your actions?†The Matriarch asked Lyn.
“What of the repercussions of his in-actions? Those Ixal he killed would have attacked people sooner or later!†Kiht protested with the same argument that Lyn had given her. She didn't completely agree with it, but she was hoping she could use it against the Matriarch at that moment.
“A swarm of hungry Midges, looking for food, is much easier to avoid than a swarm of angry Midges, looking to bite.†The Matriarch answered Kiht.
It was hard point for Kiht to argue against. However, Lyn had attempted to do the right thing. And his attack on the Ixal had been much more than what the Gods damned Gridanians had been doing about their threat. Kiht had one final argument to make before she could let the Matriarch make a final decision.
“The group is almost gone. We need help. Lyn comes to us, and offers to help, but you would turn him away?†Kiht asked the Matriarch in a tone that betrayed her agitation.
“I did not say I was going to turn him away, young one. I just asked him-†The Matriarch began to explain to Kiht before she was interrupted.
“We are all avoiding the main issue with this...Brother!†Raih'a Kaatah spoke loudly as he stepped up beside the Matriarch.
Kiht, Alanah and the Matriarch herself would all scowl at him. “How dare you speak out of turn, male!†Kiht said to Raih'a in a harsh tone. However, the Matriarch held up her hand to stop Kiht from saying anything further. Unfortunately, the Matriarch respected her son's opinions. “Be calm, and tell me what you mean, first son.†She said to Raih'a.
“Look at his skin. Look at his hair and fur. Those are the colors one would expect to see on a Sun-brother. He is a hybrid. He would bring impure blood to our group.†Raih'a said as he leered at Lyn.
“He is not a hybrid!†Kiht protested.
“Prove it.†Raih'a said, plainly.
Gods damn it. There was no way to prove it for certain. Lyn had Keeper features for sure, but his skin was brown as if tanned heavily by the sun. If the Matriarch even suspected that he was a hybrid, he would not be allowed into the group. No matter what.
“There are many Keepers with white hair and fur. And, there are many with dark skin as well.†Kiht argued.
“Do not try to fool me, Jakkya. Dark-skinned Keepers have skin tones of greyish or blueish hues. Brown or tan skin is not something our kind have if they are pure-blooded Keepers.†Raih'a retorted.
Kiht couldn't believe a member of -her- group was sounding like bigot at that moment. But the fear of adding Seeker blood to the group was strong. There was too much pride in the group's Keeper heritage.
“Enough of this.†The Matriarch ended the debate. “There are actually methods to tell if Lyn is a pure Keeper. However, I would not subject someone to these methods unless I was ready to tell them that they could officially join the group. I am not ready to decide that yet. For now, I offer Lyn Konge one option. He may be recognized as an Accepted Male. It is a title given to those wandering males who have been temporarily allowed to live with our group. The head matron from each family must accept giving him this title. For now, we shall focus on deciding that alone.†The Matriarch said with finality in her tone.
A silence would follow the Matriarch's words. Now was Lyn's opportunity to respond to everything. At least he would need to tell the Matriarch if he was willing to accept the temporary title. All eyes were on him now.
“Correct...†The Matriarch said to Lyn as if he had answered a question right. “I suspected the origin of your name the moment I heard it. However, I wanted to see what kind of man you are.†The Matriarch said in a calm tone.
That was the test! Kiht thought. She had told Lyn that he would be tested more on trust than anything else, and that was it. The Matriarch saw his knowledge and respect of traditions based on how he presented himself, and she saw the effectiveness he would bring as a Guardian with the Ixal badges he presented. She just needed to know if he could be trusted. She just needed to know if he was honest.
“You cannot lie to nature.†Kiht said aloud as a confirmation of her realizing that the Matriarch had just tested him. The proverb was a common motto spoken frequently within the group. It was the verbal representation of the group's way of life. Lyn had just shown that he lived by it as well.
The whole group remained quiet, Raih'a Kaatah gave Lyn a disapproving scowl. Hahs'a crouched low, and was attempting to sneak up to the sack of spilled badges so he could snag one. Alanah smirked to Kiht. It was a positive turn of events.
“You must be quite smitten with young Kiht here to so readily adopt Keeper traditions, and offer your life to fight Ixal for us...†The Matriarch finally said after a moment of silent contemplation. “However, we do not want a martyr, nor do we need a reckless warrior who stirs up Midge nests.... The Ixal have been more active and aggressive lately due to this mysterious masked attacker who I assume to be you.†The Matriarch said with a tone that seemed a bit more serious as she pointed her finger at Lyn. “Do you not consider the repercussions of your actions?†The Matriarch asked Lyn.
“What of the repercussions of his in-actions? Those Ixal he killed would have attacked people sooner or later!†Kiht protested with the same argument that Lyn had given her. She didn't completely agree with it, but she was hoping she could use it against the Matriarch at that moment.
“A swarm of hungry Midges, looking for food, is much easier to avoid than a swarm of angry Midges, looking to bite.†The Matriarch answered Kiht.
It was hard point for Kiht to argue against. However, Lyn had attempted to do the right thing. And his attack on the Ixal had been much more than what the Gods damned Gridanians had been doing about their threat. Kiht had one final argument to make before she could let the Matriarch make a final decision.
“The group is almost gone. We need help. Lyn comes to us, and offers to help, but you would turn him away?†Kiht asked the Matriarch in a tone that betrayed her agitation.
“I did not say I was going to turn him away, young one. I just asked him-†The Matriarch began to explain to Kiht before she was interrupted.
“We are all avoiding the main issue with this...Brother!†Raih'a Kaatah spoke loudly as he stepped up beside the Matriarch.
Kiht, Alanah and the Matriarch herself would all scowl at him. “How dare you speak out of turn, male!†Kiht said to Raih'a in a harsh tone. However, the Matriarch held up her hand to stop Kiht from saying anything further. Unfortunately, the Matriarch respected her son's opinions. “Be calm, and tell me what you mean, first son.†She said to Raih'a.
“Look at his skin. Look at his hair and fur. Those are the colors one would expect to see on a Sun-brother. He is a hybrid. He would bring impure blood to our group.†Raih'a said as he leered at Lyn.
“He is not a hybrid!†Kiht protested.
“Prove it.†Raih'a said, plainly.
Gods damn it. There was no way to prove it for certain. Lyn had Keeper features for sure, but his skin was brown as if tanned heavily by the sun. If the Matriarch even suspected that he was a hybrid, he would not be allowed into the group. No matter what.
“There are many Keepers with white hair and fur. And, there are many with dark skin as well.†Kiht argued.
“Do not try to fool me, Jakkya. Dark-skinned Keepers have skin tones of greyish or blueish hues. Brown or tan skin is not something our kind have if they are pure-blooded Keepers.†Raih'a retorted.
Kiht couldn't believe a member of -her- group was sounding like bigot at that moment. But the fear of adding Seeker blood to the group was strong. There was too much pride in the group's Keeper heritage.
“Enough of this.†The Matriarch ended the debate. “There are actually methods to tell if Lyn is a pure Keeper. However, I would not subject someone to these methods unless I was ready to tell them that they could officially join the group. I am not ready to decide that yet. For now, I offer Lyn Konge one option. He may be recognized as an Accepted Male. It is a title given to those wandering males who have been temporarily allowed to live with our group. The head matron from each family must accept giving him this title. For now, we shall focus on deciding that alone.†The Matriarch said with finality in her tone.
A silence would follow the Matriarch's words. Now was Lyn's opportunity to respond to everything. At least he would need to tell the Matriarch if he was willing to accept the temporary title. All eyes were on him now.
