I haven't actually gotten that far toward the Taker lands so you're probably right. What I'm finding annoying is I can't clear certain zones if I don't want to kill the Takers. Worst is I can't clear the Marsh Crossroads, and because I'm (surprisingly, since I've already made it to Gheth) not strong enough yet to kill the thahd to clear Western Medab Bridge, the whole Triola area is cut off from the rest of my map. If I want to get out or into the Triola area I have to walk across one of these zones every time. I'm assuming if they let me pass with the token, the area clears.
I'd rather not join the awakened yet but I could. I also read somewhere there's a guy north of Rising who gives you a feather token, but couldn't find specifics. Are there any special requirements to get it from this guy?