Ocean's Breath Plateau ivruk

When she refused to entertain the offer for a lodge, Raiyuk accepted without hesitation that he was not needed; but she went on to suggest she could help with that of his father's, and he felt a sudden possessiveness to the work that made him want to say no, immediately. Chakliux had given him a long list of chores to keep him busy while he was away—and yes, he was permitted to ask Matteo for help, perhaps others—but the boy wanted to prove himself as a man to everyone, and there was a certain level of bravado that said to him, do not ask a woman for help.

Towhee wanted to be put to work though. Raiyuk gave her another once-over with his eyes, then looked to the lodge and some of the supplies he had already gathered. There was much still to do; but he wanted to do it himself. When Towhee went on to ask about his father's wives, Raiyuk focused his thoughts and answered, There are three; no, wait— he counted! Tullik is first-wife, and Marina is second. Two now. He had thought of his mother by mistake, but she was not among them now.

They are inside, tending the hearth and resting. If you want to work—they could use a fresh meal? Or new skins to tend. He was specific in this, keeping the lodge-work for himself.