<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'">Maia didn't roll her eyes, instead she turned her sharp gaze his way and regarded him for a moment with narrowing eyes and a hint of exasperation. <br/>
<br/>
"I'm not part of the tribe." she said flatly as though she'd made that clear enough before, "Your work deal is with them, not me."<br/>
<br/>
She held him in her gaze a fraction of a second longer then, with a short sigh, turned her eyes to the trail ahead. Vass picked up where Maia left off, his conversational skills seemingly warmer and more friendly than hers.<br/>
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"Your concerns make sense. I think Mohigan didn't really consider that when he made his remark. He'll be bringing back the haul from the traps tonight. Usually he prepares the catch for smoking and I think this is something you could do in return for your stay. There's also small repairs that need to be done. That's enough for me to say you've earned your keep and you can be gone in the morning when Maia leaves."<br/>
<br/>
He was a fair-minded man and wasn't out to take advantage of strangers. The tribe had built a good reputation as traders and keeping that reputation depended on having integrity. In their small corner of the world, it was their contribution to steering the infant society forward in probity rather than backward with ignoble lawlessness. <br/>
<br/>
Maia looked over to Vass and Jack with a nod. It was a reasonable deal and she was growing a preference to leave in the morning rather than later. If this man was going to walk, he needed to be well rested, so evening work was preferred overall.<br/>
<br/>
"When we get to Table, I'll show you where to put your things and yourself for the night, then you can do whatever Mohigan needs you to do," she added.</span>