Achana leaned in with a soft laugh. "You look surprised, Julian. Don't worry, in our tribe, a strong man like you would understand exactly why we thrive this way."
Julian laughed, feeling slightly flustered at the mixed flirtations of the three women. They sure are a different breed, he thought.
Rina turned to her children. "You all go to Aunty Dena's home and play now," she said gently.
One of the younger ones, tugged at her skirt and asked, "Why, Mother?"
Rina knelt slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she ruffled his hair.
"Because," she said with a sly smile, "we're going to play too. But it's something only adults can play."
The children exchanged knowing giggles, none of them questioning her further.
"Okay, Mother," they said in unison before running toward Dena's home.
As the last of the children disappeared into the distance, Rina straightened and turned to Julian. "Let's go inside." she said.