Duck Lake Say that love

There was nothing to decide. The Tartok had pledged himself to Arbiter. Raleska was still important to him (though in what way, Kaertok was uncertain), but Arbiter was just as important. She'd always allowed him the freedom that he craved, and so far, her reaction to him finding Raleska seemed tempered. Of course, then she dropped the real bomb.

She didn't expect to find Terance back anytime soon, and she was giving up any hope that he would be back in time to sire her children. She, like many of the females Kaertok had met in his time, had the intense desire to procreate. Not that he didn't have that desire, of course. Towhee was proof of that. She had earned the right to what he had given her. Not only was Arbiter suggesting they bring children into the world, but she was also not-so-subtly hinting that he might find a place at her side when Legion was strong and steady. It was a lot to take in.

He tried to consider what his mother's advice might be, and he wished that she were here now so he could seek her counsel. Instead, he would have to rely on his own logic and thought process.

Until Legion is strong, I do not think bringing children into the mix is wise. Without more support, the children will not survive. He paused, trying to gauge her reaction before he continued. Assuming we do have enough support, what happens if Terance returns to find me the father of your children? And how will your current children feel about all this? The last thing I want is to be wrapped up in some family drama with everybody blaming me for being a home wrecker. Okay, some part of him did like that idea, but it was all too complicated for Kaertok.