Verdigris Ravine 'tis time that i fare from you

He misheard “womb” as “woman,” though it didn’t change the way Talisman understood the matter. His mouth parted in wonder at this intrinsic magic the fairer sex possessed. Then his eyes brightened when she told him that there were no restrictions on mates.

The next thing out of her mouth caused his expression to twist. Talis didn’t follow at first. Then he realized what she was saying and he laughed, as if the notion was absurd, because it was absurd. If he wanted to have children, of course he would need to choose mates who could bear them.

S’ari’s look and words were equally sharp with reproof. The yearling suddenly felt uncertain and slightly guilty. Why had she said that to him and in that tone of voice? Had he done something, made some social misstep? He thought back on everything he’d said thus far and he drew a blank.

The uneasy tension grew until he blurted, I swear I only want to mate with grown women who can have my children. I mean, that’s the entire point for me. I want as many kids as possible. I love kids! Realizing how that sounded on the foot of her warning, he blanched and hastily half-shouted, In a totally non-creepy way!