I tied my pants on, "A one-night stand? A sexual encounter that lasts a single night, then both partners go their own way."

Tavorwen peered at me curiously, "Why would you want such a limited encounter? Matrons have been known to end their lives if they outlive their masters. The desires of reproduction are so strong that once experienced, they are incapacitating if lost. Why would you wish to expose anyone to that so casually?"

I was making rapid mental notes. "The women where I come from did not experience these urges so powerfully. I will have to be more careful in the future. I hope I have not caused...