In some ways they aren't that different. Big families are the goal, but it's rare that many of them get to the age the twins are now. A culmination of violence in their early spawning that would eventually lead to, ideally, at least one little one ready to take on the world. There were some species that could have a family like Rook's, but Jade isn't sure that his own species could manage such a thing. Instincts far too embedded.

"Some merfolk have an easier time, but for our specific species it is different." Jade's gaze returns to Rook's face, following the shape of freckles and red dirt. "Morays mate for life and our species is relatively rarer than other merfolk."

Azul's mother is remarried, after all. His own parents both hold the same expectations for one another... to him, it's a relationship to be admired. A devotion. "It can lead to complicated situations. I would hardly expect anyone these days to want to abide by such an old tradition." Jade moves to stand, dusting at the fabric of his leggings. "Forgive me. I should not have chattered for so long over trivial things."