Years ago, a mantis, her long brown hair scattered around, Lovingly caressed the unshaven cheek of the chiseled man dozing in their bed of furs inside a Large, multi-room tree house in an even larger tree.

It had been a lovely night spent lovemaking, then cuddling as they slept, now it was time to go hunt for breakfast. She took a bit of string from beside the bed and did her hair up in a Long but simple ponytail.

As she stood and stretched out her scythes she was well aware of the figure spying on them from just outside the room.

A young mantis, her appearance like that of an eight year old human, her scythes only half a foot long, stepped forward, already knowing she had been seen. They both spoke in eerily similar stoic tones.

"Taki."

“Mother.”

“Were you curious?"

She nodded.

“You watched Last night as well."

She nodded again.

“Don't tell your father, it would embarrass him."

"Why?"

“He is surprisingly sensitive, though if you do desire him—"

She shook her head. "No, I mean why did you mate with him Last night?

You do it so often, even when you know you can't get pregnant this time of year."

She patted her on the head, a tiny smile now gracing her lips, a bit of warmth showing in her voice, even if Taki could not appreciate those things.

“Someday you will understand, Taki. Sex is more than reproduction. It is a gift, a pleasure that opens our eyes to give us more reason to live than simply survival."

“Just now he was asleep. Did kissing his cheek bring sexual pleasure as well?"

"No," a faint smile appeared on her Lips again, “it simply felt... right. This you will understand as well one day."

Taki did not look convinced, but nodded her head anyway. Her mother knelt down to Look her in the eye, her voice and expression as serious as ever.