[The frown stays, but it lessens in intensity and becomes the more familiar grumpy face Daqiang had developed across the last several months that meant he was probably in a good mood overall... just put out a bit by thinking someone was making fun of him.

That he doesn't react to Cid's shoulder clap beyond a quick side-eye said a lot about how comfortable he'd become with Cid's familiar and friendly manner.]

We have not set a date. The stars in this world are changing. Picking an auspicious date will be difficult when they cannot be read. Other methods will have to be employed and we are preparing for an expedition. There is no rush, so time can be taken.

And how it happened--

[His lips pursed and he frowned again, but this time in thought.]

Do you recall the announcement of Kaveh and Alhaitham's wedding? They were discussing what was expected of their guests and this venerable one was informed of several differences in how marriages and the planning of families in their world is conducted. This included the fact that they are not planning on continuing their line with children. It made this venerable one wonder if the reason Orchid was upset at him and continued to reject the idea of being a couple with him was because she did not want his children.

[He looked over at Cid.]

So this venerable one asked her. About children. And she asked why this venerable one was asking about children when we 'aren't even married yet'.