Peace.
That was what the only word she could think of to describe this moment—this feeling. It was something she had lacked her long life. Rare and fleeting, Samara found herself grabbing and holding on to it for dear life whenever it tried to slip by her. Taking a deep breath, Samara released herself from her meditative state and opened her eyes.
Falere was ahead of her, picking the red, teardrop shaped flowers growing on the edge of the balcony. Falere turned to Samara, grinning her sweet smile, and Samara's heart swelled. It took only something as innocent as a smile to remind what she was willing to sacrifice long ago. Suddenly uncomfortable, Samara shifted to find a better position on the bench she was sitting on.
"Mother, the flowers are so beautiful this year," Falere exclaimed softly, causing Samara to turn her attention towards her. Falere was gently brushing the petals of the flowers before bringing them to her face. "I'm glad we were able to salvage some to replant here at home."
Samara gave a little smile in reply and nodded. It was odd hearing Falere calling the new monastery home. She wondered if Falere called the previous one home also, when Rila was still alive. Samara cringed; thinking of Rila reminded her of what Rila was, and what the code demanded of it.
Looking out to the sun setting in the distance, Samara sighed. The justicar code. It was never far from Samara's mind, always the itch she couldn't scratch. Yet, that was the purpose of the code: to constantly remind those bound to the oath to serve justice to those who dare disrupt it. The code was a reminder that every galaxy was black and white at its core, no matter what.
Breathing deeply, Samara forced herself to banish such thoughts. Peace would not escape her today—not this special day. Feeling something brush her hands, Samara eyed the fingers gently brushing hers, leaving the red flowers in their wake. She tightened her grip on them, smiling as she heard Falere walk back to the flower patch.
"Mother?" Falere called, as she stood with a single flower in her hands.
"Yes Falere?" Samara asked, placing the flowers beside her.
"It's been two years, hasn't it?"
Samara leaned back against the bench and nodded in answer. Slowly grazing her hand against the flowers at her side, Samara breathed in and allowed herself to fall back into meditation. Today was the anniversary of a soldier, a martyr…a friend.
"Do you think Shepard is with the Goddess, Mother?" Falere whispered, looking to the sky.
Samara closed her eyes, delaying her answer. She owed her life to Shepard, the entire galaxy did. She had reconnected with her last daughter because of Shepard. Everything she had known she questioned because of Shepard—who was a human of all things. This rare feeling of peace…was because of Shepard
"No," Samara finally answered, ignoring Falere's shocked reaction. Samara looked to the sky and gave a wide smile. "The Goddess is with Shepard."