This is the first time I try something like that. I always wanted to write about my Shepard's past but I never had the chance. Now I finally found a good excuse to do it! :)
I want to thank my lovely beta-tester shenkodrabbles from Tumblr for her precious help and support.
Reviews are always more than welcome! :D
1 / Forget my Name
What is Shepard's first and middle name? Are they important or meaningful names? How do they feel about their name?
"PAPAAAAAAA!"
The childish voice resonates all over the house, and immediately her father rushes over to its source.
"Hey sunshine, what's happened?"
"Papa, I had a nightmare. I am so scared." The little girl sobs.
"Was the pyjak trying to eat your doll again?"
"Yes! He was running after us all around our backyard!"
The young man gives a hearty laugh, sitting at his daughter's side. "Come on, you're 4 years old now, you're a lady. You shouldn't be scared by such silly animals that don't even exist on our planet."
"But papa, that krogan on the TV said they're terrible and dangerous!" She insists while the tears don't stop soaking her full rosy cheeks.
He shakes his red head, defeated – he can't stand seeing his precious child crying.
"Let's make a deal." He runs his arms behind the baby, hugging her, "If you promise me to calm down yourself right now, I'll tell you secret."
She nods quietly weeping, her sky-blue eyes still moist.
"When mommy and I were waiting for you to arrive to come into our lives, we went on a trip to my family's homeland, Ireland. I wanted to visit the beautiful places where your grandpas grew up and show them to her. But during our flight there was an incident, and mommy got badly injured."
"Oh no!" The baby exclaims, her chubby hand covering her mouth.
"At the hospital the doctors were concerned about her because she had been exposed to a new kind of toxic material, and that could have affected you, my love."
"Because I was in mommy's belly, right?"
"Exactly. Papa was so worried for his two princesses." He sighs and sinks his nose in her strawberry scented curly hair.
"No papa, it's ok. We're here, don't be sad." She brushes his hand curling into his embrace.
She's always so sweet that his father can't help but smile, "I know lovely. But then, one day while I was waiting outside mommy's room, as the doctor was checking up on you, an old kind woman approached me. Noticing my expression full of fear, she told me to have faith in you because Irish women are all tireless fighter, and you'd be no less so."
"Ooooooh!"
"Her words made me remember an old Celtic tale my grandma used to tell me since I was a little child like you."
"Celtic?" She asks curious.
"The Celts were strong and fierce people, the original inhabitants of Ireland, a long time ago."
"And are we Celtic too, papa?"
"Yes my dear, as you can see from our red hair and our pale skin."
"Awww this is so cool!"
He chuckles, "Indeed. But, well, coming back to grandma's tale… Once upon a time there was a young beautiful lady, with long curly hair, as red as fire. She led her tribe through a hard battle against another clan who wanted to subdue them. She was a charismatic leader, a powerful warrior and also a very beautiful woman. Thanks to her braveness and her wisdom, even though they were in inferiority, her people won the war, and lived happily ever and after. She was such an extraordinary human being, that Irishmen kept writing stories, composing songs and painting arts about her over the centuries."
"Awwww that's amazing!" The child claps her hands excited.
"Then, when I was finally able to come back into mommy's room and I found her asleep, I prayed to the Celtic heroine, asking her to watch over you, to gift to you her energy. And she did! You were born healthy, beautiful and strong."
"Really papa? Did she protect me?"
"Yes baby, and she's still keeping an eye on you, to be sure her gift is not wasted! Moreover… do you want to know what was that lady's name? Sharilin."
"WHOAAAAAAAAH! But this is my name!"
"Exactly honey. But shhhh." He puts his finger in front of his lips, "This is a secret between the two of us ok?"
The little girl imitates him, whispering, "Shhhh… A secret only for Celtic people."
"Exactly. However, do you think a brave Celtic heroine would be scared by a stupid pyjak?"
"Mhhh… No, I don't …" She shakes her head, disappointed.
"So come on baby, go back to sleep and don't fear the pyjaks."
"Yes! And papa… I promise you, I will always employ lady Sharilin's gift for good."
"I know you will. I love you, my sunshine."
"Love you too, papa…"
From that day Sharilin Shepard never dreamed pyjaks anymore (even if she still dislikes them a lot!), and she was always very proud of the glorious name his father chose for her, carrying on keeping the promise she made to him.