"Did that all really happen?" The young girl asked. Her gaze turning away from the multitude of stars that spanned the night sky like glittering jewels. "Did The Shepard and her companions really beat the Reapers?"
The female's mandibles flared into a turian smile, knowing that the story of The Shepard was a hard one to swallow for a child. "Yes it did. But, a lot of the story is lost in time. Some of it embellished by those that wanted to use The Shepard as a figure of hope," she replied, her talons resting gently on the top of the girls head.
"Wow, I wanna go off and explore the stars. Just like The Shepard. Do you think I could be like her?" The girls indigo lips parted in a broad smile of innocence. "Do you think I could become a great explorer."
The turian female laughed, the sound light despite the flange effect of the translator. "I don't see why not. There are billions upon billions of stars that are still to be explored," she said, stroking the young asari's cheek. "But first you need to sleep, otherwise you won't have the energy to go exploring tomorrow will you?"
The girl huffed, stamping her foot against the pale dirt. "I don't wanna sleep, I want more stories about the Shepard, Lentana." Her lips pursed as she pouted. All around them the trees rustled in the wind, sighing softly as if they disapproved of her actions.
Lentana sighed as well, shaking her head as she crouched down and took the girls tiny hand in her talons. "I don't know any other stories, Thera. The only thing left I haven't told you is just superstition and rumor. But if you come inside I promise to tell you." Bribery with a piece of information about the girls favorite hero always worked, like a magic spell designed to make children follow anything.
Thera grinned, happy in her hollow victory. "Something you haven't told me?" She tugged on Lentana's arm, trying to drag her back to the settlement. "Come on, come on. I wanna hear the story."
Lentana laughed, scooping up Thera in her arms and gently placing her on her shoulders. They walked back to the settlement, greeting friends as they got back. Their journey was fairly short, passing the small shopping district before turning off to head down the street to their home. Lentana let Thera climb down from her back and turned the lights on. With the house illuminated in soft lighting she ushered Thera to her bedroom.
"Now you promise to go to sleep once I've told you the last story I know?" Lentana said softly, tucking Thera into bed
"I promise," Thera whispered, yawning once her head hit the pillow.
"Good. Now there is a rumor. One that started after the Shepard died, do you know what it is?" She asked, smiling when Thera shook her head. "Well it's been said that if ever the galaxy is in danger, The Shepard will return to save us all. Just like the stories. Now whether that's true or not I don't know. But if we ever face a threat like the Reapers again, then we might need the Shepard again."
Thera giggled and smiled. "Don't worry Lentana, I'll protect the galaxy. Just like The Shepard, you'll see." With a final yawn, she drifted off into the land of dreams, still smiling as Lentana left her to a peaceful sleep.
"There's nothing that could cause such a threat, little wing. nothing at all," she whispered, the door closing behind her as she left the room.