Disclaimer: I do not own or make any claim to the Mass Effect universe or the characters contained in this story, all of which are owned by BioWare and Electronic Arts. This is simply my interpretation of some events within the game universe.
[AN: So this is my entry for the Aria's Afterlife November 2014 contest, 'The Last Goodbye'.
As should become clear, it's a letter that Thane wrote during his pre-canon days, to be delivered to Irikah in the event that he was killed on an assignment.
The name of this story comes from the fact that she never received it, seeing as she was murdered first.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy. /AN]
Goodbyes Never Said
My Dearest Irikah,
That you may ever read this is one of my deepest regrets, as I never desired to part from you after our first meeting, however unusual it may have been.
As I write this letter, never have I wished more that I had others skills I could pursue, so that I did not have to take part in such a dangerous profession, and one which you loathe so strongly, seeing as it is what you saved me from in the first place.
Siha, I have told you many times that you awoke me from my Battle-Sleep that day, but you have done even more than that in the years since. My early life was spent as being moulded and shaped into a weapon, a tool of elimination and destruction, and that was all I knew, until our meeting.
But you forged that weapon into a Man, a far more remarkable achievement.
You gave me a purpose and a direction, you introduced me to the world that I had long seen but never experienced, you even gave me a son, a family the likes of which I never thought I would know. You have given me more than I could ever possibly repay, and yet you were content with my meagre love and fervent promises to provide for you and Kolyat.
I thank the gods every day for the grace they showed me in bringing you into my life, Siha, and I know that my final thoughts will be of fierce sunset coloured eyes and the smell of spice on the wind.
And to Kolyat, my son,
You are still so young as I write this, and I have been more distant than I could ever hope to atone for, so your memories of me will be limited, but I hope you can look back on them fondly, if nothing else.
I spent many years removing bad people from the world, but you are the best thing I ever add to it. And so long as you are safe, then I can rest well, knowing that something I have done has made a positive difference.
Hate me if you wish, or ignore what little you may remember of me, but never forget this one thing:
I love you, my son, even from within Kalahira's embrace; do not ever doubt that.
Until Kalahira calls you to her as well and we see each other again, may I always be in your fond memories.
Thane Krios