Well, first off again, I would like to apologize for not posting lately. Family stuff came up and then writers block...So I have been behind terribly. So here is the latest chapter of Family Ties. I got inspiration for this chapter from a picture on deviant art when I was searching randomly for Mass Effect stuff for funsies. Anyway, Here it is.
I do not own Bioware or the characters of Mass Effect. The OCs listed in this chapter are the only ones I can sort of take credit for.
Baby Barriers and Head-butts
Family Ties
Benezia rushed around barking orders at the acolytes to do what they needed to do for the arrival of the Asari Councilor, Valeria Tevos. The Matriarch supported Tevos' bid to become the next asari councilor on the Citadel and for that, Tevos makes a visit to House T'Soni whenever she is on Thessia. Today happened to be that day.
The head of House T'Soni mumbled to herself as she looked at a data pad while three acolytes followed her; all eager maidens looking to prove themselves and further their own house name by serving under Matriarch Benezia's guidance and teachings.
"Coordinate with Aethyta about increasing the number of commandos and huntresses around the Estate. Make sure that Captain Shiala, Lieutenant Jesira, Sergeant Polara, and Corporal Galhyna are escorting Councilor Tevos from her sky car inside the estate. I want the four of them inside as Councilor Tevos and I discuss our matters and they are to have lunch with us all while doing their duties." Benezia said as she looked at another data-pad that was handed to her.
"What should we ask Matriarch Aethyta do for you, Lady Benezia?" One Acolyte asked.
The priestess halted for a moment as she looked at her omni-tool. It was Liara's feeding time. It was one of the rare moments Benezia and her daughter could bond and have quality mother-daughter time but today was not going to be one of those days. Benezia cursed under her breath, a rather unattractive habit she picked up from her stubborn bond-mate, who was nowhere to be seen, unsurprisingly.
"Where exactly is Aethyta anyway?" Benezia asked her three acolytes, confused to where her bondmate may be.
The three maidens looked at each other, "She…Well, Matriarch Aethyta wished to keep Lieutenant Jesira and Liara outside for the day while Councilor Tevos visits." One said.
The head of House T'Soni turned and narrowed her pale blue eyes at the three maidens. Benezia needed straight answers but then again, they were talking about Aethyta here; an asari matriarch that refused to deal with High Command or any form of Asari government and that included the Asari Councilor for some odd reason.
"She wished to take Lieutenant Jesira and Liara camping." The second acolyte said nervously.
Benezia pinched the bridge of her nose and released a heavy sigh. Of all the times, Aethyta chooses now to take Liara camping.
"Find them…Have Lieutenant Jesira bring Liara in and then ask Aethyta nicely to keep the security details around the estate in order or have her train the new group of commandos that arrived last week until my business with Councilor Tevos is concluded." The Matriarch said.
"Right away, Lady Benezia." The third acolyte said with a nod before she rushed off.
The remaining acolytes then continued to follow the Head of House T'Soni around as she directed and told them where they were needed, and they went off to do their duties, leaving the Matriarch alone for the moment in her office. Benezia looked out the window to gaze upon her large garden that was about fifty paces from the back door. She saw Liara toddling up the stone path with Aethyta and Aethyta's middle daughter, Jesira following behind Liara by just a few steps.
The one thing Benezia could agree on though when it came to her bond-mate, Aethyta loved all of her daughters; even Ryessa. It was difficult for Aethyta to have to swallow that one of her daughters disapproved of the relationship she had with Benezia but that didn't mean the spy didn't love Ryessa any less. However, Benezia was angry with Ryessa for the way she had acted during the bonding ceremony. None of Aethyta's other daughters made a big scene. Not even Aethyta's eldest, Aria T'Loak made a big scene about the bonding ceremony as Benezia had feared she would.
Benezia watched a little longer as Jesira quickly trotted up behind Liara and hoisted the giggling baby up in her arms and on her shoulders, much like any big sister would do, and then began running in circles around Aethyta, holding onto Liara's little legs so Jesira wouldn't drop her. The priestess smiled warmly; almost at peace seeing how happy her bond-mate was and how happy she was when she finally decided to step up with a united front with Aethyta and told the Matriarchy and High Command that she would leave both, taking Aethyta, the T'Soni name, and her influence. This would also cause a ripple effect throughout the government considering that it was her money that kept some places in Armali such as a private school House T'Soni has been donating to for centuries, a few major companies, the Matriarchy itself and High Command. They would lose vast amounts of donations, influence and people just because the government and Matriarchy decided to banish Benezia and her name from their government.
Even if that did happen, Benezia, Aethyta and their acolytes and commandos would prosper on Illium or in the Terminus System since Aria already has a foothold in the Terminus Systems.
The Matriarch shook the thoughts from her head and gazed back out the window. Aethyta was looking right at her; a soft smile on her face while her brown eyes were twinkling with mischief. Well, to be fair, they always did that and Benezia wouldn't complain. Between Aethyta and Liara, Benezia is always on her toes in a good way. Benezia smiled when her bond-mate threw her a wink. The priestess resisted taunting Aethyta with the silk throw she was wearing around her shoulders, covering one of Aethyta's favorite places to rest her head at night. Benezia knew that if she did put on a show from the window for Aethyta, Valeria would be eating lunch alone with Shiala, Jesira, Polora, Galhyna and Liara.
She looked back at Aethyta who was now grinning rather wickedly before the other matriarch nudged Jesira and then took off inside; presumably to try to squeeze in a quickie on the desk behind her. Any other time, Benezia wouldn't say no and would be all for it as long as Shiala or Jesira was watching Liara so Benezia could have some alone time with Aethyta. It just wasn't going to happen today seeing as the asari councilor was due to arrive within the next hour.
Benezia cast one more look out the window to see Jesira pull Liara from off her shoulders and held her against her hip and then trotted inside. Just as Benezia turned around, she felt strong arms encircle around her waist and felt Aethyta nuzzling her neck.
"You shoulda taken off this stupid thing. I was anticipating a show." Her bond-mate rasped out.
Benezia smirked a little as she brought up her right hand and rested it against Aethyta's cheek, "I…might have if Jesira and Liara were nowhere near you and if I wasn't rushing around trying to make sure everything is in order for when Valeria arrives." She said.
Aethyta let out an indignant snort, "We can still have a quickie on your desk. Told Jesira to keep Liara occupied for a half hour and to tell Shiala or whatever acolyte is lookin' for us that we would be indisposed for an unspecified amount of time." The half-krogan husked out nuzzling her bond-mate's neck folds.
"Again, any other time I wouldn't say no to that offer but it will have to be…after Valeria leaves and everything settles down. This meeting is important and I do not want it to flounder like last time." Benezia said.
"Last time it was that old bat whatever the fuck her name was. It's different now because I…don't want to head-butt Tevos. At least she's supportive of the two of us being bonded. Everyone else including the ex-asari councilor wanted us out of the Forum and High Command. A few well-placed threats here, a few well-placed endorsements there, and Tevos is the new councilor. Old- Bat whatever the fuck is out and living on some backwater colony in the Terminus Systems and we…still have our money, influence, and votes. The windbags would have to be dumbasses to threaten us again when we have Tevos' backing." Aethyta surmised.
"Do you hear yourself, my love? You are talking politics." Benezia teased.
Aethyta growled a little, "Switching the subject before I really do make good on my promise of taking you on your desk while Tevos is being entertained without you." She muttered.
Benezia chuckled softly before she turned her head to the right and then placed a kiss against her bond-mate's cheek. "Later, I promise. Usually I would spend this time with Liara but I needed to take a quick break before heading back into making sure everything is fine for when Valeria arrives." The Priestess said softly.
Aethyta grumbled, "Fine. Once the kid is down for her nap or for the night, you are all mine." The older Matriarch murmured.
"Deal. Now I did want to talk to you though. How is the training coming along for the new squad of commandos that we just received from the academy?" Benezia asked.'
"Rough around the edges and cocky. Athame's tits they are cocky. They think that just because they are now serving with House T'Soni that they can try to run me over? Ha! Good luck. I did promise not to get into it with the new recruits if they were pissing me off. Was out there just as Shiala finished putting them through some sort of training. Not sure what it was but Jesira, Liara and I left Shiala and her squad to it. Shiala has more of a level head when it comes to training cocky new recruits than I do." Aethyta said before she let Benezia go and stood beside her bond-mate as they gazed out the window.
"One of my acolytes said you wanted to take Liara and Jesira…camping." Benezia said with a trace of humor in her voice.
"No…I just said that so the starry eyed maiden would leave me alone but some night yeah, would like to go camping with you, the kids, and with the grandkids. Would be fun to get away from all this bullshit politics and whatnot. " Aethyta said.
Benezia smiled, "Would Aria even go camping?" She asked with a chuckle.
"The fuck if I know. My eldest doesn't leave that rock of hers' much anymore after she 'won' the crown. Liselle would pout until Aria crumbled probably. I know Jess, her bond-mate and her kids would be up for it. Morgana wouldn't pass up an opportunity to hang out with all of us crazy folk or her nieces." The Half-krogan responded with a shrug.
"So, what do you need me to do so this…luncheon with Tevos doesn't fuck up?" Aethyta asked looking at her bond-mate
Benezia turned her head and locked eyes with Aethyta, "You would not mind running security checks and coordinating with all the commandos on security detail around the Estate? I figure that is something you probably wouldn't mind doing and whipping the new squad of commandos into shape in the process." The blue eyed Matriarch said.
Aethyta released a throaty chuckle, "My brand of whipping into shape involves the deserts of Tuchanka, fighting threasher maws, head-butts, bar brawls and shaking their asses in sleazy bars and teasing a justicar about being stuck up and living to tell the tale about it but I suppose I could...work my magic." The brown eyed Matriarch responded with a smirk.
"Good, because I'll…reward you if you do." Benezia said coyly with her own smirk as she trailed her right index finger along Aethyta's jaw.
Aethyta grinned wickedly, "You had me at reward. So I'll do it, even if I do break a few noses or arms?" She asked.
"Perhaps a few well-placed head-butts might change their cocky minds of how serious you are. You could always call up Aria and have her train the commandos." Benezia teased.
"Psh…Aria would have those newbies pissing their squeaky new commando leathers. I'd just sit back and laugh or just find my way to you and the two of us can go have a good fuck. She'd probably kill a few though if one said something wrong to her. So her trainin' commandos are probably not ideal. It's more for trainin Mercs but then again, Aria's always been rough around the edges. They say 'Like mother, like daughter' and I'm proud of her regardless." The spy recalled.
Benezia grimaced, "A lapse in judgment on my part. It is something when you are suddenly the voice of reason and I, the illogical one." The priestess said.
Aethyta kissed Benezia on the lips, "Still love yah babe, even if you do have many lapses in judgment." Aethyta said grinning cheekily after she pulled back from the kiss.
"And some days I wonder why I bonded wrists with you." Benezia joked.
"Because you love me, Nezzy." Aethyta responded smartly with a smirk.
The blue eyed matriarch smiled softly before she grasped her bond-mate's hand and lead Aethyta out of the home office.
The asari councilor arrived within that hour; Benezia was getting increasingly worked up over the luncheon because of the last time an asari councilor was in the T'Soni home. However, it wasn't the case. Valeria Tevos was warmer than her predecessor; kinder, intelligent, and would listen to reason far better than her predecessor. It was one of the reasons why Benezia and Aethyta threw their support, influence and a handsome donation for Tevos' bid to become the next Asari councilor on the Citadel.
Benezia stood in the foyer with a group of her acolytes as they waited until Shiala, Jesira and two other commandos escorted Councilor Tevos into the large estate. Once Tevos was safely inside, greetings between the Matriarch and the councilor were brief but friendly before Benezia led the asari councilor into the large sunroom where a large lunch was being brought in from the kitchens.
Liara had toddled away from her caretaker and over to her mother opening and closing her fingers as if saying she wanted to be picked up. Added to the big blue eyes and trembling bottom lip, Benezia sighed before leaning down to pick up her daughter.
"Aren't you adorable, little one." Tevos said softly as she watched Benezia interact with Liara briefly.
"I apologize, Valeria." Benezia said.
"There is no need to apologize, Matriarch. She is your daughter and she has earned her right to ask for you regardless." Tevos responded with a smile.
Benezia smiled briefly before she adjusted Liara on her hip and then presented the way to the asari councilor to sit.
They took their seats; Shiala, Jesira, Polora and Galhyna took their seats as well. However, Jesira got up rushing out of the sunroom to retrieve Liara's high chair.
Jesira walked back in with it in her hands and set it down beside Benezia. The high chair happened to be between Benezia and herself so if Benezia needed to talk business with Councilor Tevos, Jesira would feed her little sister. She didn't mind it either. She loved Liara but Liara was too young to understand that Jesira was her older sister.
"Thank you, Lieutenant." Benezia said kindly.
Jesira nodded, "No problem, Mother." She said with a smirk that reminded Benezia's of Aethyta's smirk.
Benezia smiled briefly before she helped Jesira get Liara into her high chair even if the toddler wouldn't cooperate with either of them. Liara had given both her and Jesira a glare as if the glare said 'Once I find my way out of here, you will both regret it'.
Tevos watched laughing softly as the baby asari scowled in every direction at every one before the Lieutenant that called Benezia mother handed the child something. The little asari gasped with wide blue eyes before she clenched her fists together trying to reach the object that was out of her grasp.
"Are you going to eat lunch and behave or are you going to raise hell, Liara?" The lieutenant asked.
The baby grunted in response still focused on the jingling object in the commando's hands. The councilor smiled once more, thinking about her bond-mate and their daughter.
"Thank you Jesira." Benezia said smiling now as her step-daughter placed the keys to a sky-car on the tray of the high chair.
"It's nothing, mother. I do the same with my daughters. I found out when I had my first kid that shiny jingling objects will entertain them for at least a few hours. That is if you don't mind the jingling keys and excited babble during a quiet lunch." The commando responded with a grin.
"If you do not mind me asking a personal question, Lieutenant. You call Matriarch Benezia…mother. Is there a reason why?" Tevos asked curiously.
"kI don't mind, Councilor. I call Benezia…Mother because she's my step-mother. My mother is Matriarch Aethyta. I call her mom and Benezia Mother. Mom is a bit more impersonal and informal, like my biological mother, Aethyta. Mother is a bit more formal and refined, just like Benezia. Mom is fine with it. Encourages it actually and I don't let it bother me. I don't mind calling Benezia Mother anyway. She's treated my sisters and I as if we were her own and has welcomed us into House T'Soni with open arms even if my eldest sister does questionable and shady things while sitting on that rock of her's in the Terminus Systems. My sisters and I responded in kind in treating her as if she were another mother to us. Goddess knows sometimes Mom acts more like a father instead with this baby bird right here." Jesira said kindly with a smile before looking to her baby sister who was shaking the sky-car keys a little more aggressively than before.
Tevos looked surprised before looking to Benezia for conformation. Aria never mentioned anything about her family. Valeria always assumed that her bond-mate's name wasn't her given name but when the commando lieutenant said something about an elder sister that does questionable and shady things while sitting on a rock in the terminus systems, Tevos started putting the pieces together. Aria T'Loak had sisters and a mother that the councilor had met but never suspected anything. She was going to have to have a serious talk with Aria about all of this.
"Your sister…her name wouldn't happen to be…" Tevos trailed off.
"Aria T'Loak, yeah." Jesira said.
"She is…Aethyta's eldest daughter. I was surprised when Aethyta and I bonded wrists that Aria didn't cause a scene." Benezia said.
"Unlike Matriarch Aethyta's youngest daughter? Ryessa was in the wrong to have said anything or throw that big of a tantrum on an important day for Lady Benezia and Matriarch Aethyta." Shiala muttered with a scowl.
The commando lieutenant shook her head and sighed, "Yeah, Aria, Morgana and I support Mom and Mother. Always have even if Aria and Mother do not see eye to eye on most things but she still offered support to them during their bonding ceremony. Shiala is also right about my little sister, Ryessa was in the wrong." Jesira said with a shake of her head as she sat down.
The sunroom went quiet for a moment save for Liara still shaking Jesira's sky-car keys. The little asari noticed that the room had fallen too quiet for her liking and scowled. She was going to fix that.
"Mommy!" She half shouted before throwing the keys on her high-chair tray as she looked at Benezia expectantly.
The sound snapped everyone out of the awkward silence. Shiala placed her left hand over her mouth to hide her smile while Jesira snickered. Polora and Galhyna tried desperately to stifle their giggling.
Benezia smiled briefly before she cast her daughter with a scolding look. She also cast another scolding look at Jesira who wasn't even trying to hide her laughter and amusement unlike Shiala, Polora and Galhyna were.
Even Tevos was amused. It reminded her of her own daughter when she got annoyed with her and her bond-mate when they weren't paying attention to their daughter.
"Impatient one, isn't she?" The councilor said with a chuckle.
"Well, Liara certainly didn't get it from me." Benezia mumbled with a blush.
Jesira's snickering turned into full on laughter, "Mom would never let you live this down, and you know that right." She said as her laughter died down.
"I am sure you will realize that discretion is a virtue when it comes to Aethyta, correct?" Benezia asked her step-daughter.
"You know Matriarch Aethyta, Lady Benezia. She will find out one way or another and not necessarily from the lieutenant." Shiala cut in with a grin.
Benezia turned and narrowed her eyes at her most trusted and loyal commando; giving Shiala a withering look of betrayal. The commando captain snickered a little more.
"I do apologize, Councilor." Benezia said.
"As I said before, Matriarch, all is well. You do not have to apologize for any of this. In fact, I am quite amused. This doesn't exactly have to be a business luncheon from the get-go. It is nice to sit down to a luncheon with a friend and see that you are completely not all about business and politics." Tevos said with a smile.
Benezia let out a sigh of relief, "Right…well, I suppose everyone is hungry then." She said making a gesture to one of the acolytes that rushed off out of the sun room.
Many acolytes returned carrying plates of food and drinks, even baby food and juice for Liara.
Benezia made sure she kept an eye on her daughter who was getting way too into flipping the empty bowl that held remnants of her baby food on the high chair tray. Jesira would stop eating her own lunch to flip the bowl back over and then fill it with more baby food. She would also play with Liara while they were all still eating lunch by taking one of the napkins and draping it over Liara's head. The little asari would then pull it off her head, giggling and throw it back at the commando lieutenant as if asking to do it again but Liara would get side-tracked and go back to eating her lunch giggling as Jesira would make faces at her throughout the entire lunch with Councilor Tevos.
The priestess was relieved that Liara was kept entertained and she certainly provided everyone with entertainment as well because well, she was just an adorable baby. Benezia wasn't going to get upset or mad at her daughter for providing the afternoon entertainment for everyone and making them including Valeria all laugh.
So when talks of business actually came down to it, Shiala and the other two commandos stood guard outside of the sun room entrance while Jesira stayed in a little nook of the sun room with Liara, playing so that the baby asari wasn't out of earshot for Benezia.
Talks of business about Binary Helix, votes for Benezia in the Matriarchy and new commando squads being trained to be a part of Tevos' security detail on the Citadel were thrown around. There were also some friendly talks between the Matriarch and the Councilor going on about what was going on in their lives, if Aethyta was behaving, or how Liara was doing and so on.
Benezia was shocked when Valeria admitted softly that she was bonded with Aria for a while now and that the two of them had a daughter together, Liselle. The matriarch assumed Aria kept quiet about the nature of Liselle's parentage so none of her enemies would go after Tevos just to get to Aria. Even worse, if the Matriarchy and High Command knew that their elected official on the Citadel was bonded to one of the most notorious asari crime bosses that considers herself a queen in the Terminus Systems and happens to be the eldest daughter to one of the most outspoken and infamous Matriarchs on Thessia. Added to the fact that said Matriarch is bonded to an asari and the two of them have a pureblood daughter. None of this would look favorable in Tevos' part. The Matriarchy and High Command would throw Tevos out of the position as Councilor.
"You know I will not judge you for what you admitted to me, Valeria. You never judged Aethyta and myself for being bonded and having a daughter of our own that happens to also be…pureblood." Benezia said shaking her head. She really hated that word.
"I know, Benezia. I supported you and Matriarch Aethyta just as you've supported me to become the next councilor on the Citadel. I assumed Aria said something to either of you but you have to understand our hesitance." Tevos responded softly.
Benezia nodded, "I fully understand. It is the same with Aethyta and I. The matriarchs are still…upset that I chose not to break off my bonding with Aethyta. It was a…difficult twenty years of arguments and separation between Aethyta and I before we finally worked through our issues. I chose not to let the Matriarchy push me or Aethyta around when it came time to give my answer. However, they know the implications if I were to back out." She responded.
Tevos nodded as well before she looked at her omni-tool. She was to meet Aria and Liselle very soon at Aria's mansion here on Thessia and she didn't want to be late because she missed her bond-mate and her daughter.
"I did not realize it was that late. I do apologize if I kept you from anything important, Valeria." Benezia said when she too noticed the time on her omni-tool.
"It's fine, Aria will understand." The Councilor responded smiling as she stood at the same time Benezia did.
Jesira left the room asking Shiala to go take over for her for the moment in watching Liara so she could find Aethyta.
Aethyta was walking back with three commandos; three that were probably the most experienced out of the entire group of commandos she spent two and a half hours running through the ringer. One of them was still cocky as hell but the other two were professional as could be. They walked into the sunroom just as Benezia was speaking with Tevos. Jesira stepped in the moment Aethyta walked in with the commandos.
The brown eyed Matriarch looked to her daughter as if to ask where Liara was. Jesira gestured over to Shiala. Shiala was seated on the floor across from Liara as the little asari played with her toys. Aethyta made eye contact with Benezia's loyal guard and Shiala nodded before patting Liara gently on her crests and then stood up. Aethyta made a gesture for the three commandos that were following her to fan out in the sun room.
One commando stood by Liara even speaking to the baby. Aethyta approached Benezia and looped her arm around the waist of her bond-mate as she continued to speak with Tevos.
Jesira was keeping an eye on her baby sister and the unknown commando. Shiala took a quick glance at her charge and saw that there was a blue glow surrounding Liara as the baby looked up at the commando hesitantly. That was when the commando knelt down and started playing with the toys with Liara. The blue glow around the tiny body of the little asari didn't go away however but she seemed to go back to playing with her toys with someone else.
What happened next wasn't anything short of extraordinary. The commando got too close and helped Liara when the baby struggled to get to her feet. The blue glow around her got brighter before Liara reared her head back and hit the bridge of the nose of the commando.
Benezia and Aethyta turned when they heard a crunch before a cry in pain. Tevos turned at the sound as well. The parents of the little asari baby eyes widened when they saw Liara standing over a commando who was now sitting clutching her nose.
Jesira was laughing hysterically while Shiala ran over to inspect the down commando with the other two recruits Aethyta brought in with her.
"What the fuck just happened?" Aethyta asked confused by her laughing daughter.
Jesira gasped trying to catch her breath and then looked at her mothers, "Liara just head-butt the newbie…She even…baby barrier...Oh my goddess! This—this is…Athame's tits! I can't even!" Jesira half shouted before she burst into another round of hysterical laughter clutching her stomach.
Aethyta stood stunned beside Benezia; the blue eyed matriarch was also stunned. Did Benezia hear right? Liara…head-butt a commando?
Benezia looked at her bond-mate and saw that Aethyta had tears in her eyes. 'Tears?! She never cries!' Benezia thought alarmed.
"Thy? Aethyta? What's wrong?" Benezia asked worriedly.
Aethyta sniffed, "Liara head butt a commando and brought up a barrier? Athame's sweet sacred ass...we didn't even have to teach her, Nezzy. She's a quarter krogan after all." The brown eyed matriarch said proudly as a single tear fell down her cheek.
Benezia was shocked; shocked that Aethyta was crying and showing any sort of emotion in front of anyone, horrified that Liara head-butt a commando and proud…in a way that Liara created a barrier for being how old she was.
Aethyta rushed over, scooping Liara up into her arms and snuggled with her daughter and kissed Liara on the forehead.
"I'm so proud of you, Baby Bird!" She cooed softly with a grin but frowned when Liara's blue eyes filled with tears.
The little baby asari whimpered before bringing up her hands and clutched her forehead. "Daddy." Liara whimpered as her bottom lip trembled.
"Ah hells. You'll be ok, kiddo. The first head-butt always hurts the worst but Daddy's got yah. I'm proud of yah, Baby Bird. So is mommy…speaking of which. Nezzy, you remember when we talked about Liara learning how to head butt or the blood rage? I told you so. I'm just a little upset that she didn't head-butt Shiala." Aethyta said grinning.
"You do know asari reproduction doesn't work that way, right Matriarch?" Shiala asked, slightly amused.
Aethyta snorted in laughter, "Says you and everyone else. I've had kids with a hanar, a drell, a salarian, a volus and an asari. Don't tell me how the shit works, Shiala." The half-krogan drawled.
The loyal commando captain rolled her eyes. Some day she will render Aethyta speechless, Shiala was biding her time.
Aethyta brought Liara over to Benezia while the commandos took the newbie that Liara head-butt to see if her nose wasn't extensively broken. "I think she head-butt that commando wrong. She's gunna have a bump on her forehead in the next few days." The brown eyed Matriarch said proudly to Benezia.
The blue eyed Matriarch didn't want to ruin the moment for Aethyta at all. Benezia could see the happiness and pride in Aethyta's eyes at Liara's very first head-butt and barrier so, the priestess smiled warmly before she took Aethyta's free hand and squeezed.
"Tell my eldest that she better visit, Tevos. If not, I'm gunna drag her and my granddaughter's purple asses back here. Oh and don't think I didn't see that bracelet on your wrist. Purple, pink, black, silver and white? I'm not that stupid or blind." The brown eyed matriarch said with a smirk towards Aria's bond-mate.
Tevos' eyes widened, "How did you?" the councilor asked trailing off.
"My job requires me to be thorough with details and Liselle is…quite chatty for a baby. Not something she got from Aria, Valeria." Aethyta said with a smirk.
"Thyta, behave." Benezia said lightly smacking her bond-mate on the arm that wasn't supporting Liara that was now resting her head against Aethyta's left collar bone, watching her mother, a strange asari with white markings on her face, and listening to her father's heartbeat.
Tevos cleared her throat embarrassed, "Well, I do believe now I can see the resemblance between Aria and you, Matriarch Aethyta." The Councilor said embarrassed.
"Told you so." Aethyta said grinning as she turned to Benezia.
Benezia face-palmed. She was clearly exasperated with her bond-mate in front of company. "Go…get Liara ready for her nap. I will be there after I walk Valeria out." The blue eyed Matriarch said to her bond-mate.
Aethyta saluted before walking out with Liara in her arms.
"Benezia? I think I understand how you feel with having Aethyta as your bond-mate." Tevos said.
"Aria is the same way, isn't she?" Benezia deadpanned, already knowing the answer.
Tevos nodded, "Except with an even shorter temper." The councilor said softly with a smile.
Benezia smiled, "Let me walk you out, Valeria. I won't keep you from Aria and Liselle. Please feel free to visit any time later with Aria and Liselle. You are welcome here any time; friendly visits or business visits, either does not matter." She said.
After The asari councilor left, Benezia found her bond-mate in their master bedroom. Aethyta was kneeling over the edge of the bed making Liara laugh. It wasn't a subdued laugh, it was a full on shrieking laughter. Benezia felt the world melt away as she heard the combined laughter from her baby daughter and her stubborn bond-mate.
"Daddy's proud of you, Baby bird. I didn't even have to teach you how to head-butt! I was really lookin' forward in teachin you how to head-butt someone but I suppose I can deal with what I got now. I can teach yah how to fight when you get older but Shh! It's going to be our little secret. Mommy doesn't have to know about it. Mommy's got you when you start exhibiting more of your biotics while dear old dad's got yah in the fighting hand to hand department. You'll get the best of both. You are the daughter of Benezia T'Soni…you are bound to be great, Little Liara T'Soni." Aethyta murmured softly as she nuzzled Liara's face, causing the baby to giggle.
Benezia smiled before she stepped in, taking the spot beside her bond-mate, "You are also the daughter of Urdnot Aethyta Teniren. You are very special indeed, Little Wing." Benezia said.
Aethyta looked to her bond-mate, "How did you figure that out?" She asked.
"I can do research, dear. You are not the only one who has connections." Benezia said before she leaned over to kiss her bond-mate on the cheek.
"I love you Benezia T'Soni." Aethyta murmured out before kissing her bond-mate on the lips.
The priestess hummed in the kiss before Aethyta pulled away, "I love you too, Urdnot Aethyta." Benezia said with a chuckle as the two stared lovingly at each other seemingly ignoring their daughter.
Liara let out a yell and glared at her parents with her deep blue eyes as if to say that she was there too.
Benezia and Aethyta laughed, "And we love you too, Liara T'Soni." The Matriarchs said together before they leaned down to kiss their daughter at the same time.
Everything seems to be alright in their world.
So there it is. I had fun writing toddler Liara's first headbutt and barrier! Until Next time, Folks!
