Notes:

B'duero – a native Thessian tree similar in appearance to the silver birch

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

Chandra - insect resembling a honeybee, same name as sweetening nectar it produces (Asari)

Grá mo chroí - love of my heart (Gaelic)

Lughnasadh-Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season

Mo cheann geallta - My promised one (Gaelic)

Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian/Source: CDN)

XO - Executive Officer

Yefal - green leaves similar to romaine lettuce (Source: CDN)

Something Old – Something New

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia – 31 Jul 2188

With their preparation time nearly at an end, Shepard filled the final four days of July performing battle drills aboard the Knight Shade, combined with the use of various Republican Guard training facilities to complete a significant number of building-breach and ground combat training exercises. When they returned to the Estate on the afternoon of the thirty-first, the House Guard Captain Lyria Tremi and an unknown Human female were relaxing on the front steps of the house awaiting them. The new sniper, Minda Tilghman, had finally arrived to complete the Spectre's second ground team.

After the initial introductions, Liara gave her a puzzled smile. "If you had contacted us, we would have arranged transportation from the port. Let me know how much it cost, and I will gladly reimburse you for the expense."

Tilghman's face held an easy smile and she shrugged. "Your house steward already made the offer… which I turned down. The signing bonus I received from you was more than adequate to cover any expenses I could have possibly incurred… I could have even hired a private, luxury corvette with that many credits!"

The woman's smile turned to a gentle smirk as she continued, "Besides which, I treated it as a mission; it gave me a chance to practice my recon and figure a way here without detection. It was actually a bit of a test… which you passed with flying colors, by the way." A brief, quiet chuckle preceded her final judgement as she stated, "Getting here was easy enough, but then… I found absolutely no way onto the grounds where I would remain undetected… So, I ended up ringing the damned bell at the front gate. An impressive feat for a place with such a large perimeter."

Liara raised a brow marking in surprise as Shepard laughed. "Only because you didn't have any prep time, didn't want to make any loud bangs or blow up anything of ours as a distraction… nor risk getting yourself killed before you had a chance to introduce yourself, seeing as you had no way to anticipate how the commandos would respond. But I know from experience that no location is impenetrable… it just depends on what risks you're willing to take and how much you're willing to sacrifice."

"Agreed, Spectre Shepard… and I honestly did come here for what appears to be an excellent job, which necessitates not getting killed upon arrival. Such a slip wouldn't make for a very good first impression." Tilghman was already grinning, but her eyes also lit up as the Spectre teams strolled up the walkway. "Harley Creath, as I live and breathe! Now I understand where Dr T'Soni got my name! I figured you an Alliance man for life. What the Hell are you doing here? With a Spectre team patch on your shoulder, no less!"

Creath laughed. "Well, I made N7, Shepard here needed a second for one of her ground teams, and Admiral Hackett gave her my résumé. I apparently passed muster, then had to agree to work for this massive hulk behind me, Commander Hailot Jatok, and here I am. Couldn't think of a better sniper to cover my six, so I offered up your name to the Spectre when I learned we still needed to fill the position."

Tilghman punched him in the shoulder before giving him a big hug. "Thanks! I appreciate the recommendation." She glanced at Shepard before looking at Lady Liara. "I did my research before forwarding my acceptance of your offer. Spectre Shepard, as well as House T'Soni, has quite the reputation… and I figured no better offer than the one I held in my hands was ever going to come my way, so I'd be downright foolish to turn it down."

"That's very likely true." Shepard tempered her jovial welcome as she got down to business. Looking at Lyria, she asked, "Since I see no bags or gear, I assume our sniper has been assigned a home station weapons locker and a bunk in the commando quarters?"

Captain Tremi nodded. "Yes, Ma'am. I placed her with Kaddi; made sense to keep the team together… and Kaddi can show her around. I also have Minda scheduled for an initial medical exam with Dr Yandle first thing in the morning."

"Excellent." Liara nodded in appreciation. "Just don't forget that tomorrow is one of Shepard's… one of our new holidays, celebrating the year's first harvests – Lughnasadh – and that Admiral Shepard arrives on the morning shuttle from the CGC."

"Oh, I haven't, Lady Liara." Lyria flashed a knowing smile. "I have Arlis and Team 2 scheduled to depart in VIP-1 at 0930 hours to go pick her up. Will you or Captain Shepard be going along?"

Shepard grinned. "I'll be going for sure. Unless there's some major emergency, Mom would have an unkind word or two for me if I'm not there to greet her at the terminal." She glanced sorrowfully at Liara as she continued, "But you have your morning meeting with Lyessa and Chef Leyana to go over the prebonding dinner and the reception menus, don't you?"

"I'm afraid so… though, I suppose I could change it if you really want me to come along…" Liara looked almost hopeful as she made the statement, which sounded more like a question.

Shepard laughed gently before responding softly, "I'm sure Mom will understand, Mo cheann geallta. I'm sorry I can't provide you a better excuse."

Spaceport, Armali Republic, Thessia – 1 Aug 2188

Hannah's eyes were scanning the sea of faces, trying to find the one that belonged to her daughter. When their eyes finally met, a broad smile lit her countenance and she surged forward, wrapping her arms around the younger woman in a loving embrace. "Gods, it's good to see you!" Grabbing ahold of her daughter's shoulders, she pushed back to arms' length and examined her before adding, "You look good, Sam. You apparently recovered quite nicely, but…" Her hand came across to trail fingers lightly along the lash scar still evident on the neck of her only child. "This is more prominent than it used to be, for sure. I suppose making that disappear after the bad luck of getting a lash wrapped around your neck over your old scar was too much to hope for, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was, Mom." She shrugged. "But Doctors T'Lori and Yandle are still working on it, and are still making some progress, so haven't given up yet. If necessary, they can always cut the whole section out and graft cloned skin over my weave… but it's a rather lengthy procedure that has some risk of changing my single ring into two. However minimal, I don't want to take a chance of making it look worse right before the bonding. The high neck of the dress uniform will keep it hidden, anyway."

"I'm sorry; you know I didn't mean it as a slight against your doctors here. It's just…" She huffed and shook her head. "I don't know what I meant, Sam, other than it's a shock to see it in person. It looks like someone tried to take your head off… and it makes me worry about you."

Shepard grinned and hugged her mother tightly. "It's okay, Mom. Isn't one of your jobs as a parent to worry about your kid?"

Pushing away, Hannah growled, "Oh, you!" and then looked around in question. "By the way, where's Liara?"

"She's stuck at the Estate with Steward Lyessa and Chef Leyana, going over all the menus for the upcoming events." Shepard sighed apologetically, "Time is running out and it seems like there's still way too much to get done before the bonding."

Hannah chuckled, "Don't you worry about that, kiddo. It will all get done with time to spare and then you'll be nervously pacing around… going crazy without enough to keep you occupied!"

"Hey!" Shepard suddenly grinned, a quick prod through the link reminding her of what else was going on back at the Estate. "You remember this time last year?"

"Oh Gods, yes!" Hannah rolled her eyes before continuing, "I came to you on the Normandy because Liara was in surgery after that lunatic Human tried to assassinate her!"

"Yeah. And I distinctly remember saying something about 'fuck Lughnasadh' and that you weren't very happy with me for saying it." A grin spread across her face as she continued, "I promise you, this year will be very different."

Hannah's eyes opened wide. "With all the bonding preparations going on… Are we actually going to have a harvest feast?"

"Absolutely… and much more than that! We're doing the whole holiday up right… and we're starting by going to pick lettuce!" At the odd look her mother gave her, Samantha laughed and explained, "It's early in the season here, and the only main crop that's ready for harvest here is yefal, a green leafy vegetable that tastes remarkably like romaine."

Smirking in return, her mother answered with, "I suppose Liara is trying hard to adapt to our holidays, isn't she… but… really? Lettuce is the best you could do?"

"Hey, don't knock it!" She reached out and gave her mother a gentle push on the shoulder. "It's pretty tasty… and when on Thessia…"

Hannah smiled and finished, "Do as the Asari do. Got it, kiddo."

"Exactly!" Shepard wrinkled her nose as she continued, "We do have another choice. They love their seafood, so we could go down and clean fish at the docks. That's the only other major foodstuff being collected right now."

"Oh, Gods no!" Hannah made an answering face and then chuckled. "I'm happy to eat it, but cleaning it? No thank you!"

"That's what I figured… so, lettuce picking we go… after we check in at the Estate, so you can say hello to Liara and get introduced to the staff."

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia – 1 Aug 2188

"Oh, Sam! This place is positively gorgeous!" Hannah's jaw fell as she watched the approach to the private landing field. "Honestly? This is where you'll live full time when you retire?"

"I know, right?" Shepard grinned. "I knew this was where we were going to live as soon as I saw the place. I was thrilled to find out Liara felt the same way… though, I have to admit, Aethyta did wonders with the Armali house. It was destroyed during the war and she was in charge of the rebuild. Much more traditional, instead of that sterile neo-modern architecture that Liara's mother liked."

"I'm thinking I know where I'll be coming for leave time." Hannah spared her daughter only a quick glance before turning her attention back to the breathtaking view. "And you have a beach! That clinches it! No more trips to Rio for me!"

"You'll always be welcome here, Mom; anytime you want to come… even if the Knight Shade is out of port, with her captain and executive officer along with her." Laughing, Samantha stood from her seat and reached out her hand in invitation. "Now, come on. It's time to see the place, in person, with your feet on the ground instead of peeking out through the window."

Liara was loitering impatiently at the edge of the parking apron as the VIP-1 landed; after the core shut down and their guest emerged through the hatch, Lady Liara attempted to walk at a dignified pace, but as she got closer and could see the joyous smile upon the woman's face, her composure broke and she bolted the last few meters to the woman, happily allowing herself to be wrapped tightly in a motherly embrace.

Tears streamed down Liara's cheeks, only to be wiped away by Hannah as she pushed back from the hug and said. "Tears of happiness, I hope," as a wide grin dominated her face. "It is so good to see you, Liara! It's been much too long!"

Liara laughed gleefully as she answered, "Most definitely… on both counts! How was your trip?" She stepped to Hannah's side and looped their arms together, turning toward the house and starting to walk as Samantha joined them, walking along on the other side of her mother.

"It was quick, thanks to the private transport." Hannah looped her free arm loosely around Samantha's waist as they walked. "Besides… I believe my staff at work was ready to be rid of me. I've been absolutely impossible to work with the last few days because I've been all caught up with planning this trip."

"Well, it's wonderful to finally have you here." Liara wouldn't have been able to get the smile off her face if she had wanted to, and she affectionately squeezed Hannah's arm once more before releasing her grip in order to enter the main house. "The commandos will take your bags to your room while we make a few quick introductions. Then, you'll have time to get cleaned up and into comfortable walking clothes before we head out to the fields for the Lughnasadh harvest."

Hannah stopped for a moment, causing Liara to pause and look questioningly at the woman. As their eyes met, Hannah said, "Liara. I want you to know I recognize how gracious you are being at accepting our customs. Druidry isn't exactly a common religion on Earth…"

"No. Please." Liara raised a hand and gave her head a little shake in rebuttal. "I can easily relate, as there are not many followers of the Athame doctrine anymore, either… particularly after the Prothean's insinuations concerning the religion's origins; many have converted to Siari." She paused as a coy smile slipped onto her face. "Hannah, I love your daughter dearly… everything about her… not to mention that I find your customs fascinating." She smiled at Samantha, who was grinning back at her as she continued, "And honestly? It's not about acceptance or tolerance… it's about merging our beliefs into a union of their own that comes along with our bonding. We try to work as one… in all things."

Shepard added, "And it's not just her, Mom; she's speaking for the whole T'Soni household! They don't have many holidays of their own…" She paused for a moment in consideration and glanced at Liara. "Matter of fact, I think there is only one… Janiris! Gods. Is that right, Liara?"

Smiling softly, the Asari answered, "Yes… It marks the renewal of life and the Asari New Year." She shrugged. "We live so long we don't even celebrate birthdays as you do. Instead, we choose to celebrate our life events… such as the earning of specialty degrees in things like dance or commando training… or various levels of educational achievements… and when we transition to become a matron and then a matriarch." She laughed at herself and continued, "I'm sorry. I did not intend to give you a lecture on Asari culture. My point was that we are simply looking forward to more opportunities to celebrate life. Your holidays are a welcome addition."

"Well…" Hannah smiled at the young Asari. "Even if you did feel like it was a lecture, it was good information and it helps me better understand how we all fit together, so I thank you." Glancing between the two lovebirds, Hannah continued, "So, how about we make all those introductions, let me get changed, and go pick some Yefal?"

After returning with their first seasonal harvest in honor of the holiday, Liara and Samantha took her mother on a full tour of the grounds, including the white garden where Shepard had proposed to her Asari lover. "I learned this was one of Liara's favorite retreats when she was younger. It seemed a natural location…"

"And I was more than surprised." Liara laughed softly. "Her unexpected proposal struck me nearly speechless… which made it rather difficult for me to accept her Promise Vow."

"Which immediately made me think I screwed something up regarding protocol." Shepard grinned as she continued, "I was starting to get seriously worried when Liara finally managed to say something." She shook her head as she recalled the event. "I was used to Liara's shyness back then, but that day? She scared the crap out of me!"

They all laughed together as they continued the tour, making the yellow garden their last stop in order to gaze upon Matriarch Benezia's recently placed memorial. They had all fallen silent as they approached, but Hannah couldn't help but comment. "It's a beautiful tribute." She knelt at the base of the pillar and read the words in a hushed voice, "With her last breath, she fought to bring light to the darkness." She looked up to Liara and stood slowly to wrap loving arms around her future daughter-in-law.

Whispering in Liara's ear, Hannah's voice reflected both her personal sense of loss and Liara's sadness. "I regret never having the opportunity to meet your mother. From all I have heard of her, it is most definitely to my detriment."

"I do wish she could be here for this." Liara's eyes were glassy but she shed no tears as her face picked up a shy smile. "She was always concerned I would spend my life alone, so she would be very happy with the current course of events."

"Then I will be happy enough for the both of us… Though I am positive your father is also pleased with the state of affairs." Hannah laughed as Liara rolled her eyes.

"Goddess, yes… and she never ceases to take every opportunity to tease me about it." The now blushing Asari cleared her throat and continued, "Anyway. I guess it is time to return to the house. We have an evening of celebration planned, filled with a harvest dinner followed by entertainment and dancing."

"Oh! It sounds lovely, my dear!" Hannah smiled and looked around the garden one last time before focusing on Samantha. "I am so looking forward to this vacation!"

The next morning, Hannah made her way downstairs and found her way to the kitchen. She was welcomed easily by numerous smiling commandos who were more than happy to point their honored guest in the right direction to find breakfast. As she stepped into the dining area, she was met by Lyessa. "Good morning, Admiral! I see your military habits die as hard as those of our Captain. You cannot sleep in… even when on vacation!"

"Poor Sam had to grow up that way… most of our assignments were aboard ship and she had to live on our schedule, so it comes naturally to her. And please, call me Hannah?" The woman looked around hopefully as she queried, "Sam told me that you have Terran coffee?"

Laughing lightly, Lyessa replied, "But of course, Hannah. Follow me to the kitchen and I will show you where everything is. You are welcome to make yourself at home… Samantha certainly does. Half the time, I find her down here making the coffee because she gets up before I do!" Lyessa opened a cabinet and pulled down a mug, handing it to woman before pointing to a small side table. "The chandra is there…" Her focus shifted as she continued, "the creamer is in the cooler, over there, and your coffee is in this black carafe to the left of the stove."

As she spoke, Lyessa lifted the carafe and held it up to pour. "Oh!" Hannah quickly held her mug out and smiled. "Thank you! The way you pointed everything out, I thought I was on my own… which, by the way, would be perfectly fine. Now that I know where everything is… and you said I was free to make myself at home… I won't bother you when I'm ready for a refill."

As she moved to the small table, Lyessa cautioned her, "The chandra is much sweeter than your Human sugar or honey… at least that is what Samantha has told us… so I would use it sparingly and experiment a bit."

"Thanks for the warning." Hannah spooned only a couple of small crystals into her mug, stirred and tasted it before adding a third. She was smiling in satisfaction as she said, "Perfect! She's right; it's much more potent than what we normally use. Without your warning, I would have dropped a full teaspoon in!" She glanced around and shrugged before asking, "So. When do the kids normally come down?"

At that, Lyessa laughed. "Samantha came down almost an hour ago to say hello to all the commandos during their shift change. She is most likely in her office catching up on messages. Let me put some chandra in a small bowl and grab the coffee carafe and I'll take you to her. Actually, I am surprised she has not already returned for a refill."

"She gets caught up in her work, doesn't she?" Hannah smiled wistfully as she continued, "I suppose she takes after both her father and I in that regard."

Shepard looked up and smiled as Lyessa entered the room, standing quickly to greet her and then give her mother a hug. "Good morning, Mom. How'd you sleep?"

"Better than I have in months!" Hannah beamed at her daughter as she continued, "I cracked the window to let in the ocean breeze and I could hear the waves on the beach… the morning birds calling… It was delightfully serene!"

"I figured you'd like a shoreside room; glad I suggested it." Shepard's attention shifted to the one who had arranged it for her. "Thanks, Lyessa. If Liara happens to get up any time soon, let her know Mom and I are taking a walk along the beach?"

"Absolutely… and I will let Lyria know as well." The face of the House Steward held an apologetic smile, knowing how Shepard always felt she was imposing on the commandos' day… simply by leaving the house. No matter how much she recognized the necessity, Shephard felt her newly established need to be accompanied everywhere had to be downright inconvenient for the staff, having to stop whatever they were doing in order to 'guard' the Lady T'Soni's Promised, even when Liara wasn't coming along.

Her daughter's quiet sigh of frustration caught Hannah's attention, so Samantha explained the new policies that had been instituted since the kidnapping, following with, "I know it needs to be done, but it feels ridiculous… especially in cases like this. I mean really? I'm just going to walk on the beach with my mother!"

"And all you did was go to the local Farmer's Market to get vegetables." Smirking, Hannah picked up her coffee mug and took a step toward the door as a silent prompt to get their walk started. "I'm all for it, Sam. Particularly if I know it will keep you that much safer… You always were one to find trouble, whether you meant to or not!"

"I know, Mom… I helped put the damned policy in place because I see the need and I realize it's something I have to get used to… but it doesn't mean I have to like it." Shrugging in acceptance, she picked up her newly refilled mug and headed toward the door. "As for me finding trouble, it seems to always come looking for me, no matter how I try to avoid it." Opening the door for her mother, she concluded, "Come on. Let's hope you like the beach here as much as the one in Rio, because it sure would be nice to see you more often."

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia – 4 Aug 2188

As her first weekend at the Estate came and went, Hannah settled easily into the household routine, frequently starting her day early with a walk along the beach with her daughter. Monday was no different for her, but she could tell the workweek had started in earnest as commandos and staff alike scurried about in preparation for yet another visit from the House T'Soni matriarchs, Mozia and Aethyta. When their arrival was finally announced, Hannah was surprised to find herself in the front foyer, eagerly awaiting the entrance of her two friends, along with whichever of the Armali commandos had been selected to come along.

The last time she had seen them was aboard the Normandy on Saint Patrick's Day, which hadn't been nearly long enough to honestly get caught up with the pair, much less get to know the myriad of commandos who had also come along for the party. After all her initial introductions, Hannah had simply shaken her head, contemplating how Liara, so young by Asari standards, ruled a Thessian high house, which consisted of two major holdings as well as properties and apartments scattered about the galaxy. Just on Thessia alone, the maiden was ultimately responsible for a staff of well over fifty – and that did not include any of her Shadow Broker assets or her shared responsibilities with Samantha as the XO of the Knight Shade.

As that thought crossed Hannah's mind, she suddenly realized the reverse was also true and Samantha, may the Gods bless her, had already taken on her share of that load as Liara's soon-to-be bondmate. She was jarred from her reverie by one of the two people primarily responsible for alleviating Liara's load as a gravelly voice suddenly shouted out, "Hannah! Good to see you!"

A quickly growing smile on her face, she stepped into the welcoming arms of the latest addition to her family. "It's great to see you as well, Thyta! And Mozia… It's certainly under better circumstance than what brought us together the last time we saw one another in person."

"While that is mostly true, I prefer to focus on the way we parted, after the promotion party, rather than the attempt on Liara's life, which brought us together earlier than scheduled." Mozia smiled as she continued, "It is a much more pleasant thought for these times."

"Seeing as we are all standing here together, to celebrate the upcoming bonding between our two families, I am inclined to agree!" She glanced at her daughter before returning her gaze to Aethyta. "I assume Sha'ira is here as well and we can all get to the business at hand?"

"Wait. What?" Shepard's eyes nervously traveled back and forth between her mother and Aethyta. "What are you two plotting?"

"Quit being such a worry bug! You'll know soon enough," Hannah answered with a laugh.

Sha'ira finally walked in the doorway, an apology ready on her lips, only to be buried under the welcome from Hannah. "Sha'ira! It is so good to finally meet you in person! I have to thank you for all the help you've given Samantha and me as we've worked through these little details."

Sha'ira smile and laughed gently, particularly over the expression on the face of the younger Shepard. "I take it you haven't yet told your daughter anything of our preparations?"

Hannah responded, a sly grin on her face as she stated, "Absolutely not. I wanted it to be a surprise… and since you had a large part in making it happen, you deserved to be here for the big reveal."

"Looking at her, I assume we need to get to the business at hand before she simply bursts from her overwhelming curiosity." The Consort gave the Captain a respectful nod. "We are at your command, Spectre. Shall we head to your office?"

"Your mother told me of the wedding poem… and that you needed an item to represent the something old portion for your customs." Sha'ira paused and smiled as Hannah handed a golden Navy Fleet Marine Force Officer's Badge to her daughter. "This badge has been passed through three generations of your family. It seemed only fitting that it should be passed to the fourth – you – and that you be allowed to wear it on your formal Spectre uniform at your bonding."

Hannah met Samantha's questioning eyes and explained, "Your great-grandfather earned this in 2129 and wore it proudly on his uniform until he was killed in 2134 during a conflict with pirates in the Gulf of Guinea. It was then given to his son, who passed it immediately to David upon his enlistment. I held onto it after your father was killed, hoping for just this chance, waiting to give it to you so that he could, in some small way, be part of your wedding… or, in this case, your bonding… with someone who loves you as much as your father loved me."

She grinned at the look of surprised awe creeping onto Samantha's face as she continued, "So, I spoke with Steven Hackett, who thought the whole idea was wonderful and took it before the Defense Committee at his next opportunity. As soon as we received their approval, Sha'ira talked to Councilor Tevos… who then took it to the Galactic Council, who unanimously came to the exact same conclusion."

A great student of military history, Shepard knew exactly what she held in her hand – the Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Badge. "This was discontinued in 2149… with the creation of the Systems Alliance Military." She gave her mother a questioning look. "So… I assume I can wear it for the bonding because it's no longer an active insignia?"

"No. You can wear it because it is being reactivated for both Naval and Marine officers within the Systems Alliance who belong to a Spectre ground operations team; silver for team members, gold for those who achieve Spectre status." Tears started to trickle down Hannah's face as she choked out the rest. "They initially thought the Alliance Spectre insignia should be palladium, but settled for the silver and gold designations in your honor… Specifically so you would be able to wear this particular badge on your uniform every day for the remainder of your service… as a gift from me in remembrance of your father." She paused and whispered, "Sam, he would have been so proud of you."

"Mom…" Samantha stopped speaking, the lump in her throat keeping any more words from coming. She sent a quick mental answer to Liara's query, telling her that all was well as she wrapped the woman before her in her arms, both their faces covered by streaming tears, born of a mixture of both grief and joy.

T'Soni House Armali, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 9 Aug

Shepard and Liara purposely flew to the city for lunch in the event Tevos had been able to break free sooner than expected and arrived earlier than anticipated. It was not to be, so they were free to eat lunch and spend the afternoon with Aethyta, Mozia and all of the off-duty Armali commandos who happened to wander through. They were sitting on a bench in the meditation portion of the compound when Captain Axoni approached, bearing a long, slender wooden case carved from the wood of a Thessian b'duero tree.

"Lady Liara." Inordinately formal, Nayla went down to one knee before the couple and dipped her head, holding the case out before her, presenting it for them to take. "The special gift you ordered for Captain Shepard just arrived and I assumed now would be as good a time as any for its delivery."

Eyes alight with eagerness, Liara reached out and took the case from the Armali Guard Captain before Samantha could get her hands on it. "Goddess, yes! It's perfect timing, but please stand, Nayla!" She laughed in her excitement, holding the case tightly to her as she stood and turned to Shepard. "You too, Captain Shepard!"

The words special gift had certainly caught her attention and Shepard jumped to her feet like a kid at Christmas, a curious smile on her face as she asked, "What's this, Liara?"

Grinning, Liara placed the case on the bench where they had been sitting and answered, "Your mother handled the something old… and that left the something new, as well as the something blue to me!" Shepard snickered and Liara's face was flushed as she realized the physical implications of what she had just said as an image of them making love flittered through the link from the Spectre.

"Goddess, Shepard! While that may be true as well, it's certainly not something I can give you at the bonding!" With her blush deepening in her embarrassment at her own words, Liara managed to undo the latches on the case and continue, "This is something all Asari huntresses have as part of their ceremonial leathers… and something you are lacking, which will be remedied immediately."

With that, Liara opened the case and pulled out a long, relatively thin object wrapped in a material very much like blue silk. As she unwrapped it, Shepard immediately realized what it was without needing Liara's explanation, but the Asari stayed the course and finished, "This is a ceremonial Asari Battle Sword, presented only to those of a high house as an indication of their stature among Asari society. This was custom made, with its deep blue scabbard and hilt wrap, as well as its silver belt and sash, to match the colors of your Spectre dress uniform."

As Shepard stood speechless, Nayla smiled and added, "As primary Captain of the T'Soni House Guard, you are most certainly entitled to this accessory and it is long overdue. I believe it is best that we waited, so it could be crafted in the appropriate colors to match both the T'Soni house colors and your Spectre uniform."

It was only when they began to cheer that Shepard and Liara realized the commandos had assembled to ring the courtyard while the pair had been focused on the sword. Liara smiled softly and raised the sash over Shepard's head, placing the sword at the Spectre's left hip. Her blue eyes came up to meet dancing green orbs, flashing in their excitement as Liara leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss upon ready lips. "Perfect. This will look wonderful with your dress uniform, Spectre Shepard. It suits you."

Aletheia, Thessia, At Large – 9 Aug

Shepard, Liara and their commando escorts headed for the city port as soon as they were notified that the diplomatic shuttle had departed the CGC. The shuttle made good time on the short relay jump and, sooner than any of them imagined possible, their newest guests had transferred to the Aletheia, the T'Soni flag ship had received clearance for departure, and they were underway to return to the Estate. Seeing as it was a personal trip, Tevos did not travel with her full entourage, instead bringing only her First, Nizia Tenir, as well as Selina T'Rori, engineer aboard the Destiny Ascension and bondmate to the T'Soni Estate House Steward, Lyessa Raptos.

"I'm sorry Sha'ira isn't with us, Raesia." Shepard had a sorrowful expression on her face and while her comment was directed mostly at Tevos, she also glanced at Selina. "I know you two have been apart for quite a while, but Lyessa and Sha'ira are finalizing room assignments, trying to get everything settled before guests… like you… begin arriving."

"And, apparently, they are about to run out of time." Tevos laughed softly and continued, "I must admit I am eager to see her… but it still feels good to simply be off that station and on a real vacation, no matter how short it may be!"

Before she could say more, T'Rori added, "Don't trouble yourself over it, Spectre." Glancing at the councilor, she shrugged and continued, "It is a lifestyle for us and we are not unaccustomed to spending significant periods of time apart." She hesitated for only a moment before shifting her focus to Liara and continuing, "Though, if it please the Lady of the House, I think I am ready to become a permanent member of House T'Soni, in whatever capacity I may serve."

"Selina!" Liara stared at her in shocked amazement before gathering herself to query, "Are you honestly contemplating leaving the Destiny Ascension?"

"Yes. I have been stationed there now for nearly sixty years and am ready for a change." Selina smiled softly. "I could request a transfer elsewhere in the Asari Fleet but, honestly? I am ready to end those significant times apart that I spoke of so casually. Besides… Lyessa and I have begun to speak of having children and I would want to be home to help raise them." Her last words brought a silly grin to her face that, despite her best efforts, she could not contain.

The announcement had Liara leaping from her seat to wrap the surprised engineer in a sisterly embrace. "By the Goddess, that would be wonderful! We will absolutely find you a place in the house…" She pulled back and looked to Shepard, receiving a sense of happiness through the link before she continued, "…and would most certainly anticipate the joyous sound of little feet pattering though the house!"