Notes:

Amantia - lover (Thessian)

FTL - Faster Than Light travel

Galea – Species of fighting fish common off Armali shores (Asari)

Grá mo chroí - love of my heart (Gaelic)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

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

A Holiday to Remember

Serrice, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 24 Dec 2188

Selina T'Rori waved at Sammi and Riana as the pair walked hand-in-hand away from the landing pad; as soon as they were clear of the blast zone, Selina brought the shuttle to life and lifted off to do her own shopping. She had agreed to play chauffer for the couple, relieving Luyna Veuss of the task, after her bondmate and House Steward Lyessa Raptos had drafted her to do some last-minute holiday food shopping for the Estate. She was scheduled to return no later than 1730 to retrieve the commando and her Human lover… none of them wanted to miss out on the newly introduced T'Soni tradition of a party celebrating Christmas Eve.

After a fifteen-minute stroll, the pair found themselves in a glittering shopping district. Riana turned to Sammi and drew her close. "Seeing as we are shopping for one another, we need to go our separate ways… I will need approximately an hour, Sammi, and will come right back here to meet you when I have completed my shopping."

Traynor was a bit unsure. "I know we talked about this, Love, but I don't know my way around Serrice at all… I'm still a bit uncomfortable with this."

"Don't be silly; you have an excellent sense of direction. I have great faith that you'll be fine on your own for an hour. Also, I am well aware you intend to find me some extravagant present, so please, just… keep it simple? Remember, you still have to get it home in the shuttle."

"Not necessarily," Traynor replied with a knowing smirk. "I'm sure they would be more than happy to ship whatever I buy… it's not like the location of the Estate is a secret."

"I'll see you soon, Sammi. Go have fun!" Riana knew exactly where she needed to go, so turned and quickly disappeared into the throng of shoppers. Just a few meters from where she had parted with her amantia, she glanced back over her shoulder to ensure Sammi's attention was elsewhere. Confident the way was clear, she made her way directly to T'Gabra's Games, a small, high-end shop that offered electronic games created by races throughout council space.

While Riana had seen Sammi play several alien strategy games, she also knew her absolute favorite was Kepesh-Yakshi. The commando walked straight up to a gaudy display featuring several versions of the game, each increasingly more sophisticated… and expensive. She was glancing around the store, looking for the proprietor, when she spotted a beautifully made board comprised of 64 wooden squares of alternating colors. A chess board… Sammi doesn't have anything nearly so grand.

Upon closer inspection, she discovered the cost of just the board, not including the various style options for the chess pieces, was equal to the arcade-class Kepesh-Yakshi game. With a quiet, regretful sigh, Riana returned to her hunt for the store proprietor. Finally catching the attention of Luria T'Gabra, Riana asked several questions about the numerous Kepesh-Yakshi variants. She quickly explained that she wanted to buy the one that most closely emulated the massive table-version normally found in bars and arcades… yet could be played on a computer interface, so Sammi could take it with her as they traveled the galaxy with the Spectre and Lady Liara.

Luria was extremely patient, answering all of her questions and, being extremely familiar with every model in the store, easily listing the pros and cons of each version. Riana finally settled on a variant that could be carried on an OSD; this would enable Sammi to move the game from their home to whatever ship they had to travel on. She's going to be so surprised! Happy with her final decision, Riana made the purchase and left the store to walk back to meet Sammi. Next stop… lunch and a visit with Huntress Elzia Trani at the university… an event she was very much looking forward to.

Serrice University, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 24 Dec 2188

It was approaching noon when Riana rented a speeder for the short trip to the University of Serrice. As they approached the grounds, Sammi expressed some amazement at the amount of space devoted to the school. "The campus is huge, my love… and the flower gardens and green lawns are beautiful, but… I expect it would be easy for a person to become lost while walking around here."

Riana prefaced her reply with a chuckle. "My darling Sammi… becoming lost here would be extremely difficult, unless you found yourself without an omnitool." She brought the speeder around a rather large building and parked in a spot designated for visitors. "Like the rest of the city, the entire university is very well mapped, and the most current version is always available for download." Raising the canopy and opening the door, she added, "This is the commando training center, where Huntress Trani is expecting me… and I do not care to be late."

"Don't you mean 'us'? She is expecting me as well, correct?"

"No, actually. I have not told her I would be bringing a guest along, but no matter, Sammi. Zia will be happy for me that I have found love, and she will be most pleased to meet you." Stepping from the speeder, she held out a hand to her Amantia, saying, "Come on."

"Riana Iregos! It seems to have been forever since we parted!" Elzia Trani enthusiastically embraced Riana as if she were her own sister, long lost on an expedition. Pushing back, she took note of Riana's tears, saying, "Now, now, there is no need for that, Riana. Both of us survived the war relatively unscathed and while I am still an instructor… you have also maintained your position within House T'Soni, just as I expected you would!"

Riana grinned at that. "It has been 53 years since I left here to apply for a position with House T'Soni… and it has been my privilege and honor to hold the position as Lady Liara T'Soni's First for the past twelve-plus years."

Suddenly aware of the other person who had trailed Riana into her office, Trani pushed back a bit more to ask, "And, you have brought someone along with you." Turning her full attention on Samantha Traynor, she added, "Please… introduce me to your Human companion."

Riana held out her hand to Sammi; pulling her shy lover alongside, she made the formal introduction. "Huntress Trani, this is Samantha Traynor… formerly of the Systems Alliance Navy. She is now the director of communications, both at the T'Soni Estate and onboard the Spectre vessel Knight Shade." Riana smiled happily as she added, "But, even more importantly, she is also my amantia, my siame… the absolute love of my life."

"How wonderful!" Elzia's eyes lit with understanding and she studied the Human before her from that new perspective. "Samantha Traynor. I am happy to meet the one who obviously means so much to Riana that she would include you in a visit here."

Traynor disentangled herself from Riana's grasp; holding her hands out palms up, she solemnly replied, "And it is my distinct honor to meet the person who was such an inspiration for the commando that Riana has become. Please, call me Sammi."

Elzia placed her hands on Traynor's as she said in a soft voice, "Sammi it is, then… a name which fits you well, if I may be so bold. Welcome to Serrice University."

Elzia led her former student and her Human companion into the welcoming confines of her favorite café; with Riana on her right and Sammi on her left, she spoke to both. "This place has become my preferred spot for lunch… and sometimes, dinner."

Riana looked around approvingly before responding. "It's very nice, Zia. How long has it been here? I can't seem to recall it from my days here as a student."

A soft laugh preceded her response. "It was established promptly following the war's conclusion… with so much destruction all over, very few places such as this survived unscathed. Everyone needs to eat… and there were many that needed employment of some form. This establishment was the first built here to serve both needs." She paused in her explanation as their hostess seated them at a table. "Service is discreet, excellent, and the food is very good."

Directing her attention to Traynor, she commented, "Sammi, if you require assistance deciphering the offerings on the datapad, Riana or I will be happy to help."

Traynor grinned happily. "I should be fine, Huntress… Riana has been instructing me in written Thessian, and since moving to Thessia full-time I've eaten my share of Asari cuisine; I must admit I've developed a real fondness for baked fish… galea in particular… and the leafy greens, uloth and ke'ah that usually complement it."

Shifting her attention between Elzia and Sammi, Riana added in a loving tone, "Don't forget your weakness for Elasa, Sammi."

"Being totally immersed in Thessian culture has allowed me to sample all the foods available to the Asari, Elzia… even though terrene foods are shipped in and stocked at the estate for Spectre Shepard and the few other Humans that call Thessia their home." With a smirk at Riana, she added, "This one has been very diligent about my epicurean education.

Their hostess appeared by their table to take their orders; Riana and Elzia followed Sammi's lead by ordering baked galea with the usual accompaniment of side dishes. As they waited, Riana told Elzia about some of her more exciting adventures since joining Spectre Shepard's team. Traynor sat back and watched the expressions on both of the Asari's faces as her amantia summed up the past five years of her life.

The Vanguard stopped, seemingly finished, and Sammi sat forward in amazement. "Surely, you're not leaving off with that!" Shaking her head in disappointment, she shifted her focus to Elzia. "What she is neglecting to tell you is just how horrible Earth was when the fleet first returned… and how her final hours of that horrible battle were spent upon the Citadel – after she was the only one who managed to successfully follow Spectre Shepard through the beam."

"By the Goddess!" Elzia looked at her protégé with a new level of respect. "Were you with her when she fired the Crucible?"

"Yes, she was." Before Riana could reply, Traynor jumped back in and continued the story, knowing full well that Riana would downplay her role. "We touched down to pick up wounded… then, instead of leaving with us, she leapt from the ramp of the Normandy as we lifted off Earth's surface." Traynor reached over and placed her hand over that of the vanguard. "She then chased Shepard across that horrific battlefield… dodging Reaper beams powerful enough to destroy a frigate… all to help the Spectre." At that point Sammi turned loving eyes to Riana and squeezed her hand affectionately.

"I have never had the honor of serving with a braver group of soldiers… willingly running straight into death's jaws… in their attempt to save a galaxy of people whom they had never met." Looking back to Elzia, Traynor continued, "During the fight to the Crucible, Shepard was severely wounded and would have died had Riana not been there. Riana supported her at the console, allowing Shepard to enter the necessary commands to activate the wave that destroyed the Reapers. Without her, it is very likely Shepard would have failed… and we would all be either dead or dying right along with her, fighting a war we no longer had any chance at winning."

Traynor squeezed Riana's hand again before pulling away, adding, "And, then, she somehow managed to get them both to the Council Docks so they could be evacuated… again, both nearly dying in the process… but she did it. Her selfless act is the only reason we still have Shepard walking amongst us today."

Elzia sat back in awe, an enormous, gratified smile on her face as she exclaimed, "By the Goddess, Riana! When I was your instructor, I obviously saw the potential in you, else I would not have gone out of my way to guide you as I did… but never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the life you have led… are still living!" She sat forward and reached across the table to clasp the younger biotic's hands in her own as she enthusiastically added, "I am so damned proud of you!"

"I cannot take all the credit." Riana gave Sammi a look that indicated a later, possibly uncomfortable, discussion as she added, "Nothing about my actions was selfless. It was Mistress Liara who ordered me to bring Shepard safely home… so, I was merely doing my duty. But, while a seemingly impossible mission to complete, the consequences of failure were much too dire to contemplate, so I followed that order willingly."

Riana ducked her head slightly as the corners of her mouth tipped up in a shy smile. "Even so, with all that said, your praise means more than you realize, Zia… thank you. The Goddess has blessed me more than you know. I visited Aresia yesterday… at the Lesuss Monastery." Seeing Elzia's surprised expression, the commando continued, "Yes; they survived the war, though many perished when the Reapers attacked them."

"I am so happy for you, Riana!" Elzia was astonished by the news. "With all the destruction, that they managed to survive the war… But, what of the staff and the Justicars?"

Riana could see the concern on her friend's face. "A full staff is in place…" Her voice reflected sadness as she added, "… but the Justicar order was decimated by the war, Zia. There are now too few of them to provide escorts for Ardat-Yakshi wishing to visit family and friends… so the residents are currently restricted to Lesuss."

The huntress-instructor looked up as their hostess and a waitress brought their meals to the table. After all the dishes and glasses of Elasa had been placed, Elzia looked back to Riana as she took a bite of fish. "I have the impression you have finally made your peace with the Justicars, Riana. Can you tell me what changed your mind?"

Riana took several mouthfuls of fish and uloth covered ke'ah as she thought about her answer. With a wry smile, she said, "Justicar Samara changed my mind, Zia. Meeting her during the war… when the Reapers attacked the monastery and killed or converted most of the residents there…" Sammi slid a hand to gently grasp a warm thigh under the table; Riana spared her siame a glance of loving gratitude before continuing. "I may have told you I have become friends with Samara's lone surviving daughter, Falere; she has become as much family to me as my own sister. Since the war's end, Samara has become the main voice advocating for revising and modernizing the Justicars' ancient code… to adapt it so it more closely mirrors rules and laws of the current Asari justice system."

"That is… simply amazing, Riana. I am so very pleased for you… it would seem you have been able to let go your antipathy towards the Justicars."

Riana's smile never wavered as she admitted, "I have learned many things… accepted many truths, since my time here as your student. Spectre Shepard and Justicar Samara showed me a different side of the Order. Perhaps because Samara was a mother first, she was able to see that the rules by which she and her sisters have lived for millennia needed changing." Riana then sighed sadly. "She has a different perspective, likely because she lost two of her own three children to the harsh realities of our damned, incurable, genetic flaw."

As Riana paused, Sammi took over the explanation. "Her eldest, Morinth, chose to run; Samara forced herself to hunt Morinth down, but did not manage to catch her until she had killed hundreds. Her other two, Falere and Rila, agreed to live at the Monastery as required by Asari law… to live in isolation from the general population… until the Reapers attacked. Unfortunately, Rila did not survive the assault."

Riana shook her head and, her voice sounding sad as she said, "I did not know all this at the beginning. I got to know Falere and Rila because they had befriended Rez…" Riana's voice turned momentarily hostile as she spit out, "... taken her under their wings when it became apparent to them Aresia's family had disowned her."

Zia's voice took on a tone of chastisement. "You no longer blame yourself for that, Riana, but I see those memories are still bitter. At some point, you will need to forgive your parents their weaknesses… or, at the very least, simply let it go. They are dead, Riana… it does no good to hold onto your malice."

"I know… and time will continue to heal that wound… but I am not quite there yet." Riana smiled with wistful understanding. "Perhaps, when Falere and Rez are once more able to travel to Thessia, I will be able to see your viewpoint more clearly… I honestly don't know how long it will be before my lingering resentment no longer exists to cloud my vision."

"That is certainly not something that happens overnight, Riana, but I had dared to hope the years that have passed had more of a softening affect than they apparently have."

"No, they have not… but with the war over, it is closer now than it has ever been… and I have hope." Riana smiled brightly again as she added, "And I am not alone, by any means." Giving Traynor a meaningful glance, she continued, "There are many standing ready to aid the A-Y in this transition to normalcy. I doubt even Asari High Command will care to stand in opposition to the combined proponents of Spectre Shepard, House T'Soni and the entire Justicar Order."

Not to mention the SILC… whom we dare not add publicly to that list quite yet. Sammi was enjoying listening to and observing the two Asari as they all ate their lunch. It was obvious that Riana was extremely happy to be here, speaking with her former college instructor from days gone by. Every day I am with this amazing person is a true gift. Taking a sip from her glass, she reflected on her own journey since graduating from Oxford and realized she and Riana were much the same in that regard. Bet my instructors would be just as surprised were they to learn of the amazing twists and turns my own life has taken since that time.

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 25 Dec 2188

Liara's hand waved as she swatted lazily at whatever was tickling her cheek. A quiet chuckle made her realize it was Samantha, so her minor irritation was quickly replaced with a smile as she whispered huskily, "Merry Christmas, Siame," her voice heavy with sleep.

Shepard leaned over her and placed a tender, loving kiss on the ridgeline of the Asari's crest. "Merry Christmas to you too, Grá mo chroí." The warm breath feathering across her scalp fully roused Liara from her repose.

Only then did Liara open her eyes enough to realize Shepard was already dressed. She remarked on her observation and then queried, "What time is it?"

Smirking, her bondmate answered, "Late. I must have kept you up too late last night… You were obviously much too tired this morning to get up, seeing as you apparently don't even remember me attempting to wake you at 0800."

Seeing as Shepard was usually up at 0600 hours, Liara's eyes opened wide in surprise and she sat up, blinking a couple of times to clear her vision before glancing across the bed at the chrono. "Goddess! It's almost ten! Why did you let me sleep so long?" She kicked her feet off the opposite side and started to rise… but didn't get very far before Shepard reached out and caught her arm, pulling her back down and turning Liara toward her so she could plant a full kiss on the Asari's protesting lips.

"Hush, Li. It's Christmas… You're allowed to sleep late and take is easy." She smirked and added, "That's kind of what the word 'holiday' means."

Liara would have protested further, but her lips were busy again, as Shepard leaned over, cupped the back of her neck and pulled her close, kissing her deeply. She felt her body tremble as her siame's free hand ran delicately down the Asari's side to cup her hip only briefly before sliding across the soft, warm folds of Liara's back. As a quiver of delight rippled through her whole body, Liara moaned softly, "Goddess. Didn't you get enough last night?"

Shepard smiled and ran her tongue across Liara's lips before answering, "I can never get enough of you, Ionúin Álainn." She pulled back and looked into the darkening blue eyes before her. "But, if you want me to stop, I will… just say the word."

A low growl in the Asari's throat sent a shiver down Shepard's spine as Liara answered, "Don't you dare!"

It was close to noon when the couple finally emerged, showered and fully dressed, to meet the day. Knowing smiles and gentle chiding accompanied their welcomes from the rest of the T'Soni household, all of them joining in laughter when Karin chimed in, "At least we can be thankful that Aethyta's not here yet… she'd be having a field day with your late arrival!"

Lyessa's own mate, Selina T'Rori, was sitting at her side as she smiled at the arriving young couple. Standing gracefully from her seat and dipping her head in recognition, the House Steward politely queried, "So, would you like breakfast, Lady Liara, or will you be content with a cup of tea while we prepare for lunch?"

Liara's face took on a hint of a blush as she glanced at her grinning bondmate. "I assume you've already eaten?"

"Yes, I did," Shepard answered with a chuckle. "Roughly three-and-a-half hours ago."

"Right." Liara smiled and shook her head, looking to Lyessa. "Tea would be just fine… assuming, seeing as it's almost noon, lunch is not far away?"

"No, it is not," Lyessa responded, laughing. "A garden salad with smoked fish, which has already been prepared and is ready whenever you are. A nice light fare, along with plentiful snacks sitting out on the dining tables... just be sure to save room for the rather large Christmas feast we have planned as an early meal, say around three this afternoon?"

Liara looked at Shepard and chuckled. "You did say the holiday was mostly spent eating and opening presents, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did!" Shepard smiled widely, continuing, "Speaking of which…" Grabbing Liara's hand, she started walking toward the large common room, where they had put up all the decorations… including stockings on the hearth, but no tree. "I have something special for you!"

"I thought we had agreed on no gifts between us, Sam?" Liara's face held a worried frown, as she had taken Shepard at her word and not gotten her anything.

"Hey… no scowling." Shepard smiled and tenderly kissed her cheek. "This isn't really much of a present… It's not even wrapped!" She reached down into Liara's stocking, laughing as she pulled out a small package of snack-size Terran chocolate bars. "This, my dear Liara, is to feed that craving you have for Human chocolate! Only rule is you can only eat a couple of pieces every day… so they last you awhile!"

"Are each of these different?" Liara eyed the package in wonder as she took it gingerly from Shepard's grasp, slowly turning the bag around as she examined its contents. "No, I can see they are not… though, there are definitely a number of different kinds!" Her grin said it all as she looked back at her bondmate. "And I don't care what you say… this is most definitely a special gift, you scoundrel… wrapped or not!"

"Scoundrel?" Shepard laughed. "I don't believe you've ever called me that one before, T'Soni."

"I have developed a rather large Human vocabulary, Shepard." Liara smirked as she added, "There are quite a few other names at the ready, as well, should you ever perform an act suitable for me to make use of any of them!"

"Why, Doctor T'Soni! That almost sounds like a threat!" Shepard leaned in and kissed her before giving her a quick hug. "Though, I really can't see you using words like those that passed through my mind when you said that!"

"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Shepard." The familiar gravelly voice surprised them all as Aethyta and Mozia strolled into the room. "You should have seen some of the temper tantrums our Little Wing threw when she was a wee one and didn't get her way."

"Dad! Mozia!" Liara's eyes lit with happiness, despite her father's taunting, and she moved quickly to intercept the new arrivals, hugging her father tightly. "I am so glad you managed to make it!" She left an arm wrapped around Aethyta's waist as she looked to Mozia and continued, "I assume the Defense Council meeting held no surprises?"

"Nothing substantial, or we wouldn't be here… we would still be arguing the point, because it is one worth fighting for." Mozia smiled softly. "They see no reason, given all the assistance provided during the post-war recovery, to deny the SILC's offer to act as escorts for the Ardat-Yakshi visits to Thessia; the decision was nearly unanimous. The only real question that came out of the discussion was if units who aided particular regions during the reconstruction could be on any team that returns to the same. I saw no reason to object, assuming the SILC runtimes would be available to do so?"

"A familiar face, so to speak," Shepard chuckled. "I'm not sure the SILC will understand the reasoning, but I'll try my best to explain it to Legion, using Prime Életerő as an example." She smiled in understanding. "You all got to know him at the Estate and would like to see him again… just as I prefer to speak with Legion… because I know and trust him. It shouldn't be too much of a jump for them to make the connection."

"That's excellent news, even if we do still need to speak with Asari High Command and get their blessing as well." Liara interjected, wrapping her free arm around Mozia's waist. "But quite enough of business talk! We're here to enjoy family time together." Her voice dropped and her eyes clouded with emotion as she finished, "Time I never, ever, believed would be in my future… so I don't intend to waste a moment of it!"

"Shit, Little Wing," Aethyta growled roughly, her voice even huskier than normal. "Knock it off, or you'll have us all fucking crying. It's supposed to be a holiday, not a damned funeral."

Laughing through her tears, Liara chuckled, "Goddess, I've missed you!"

After their light lunch, Sammi stood at the large window facing the garden, watching the cold winter breeze swirl the fallen leaves around under the trees. She actually saw Riana's reflection in the glass as the commando silently approached, so didn't even start when a pair of strong, loving hands settled on her shoulders. "Sammi… Why are you standing over here by yourself? Come back to the great hall and sit with me before the fire."

Traynor turned around to face her siame and placed a little kiss on the tip of a blue nose. Bringing out a red envelope, she held it up between them while quietly admitting, "I wanted to give this to you earlier, my love, but decided to wait until we could have a few quiet moments to ourselves." Glancing down at the envelope she was holding, she placed her free hand in the middle of Riana's chest. "I looked in a few shops during our trip to Serrice, and I searched all the stores offering their wares on the Extranet, but never saw anything that really caught my eye… nothing that just… I don't know… grabbed my attention. Then, I thought about your love for Ryati." The mere mention of her former lover's name brought instant moisture to Riana's eyes, a reaction Sammi immediately regretted.

Throwing both arms around Riana and hugging her tightly, she whispered, "Please don't weep, Ri… If you start, I'll begin crying right along with you. This is supposed to be a happy time!" Snaking one arm up between them, Sammi lovingly cupped Riana's cheek and kissed her. Handing the red envelope to her, she murmured, "Here. Open your present, so I'll know if I got you something you'll enjoy."

Riana took the envelope and sniffled. "I will cherish whatever gift you found for me, Sammi." Looking down at the decorative envelope, she questioned, "What is in here?"

"Open it up, silly," Traynor said in a slightly snarky tone. "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

The corners of Riana's mouth tipped up slightly as she opened the envelope. Withdrawing the glossy folded card from within, she opened it after pausing to admire the artwork on the front. Inside was an itinerary for a late spring/early summer trip to the western side of the continent – specifically, to spend nine days as a guest of Matriarch Tristana at the Thaptos Vineyards. "Goddess, Sammi! You arranged for me to spend time in Attena with…" she paused as her throat threatened to constrict with emotion. Gulping down a sob of happiness, she squeaked out, "… with Ryati's mother?" Riana brought her free hand up to cover her mouth and nose. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, she squeezed her eyes shut and drew in a shaky breath, such that Sammi again wrapped her arms around her lover and held her tight.

With her mouth next to Riana's ear, Traynor explained, "The first time you melded with me – on the Normandy, during the war – your memories of Ryati's promise to one day take you to her home slipped through." Sammi continued whispering. "I've never forgotten the intensity of that memory, my love; so, I took the gamble that you would appreciate such a gift, even as bittersweet as it may turn out to be."

Traynor pulled back, but gripped Riana gently by the shoulders while explaining, "Ever since her passing, you have wanted to visit that region of Thessia… to view firsthand the vistas of the rainforests and the coastal rock formations. Since Ryati was unable to share that passion with you before she was killed, Riana, I contacted Matriarch Tristana."

Riana had managed to keep her emotions under control; pulling back slightly, she looked into Sammi's soft brown eyes and whispered, her voice echoing her astonishment as she asked, "You spoke directly with the matriarch… Ryati's mother?"

"Of course, I did… and she cannot wait to see you again, after all that has happened these past few years." Traynor giggled like a schoolgirl. "She says you had better show up at the gates with a really good explanation as to why you haven't thought to send even a single message." The giggle turned into an outright laugh at Riana's suddenly guilt-ridden expression and Sammi struggled to finish, "She said every time she attempted to send something your way, it came back as non-deliverable… so she gave up after the sixth or seventh time."

Traynor's expression turned more solemn as she continued, "Ri… She feared you were once more with Ryati, in the realm of the Goddess… and cried with happiness once she understood who I was… and that you were very much alive and well."

Shaking her head over the surprise, Riana weakly protested, "Goddess. It never even occurred to me… to contact her during the war. I will need to request a leave of absence for this with…"

"Already taken care of, my love. Shepard and Lady Liara totally agreed that everyone deserves a little break from the routine… including you and me. They even went so far as to coordinate the trip with the Night Shadow, so Judea can be our pilot!"

"You're coming with me?" A full smile emerging on her lips, Riana finally accepted the gift. "I don't know what to say, Sammi. This is… is…" giving up, Riana placed her lips on Sammi's. After thoroughly kissing her Breá Ber'ah, she pulled back with a happy sigh. "Wonderful."

"I'm glad I guessed correctly, Ri." Sammi's eyes twinkled with glee; after returning Riana's kiss, she said, "Merry Christmas, my love!"

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 25 Dec 2188

Immediately following their early dinner, Hannah sought out her daughter. Looping an arm through Samantha's, she smiled as she said in a low voice, "Come, Sam. Walk with me."

"Sure, Mom." Smiling in return, Samantha asked, "Are we headed someplace in particular?"

"The gardens, I think." With a smirk, Hannah quickly added, "The indoor ones, that is."

"The paths have been cleared of snow, if you would prefer the out-of-doors." Shepard's smile shifted to a grin, followed by a quiet chuckle. "Though, I do believe we'll have to make a stop and get into our cold weather gear."

Elbowing her daughter lightly in the side, Hannah then quickly tightened her grip on her daughter's arm so she couldn't escape. "Don't be a smartass, Sam."

"Then don't be a pokey, pushy old broad, Mom."

Hannah couldn't help the peal of laughter that rang out, finally collecting herself enough to say, "Gods, I've missed my chats with you! We wait much too long between conversations!"

"Agreed." Sam smiled softly and squeezed her mom's arm. "Is there something specific you wanted or needed to talk about?"

"Yes… and no." Dotingly, Hannah looked upon her daughter and queried, "Does there need to be some explicit reason to get you to walk… or talk… with me?"

"Absolutely not," Samantha replied with a grin, continuing their stroll toward the entrance of the greenhouses.

As they entered the first section, remaining arm-in-arm, Hannah took a deep breath, savoring the rich, earthy smell. "I guess it doesn't matter where you are… somehow, all gardens seem to smell the same."

"Except when you walk in right after the spring or fall fertilization," Samantha grinned. "Then, they smell like shit… quite literally."

Laughing in response, Hannah answered, "And your point? That's a pretty common practice across the galaxy… seeing as all gardens need to be fertilized. With all their differences, our various worlds are still very much the same." They wandered silently for a bit more until Hannah stopped and pulled Shepard down to sit on the first bench they had come upon.

Looking intently at her daughter, she asked, "Samantha, are you happy?"

"Of course, I am, Mom." A bit puzzled, Shepard's brow pinched. "Why would you ask that?"

"Humor me." Hannah dropped her eyes and let out a little sigh. "I know you're stressed with everything going on… Especially since you never really got the expected rest after that abominable Reaper War Victory Tour. The two months of leave you managed to wrangle… supposedly consisting of wedding planning and your bonding… nearly ended with your death, compliments of your kidnappers." Her eyes came back up to meet Sam's stunned gaze.

"Why would you even bring that up, Mom? Especially now… at Christmas?"

"Because I love you! And I worry about you, young lady! I can't help it!" Hannah huffed out a sigh and continued, "It's just that… you've just been through so damned much, and you've never, honestly, had a place you could call home… and after your father died when you were so young…" Hannah paused to rein in her emotions. "Sometimes, you didn't even have me… with my career always seeming to pull me away from you."

"Mom, stop." Shepard took her mother's hands in her own and offered up a sad smile. "You're being ridiculous! Yes, I grew up in the Alliance… but I loved it! That's why I joined the very day I was old enough to sign the papers. You and Aunt Karin gave me more love than a kid could ever ask for, so what's this really about?"

"Thank you for saying so, but I know times were tough after your dad died. I was suffering my own grief… and I know I wasn't always there for you when you needed me, placing my own pain before your needs… using 'duty' as an excuse to not be around."

"That's crazy, Mom!" Shepard squeezed the older woman's hands before leaning in and placing a kiss on her cheek. "You had a job to do… the damned Batarian pirates saw to that! But you always made sure I had either you or Aunt Karin… or even Uncle Dave and Aunt Kay. Being in the military, I've seen lots of other kids in the same situation, sent off to some relative or, worse yet, some far off boarding school where they didn't know anyone. You never did that to me, and I love you for that."

Samantha suddenly smirked. "I always believed that if you had sent me to Aunt Ann on her farm in Bristol, I probably would have run away… but look at me now! Sitting on an estate, surrounded by gardens, and loving every minute of it." She renewed her eye contact with her mother and added with a grin, "But, I'm a very different person now… been through a lot of changes since those days… and at the end of it all, I'd like to think most of those changes have been for the better."

"There is that, I suppose." Hannah smiled in appreciation. "We both have, haven't we?" She sighed and dropped her head. "I just want to make sure you live your life, Sam… not the life I want for you, or the one the Council needs you to live. Yours. Do what you want to do."

Once again squeezing the hands she held in hers, Samantha smiled softly. "I am, Mom. That's why I left the Alliance… and Earth, behind me. I couldn't deal with their shit anymore… always wanting yet one more thing from me. No matter what I did, or how well I did it, it was never enough for any of them."

"I know." Her mother sighed in disappointment. "I shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but even though Steven was a dear friend, he was a pigheaded fool at times. Neither one of us could even begin to understand everything you went through… including dying…"

Hannah had to stop and draw a deep breath to calm herself after she said that, and Samantha interjected, "Hey. It happened, yes, but somehow, beyond all odds, I'm here now. I'm the one that went through it, and I still don't understand how it could even be possible… but Liara and I plan to make the most of it, Mom, no matter the why or how. So, don't you worry about me not living my life, because that's exactly what Liara and I are doing right now. Living our lives together… and we couldn't be happier." She stopped and smirked again, "Well, I do have to admit it will be better when this stupid crap with the Quarians is over…"

"Gods, isn't that the truth!" Hannah chuckled despite herself, shaking her head briefly before continuing, "Just promise me you'll be careful out there… That you'll do everything you can to make sure you and Liara come back alive from the Rim." She saw a frown forming on her daughter's face and shook her head again, more vehemently the second time. "No. Don't do it, Samantha. In this case, I don't care if you lie to me… just promise an old woman both of you will come back home to her, whether you believe it or not. Please."

"Gods, Mom!" Tears came to the younger Shepard's eyes and she hugged her mother close. "Of course, we'll do our best to come home! I fully intend to raise a family with Liara… and if things work out, we hope to have one soon enough that you get to hold a grandchild in your arms!"

When she heard the determination in Samantha's voice, Hannah's face lit with a smile. Holding onto her daughter for dear life, she mumbled into Sam's hair, "Thank you… you have no idea what that means to me!"

"Yes, I do, Mom." Pulling away, Samantha wiped her tears and smiled back. "Liara and I are in total agreement… we both want to start having kids as soon as we can, so both of our surviving parents, you and Aethyta, will be alive to see your living legacy be born. We want you to see your grandbaby… or grandbabies, Gods willing."

Hannah pulled back, looked into Samantha's eyes and stated perceptively, "The way you said that makes it sound like you've already had this very discussion."

"That's because we have, Mom," Sam replied bashfully. "And no, we're not rushing things just for your sake… We want to have children… lots of them." A wide grin took over her face and she chuckled. "We've joked about creating our own T'Soni commando squad."

"You've got to be kidding!" Hannah blurted out. "Six children?"

"Actually, we were joking about four…" a laughing Samantha shrugged. "But, honestly? We'll see how the first one goes before we decide on the rest."

"Oh, to be young again!" Hannah shook her head, a joyful smile on her face as she stood from the bench and held her hand out in invitation. Samantha reached up to take it, standing as her mother finished, "Thank you for the chat, Sam. Let's head back to the main house… I'm sure Liara is starting to wonder where we've gotten off to."

Still chuckling, Sam tapped the index finger of her free hand on her temple. "No worries there. She knows exactly where we are… and a little bit of what we've been talking about."

"Is she always in your head, Sam?" Hannah looked at her daughter curiously. "I don't know if I would be able to handle that… total lack of privacy."

"Yes, she is… but it's not like that at all." Squeezing her mom's hand in reassurance, she explained, "Intense emotions send up a flare of sorts, getting the other's attention. It's become second nature… And, at that point, I either invite her to share my thoughts or simply send out a comforting pulse, with the understanding we'll talk about it later. We respect each other's privacy and personal boundaries… and, it's one heck of a way to get quick help when needed. Our link has saved our lives more than once."

"As long as you're happy with it, Sam." Her mother smiled softly as they walked back to the main gathering area. "That's truly all that matters to me in the end."