Notes:

A Grá - My Love (Gaelic)

Alban Arthan - Druid festival of the Winter Solstice, means 'Light of Arthur' (Gaelic)

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

Le'ku - the primary (outermost) layer of the Asari scalp; can be used to refer to the layer as a whole, or individual tendrils; "Le'kú" refers to the second layer of tendrils, "lĕ'kú" to the tertiary (innermost) layer (Thessian; Source: CDN)

Samhain - Gaelic fire festival marking end of harvest season and beginning of winter; traditionally celebrated 31 Oct - 1 Nov, Celtic day begins and ends at sunset (Gaelic)

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

Accepting the Bad with the Good

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 30 Oct 2190

Liara stared at Tevos in shocked surprise, remaining silent for several moments before finally stuttering out, "By the Goddess. I don't think I honestly believed it would ever truly happen… and they'll only speak to us? Why?"

"Well…" started Tevos, "They weren't exactly forthcoming with information, Liara. Though, I believe, just by the fact that they know your names, they must have a news source of some kind."

"It would certainly be easy enough to set up a passive listening system," Shepard shrugged. "It would enable them to listen to our news broadcasts without revealing their location. Passive security scanners and surveillance systems work basically the same way. For someone with the level of technology the Protheans have, that should be child's play." She then sighed and shook her head, adding, "Though, they would have needed contact with someone along the way in order to learn galactic standard." Looking to Liara, she added with a sigh, "I guess our desire to be left out of the initial negotiations is no longer an option, is it." While her words formed a question, her tone was one of a resigned statement.

"I suppose not," answered Liara, catching Tevos' eye as the councilor prepared to respond.

Raesia reached over and gently clasped Shepard's forearm. "I'm afraid not, Samantha. We could try telling them you don't wish to speak with them… at least until we have some type of assurances… but the representative was adamant. He declared they had only one condition for the talks to begin, and that was it."

"And they wanted both of us?" Liara continued when she got an affirmative nod and a 'yes' from Tevos. "Then, I suppose, if I still want to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming the galaxy's Prothean expert, it all starts here and now… with Sam and me, seeing as they asked for both of us, specifically, by name."

"Which is exactly why I did not want to bring it up until after the weekend, not at the start of it."

"Don't worry about it, Rae. Sometimes, things are simply not ours to control." Shepard smirked and let out something of a halfhearted laugh. "And we did request Rachni assistance, so we got exactly what we asked for. The Queen immediately recognized our need for haste, based on what we believed to be the Hanar's new approach to the problem. We all realized there was no way for us to find the Protheans first; not unless we got extremely lucky… and luck is generally not a dependable strategy in anyone's book. That's always a last resort."

At this, Tevos laughed softly, replying, "But, you must admit, you and Liara do tend to have much more than your fair share of it, so why would you think it would begin to fail you now?"

"Point taken." Before saying anything more, Liara glanced at Shepard, reading both her feelings and thoughts on the matter through the link. While neither was overly enthusiastic about the timing of the event, Liara was somewhat surprised to feel the excitement beginning to build in the breast of her siame. She suddenly realized the excitement was not centric to her Human… Samantha was excited for her and, as always, was willing to support whatever direction Liara decided to take.

Liara ran a hand up and over her crests as she allowed the emotions to wash over her, trying to think through them, but it was Shepard's calm assurances that finally broke through her self-imposed stalemate. "Liara… Supporting you and your career is the whole reason behind me leaving the Spectres. The Protheans have been your lifelong dream, so… let's just do it. We've got almost two months before Samhain to get the initial meetings done." She suddenly smirked. "The only question I would have is, once we get started, do you think you'll be able to tear yourself away to come home for the holiday?"

Liara blushed lightly. "I would love to say yes to that question but, quite honestly, I do not know. I know how much I get caught up in my work…" Her words trailed off as Shepard started to chuckle; she finished ruefully, "… as do you."

"It wouldn't be the first holiday we've spent away from home, Li, and I'm sure it won't be the last."

"But we've already sent the invitations to the family… and almost everyone is coming." Liara set her jaw and shook her head. "No. One way or another, we will be home for Alban Arthan. This, I promise you." She gripped the hand of her Anam Cara, a quick pang of angst crossing the link as she added, "I have come too close to losing you, too many times, to let my work completely distract me, Siame. I know exactly how precious you are to me… and how precious our time together is to you. With the war over, I will sacrifice that for no one… not even the Protheans."

A tender smile crossed the woman's lips; using Liara's grip on her hand, Samantha pulled her close and wrapped the Asari in a loving embrace. Her warm breath feathered across Liara's le'kú, making her heart beat a little faster in her chest. She whispered softly, tickling Liara's auditory canal as she said, "And I love you too, Liara… enough that I would never think to interfere in your dreams. This chapter of our lives is all about you and your career. I honestly believe seeing you succeed brings me more joy than you realize. You just need to remember one thing, Liara. Whatever direction you decide to take, I've got your six, always. So, let's go find your Protheans."

Liara felt a tear slip down her cheek, Shepard's confidence in her simply radiating through her soul, like an ocean-scented summer breeze. {Thank you, Samantha.} She pushed back and smiled a loving smile, swiping the tear quickly away, her expression soft with the love she held for the woman standing before her. Turning back to the Councilor, she announced, "We'll be ready to head your way on Wednesday morning. You can let the Prothean envoy know we will be ready to speak with them that afternoon."

Tevos seemed surprised. "Seriously? That soon?"

"Yes, Rae, that soon. The holiday ends on Monday and the last of our guests leave on Tuesday, so our calendar will be open for an extended period of time." Liara gave Shepard a quick glance as she continued, "But, no matter where we are in our negotiations, we will be back home in time for Alban Arthan, on December 21st, and remain through the Christmas holiday and New Year's Day. If we have learned nothing else, we have learned that Shepard's and my private time together is precious beyond any measure and is not to be taken for granted or sacrificed… for anything. Not anymore."

"Understood, Liara." Tevos nodded. "I will send notice to Dalis, so she can begin making the necessary arrangements." She glanced at Sha'ira and gave her a wink before adding, "That way, all of us can focus on simply enjoying our holiday with you."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 31 Oct 2190

Livos rolled over and froze for a moment, bumping into someone sleeping in her bed. She immediately relaxed, her heart swelling with the memory of her night with Zan. Their time together was so rare, it always seemed like a dream… but rolling over and bumping into the warm body sharing her bed served as a delightful reminder this was most definitely not a dream.

She ran her hand down the sumptuous curves of her lover's body, sighing with contentment. Looking back up, her eyes were met by an intense silver, shining like a dagger that struck directly into her soul. Zan's voice was coarse with sleep as she practically growled, "Good morning, Liv," but the smile on her face made her true feelings known. She quickly rolled up and slid over to lie on top of the love of her life, expertly sliding her fingers into the folds on Livos' lower back, causing the House Captain to groan and arch with desire.

"By the Goddess, Zan… you just woke!"

"But I was dreaming of you… and the dream suddenly became reality." She withdrew slightly, pausing the motions of her fingers. "Unless you need time to wake up…" She hesitated before adding, "or are simply not in the mood at the moment?"

"In the mood? Now? In the privacy of my room?" Livos' smile widened. "I am always in the mood when you are with me… our time together is so limited. You just surprised me, that's all." Her eyes narrowed as she saw the twitch of a grin on Zan's face. "And you know it, you tease!"

Zan broke out in joyful laughter. "Guilty as charged, I'm afraid." Slightly more serious, she added, "But the query is still applicable. If you are not prepared for this, I can certainly wait… I am here for a few days yet. We have plenty of time."

Liv's voice was quiet and earnest as she responded, "No… I never have enough time with you, Zan. I could spend every waking hour with you and not have enough." Her lips quivered into a smile of desire as she whispered, "I do not always need, nor want, to be in charge. Claim me and make me yours, Carlina V'Zanto."

Zan's dagger-silver eyes shined with wanton lust, and she eagerly resumed her activities, more than happy to fulfill Livos' request.

It was a several hours later when Livos and Zan found their way to the beach to stroll along the shore, hand-in-hand. Zan had fallen into quiet contemplation, which had stretched into an almost uncomfortable, extended silence, as far as Livos was concerned, so she gave Zan's hand a gentle squeeze. "Are you alright? You are usually busy talking about everything you see… the ocean birds, the status of the tide and how it affects the various water species…" Livos stopped walking. Since they were still holding hands, Zan was forced to stop as well, turning toward Livos as the House Captain asked, "Have I said something wrong, or given you cause for concern, to have you so preoccupied?"

"Goddess! No, Liv, you have not." Zan shook her head as she continued, "Quite the opposite, actually."

"Care to explain, please? Your unusual silence is concerning to me."

"It should not be, Liv." A small smile accompanied her reply, and remained as she continued to explain, "Do you remember our discussion, seemingly so long ago, about the potential for me to leave Záhrada?"

Livos' eyes opened wide in surprise, immediately understanding where Zan was going with such a question. "Of course, I do… surely you don't mean…" Her question faded to nothing, not able to finish it, afraid she had misinterpreted Zan's intent.

"Yes, I do mean it, Liv… and exactly what you are thinking, I do believe." She paused and dropped her gaze to the sand. "Every time I travel here to visit, it becomes more difficult for me to leave…" Her dazzling silver eyes came back up to meet Livos' soft sable ones. "So, yes. I am seriously considering taking you up on your offer to move here full time… an offer for which I hope to discuss my options with Lady Liara before I leave… to see if she is still entertaining the offer of me coming here as the House T'Soni Master Grounds Keeper."

"Are you absolutely sure?" Livos stared in wonder at the Asari before her. "I mean… I am more than excited by the prospect of this happening so soon, but you need to be certain about this, Zan. It is not an action you can easily reverse, once done."

She gently squeezed Livos' hand. "I know… and I have no intention of reversing it… not as long as I am here with you." She dipped her head, but her eyes came up to maintain contact with those of the Asari before her. "I have rarely meant anything more seriously than what I am telling you now, Liv. I love you, and my heart breaks a little bit more every time one of us boards a shuttle to leave the other behind. I don't know how many more times I can endure that heartache, so I plan on doing it only once more… assuming I can get a position here. I would be too…" She paused and shook her head, ever-so-slightly. "I don't even have the words for it, but I need to feel useful… employed and carrying my own weight in our relationship. I need purpose in my life and, as much as I love you, I still love nature and feel the need to continue performing my preservation and management work." Her brow wrinkled as she finished, "I hope you can understand that, and not think you are… insufficient… to satisfy my needs and desires."

Livos reached over and placed her hand under Zan's chin, gently tipping her head back up. "There is no need to explain, Zan. I know, and completely understand, just as I trust that you understand I have no intention of ever leaving Liara and House T'Soni. But I also know how much Shepard needs you to teach her about our world… particularly our Estate. She said something once, on one of our hikes… about being a foreigner in a foreign land. I am positive I missed some Earth reference, but I still understood her meaning, regarding how much she needs to learn everything she can about this place, if she is going to honestly help raise her children here. It will not be a job to be taken lightly – neither hers nor yours – should you decide to take it on. It would be your responsibility to relay the dangers this land holds, in addition to teaching her about the bountiful beauty within it." A wide grin spread across Livos' face. "She requires your assistance to fulfill the role as the father she wants to be for the heirs of House T'Soni."

Zan's expression lightened considerably as a shy smile crept onto her face. "Perhaps we may even consider that for ourselves? We are both over 500 years of age… and I have never had a partner with whom I would even consider having children, but I am most definitely willing to have children with you."

Livos stared at her for a few moments in dumbstruck silence, the idea coming seemingly out of nowhere but, after it had a chance to sink in, she smiled and answered in a quiet voice. "I have never really thought about it, though I would be honored to have a child with you. Being the commander of Liara's Personal Guard, I never had much time to sit in one place. After she graduated secondary, we were always on the move as her protection team; then the war came and she vanished onto the Normandy, out of our reach and initially scaring us to death. It has been a long seven years since then… even for the Asari… and much has changed."

"It has at that." Zan's eyes twinkled in merriment. "And most of that change has been very much for the good, far outweighing the bad, especially considering the galaxy as we know it could have been destroyed, us along with it. That we are alive is a miracle in itself, and I do not intend to squander the opportunities that have been presented to us, Liv." She dropped her eyes for just a moment before adding, "You do not need to answer me now, as I realize my suggestion came rather unexpectedly. I simply wanted it out there, so you have time to contemplate our options."

"With Matriarch Benezia and everything that she was involved in, we practically raised Liara." Livos chuckled quietly. "Then, for a short time, we had Gabriella's babies in the house… so, I have no doubts regarding the ability of the residents within this House to help us raise a child. Any we could possibly bring into this world would have more parental figures than they would care to have watching over them. I know Liara felt as though she was constantly under a magnifying glass, and the standards she was held to were, at times, somewhat overwhelming. But I have to say, that would be the far lesser of my worries here…"

Livos paused, a shadow crossing her face as she added, "… and I hate that I feel compelled to bring this up, but my primary concerns would be centered around Matriarch Clarinda and the Illium V'Zanto family. I cannot imagine they wouldn't eventually become aware of our bonding – and then the birth of our first child – a potential heir. What would Clarinda do then?"

Zan's entire demeanor changed, an angry cloud overcoming her expression. "Then I say, 'Let. Her. Come!' For such an act would give me the final justification I need to bury her… to rend asunder her enterprise and completely remove the taint that I have carried for centuries on our family name. I vow to you, on my very life, that criminal will never see, much less touch, our child – nor you; not while I live and breathe in this galaxy. She will rue the day she decided to attempt hurting anyone in my life again. I swear it."

Livos pulled her in for a hug, Zan's body initially rigid as a piece of driftwood on the beach. Refusing to let go, Livos whispered softly, "I am so sorry I brought it up, Zan."

"Don't be… because it is an unfortunate reality that we may very well be forced to deal with." She drew a deep breath. "I am thinking we should mention it to Lady Liara and Shepard, so we can take preventive action instead of sitting and waiting for the day to come. Forever looking over our shoulder in fear is no way to live… and, with the way my mother holds grudges, relaxing would never be an option."

"And there is certainly enough evidence against her… but Shepard is no longer a Spectre." Livos suddenly smiled, adding, "But Lee Riley is… and she is so much like Shepard, it's scary."

"With the family involved being Asari, I would be thinking more along the lines of Spectre T'Dura… but you would agree with taking such preemptive action against Clarinda?" Zan asked, surprised by the response from the Asari she thought she knew so well.

"She is a criminal, unapologetic and irredeemable." Livos replied, without hesitation. "She has brought more pain and suffering upon this galaxy than some Shepard has been forced to take down. That this is more personal to us does not matter, nor does it change the fact that she is a crime lord, making money in the slave trade. Her downfall will be that I have fallen in love with her daughter – I will not risk our future, nor have the danger she poses looming over us the rest of our lives. I will repeat the words you said to me mere moments ago. It is no way to live our life together."

"So, is that a 'yes' to our future union?" Zan's demeanor shifted rapidly, a joyous smile overtaking the worried frown on her face.

"That is an unequivocal yes, Carlina V'Zanto." Livos laughed softly, her heart feeling about to burst. "My only surprise is that you honestly entertained any thoughts that I could possibly ever consider saying 'no' to you!"

"It is a big question… a major change… with serious consequences." Zan's grin shifted to a contemplative smile. "There was always a possibility, however remote, you could have said no."

"No, Zan," replied Livos, shaking her head in denial and grinning ear-to-ear. "There was never a chance of that." Suddenly jittery with impatience, she grabbed Zan's hand and spun her around to face the house. "Come on! Let us go back and begin working on our strategy regarding how we approach Lady Liara for formal permission to bond… and how to bring our Illium problem into what should be an otherwise joyful discussion."

Liara's eyes opened wide, her concentration on the Prothean issue shattered as she leapt from her chair in surprise. "By the Goddess, yes!" She practically shouted her answer as she ran around her desk to hug Livos, then Zan. "I never expected this to come so soon!" Her eyes darting back and forth between the two, she asked, "Does Matriarch Marisha know you planned on proposing this weekend, along with a plan to relocate here?"

Zan, rather surprised by the extent of Liara's enthusiastic response, laughed. "No, she does not… because it wasn't honestly planned." She raised Livos' and her joined hands, adding, "Hence the absence of promise bracelets."

She then looked lovingly at Livos as she continued, "I just couldn't stand the idea of leaving… again… without knowing when we would be able to get back together." She let out a sigh, adding, "All of our goodbyes have become mentally exhausting, and I simply don't want to do it anymore. Livos is the love of my life, and it breaks my heart whenever we have to separate for some undeterminable period of time. Neither of our schedules is very easy to plan around."

Looking back to Liara, she continued, "But the Matriarch fully understands that it was going to happen eventually. It just may be a bit sooner than she anticipated aaannnnd…" Her happy expression faded as she added, "… there may be complications."

Zan's ending tone on her last few words raised Liara's brow. "What do you mean… complications? Do you have reason to think she may delay your release for some reason?"

Livos quickly jumped in to explain. "Marisha is not the Matriarch with whom we are concerned, Lady Liara…" glancing at Zan as she said the words.

Liara immediately picked up on their train of thought. "Goddess. It's Matriarch Clarinda, isn't it." Her tone reflected absolute certainty, no question in her mind. Her voice then changed again, turning edgy and very… Shadow Brokerish… as she said, "You need not worry about that." She paused for only a few seconds before adding, "And Shepard is on her way to join this discussion. Just so you know, I already had a rather extensive file on Clarinda, which I have been adding to, ever since you first came into our lives, Zan. Everyone here anticipated this, even if the two of you did not yet realize what we all saw happening between you… so we have been preparing for this day for a while now."

Shepard strode into the room, simply continuing Liara's statement as she crossed the door's threshold. "And to that end, we see a variety of options. The question is whether you want to know what they are, or if you simply want to stay out of it, make your Bonding plans and let us handle the Illium V'Zanto crime syndicate, however we see fit. We are prepared either way, so the choice is yours."

While Zan looked at them in baffled amazement, Livos simply shook her head and chuckled. "I should have known better than to imagine we were bringing you a problem you hadn't already considered and, quite possibly, already solved. What was I thinking?"

Liara's expression softened and she smiled that little coy smile of hers as she responded quietly, "You were thinking of Zan and how much fun you both are having, while not focusing on the potential negatives… which is how it should be when you are together and not in the middle of a war with something like the Reapers. And… we expect no different from you for the remainder of this holiday. You can talk it over and decide what you want to do once the holiday has passed, while Shepard and I go tend to our business with the Prothean envoy. There is no hurry; the issue of Matriarch Clarinda has waited this long; it can wait a little bit longer."

Zan drew a deep breath and met Liara's eyes. "Dealing with her can wait, yes, but me staying out of the decision process will not happen." She reached over and grabbed Livos' hand, following with a quick, "No," to silence any protest before it could begin.

Eyes refocusing to meet Liara's, then Shepard's, Zan continued. "It does not matter that she is a crime lord, slaver, and attempted murderess… she is still my mother and I feel she is somewhat my responsibility, one from which I have hidden long enough. I want nothing to do with the ill-gotten proceeds of their activities and want to ensure not a single credit appears anywhere in my holdings, ever. But, for closure, I need a voice in what you plan to actually do to Clarinda and the V'Zanto syndicate."

"So, you've given this some thought as well, Zan." Shepard cocked back on her hip and crossed her arms. "Somehow, that does not surprise me. You seem to be someone who likes to be prepared."

"I know my mother only too well." Zan squared her shoulders, an angry glint in her eyes. "I will never again give her a chance to hurt someone I love, just to get back at me. It is a constant in my mind, ever since Leona. It has taken me nearly four hundred years to find someone like Livos who is so… compatible… with who I am. I have no intention of letting Clarinda V'Zanto – or anyone for that matter – take her away from me."

"Understood," Shepard nodded, "And our goal is very much the same, so I'll just lay out the options we have already considered. The first is using the Spectres… most likely Moises T'Dura, because of the Asari link… obviously, the Brokerage is a second option, should we want to do this completely off the record… and lastly, we always have the choice of asking the Justicars, but they may be too few in numbers to take on a project like that."

"I also know Clarinda uses many enforcers of various races, over whom the Justicars would have no authority." Zan shrugged. "If we want this action to be above reproach, I would favor the involvement of Spectre Moises T'Dura, for certain… and would very much desire that you, Captain Shepard, remain on the Spectre's inactive list for the duration. The T'Soni family should not be directly involved in any way, other than to provide what intelligence you have collected to the operation… and even that, I believe, should be delivered via the Brokerage, not the House."

Liara looked at Shepard, exchanging thoughts of Tela Vasir, as well as the information she had provided Samantha over the course of the war. Looking back to Zan, she commented, "It would not be the first time a Spectre used Brokerage assets to take down a threat, so that isn't a problem. However, I can hardly imagine the level of destruction that will be wrought, if we go with a fourth option, which I personally favor; combining the teams of Mo and Roshi into a joint operation."

Shepard smirked, seeing the surprise on Zan's face, replying, "If you pull that off, I just might insist on riding along to monitor that one… just to watch them in action. Hell, for that matter, we could also invite Lee Riley… just as emergency back-up… and watch the fireworks from the Knight Shade, with firm instructions that she not let us leave the ship, no matter how adamantly we might beg."

"And you would agree to such terms… even should events not go as planned and someone we care about gets injured or killed?" Liara looked hard at her bondmate, her eyes blue ice as she glared at her, knowing Shepard only too well. "You must guarantee this to me, Captain, or we do not go along on the mission. This is non-negotiable, Samantha."

"Which is why I phrased it the way I did, Li." Shepard pursed her lips for a moment before continuing. "I understand your concern, but I promise you… I have absolutely zero intention of jumping into a Spectre action when I have no Spectre authority. We go as observers only – including Zan and Livos if they want to be there – to watch a mission in which all of us have an enormous, vested interest… both for its proper completion and in the wellbeing of everyone on the teams conducting it. More important to me though, quite honestly, is that you have asked me to stand down… so I will. In this instance, above all else, I will be no more than a humble, obedient servant to the Lady of House T'Soni."

That made Liara blink… the unexpectedness of such a – what she thought of as a positively ridiculous – statement from one such as Samantha. She could not stop the impish smile from erupting on her lips as she shook her head and chuckled. "You, my dearest Samantha, will never, ever be nothing more than a humble servant to House T'Soni. You are the savior of my entire existence… along with everyone else I care for within it. You will, most certainly, act as a military advisor to this action, especially during the planning phase, assuming the teams we are discussing even accept the tasking."

Shepard smirked for a moment before her lopsided grin took over in answer to Liara's chuckle. "I know it sounds funny and strange… but I fully intend on that becoming the truth, Li. I honestly hope my days as a Spectre really are done, and that my sole purpose in life is to support you and your goals." The grin vanishing, she added, "And, as the bondmate of the leader of House T'Soni, I'm being completely serious… no matter how funny or strange it may sound. I may still be Captain Shepard, but I am no longer in charge of anything but making sure you get whatever you need to lead this House. That's my new job… and you know as well as anyone… I don't do any job half-ass."

"I will hold you to that, my dear Captain." Liara smiled and looked at Livos. "As for you two, how do you care to proceed? Before we depart for the CGC, I can appoint Lyria Tremi as the interim House Captain, freeing you to travel with Zan to the resort to announce your news."

Her focus shifted to Zan as she continued. "And I will make myself available to Matriarch Marisha, should she have any questions regarding our approval of the bonding and your employment guarantee. Obviously, we must allow time for your preparations for both the promise ceremony and the bonding, but she will also have to hire a new resort guide to take your position, Zan. I feel we should give your Matriarch the lead for determining the timeline for it all, so she has adequate time to complete the search to her satisfaction. Simply contact Riana, and she will pass on that the Matriarch desires to speak with me, and I will get back to her as soon as the Prothean discussions allow."

Zan smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Lady Liara. Your support and encouragement are more than I could have possibly hoped for. Appointing Lyria as an interim is more than I ever would have thought to ask, or expect, so I certainly appreciate the gesture, so Liv can come with me to meet with Matriarch Marisha. I promise to have her back on the job by the end of the week."

"Enjoy the week, both of you." Liara smiled at Livos, adding, "Just be back at work on the following Monday. That should give everyone plenty of time to sort through the initial issues that come up regarding your bonding and the timelines necessary for everyone to prepare."

"And, Liv," added Shepard. "You also have my direct contact info… so if anything critical or time-sensitive pops up, you know you can always get in touch with me…" She tapped her temple, adding, "And I can chat with Liara immediately, no matter where she is or who she is with, with no one the wiser. Use me if you need to, I don't care what… or what time… it is. Understood?"

Livos nodded. "Yes, Captain. Gaining permission to promise ourselves to one another and plan our bonding ceremony should be a happy event, so trust me. We'll be doing our absolute best to avoid any and all emergencies… of any kind."

Shepard chuckled. "Good. I do trust you… so how about we head downstairs and start the Samhain festival. It's almost sunset, so it's time." When she finished speaking, she glanced at Liara, who gave a quick nod.

"Let me just make sure I saved my work, then I will shut down my system…" She looked up at Shepard, the emotions of a pending bonding bringing back gleeful memories of their own promise and bonding events, which they both eagerly shared through their link. With a renewed sparkle in her eyes, Liara finished her sentence. "Then, I will be all yours for the duration of the evening, Siame."

"That sounds absolutely perfect, A Grá. I couldn't ask for a better escort for the festivities!"