Notes: Shmex warning! Starts in the bottom third, when Shep and Liara return to T'Soni house Armali, until the next section break. :-)

Akantha - Popular Asari liquor renowned for its warm, smoky flavor and sweet aftertaste (Thessian)

Grá mo chroí - love of my heart (Gaelic)

Inanna: pinnacle of Asari blending, perfect unity of two spirits into one (Thessian/derived from 'real world' Sumerian Goddess of Love, Fertility, and War)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Kaffe - equatorial Thessian vine, the seeds of which are used to produce a non-alcoholic beverage of the same name, the taste described as a mix of coffee and chocolate (Thessian/Source: CDN)

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

SILC - Synthetic Intelligence Life Codes (previously known as Geth)

Tá tú mo gach rud - You are my everything (Gaelic)

Politics, Priestesses and Practical Jokes

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia – 28 Jun 2188

Come late Saturday morning, Shepard found herself yet again with Aethyta... for their fourth session of the scheduled twelve, following the agreed upon timetable required to complete the last session one full month before the actual bonding ceremony. Worrying that Shepard and Liara weren't taking the process seriously enough, Aethyta wasted no time in getting started. "You kids were out late again last night... You rested enough for this?"

Shepard scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Please. I've gotten more restful sleep in the past two weeks than I did the entire nine months of the war... and probably during much of that infernal Victory Tour... maybe even more than the two combined!"

Studying Shepard's face, the matriarch had to agree that the woman did look well-rested, so answered, "I suppose that's very likely true. However, you cannot take this approval process too lightly, Shepard, because even though you believe it to be, as you so eloquently put it, an enormous pile of varren shit – a sentiment I happen to share, by the way – you simply must appreciate the need for all the preliminaries. Even if, given your position as a Spectre and Goddess-be-damned war hero, you shouldn't have any trouble receiving the blessings of Thessia's ruling matriarchs."

"I know, I know." Shepard shook her head in disgust as she continued, "There will be the select few, whom you have already warned me about, who will insist on either a direct meld or, worse yet, may request a Justicar inquisition, as is their right because it involves a high house."

"Inquiry, Shepard," Aethyta snorted. "A Justicar inquiry. But I guarantee you those few can, and likely will, make your life a living Hell for the hour allotted to them." Her voice lost its humor as she reached over and laid her hand atop that of the Spectre. "That said, we need to work a bit more yet on your emotional control. You can contain your anger, but you still need to better shield your... I don't even know what to call it."

"It's contempt, Aethyta," the Spectre growled. "Absolute, unrestrained contempt. Those miserable old crones will dare to sit in judgment of me after they almost cost us the entire fucking war... with their ministers trying to keep that cursed Prothean Beacon a secret... knowing damned well we needed the data it contained! Thank the Gods for Tevos and her willingness to risk her career!"

"And the Goddess." Aethyta's face held a smirk as Shepard glanced up in confusion. "Be sure to thank the Goddess for Tevos and the information she provided, Spectre. It will show you as more attuned with Asari beliefs in their eyes." Her smirk vanished as she continued, "Even if they ignore all your accomplishments over the past six years... between your biotics, the ease with which you meld and the amazing Inanna you share with Liara, they'll be hard pressed to find any realistic basis to deny your bonding. But – even knowing they will be in the minority – they may still try, in a misguided attempt to piss you off and goad you into saying something you shouldn't."

Sam thought about this for a few moments before replying in a thoughtful tone, "I can see that. They simply may be looking for the ability to claim that they voted against me, after the fact, in the futile hope that I fall out of favor with the Asari people at some point in the indefinite future… I can just imagine that anything negative I say now will then be used against me."

"Ahhh, yes, absolutely... and don't be so positive such a hope on their part is futile, Shepard." Aethyta's eyes reflected a sudden sadness, haunted by memories of the change in Benezia's attitude toward her after they had conceived Liara... or perhaps even before they had completed the procreation meld. The matriarch shook her head and continued, "For always touting themselves as such a 'long view' race, individual Asari can be rather fickle when it suits them. Remember that."

Seeing the pain that flashed across the Asari's face, Shepard could only guess at the cause... no matter how accurate her guess was, it was still a guess so, not wanting to open old wounds, she simply pressed on. "Understood, Aethyta. I'll keep that in mind. So, what's next?"

"Nothing pleasant, I'm afraid." Aethyta's brow furrowed and she moved her hand up to grip Shepard's forearm. "Telling you how horrible it can be really cannot do any justice to their worst, so I need to show you. Do you feel ready to experience the memories from my own Matriarchal Inquiry that followed Benezia's announcement of our plans to bond?"

The reticence within the matriarch's voice immediately captured Shepard's attention and the Spectre suddenly knew Aethyta was speaking earnestly... and that her experiences during the inquiry had been anything but pleasant. She sat a bit straighter in her chair and answered, "No... but if we don't do this, I won't be ready for the real ones either, so let's get it done, Aethyta." Shepard drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Whenever you're ready."

"Your withdrawal word still Excalibur, Shepard?" Receiving a nod of acknowledgement, Aethyta closed her eyes for only a brief moment before reopening them to reveal obsidian orbs. "Remember to use it if you need it. Otherwise, if you force a meld-break, we'll both have monster headaches that will incapacitate us for a couple of days minimum." The matriarch drew a deep breath and focused herself before whispering, "Embrace eternity."

By the time they were done, Shepard felt as if she had been in a head-butting competition with a Krogan Battlemaster... without the benefit of a helmet. The matriarchs, obviously angry at Benezia's 'lack of clear judgment' regarding her choice of such a crass and uncultured mate, had not been kind to Liara's father, having done their absolute best to dissuade the irreverent Aethyta and convince her that she wanted no part of being a member of a high house. Shepard's opinions regarding the necessity of the Justicar reform became even stronger and more entrenched; the questioning of Aethyta reminded her greatly of Riana's description of her inquisition by Justicar Davos when it was discovered her sister Aresia was an Ardat-Yakshi.

Sensing Samantha's extreme distress but not understanding the cause, a very concerned Liara had raced into the room, only to slide to a stop once she realized what was happening. Completely unable to assist Shepard while the Human was engaged in a meld with her father, Liara stood by, waiting anxiously while the resolute Captain endured the remainder of Aethyta's memories of the questioning. However, as soon as the interrogation ran its course and the matriarch terminated the meld, Liara was immediately at Shepard's side to place a supporting hand on her shoulder as her promised slowly slumped forward, ending up with her head between her knees, a headache pounding so violently it was making her nauseous. The soothing touch of the Asari's hand caressing her back brought a surge of support and welcome relief from the worst of Samantha's symptoms as she worked desperately to keep her breakfast where it belonged.

Aethyta leaned back against the couch, her fingertips massaging her own temples as tears from the painful memories crept down her cheeks. "Shepard, I am so sorry; you have my sincere apologies as well, Little Wing, but Shepard needs to understand the lengths to which those who dislike the idea of your bonding can... and will... go. But, essential information or not, forcing her to live through that pain, even secondhand, is a cruel teaching method. I honestly wish that particular exchange had not been necessary."

Shepard drew a deep breath and coughed softly before sitting up, leaning against the couch's backrest and closing her eyes. Her voice was low as she responded, "Shit, Aethyta. I believe that could be the understatement of the century." She groaned and sat more upright, opening tired eyes to see the troubled expression of her lover. "Thanks, Blue... and I'm sorry we worried you."

"Only until I understood what was happening..." Liara's gaze traveled to her father. "I never realized how much the other matriarchs truly disliked you, Dad. I saw only a shadow of the memories you just shared with Samantha… their spiteful contempt, their malevolence… it was almost frightening to witness just how… malicious… they could be!"

"That's a good word for it." Aethyta sighed. "They really wanted me to back out... to decide the whole thing really wasn't worth the fight." Her eyes suddenly lit with determination as she continued, "Love isn't always easy... but I would be damned before I gave up on your mother, Little Wing. Nezzie was the best of them all... and no two-credit, sanctimonious pile of Pyjak shit minister was going to convince me otherwise... even by bringing the power of a Justicar to bear. In reality, it had quite the opposite effect."

Shepard, recovering quickly with the combination of Liara's comforting touch and the Asari's boost of energy slipping through the link, looked the matriarch directly in the eyes as she identified with the feeling. "You can rest assured that nothing they do to me... to us..." She glanced at Liara and reached out to squeeze the hand of her Ionúin Álainn as she continued, "... will change the way I feel about this union, Aethyta."

"Good." Aethyta grinned as she said, "Because I honestly like you, Shepard... but if you break my Little Wing's heart, I'll most certainly have to hunt you down and kill you."

Liara laughed softly, understanding the intent of her father's statement as the squeeze of Shepard's hand within her own brought so much more than just the assurance of the physical contact. The wave of dogged determination that came from the Spectre bolstered Liara's spirit as she smirked and replied, "Well, it's good that we don't need to worry about Samantha's commitment, then, isn't it? As for the republics, I would like to believe we have nothing to worry about from any of them. We definitely have steadfast approval from better than half of them. Obviously Armali and Majesa, as well as Serrice and Dassus... and, during the recovery, we sent our SILC team from the Estate to Anerzesa... Governess Cyrana has already expressed her support... And, while they haven't made any overtures, many others also benefitted from our support during those critical months."

Aethyta frowned. "How can you be so sure Serrice is among your allies? You blew the doors of the Temple of Athame wide open... along with all its secrets... particularly, the illegal hording of Prothean tech within its boundaries! It's very likely their minister will get sanctioned!"

Huffing, Liara responded, "Because their violation of the technology sharing accords was done outside the knowledge of the Serrice Governess, Matriarch Cyla. It was the decision of the military leadership... the Defense Ministers, including my mother... who hid the beacon because they wanted the technology gleaned from it. The Governesses, for the most part, are innocent of the crime and they, as members of the Governance Circle, are the ones who Shepard will face... not the Defense Ministers."

"Fair point." Aethyta nodded. "And, just perhaps, they may even use this to distance themselves from that crime. I hadn't thought of that and it could play to your favor. It would actually be a good way to separate themselves from the ministers... and any sanctions imposed upon them. I can very easily see them using your popularity and their support of the bonding to gain the good will of the populous and secure their position in the upcoming elections this next January."

"My only concern is this." Shepard hated what she was about to say and her expression was troubled as she continued, "Benezia obviously knew about the Beacon... It could put us in a very awkward position if Mozia...?" Shepard didn't finish, leaving the implied question in her words hanging in the silence.

"No." Aethyta responded promptly and firmly. "She did not. As soon as it came up, I asked her, point blank. She replied to the negative and I see no reason to think she would lie to me... or that she wouldn't have told you about it like Tevos did if she had held that knowledge. Like the rest of us, she knew how critically important that information was."

"Thank the Goddess." Liara breathed a sigh of relief. "I will still need to ask her myself, seeing as she is supposed to be representing me as the leader of House T'Soni. I do not look forward to posing the question."

"But Mozia will understand the need behind why you ask it, so don't trouble yourself over it, Liara." Aethyta smiled and stood up, stretching before turning her eyes to the Captain. "And we are done for the day, Shepard. After what I just relived and shared with you, I don't have it within me to renew a meld. I'll see you again on Monday?"

"Yes, you will." Shepard smiled tiredly and gave Liara a quick glance before turning back to the Matriarch. "We have an early morning run at the arena and will head to the townhouse afterward... probably be there before nine. We'll just go on up to our rooms, maybe get a soak and a shower before taking a little nap. Plan on the session being after lunch, if that's okay?"

"First full practice with the entire squad?" Aethyta's brow rose in question.

"Not quite yet." Shepard shrugged. "We're still missing Dazza and Tilghman. Everyone won't be physically in the same place until the end of July, giving us the three weeks before the bonding to really start honing our teamwork. That said, we can still get a pretty damned good idea before then. Dazza is a second to Salaeto on defensive systems, and we're using Cy Leuss as our interim sniper for Jatok's team."

"Huh," Aethyta grunted. "But I understand how much changing only one person on a small squad can make a huge difference. Until this Tilghman proves her worth, the squad will be hesitant... and hesitation can get people killed."

"Let's hope not; that's what the sessions at Armax are for." With that, Shepard stood and stepped up to clasp forearms with the matriarch. "We'll see you Monday, Aethyta."

Liara had risen as well and gave her father a quick hug. "See you again soon, Dad." She then placed a protective arm around the waist of her siame as she continued, "Tell everyone we say hello... and we'd like to stay for dinner on Monday night. We haven't had a chance to spend time with anyone at the townhouse and we need to... we'd like to."

Aethyta nodded and smiled. "I'll let Mozia and Aratiana know you'll be staying. Everyone will be happy to see you."

Armax Arsenal Arena, Armali, Thessia – 30 Jun 2188

Monday morning came earlier than normal and Liara groaned as she rolled over to shut off the alarm in her omnitool, her body protesting against both the early hour and the lack of light outside the windows. Even so, she stood and stretched, moving immediately to the bathroom and then to the closet to get dressed in her armor skins, Shepard following in her wake. They each grabbed an eezo bar and drink on the way out the door and climbed into the shuttle, with both of the team pilots in the cockpit as they swiftly got underway.

The Armali Armax staff was ready and waiting upon their arrival, but was surprised by the appearance of Shepard and T'Soni, in person, along with the expected crew. The manager appeared in the locker room before they managed to get all their gear on, bowing to each of them in turn before stating, "I am Nevos Irani and it is my pleasure to meet you both in person. Had I known you were coming with the team today, we would have made arrangements for a more formal reception, Lady T'Soni."

Liara flinched and responded, "Please. Lady T'Soni was my mother. I prefer first 'Liara', then Dr T'Soni... but Lady Liara will suffice if you absolutely insist on the use of a proper title." She sighed softly and continued, "As for a reception, we don't really have the time today. We are here to complete squad drills... Perhaps a reception at some point in the future, following a nice round of demonstrations under our previously negotiated endorsement contract with your parent company, Armax Arsenal?"

"Absolutely!" The manager hesitated only briefly before responding, "And no hurt intended, Dr T'Soni... I can understand how the use of such a title would remain painful to you still; it will be my honor to comply with your request. As for a demonstration night... simply provide me with a date and I would be happy to make the arrangements!"

Shepard chuckled and nodded her head. "Excellent... As for now, we really need to get going, so we can finish up and be out of here before your doors open to the public. I have no desire to get mobbed before we have breakfast."

"Of course. I'll get out of your way." The manager immediately bowed and retreated, allowing the teams to move into the arena.

Shepard motioned to Livos and Jatok as she said, "Let's get this surprise party started. What are we doing?"

Livos grinned. "It is a specialized program we devised called Mercenary Challenge... seeing as mercs, pirates and slavers will most likely be the biggest problems in our post-war galaxy. For variety, the adversary is based on the standard composition of the big three mercenary groups... including mech support and biotics as appropriate."

Jatok chuckled as he added, "The settings are entirely random, so we have no idea what we're going to get until the match starts, though we only use the Elite and Super Elite levels... four rounds at each level, each hour. Each team gets two shots at each level and whoever has the most points at the end... wins. Loser cleans all the weapons and armor when we get home."

"That's pretty good motivation." Shepard grinned and glanced at Liara before asking, "So... how do we fit in?"

"You guys won't get a break... and you'll alternate teams. First round, Liara is with Team One, then Shepard with Team Two on the second..." Livos looked at Shepard. "Obviously, you go back-to-back... joining Team One on the third round, Liara will play with Team Two on round four."

Shepard nodded in understanding. "Then she goes back-to-back and plays round five with Team One..." She paused as a sudden realization hit her. "But then I get another back-to-back with rounds six and seven! That's two for me and only one for her!"

"That's because you're Shepard!" At that, Jatok laughed. "Shouldn't be a problem, right? Or are you afraid she's going to kick your ass?"

Before Shepard could respond, Liara exclaimed, "So you're making us compete against each another?" Liara looked at Livos as if she had just been stabbed in the back, making the Asari team leader laugh.

"Absolutely... and, seeing as you two haven't been practicing with us at full battle pace, I imagine you'll both be very tired by the time we get to the seventh and eighth rounds, which... by the way... will be at the Super Elite level."

Shepard's eyes narrowed as she passed her thoughts through the link. {Screw the competition, Liara. We'll fight like we always have when we've been separated on different squads... I'll give you what I can while I'm resting between matches, drinking energy boosts and eating eezo bars!}

{And I'll do the same, Samantha... and it will come out however it comes out.}

{And we have sessions with Aethyta and Sha'ira after, so neither of us will be cleaning armor or weapons... except our own when we get to the Townhouse.}

They grinned at one another; an act not lost on the Krogan team lead. "And there will be no cheating with your link that way. Plus, every two-round set adds a ten-percent score bonus modifier... again, random... so it's up to the team to figure out what it is and take advantage of it." Jatok snarled, "And if one of you figures it out and lets it slip through the link, you're a traitor... because you're helping the other team get points."

By the seventh and eighth rounds, it was exactly as Livos had predicted, but Liara and Shepard refused to yield. Livos watched as Shepard sat down and consumed yet another drink and bar. A smile flirted with the corners of her mouth as she sat down next to her captain, whispering in her ear, "Forget what Jatok said... Each of you has been helping the other on every round, haven't you?"

"Of course." Shepard smirked at her friend. "It's how we fight, Liv. We're a team... and if we go in someplace as separate groups, we're still fighting together as a unit, even when we split up between teams... So it makes sense to practice that way." She rolled her shoulders as she popped the last of the bar into her mouth and chewed, pausing the brief conversation until she swallowed. "And that's the way it's always going to be."

Livos laughed and clapped her on the back. "I never should have expected anything else, Captain." As the final round drew to a close, she looked up at the scoreboard and immediately realized two things. First, with the additions of Liara and Shepard, both teams' scores had improved significantly, and second, the long time familiarity between the commandos was still paying dividends. They had now come to Armax three times, and the commandos of Team One were still kicking Team Two's ass. Livos grinned; once again, the Krogan and the Alliance N7 would be on the cleaning crew.

T'Soni House Armali, Thessia, Athena Nebula

Shepard and Liara slipped quickly into the soothing waters of the spa in the commando quarters, seeing as Mozia and Aethyta occupied the master suite in the rebuilt townhouse. The House Steward, Aratiana Axeuss, stopped in and first handed the Captain a cup of Kaffe before passing Liara a cup of tea, stating, "We'll have a nice brunch ready for you when you get done here." She offered a respectful dip of her head before turning and disappearing back out the doorway.

Shepard was a bit red-faced and Liara slid over beside her, whispering quietly, "You have a beautiful body, Siame; you have no reason to be embarrassed or self-conscious around Aratiana. I, for one, am delighted to be seen with one such as yourself at my side." She ran the backs of her fingers across Shepard's cheek before placing a tender kiss on the same. Her voice light with humor, she grinned and added, "Your presence here does wonders for my self-esteem."

The Asari laughed softly as her comments made Shepard turn an even brighter shade of red. "Liara!" Shepard scrubbed the back of her neck with the hand not holding the mug. "This... openness... is all a bit strange to me. Had I thought about it, I would have tossed a swimsuit in my gear bag!"

"And deprive me of my normal wonderful view?" Liara would have sounded scandalized had it not been for the smirk on her face. "Why would you do such a thing to me?"

"Ha ha, Liara. Funny." Shepard slid as far down into the bubbles as she could without getting water in her Kaffe. "This is going to take some getting used to... if I ever do," she grumbled.

"I'm sorry, Sam." The smirk left and Liara heaved a sigh. "Let me distract you..." Liara rolled her eyes as Shepard's opened wide in shock, the thought coming through the meld making her exclaim, "With conversation, Samantha! Not sex! Goddess!"

Her face went yet another shade of red but, this time, Shepard actually did laugh at herself. "Gods, Liara. I'm sorry... but now I think I'm the one who should feel affronted..." At Liara's puzzled expression, she continued, "That you wouldn't want to have sex with me... from the tone of that exclamation."

"Goddess knows that isn't true!" It was Liara's turn to blush as she whispered quietly, "Just not in the public spa!"

"Well... I guess I should be happy that we agree on that point at least!" Shepard's embarrassment faded as she sipped on her Kaffe, finally relaxing with the steady surge of the warm jets massaging her tired muscles.

Liara also took a sip of her tea before setting her cup on the edge of the tub... closing her eyes as her thoughts shifted unexpectedly to the past. "You know, I used to hate it when Shiala made me exercise along with everyone else, especially swimming laps, which we all did in the nude. I was very shy while growing up... embarrassed by what I always considered a rather... ordinary... physique, compared to the athletic build of all the commandos."

She felt the surge of protest come through the link before the words ever crossed Shepard's lips and she smiled as the Captain sat up and set her mug on the edge of the spa as well, practically hissing her objection, "That is absolutely, positively, the most errant statement I have ever heard you make, T'Soni!"

Shepard paused, seeing the appreciative expression on the face of her Ionúin Álainn. "And you know that, don't you?" It was a rhetorical question and Samantha didn't give Liara time to respond before placing her lips tight to Liara's in a slow, sensuous kiss, pausing only to draw breath before adding quietly, "You are beautiful, Liara... inside and out. And what you said earlier... about me doing wonders for your self-esteem? Let me tell you... that sentiment most definitely holds true in both directions. There is no one in the galaxy I would rather spend my life with, Blue. Tá tú mo gach rud." Her thoughts, as well as her words, were filled with an ardor that lit Liara on fire.

Liara's eyes had closed during the kiss and remained so until Shepard finished her proclamation. The emotions flowing through the link as the Spectre finished speaking made the Asari's heart race and she gasped, her eyes popping open to reveal a shrinking blue iris being swallowed swiftly by obsidian. Her voice was coarse as she reached out to pull the woman tight so she could whisper in her ear. "Goddess, Samantha... I love you too!"

The Asari's body quivered with need against that of the Spectre as she plunged deeper into the woman's mind, laid wide open by the Human's devoted expressions of love. Completely unprepared for such a swift and passionate response, Shepard moaned, "Liara!" as her body responded in ways over which she had absolutely no control. "Remember... where... Ah, fuck!" Her breathing became ragged as she stopped trying to regain control of her reactions, concern about their location no longer an issue as she gave into the joy of feeling her wanton lust rise to match that of her Promised.

Liara's primal need originated from deep within and, entangled with Shepard in a full meld, her physical cravings drew forth an equivalent hunger from her Human; when blue fingers slid between her legs to stroke through Samantha's soft folds, there was no stopping the sexual response to the Asari's prompts and it wasn't long before Shepard's entire body tensed and she felt a flood of warmth burst forth, her hips jerking in her ecstasy as she groaned in pleasure.

Not sure how or when it happened, though it had to have been when Liara pulled her close, Shepard realized she was straddling the Asari's lap and quickly wrapped an arm around her lover. The folds on Liara's lower back were flared open in the hot water of the spa and Shepard took full advantage of her position to return the attention so recently lavished upon her.

Liara growled with yearning as she arched into Samantha's touch and dropped her head to the woman's shoulder, exposing the folds on the side of her neck to the attentions of a warm tongue, which slid through with a tender caress before teeth latched onto one of the ridges with a gentle tug. A grunt of surprise escaped the Asari as a sharp spike of desire shot through her body; her hips bucked and she murmured, "Oh, Goddess!" as she felt her insides start to tumble, the emotional residual of Shepard's release inciting her own arousal.

Shepard released her hold on the ridge and raised her free hand to wrap around Liara's neck, drawing the Asari into another passionate kiss. As Liara's mouth locked onto pink lips, her hands rose to grip the sides of Shepard's head, so Sam dropped her hand from her lover's neck to slide it down, over the Asari's taut abs and into the warm folds below, turning her wrist and curling her fingers to push them upward, into Liara's heat. Liara cried out, the sound swallowed by their kiss as her siame's fingers came alive with biotics, driving her quickly to a peak and pushing her easily over the edge.

Now more drained than when they originally climbed into the spa, Shepard held her lover in her arms and started to chuckle, her face turning a light pink. As Liara raised a brow marking in tired curiosity, Shepard smiled, kissed her chastely on a cheek and whispered softly, "So much for being worried about someone seeing us naked in the spa. At this point, I'd be surprised if that's the only thing they saw, Grá mo chroí."

"Goddess! And here, of all places. What is it about you that makes me so easily forget myself?" Liara buried her face in Shepard's shoulder and started shaking with suppressed laughter, a nervous edge to her words as she said, "I can only hope word does not get to my father... We would never hear the end of it!"

After brunch and a nice long nap, Shepard got dressed and made her way to the commando offices, where Aethyta had set up shop. During their previous sessions, they had initially spoken about Asari relationships in general, particularly about the relatively shorter lifespans of their mates and their normal coping mechanisms for how they dealt with the loss of a loved one. And, even though Benezia was Asari, her life had been ended prematurely... so, Aethyta had spoken primarily from the point of view of her own life experiences. The Matriarch's life had definitely been colorful and her memories were extremely vivid... but those from the last session had been particularly painful. "That's the worst of it, Shepard. From here on out, we need to focus on the specifics regarding the necessary rituals that will have to be performed."

Aethyta turned her chair and opened the cabinet behind her desk, pulling out a bottle of Akantha and two liqueur glasses. She poured each full and turned back, placing them on the middle of her desk before pushing one of the glasses toward Shepard. "Drink this, you might need it," before picking up her own glass, tipping it toward the captain and downing it in a single gulp. "Ahhh. That's better." Twinkling in merriment, Aethyta's eyes watched Shepard, the matriarch sitting in silence until the woman downed her drink. Flashing a quick smile, she set her glass back on the desk and poured it full, holding the bottle up as an offering.

"That's damned good!" Shepard stared into the glass in surprise, having expected something much more potent... along the lines of Aethyta's love of Ryncol. "Why the Hell not?" Shepard shrugged and set the glass down so Aethyta could fill it with the smoky-sweet golden liquid a second time. She read the label as the matriarch poured. "Akantha... pretty tasty stuff."

"Not only tasty, but good for hangovers, too." Aethyta picked up her glass, this time taking only a sip as she leaned back in her chair. "Once you get past the matriarchal inquiry, the fun begins. There will be receptions and formal introductions that will drive you absolutely insane if you take them too seriously. My best advice for this is simple – remember it's all about your bonding with Liara. She's the leader of a high house who has no choice but to travel in those circles; she'll hate every minute of it, so don't make it harder for her by bitching and moaning about it."

They both sipped at their drinks, but Aethyta stared into the glass as she continued, "I hated it when Benezia played politics... She actually liked it, so my hatred of it caused friction between us. You need to understand the role Liara has to play during those times and support whatever it is she has to do; you'll be leaps and bounds ahead of where I ended up with all my complaining and resentment."

"I certainly owe her that much," Shepard huffed. "I don't remember how many times I've dragged her around to parties and speeches neither one of us cared to attend, but we... I... didn't have a choice. Liara never once complained about coming with me, so you have no worries there – I will most definitely repay the favor."

"Easier said than done, but it's good that you at least start out with that conviction... so let's move on. Once all the political crap is done and just before the actual bonding ceremony, you and Liara will travel to the Temple By The Sea; it's a High House tradition that cannot be ignored. You'll be met by a priestess, who will escort you down into a cavern that has multiple openings at sea level. You and Liara will pick the downward path and your choices will determine which of the many beachside tidal pools you end up at... each of which has its own special significance. If you believe in that sort of thing, your choices supposedly reveal important qualities about your relationship and aid the Priestess in choosing which blessing you should receive."

She chuckled as she watched Shepard roll her eyes. "Hey, I'm with you, there. It's very Siari... You know, the whole All is One thing... That the universe is a consciousness and every life within it is an aspect of the greater whole, hence your choices lead you to exactly where you are supposed to end up."

"You've misinterpreted my... distaste... for disbelief," Shepard sighed. "I was hoping, apparently futilely, that I was done with Dwyn... the Celtic Trickster King of Mischief and Love... and that I could just simply live my life with Liara."

"You determine your own fate, Shepard." A quick frown flashed across the matriarch's face as she stated, "You and Liara will be just fine; you keep my girl happy and the rest will take care of itself." The tantalizing flavor of the Akantha tickled Aethyta's tongue as she relaxed and took another sip, pausing a moment to savor the smooth heat as it slipped down her throat.

"Goddess, that's good. Now... where was I? Ah, the tidal pools. Whichever pool you end up at is the one in which she'll complete the ritual cleansing." Aethyta's contemplative expression was inexplicably replaced by a smirk as she said, "From what I've heard, I'm sure you two will handle this next step just fine, but for the cleansing? I'm not speaking figuratively. You and Liara will both strip naked before climbing into the pool and will remain so until she gives you and Liara her final blessing."

"Wait. What?" Shepard stared wide-eyed at Aethyta, looking for even the slightest hint the matriarch was trying to deceive or tease her. "Naked? Until the final blessing?"

"Yes, Shepard. Naked. Nude. Bare-assed!" Aethyta rolled her eyes. "You Humans and your damned self-consciousness. How in Hell do you ever plan on having children, being so fucking priggish?"

"That's easy!" Shepard felt the heat climbing up her neck, looking anywhere but at Aethyta as she answered, "But it'll be alone... in our bedroom... in private!"

"You honestly expect me to believe you've never fucked my girl anywhere but in your own bedroom? By the blazes, Shepard! How incredibly naïve… and boring... is that?"

Shepard couldn't stop herself from thinking of a number of rather memorable places she would enjoy making love with Liara, but the expression on Aethyta's face told her the matriarch was specifically referencing their morning activities in the commando communal spa. Having her worst fear come to fruition, she let out a groan of dismay as Aethyta immediately erupted in laughter. "I've heard some rather... stimulating... rumors from the commandos today."

The captain instantly turned a rather uncharacteristic shade of scarlet as she blurted out, "Gods, Aethyta! Promise me you won't tease Liara about that! She'll die of embarrassment!"

"Well I'll be damned! So they're true? There's hope for you two yet!" Aethyta was laughing so hard at the Captain's discomfort, she was actually crying. Wiping the tears from her cheeks, she gasped, "Ah, fuck. I can't breathe!"

Her head in her hands, Shepard mumbled, "Please... all I'm asking is that you don't harass Liara."

Aethyta wheezed and wiped her face a second time before drawing a deep breath and blowing it out fast. "Of course I won't harass her – I'm damned proud of her!" After another fit of laughter she continued, "But that is a fine example as to why I'm not her mentor for this event!" As she tried to catch her breath, Aethyta continued to chuckle as she wiped yet more tears from her cheeks. "Goddess, Shepard. You and Liara are a perfect match... you absolutely kill me!"

Shaking her head, she finally managed to continue, "Anyway... Both of you will strip down and get into the pool..."

Her fleeting hope dashed, Shepard interrupted, "Then you're not kidding?"

Aethyta struggled, and failed, to keep a straight face as she replied, "No, I'm not, Shepard. You will undress and climb down into the tidal pool as instructed; then the priestess will lead you through the ritual, her words indicating what actions you are supposed to complete in which order. Just listen closely and follow Liara's lead."

Looking back at Shepard she grinned. "This is the part I know you misunderstood... because I could see the pure panic in your eyes." She let out a little chuckle and concluded, "When you're done and the cleansing ritual is complete... not the entire bonding ritual, you idiot... you will dress one another in a very plain white shift to return to the surface. The three of you will then return to the Estate, where the Priestess will escort you to separate rooms, bless everything you are to wear in the next day's bonding ceremony and leave you there to spend the night, alone, in quiet self-reflection." With a huge grin on her face, she added, "It's not a continuous chain of events and you do get to wear clothes for the final ceremony."

"Gods be damned, Aethyta! When you said until her final blessing, I thought you meant all the way to the end of the whole damned thing... when she blessed and activated the bonding bracelets!"

Aethyta couldn't help but start laughing all over again. "I know! And your reaction was completely predictable... and totally priceless!"