Part 1, Chapter 12, Maiden:

This is getting out of hand. Liara looked about her mother's, her, estate on Thessia. She hadn't even been here a couple of weeks and things were rolling right along. EDI had thrown all of her quantum bits into planning. Periodically her omni-tool would chirp with a reminder that she had to meet someone, or with a quick preference question. Shepard had said something to the effect of: This is getting to be like planning the strike on the Collector base, only more terrifying. She might be right.

Shepard had taken a largely hands-off approach to the wedding. When Liara had mentioned EDI's offer to help she had replied, "I'd be totally fine with eloping. I think Joker mentioned he was some sort of extra-net minister. He could do the ceremony." It just might come to that. Truly, she was also completely fine with signing a few papers for legality's sake and getting on with their lives. But somewhere, deep down, she knew that this was more for everyone else than themselves.

The Reaper War had struck to the core of the galactic psyche. People needed something joyous, even if it was only the small portion who she and Shepard knew personally. If only we weren't such humble servants of the galactic community, Liara thought to herself with a lopsided grin.

She'd just seen the Volus dressmaker off. He'd be back within a week for a fitting. She wanted something subdued. Hopefully he'd deliver. Of course it needs to come off easily. The little Volus' environment suit had sputtered a bit at that requirement. She smiled at the reaction.

"This is a lovely home you have."

Liara turned to regard Brevet Ensign Kelly Chambers. She smiled, "Thank you. Mother loved the gardens. I appreciate you coming."

"No trouble at all. The Alliance has me attached the Consulate in Serrice, it's literally just across town." She smiled. "Can't wait for the party, what was it you wanted to talk about?"

"You knew Shepard pretty well on the SR-2, yes?"

"Not as well as I would have liked," she laughed, defusing the potential awkwardness, "Alas, she had her sights set on someone else. Why do you ask?"

"Did she ever act oddly? Erratic? Depressed?"

Kelly's demeanor changed noticeably, she was in psychologist mode now, "No, never. What's happened?"

There was no point in being anything less than completely honest. "In confidence," Kelly nodded solemnly, "She's suffering. Nightmares, crying fits, just a crushing sadness. I'm at a loss. I don't know what to do."

"Has she spoken about it with you?"

"No. She doesn't mention it. She tries very hard to hide it. In fact, I doubt anyone else has noticed. But she can't hide everything from me." She crossed her arms over her chest, "I can feel it in the joining. She tries very hard to shield me from it, but it's very difficult to hide anything."

"I can only imagine," Kelly responded, "I've never had the opportunity to join with an Asari." She looked visibly disappointed. Maybe she could chat up a bridesmaid or two. Did Asari even have bridesmaids?

"It's a testament to her strength of will that I haven't been able to sense all of the details. Though, from what I have pieced together, she's deeply troubled by the death of her mother and her friends. I never saw this side of her before the war ended. Not before we dropped on Ilos, nor in the time between your mission and when the war started. That was almost a joyous time. She was, to borrow a phrase from your language, squared away. But, since," she trailed off.

"The Commander, pardon, the Admiral has been through a lot. More than almost anyone else in the galaxy I'd imagine. The things she's seen and done. She was dead for two years. That can't be good for a person's emotional health. That was half the reason I was assigned to the Normandy, to keep an eye on Shepard." She paused. "Heck, I still have nightmares about what I've been through, and I've had it comparatively easy." Kelly shook her head at the thought. Shepard was well and truly her personal hero, the idea that she was hurting was upsetting to say the least. "Do you think she'd be receptive to talking about it with me?"

"I don't think she'd take it the wrong way, but I have no idea how much she'll open up. You could…" Liara noticed Kelly's facial expression change abruptly. She turned to see what Kelly was reacting to. Oh goddess!

Admiral Shepard thundered towards them at a full sprint. She had no idea Victoria could move that fast. A faint blue glow surrounded her. Liara hadn't seen Shepard even twitch her biotics since the war ended. What's wrong? Then she noticed Victoria's face. Her normally fair complexion had turned bright red. Her face was screwed up into a painful visage. Tears streamed from her vibrant green eyes.

Shepard literally flew past them up the steps and into the house. "I think we should go speak with her."