A/N: This is the 2nd longest chapter I've ever written. And I wish I could end it here but in keeping with the spirit of ME3 and anything Samara related, I am obliged to rend hearts in the final chapter.


Falere tilted her head up, squinting as the mid-morning light filtered through her straw hat. Within the controlled environment of the greenhouse, the summer sun beat down on her and fellow gardeners with haughty abandon. Still, gardening was one of Falere's favored activities even if Lesuss was disagreeable with most Thessian vegetation; that simply made a more diligent gardener out of her. Falere had been told it was centuries of dedicated study and work that lead to the monastery's sprawling orchards of succulent fruit and abundant greens. Falere couldn't help but smile to herself as she pruned excess foliage around a fat citrus. Once exposed, Falere touched and examined the green bounty; from the looks of it would be ready for harvest within a week's time.

Satisfied with her handiwork; she moved on to the next tree, or copse, actually. A large and ugly thicket surrounded the poor citrus tree. With a decided nod Falere punched buttons on her omni-tool and formed a large pair of shears for the task. She was just about to trim a rather unsightly tangle when she heard—

"—at Falere's behest, I'm sure."

Falere paused at the mention. She was not one to eavesdrop, of course, but she had to make exception if she was the subject of discussion. As silent as she could, Falere moved closer towards the voices. A small gap through the thicket allowed her a view and on the other side, saw Mithril, Reva, and a new student whose name she forgot, engaged in idle work and hushed forum.

"I still find it too silly," Mithril sighed as she deposited trimmed branches into a nearby basket.

"Are you daft?" objected the unnamed student, "I thought them lovers before learning they are sisters."

Falere's blood ran cold at the revelation. The conversation proceeded.

"Exactly, they are sisters," Mithril again dissuaded, pausing to look crossly at the others. "Have you two no sisters you love?"

Reva and the nameless student shrugged but was unwilling to settle the issue. "Siblings or not, it's not fair that they're unmolested by rules as we are," Reva huffed as she sheared a vine away from her copse.

Mithril, formerly a staunch advocate, sighed with a nod. "That, I can agree with. How could they learn community when they are a community of two?"

"A bonded two," the unnamed asari interjected with a sneer. To Falere's surprise and horror, all three laughed at the cruel aside.

It took all of Falere's strength not to falter and flee undetected from the scene.


Free time had never felt so oppressive; Falere couldn't decide if it was simply her imagination that she felt every eye in the Great Hall spying on her and her sister. She glanced at Rila from across the table, engaged in lively discussion with a matron. She had little chance to speak privately with her sister since the morning's incident in the greenhouse. The mere thought of it made Falere wince. It was at that inopportune moment when Rila turned to her, readily seeing Falere's troubled expression. Rila immediately excused herself from the matron and moved to her sister. Predictably, the multitude's gaze followed them.

"Sister, is something wrong?" Rila asked, seemingly oblivious of their fellows' prying.

Her sister's innocence made Falere suffer further. She could only nod to her journal before nosing towards Rila's own. The older sister didn't need another hint; Rila was seated beside Falere just as her journal beeped with a message.

There's an awful rumor making about I cannot bear to say it.

Rila smiled as she composed a response.

Fortunately you're writing. What is it?

Falere looked around again and saw that her discomfort wasn't borne from her mind. At least Mithril had the decency to turn away when she met her gaze; Yanis, wretch that she was, watched them with open amusement. Falere frowned; she was going to suggest retiring early to discuss the matter in their quarters but that would only invite more suspicion. Pretending to sort through her notes, with heavy fingers she replied:

A rumor that we're lovers.

Rila's eyes briefly grew wide upon seeing the message though was prudent enough not to regard to Falere, feigning indifference as she resumed her previous conversation with the matron. As they spoke of the upcoming harvest, casually Rila answered:

Y again? That was years ago.

Falere unconsciously shook her head as she switched between solving maths problems and typing; she was typing so hard she was certain the screen would crack.

Heard it from Mithril, Reva and that dilettante I've given pointers to in musics class. Dismay became plain on Falere's features as she proceeded. It is spreading. Have you seen how they look at us? What will the matriarch and matrons think!

Rila was unable to maintain her conversation as her eyes glided through the journal. Unsurprising except that Rila's expression became cross. Falere watched her sister go through the motions of typing and subsequently erasing whatever was written for quite a while that she was nearly tempted to peek at her sister's screen. Falere's mood was further deflated by Rila's curt reply:

We'll speak of this later. Is there anything else?

Unable to withhold a groan, Falere answered quickly.

That we're unfairly excused from rules because we are sisters. I apologize if this is upsetting.

Rila's eyes skimmed over her journal once before excusing herself from the matron, claiming exhaustion. The older asari accepted with a nod, sincerely wishing Rila well. Falere, anxious to converse in private, immediately rose to follow but Rila placed a firm hand on her shoulder, guiding her back onto her seat.

"Do not concern yourself with me, Sister," Rila said cheerfully, "I do not want to deprive the others of your company." Gesturing to the matron, she furthered, "Helsae said she'd love to learn of your brushwork." The matron colored at the mention.

"M-my brushwork?" Falere stammered, confused; despite her sister's cheeriness she could feel the vexation welling from her. Still, she knew better not to spoil the facade. Attempting to stand again, she said, "If you're—"

"Lightheaded, nothing I can't handle," Rila sighed with a hand to her forehead. Before Falere could protest any more Rila leaned down, touching her cheeks to hers; a subtle dismissal. The touch made Falere all too aware of her sister's dismay. "Remember to turn in by curfew," Rila advised with a wan smile.

Paling, Falere could only nod as her sister made her exit.

The next hour and a half felt like a year.


Falere stood before the doors to her shared room, staring at its hololock as she prepared herself to face Rila. She honestly couldn't remember when was the last time her sister was upset with her; that she was remorseful was quite an understatement. Falere had no idea why, either; was she wrong to inform her of the rumors? Rila was bound to know though, given their peers' penchant for gossip. Moreover, shouldn't Rila be upset with the others than with her? Sighing, Falere decided it was no use troubling herself over it; it was better to ask her conundrum of a sister. She touched the lock's green interface and as soon as the doors hissed open, ushered herself into the room.

Only the dull glare from a desk clock served as the room's illumination. It took a moment for Falere's vision to adjust and was greeted by the sight of her sister's back, lying on top of her bed and bundled in sheets. She'd have thought Rila asleep but her uneven breathing betrayed her. Frowning, she sat opposite Rila's side of the bed. "I know you're awake," she whispered.

Silence. Nonetheless, Falere continued. "How could I properly apologize if you won't talk with me?"she pleaded.

A moment passed before Rila grumbled from beneath the covers. "Do you even know what you're apologizing for?"

"And as I've said, how could I know if you won't speak?" Falere sighed and placed a hand on Rila's shoulder. To her surprise, Rila shrugged it away. An unnoticed while passed with Falere simply staring at her offending hand; never had her sister been this petulant yet she had no idea why. Misery tightened in her chest as Falere bit her quivering lips. "Rila...please," she implored in a tiny voice.

More silence. When the beginnings of a sob escaped Falere's throat, Rila finally spoke. "Should what they think matter that much?" she asked.

"What? They?" Falere choked out, looking over her shoulder to Rila's form. "Who's 'they'?"

"The matriarchs and matrons," Rila supplied as she crawled out of the covers. Despite the poor light Falere could see her sister's flustered features. "The ones whose thoughts you care for so dearly," the older sister said coldly.

Falere's eyes widened with disbelief. "T-that's—what this is about?" she sputtered, unable to keep her temper from flaring. Only years of practiced restraint kept her from shouting. "Rila, they're slandering us behind our backs and you take offense with me for caring to make nice with our superiors?"

"No, I take offense that you're more worried of what others may think than what I feel!" Rila shot back. She tore through the sheets and took hold of Falere's arm, so tightly that it hurt. The younger sister barely noticed it, however; between Rila's anguish and her own it was truly negligible. Before Falere could say anything, Rila added, "I'm your sister, Falere! Shouldn't what I feel matter more?"

Falere shook her arm free, this time failing to level her voice. "Well, pardon me for assuming you'll take offense as I did when our peers accuse us of something abhorrent!" she cried.

Rila froze as she looked at her sister, gaping and speechless. Falere was readying herself for an explosive retort but received none; instead, Rila's expression shifted to stony calm, much like she did whenever addressing any of their seniors. "Very well, Sister. What do you suppose we should do?" Rila asked quietly.

It was Falere's turn to be speechless. She took a moment to compose herself, her temper simmering down as she did. "I...I don't know," she confessed, looking sheepishly at Rila then to her lap. "We could speak to Gallae about it, ask her to allay the rumormongers...or..." she trailed off feebly.

"What good would that do? They base the rumors on our conduct, not our superior's word." Rila folded her hands on her lap and looked at them, seemingly thoughtful.

Falere considered for a moment, then with a sigh, nodded. She certainly did not give thought to a possible solution. "What do you suggest?" Falere asked.

Rila took a deep breath, her lips quivering as she did. She heaved her next words with much difficulty. "We change our conduct," she hoarsed.

"Our conduct?" Falere repeated, confused and curious. "How so?"

Rila looked away from her sister and towards the window. Her voice was barely a whisper. "We...keep our distance. From each other."

Twice in a day, Falere's blood ran cold. She wasn't prepared for the proposed solution. All she could do was ask "How?"

"Move to different classes, join other cliques. Be away from each other without rousing suspicion," Rila related, as if in a trance; Falere felt like she was listening to a VI. Rila's only show of emotion was her balled fists, driven pale by the tightness of her grip. It made the solution more bitter to Falere's palate though loath she was to admit, it was better than her answer of complaining to Gallae.

Yet...

"That's too much," Falere breathed.

"Could you think of a better solution?"

"No, but—" Falere replied but was silenced by a finger pressed to her lips. She looked at it then to Rila and was caught breathless; never had she seen her sister so sad. Falere was so startled that she almost did not catch the trickle of emotion from the touch. She paled at its intensity.

"Do not fret too much, we'll still be the same in privacy," Rila voiced with a smile but fell short of her usual humor. The finger on Falere's lips moved to her cheek and caressed its markings. The emotion was no longer there but still, she flinched from the touch. Rila's hand dropped, along with the sadness on her face, assuming a mask so tranquil that even Falere's talents couldn't determine her true emotions. "Agreed?" she finally asked.

A weak nod was Falere's only reply. Without another word, Rila moved back into her sheets and left Falere to her state.

She awoke on Rila's bed the next day, alone.


Thus, as agreed, the sisters moved to different classes. Rila, serene and amiable, was readily accepted among the older students. Falere, tempestuous and spirited, had a harder time; her musical performances, however, gave her quite a following. It wasn't intended, if anything; the only reason Falere played these days was so she didn't have to think of her sister or the crawling eternity that suddenly filled her days. Contrary to their agreement, Rila had become guarded even in the privacy of their quarters, quite unlike the doting sister she had grown to love. A sigh escaped Falere; if only their fellows weren't so cruel they wouldn't have to resort to this arrangement.

These are the thoughts that filled Falere as she sat in the meditation hall, staring at some dead matriarch's ramblings and pretending to pay attention. Fortunately or otherwise, meditation was a communal exercise; everyone in the monastery was present in the hall. From the corner of her eye, Falere sought her sister; the lone azure in the midst of mundane purples and blues. It didn't take long and she found Rila, in the front-most row, right before Gallae. Unlike her it seemed, Rila took the aged wisdom to heart; a picture of diligence, her profile was set in utter concentration. Severe it may be but it was quite becoming on Rila, Falere couldn't help thinking. Her heart ached with longing.

Then, to her surprise, Rila turned and met her gaze.

The rest of the world dimmed, or disappeared rather, leaving only the two of them. Rila's mask of calm dropped and despite the distance, Falere felt a smidgen of the emotion she felt that night. However little it may be, it was overwhelming. Confusion gave way to longing and all Falere could wish for was for time to stop right there, just between them and—

And then Rila withdrew her gaze.

From the distance and obstacle of others, Falere wasn't sure if there was heightened color to her sister's cheeks. Hoping to meet those azure eyes again, Falere trained her gaze on Rila for the remainder of the period.

She was disappointed.

They retired that evening in silence.


"I must say, Falere, you aren't so bad," Tollae said out of the blue.

Falere paused from stacking the data pads, regarding Tollae. "I gather that is an improvement from 'bad'," she teased. Tollae only snorted in reply. Falere shook her head with a smile and resumed her task; to think, not long ago, this brat were among those gossips who slandered her and Rila. She would be inclined to say so to her face if it wasn't so petty. That and she was a reliable source of rumors. Falere hoped that, perhaps, if the accusations died down entirely she and Rila could go back to their old routine. It had been too long since that night; she could scarcely believe only several months had passed. By feeling alone, it felt like an eternity. She sighed without knowing why.

"Why so gloomy, Falere?"

Dismay flitted upon Falere's face but was immediately gone, replaced by an impassive front. "Yanis," she addressed her peer without looking. "I thought you're charged with food tally," she challenged, unwilling to answer the question.

"I am," Yanis replied, moving close to Falere, caressing one of the flowers by the vases on the windowsill. Plucking one, she brought it to her nose and inhaled. By the pleasure on Yanis' face, Falere knew it smelled sweet. She was only sorry she removed the insect from it earlier.

Tollae, meanwhile, watched Yanis with interest so apparent that Falere had to roll her eyes; given Yanis' liking for romance it was still surprising that she was a latent sufferer. Deciding to ignore the flirt's presence, she moved to another shelf.

Yanis, however, persisted. She set the flower aside and regarded her admirer with a smile. "Tollae, you don't mind switching tasks with me, do you?" she harped sweetly, absently brushing the back of her hand to Tollae's cheek. "I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Tollae, simple as she was, didn't miss a beat. "I'll hold you to it," she whispered, leaning to Yanis' touch.

"Closer than you please," Yanis replied, kissing Tollae's palm.

Falere barely resisted the urge to retch.

As soon as Tollae was gone, Yanis took over the abandoned stack and joined Falere. "Sweet girl. She's a T'goni, you know, from Armali," Yanis related as if her presence was wholly welcome. It was an impression Falere was intent on upending.

"I know. I mentor her in music and brushwork," Falere deadpanned.

"This is a sanctioned mentorship?" Yanis asked as she shelved the tablets at random.

"Yes," Falere answered noncommittally, pulling out a pad from Yanis' section. She set it to its proper place.

"Impressive," Yanis commented, unaffected by the delicate reproach. She turned to Falere, regarding her in earnest. "How do I apply?" she queried.

Falere was thankful she was looking at the shelves otherwise she'd be unable to resist glaring at Yanis. Even if Yanis was serious about seeking her counsel, she was inclined to decline forthright. Still, she took a moment to formulate dignified response. After a deep breath, she said, "You're well-versed in the arts. I doubt if you would benefit from my instruction." Falere silently rejoiced as a slight frown appeared in Yanis' face. They shelved in silence and just when Falere thought Yanis would move on due to boredom, she opened an entirely new conversation.

"Say, how is that darling sister of yours?" Yanis queried, unable to hide the sneer in her tone.

"Good," Falere replied curtly and coldly, eager to discontinue the chosen subject.

"Is that so?" Yanis chimed, bringing a hand to her face as she mocked wonder. "But I cannot help notice you two have been...distant. Is something amiss?"

Falere's head ached as her temper rose. Still, she leveled her tone. "Nothing."

"Are you sure? You didn't, by chance, got carried away when you embraced—"

An ominous crack echoed through the library as Falere shoved a datapad into place. She dispensed with civility and glared sharply at Yanis, who was sporting a winning grin. "What do you want, you wagtailing wench?" she asked through her teeth.

"Oh, finally! A reaction. As for what I want," Yanis huffed with a laugh, fanning herself with a tablet. She shelved the last datapad and brought her hands behind her back, dipping forward to Falere. Her eyes shimmered with triumph as she declared, "I already have it."

"Then leave me be! Leave us be! You think I know not you've started those rumors? Haven't you tormented me and my sister enough?" Falere cried, gripping tightly on the shelf.

"You accuse me of torment?" Yanis deflected with a wave of her hand then began to look at her nails, seemingly bored. With unabashed apathy, she related, "Aren't you my, nay, our tormentor, Miss? You flout the rules, display open affection and companionship whilst we languish in loneliness." Her eyes move to Falere and sneered, "So no, Falere, I haven't tormented you nearly enough."

Falere opened her mouth to voice her indignation but was struck speechless, only able to shake her head at the blatant offense. She was so outraged with Yanis that her tightly controlled biotics flared as she raised an open hand, ready to deliver a slap. She'd have thought it would scare Yanis but the latter only huffed, crossing her arms in superiority.

"Just try it, trollop. I know you're a true Ardat-Yakshi and we both know what shall happen should you employ violence."

Falere's hand quivered, growing brighter as she maintained her glare at Yanis. Her mind raced and for a brief moment actually considered confinement or execution would be worth breaking the insolent hag's neck. Only the thought of Rila suffering solitude and her mother's disappointment dissuaded her. With much effort, Falere lowered her hand as the biotic pulse dissipated. Somehow, her fury formed words. "You are a cruel, cruel thing, Yanis," Falere slurred as her eyes shot daggers at her fellow. "I used to feel sorry for you, forced to suffer as us. But now," she scoffed and shook her head, "I'm insulted that you are even considered for it."

Yanis opened her mouth, presumably with a scathing retort but Falere heard none of it. She had walked away before she could change her mind about slapping the wretch out of her.


Weights of various shapes floated across the exercise hall with the telltale glow of biotic fields enveloping them. They were tasked to place the blocks into appropriate-shaped holes; no small feat considering each piece was more than thrice a student's weight. It was an unfortunate activity for Falere; distracted as she was from her encounter, she could hardly lift a platter without maiming someone. She was only thankful that it was an individual exercise else she might injure her poor partner. Unless it was Yanis, in which case, she won't give a damn.

Falere was unsuccessfully flinging a triangular block into its slot thirty paces away when Jethra entered the hall, distress marking her features. The matron's gaze scanned the hall and much to Falere's surprise, stopped at her. It did not help that Jethra immediately rushed to the instructor, whispering all the while keeping her eyes on Falere. The instructor's reactions weren't reassuring either; her expression changed from surprise to grim as she listened to Jethra. It wasn't long before Falere's superiors beckoned for her to come closer. The other students' eyes followed Falere as she approached their seniors.

"Jethra, Revan," Falere greeted, bowing to each as she joined the forum. "Is something the matter?" she asked as she wrung her hands nervously, thinking of her earlier argument with Yanis.

"Unfortunately, yes, though it's better if Jethra explained," Revan sighed. Falere turned to Jethra who, for once, was unable to hide behind a mask of calm. She gestured to the doors. Falere looked back to Revan, who gave a dismissive wave. "Go on. You're excused from the rest of the class." The matron and maiden bowed before they left the hall.

"Well?" Falere asked as soon as the doors hissed behind them.

"It's Rila," Jethra whispered then looked to both ends of the hallway before proceeding. "She was involved in an..." she brought a hand to her forehead and sighed, "...argument, with Yanis."

Falere felt like her heart was suddenly in her throat. "How bad?" she asked, hardly recognizing her own voice.

"Biotics were used."

Falere blanched, suddenly unsteady on her feet. Jethra offered her arm in support, which she gladly took. "W-where is she?" she voiced weakly.

Oddly, Jethra offered no answer, instead looking away. She began walking slowly with Falere in tow.

"Come. I'll take you to her."


Of course, it had to be the infirmary. Falere nearly fainted.

Rila's left eye was swollen, had a cut on her lower lip and her right arm was on a sling. "Falere," she called, wincing as the sound escaped her throat. Tell-tale bruises around her neck became apparent.

"I'll give you two a moment," Jethra whispered.

Falere sat by her sister's bedside as soon as Jethra was gone. She took Rila's uninjured arm and pressed close against her hand. Rila responded by stroking her facial markings. "What happened?"

Rasping, Rila replied, "She said nasty things about you and claimed she made you cry." She frowned and winced. Falere would've touched her sister's face but wasn't sure where it wouldn't hurt. She kissed her palm instead, drawing a smile from Rila, who then declared proudly, "So I threw water on her face."

"I didn't cry though," Falere confessed.

"Oh..." Rila voiced, thoughtful. She chuckled weakly and said, "I knew she was lying. You hardly cry."

Falere forced a smile. "I do but only around you. How did she—" she began but a thought struck her. She squeezed Rila's hand without meaning to but eased up as soon as she noticed her sister's pained expression. "Who attacked first?" she asked breathlessly.

"Her. I'd be in confinement if I did," Rila shrugged before her eyes fell on her lap. She sighed deeply. "Though...Gallae is of the mind that if I hadn't provoked Yanis—"

"Rubbish! Yanis provoked you!"

"True, but it is I who made it physical," Rila breathed and took her hand from Falere, looking away. Foreboding tranquility settled upon Rila's features and alarmed the younger sister. A long while passed before Rila spoke. "Matriarch Gallae decided to place us in separate rooms," she whispered.

Falere became ashen. "No," she uttered, disbelieving.

"I am sorry," Rila said mournfully. "Perhaps it is best that—"

"No no no no! She cannot do this to us! You—no, we have done nothing wrong!" Falere cried and tore herself away from Rila's bedside, shaking her head in denial. She looked to Rila for reassurance but found none, only seeing a ghost of a smile; a salient surrender. Falere, however, was unconvinced; she paced as she mouthed ideas from her head. "Perhaps if I spoke with Gallae, she would change her mind. Yes. Yes. I'm sure she would. I mean, you're sure to be made prefect and I've hardly been any trouble and—"

"Falere..."

"—I could tell her of Yanis' transgressions! That would work!"

"Falere..."

"I mean, just this morning she—"

"It is too late, Falere!" Rila screamed, forcing the younger sister to face her. As their eyes met Rila withdrew her gaze. "I have...given my accord."

A moment passed before Falere recovered her speech. "What?" she asked flatly. Her tone subsequently rose with "Why?"

"Because I've done wrong," Rila said quietly.

"No you haven't, Rila! I already—"

"I love you, Falere. More than a sister should, more than...more than anyone ever could," Rila confessed calmly as she met her sister's eyes; the swell of emotion from those azure hues was overpowering that Falere found herself breathless. Though Rila maintained her serenity, tears flowed freely from her eyes. "I only ask that you do not hate me," she whispered.

For a while, Falere simply stood by Rila's bedside, mute and stricken. A conflict of emotions flitted through her face. Rila was already reduced to hiccups and sobs when Falere took her hand. "I...already knew," she admitted.

"You...you...what?" Rila broke through sobs, confused. "But how?" she asked.

"My talents," Falere sighed and sat on the bed. As she gently wiped Rila's tears, she added, "And you're more readable than you think."

"I-I see," Rila answered and winced as the hand grazed her swollen eye. She shook her head when Falere drew her hand back. Her face was nearly dry when she mumbled, "I'm sorry."

"What for?" Falere asked, cocking her head and looking thoughtful.

Rila's eyes dropped to her lap as her flustered cheeks became darker. "For being...for feeling like this," she sighed.

"Then I'm sorry too."

Rila looked back to her sister, puzzled. "Why?" she asked.

Bashfully, Falere confessed with a smile.

"Because I love you too."