Notes: Just to make you aware… this chapter has a few, albeit relatively small, time jumps.

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

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

Kenjutsu - an umbrella term for all schools of Japanese swordsmanship

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)

Tuinnín - large, predatory schooling fish found in warm seas (Thessian; also Irish for tuna)


No Place Like Home

Nagato, Japan, Sol System – 15 July 2191

A soft knock on the door frame preceded her Nana commenting, as she looked at everything Kasumi had spread out on her bed, "Majide, [Seriously] Kasumi? Did another war break out during the night?"

Kas looked at Yukiko, replying with a giggle. "Nothing so dramatic. The Asari use bladed weapons in a manner similar to the Samurai warriors of old. Just before my departure from Thessia, Spectre Shepard expressed an interest in learning the use of an Asari sword, a weapon that looks and feels very much like this Wakizashi."

"The Asari use swords? In a manner similar to our ancestors?" Yukiko asked incredulously. "I had always believed they only needed to wave their hands around in order to kill an opponent."

Kasumi grinned, her voice filled with merriment as she responded, "You're thinking of their biotic abilities, Nana … but that ability doesn't manifest equally in every Asari. Even those who have refined their ability to a high level sometimes require a bit more than that, depending on the skill of their opponent."

As she continued her explanation, she waved a hand to indicate the gently curved sheath holding the weapon she had purchased the previous day. "In addition to this, I purchased several practice swords, along with all the appropriate protective gear, so Shepard can learn with as little blood shed as possible."

She sat on the corner of her bed as she explained, "I plan on instructing Shepard in the basics of Kenjutsu. Once she has a good grasp on the Human forms, she will quite likely enlist Saleesha Kessori to instruct her in the use of the Asari sword." After pausing a few moments to sort through her memories, she added, "She may even have one or both of her early biotics instructors, Niria Phessi or Arlyna Sheya, continue her education in sword craft."

Yukiko nodded once in tacit approval, saying, "Not content to simply stagnate. Always learning. Your former captain is a wise woman… one I would be honored to meet one day."

Kasumi stood; hugging her grandmother, she replied, "I just may be able to arrange that for you." Releasing her, she added, "Let's have breakfast. Afterwards, you can accompany me on another shopping trip." At Yukiko's questioning look, she added, "I'm going to buy some everyday clothes, Nana. I'll be staying on Thessia for a while, and the commandos dislike me moving about in my armor, camouflaged by my cloaking generator. I need to wear something more… businesslike… every day." Kas, walking ahead of her Nana on the way to the kitchen, was unable to witness the expression of surprise that appeared on the older woman's face.

"I would be more than happy to help you choose some clothes that will enhance your natural beauty, Kasumi. Your willingness to change how you dress pleases me, immensely."


T'Soni Estate, Thessia, Parnitha System – 5 Aug 2191

Rather than land at the temporary parking apron on the east side of the main house, Kasumi had set Spectre's Rose down in a custom configured mobile cradle on the main parking apron on the west side of T'Soni's property. After shutting down all the power systems, she utilized the cargo ramp to unload the pair of small freight containers she had brought from Earth. Once she had her backpack and overnight bag resting on top of them, she closed the cargo ramp, then leaned against the boxes to wait for her transport. It was a short wait.

An Asari commando, guiding a small hover platform, appeared on the curved pathway between the beach and the numerous shrubs at the southwestern-most corner of lush landscaping that was a hallmark of the T'Soni estate; as she closed the distance between them, Kasumi recognized house Captain of the Guard, Livos Tanni. Upon approaching close enough to get a really good look at the waiting woman, the captain's increasing expression of incredulity caused the master thief to begin chuckling.

With a teeth-baring grin, Kas held her hands out in the traditional form; Livos slipped her arms in past Kasumi's outstretched forearms and embraced her, saying, "You amaze me, Kasumi! I never would have believed you would allow yourself to be seen with the sun shining unimpeded on your head and face!" She pushed back to gaze fondly at the woman. "You're beautiful, Kas!"

Kasumi self-consciously ducked her head for a moment before raising her eyes to look at Livos. With another soft chuckle, she replied, "Thanks for the compliment." She backed away from the Asari, raised her arms and, with her hands above her head, slowly spun around. "I decided to ditch my armor – and my cloaking generator – in favor of more traditional Japanese clothing. If I'm going to work here for Lady Liara, I figure people will need to be able to find me – something they cannot do if I'm cloaked." She looked down at the clothes she was wearing, consisting of the same skirt and blouse she had worn during her weapons shopping trip in Nagato. Returning her gaze to Livos, she innocently asked, "Do you think having my lower legs bare is a bit too much?"

At that, Livos laughed, then answered with a grin, "I believe the commandos here will wonder who you are and how you would dare to so poorly impersonate the Kasumi Goto we all know and love… and honestly expect to get away with it!"


T'Soni Estate, Thessia, Parnitha System – 3 Sep 2191

It was a beautiful early fall day when the shuttle arrived from the Záhrada S'Vatyne Resort. It was a relatively small contingent who came out to greet the Estate's newest employee, the T'Soni Preserve Manager, Carlina 'Zan' S'Vatyne. Of course, Livos was eagerly standing by, along with Mozia as House Regent, Steward Lyessa Raptos, and Estate Guard Captain Lyria Tremi.

After what seemed like an abnormally long wait – to Livos, anyway – the shuttle's engines spooled down enough to enable the safe deployment of the egress ramp, followed by the hatch sliding aside to reveal a smiling, eagerly awaiting Carlina 'Zan' S'Vatyne. As she bolted down the ramp into Livos' arms, they were all caught off-guard when Matriarch Marisha appeared in the open hatch, to also descend to the tarmac.

Mozia recovered from her surprise quickly and moved to greet her with a welcoming smile. "Marisha! I was not made aware you would be accompanying Zan, but it will take nothing more than a few moments to prepare a suite for you. You know you are more than welcome here, anytime, and free to stay for however long you wish!"

Marisha chuckled quietly as she confessed, "You were not made aware, because I didn't decide to accompany her until Zan came to say goodbye to me, just this morning." She stepped up and laid her hands upon Mozia's for only the briefest of moments, before grasping Mozia's upper arms and pulling her slightly forward in order to place a quick peck of a kiss on each cheek. "I found I was not quite prepared to offer her my final farewell… so, packed an overnight bag and climbed aboard."

"Seriously?" Mozia gave her a disbelieving look, chuckling as she commented. "I can't imagine your staff was very happy with that!"

"No, they were not exactly pleased with my decision, but… let me simply say they took it well, and preparations for my departure were completed within 30 minutes." Marisha grinned. "Knowing we were coming here, Captain D'Bieros quickly realized I did not need to bring any commandos along for security, other than my pilot, Vori. But… given the no-notice on this end…" She tilted her head to indicate the craft she had just left. "I do have accommodations available to me aboard the shuttle."

"Don't be silly, Matriarch." Lyessa joined them with a wide smile. "We always have rooms available. Well, almost always, anyway. Winter holidays can be a bit of a challenge, but we can usually make do. How many staff rooms do you need?"

"Thank you, Lyessa. If it truly isn't any trouble?" With Lyessa's scathing look as her only reply, Marisha continued happily. "As I mentioned, I really am travelling light on this trip." Marisha grinned. "Other than Zan, it is just my pilot, Vori, and me. Of course, we have all of Zan's bags, so we didn't honestly have room for anyone else to come along, even if they wanted to. We would have needed a larger ship."

"Well then," started Mozia. "It sounds as though we can get you and Zan inside, and we'll make sure your pilot gets bedded down as soon as she completes her post-flight checks. I see Zan has an overnight bag, so I gather her personal possessions can wait until later?"

Marisha smiled and looped her arm through that of the Regent. "Absolutely, my dear Mozia!"


"Goddess. I can hardly believe this day has finally arrived!" Now in the seclusion of the House Captain of the Guard's private quarters to drop off Zan's overnight bag, Liv's arms slipped eagerly around her lover's waist. Pulling her close, their lips met in welcome embrace.

After several long, pleasurable moments, when they were forced by nature to pause and catch their breath, Zan finally had a chance to reply. "Agreed, my love. There were times when I myself wondered if this day would ever come, Liv… but here it is, at long last." Her lips twitched into a happy smile. "I cannot adequately express just how happy I am to finally be here… in this place… to begin our new life together."

"I imagine the next couple of weeks will be busy, getting you settled into your new job… and our new quarters." Liv grinned. "What do you think of our larger family unit? We certainly have more room… and more amenities… than the old quarters in the commando lodging. If you like it, this can our permanent home, Zan… for as long as we remain employed by House T'Soni."

Glancing around the decently sized living room and kitchen area, Zan smirked at the House Captain. "Are you sure it is big enough for us? How many bedrooms do we have?"

Livos, cocking her head slightly at what she thought an odd question, responding tentatively, "We only need one… don't we?"

"For now, I suppose that's true." Zan's smirk grew in her mirth as she watched Liv struggle with the question. As she failed to come up with a reply, Zan continued, "But you didn't answer my question, Liv. I mean, both of us are barely over 500 years of age… and the war is over. We have plenty of time remaining to us… to enjoy one another… plenty of time to live what most would consider normal lives…"

Zan left the statement hanging for a few seconds before Livos' eyes widened in sudden understanding. "You are thinking of children! Beginning a family of our own!"

"Am I being crazy, or is it something you are willing to consider?" Zan's smirk faded to a simple smile. "I certainly wouldn't want to force the issue… it's just something we eventually need to discuss, don't you think?"

"Absolutely a future discussion." Liv suddenly grinned back at her lover. "Tonight, however, is a bit early for that particular topic, seeing as we've just managed to get together… I mean, really together… as in full-time. Though, I will admit, I can't see this not working out, Zan. Not as much as we love one another."

"Me neither, Liv… which is exactly why I wanted to plant that seed – only figuratively speaking for now, of course – sooner rather than later in our relationship."

"By the Goddess, Zan! Like I said, I can't imagine this not working… so, if you honestly want to have children, I don't need time to think about it as a yes or no question… just a matter of when." Livos paused only a moment before grinning and adding, "Well, that… and perhaps the who part of that equation.

That statement made Zan laugh outright. "I am more than happy to volunteer for our first, Livos! As for a second, that is an entirely different subject altogether… and should maybe wait until after we manage the first one? Just perhaps, one will be all we ever desire." The corner of Zan's mouth twitched up as she stated, "But you still haven't told me how many bedrooms we have."

"Three," responded Liv, her voice growing husky as she pulled her lover tightly against her, just before sliding one of her hands under the back of Zan's shirt and feathering her fingers much too softly across her lower back folds.

Zan's eyes slowly closed as she quietly growled, "Goddess, please do not tease me, Liv. Not right now… it has been entirely too long."

Livos' hands shifted to grab the hem of Zan's shirt, lifting it to pull it over the Asari's head and dropping it quickly to the floor. Her lips brushed across those of her partner as she whispered, "Who's teasing?" just before she lit with biotics to carry Zan to their new bedroom.


Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 27 Oct 2191

It felt odd, not returning home for the various holidays and remembrances over the course of the summer, but Liara had to admit that skipping all the travel and simply celebrating them on Ilos was surprisingly refreshing. The long-range communications terminal had been busier than normal, with her and Shepard calling the various locations for peoples' birthdays, as well as the Estate, specifically to welcome Zan to the family at the beginning of September, but that was a small price to pay for avoiding the stress and weariness that came with being continuously on the move.

Even without the travel, the next two months had seemingly passed them by in a blink, and the end of October seemed to have arrived all too quickly. Liara knew it was just a matter of perception, given how busy they had all been with the archaeological work – to include the Inusannon translations – along with the fairly steady trickle of newly arriving Batarian settlers. So, it was only now – hardly believing they were heading home for the start of the winter holidays – that she found herself saying her goodbyes. She chuckled to herself as she thought, Winter. When did that happen?

Shepard laughed in response and answered aloud. "Oh… about a week ago, I think, is when Lyessa gave us the news of the first snowfall."

Liara rolled her eyes and looked at her patronizing lover. "You know what I mean. Doesn't that seem a bit early to you?"

"I don't know. You're the one who grew up on Thessia!" Shepard chuckled and shrugged before continuing, "Though, I did ask Liv about it, and she admitted that it happens maybe once or twice a decade. Not exactly routine weather, but not completely unheard of, either."

"I suppose that is true enough. I guess I just haven't been home enough in recent years to be reminded of that." Liara smiled softly. "But I like winters at home, with you. Walking the beach… the snow sparkling in the moonlight." She paused and grinned as she added, "The snowball fights… immediately followed by a hot cup of tea or Kaffe and snuggling together in front of the fire."

"I can't wait," Shepard responded, without hesitation, as a happy grin spread across her lips. "It will be a welcome break… especially with all the extra personal time."

As they walked and talked, they had arrived at the Embassy office. They did not even need to knock, as Ambassador Colis – along with Ruso Lukens, Aelia Dethan and Delea Fedah – were all standing in the lobby area, waiting for them. "Ahh! There are my favorite staff members!" Furant flashed a smile. "All packed and loaded, prepared to depart for your vacation?"

"We are, thank you." Liara smiled softly as she added, "I never dreamt you would allow us to be absent from here for more than two months' time."

"Why not?" Furant asked with a bit of a frown. "Delea has proven to be an excellent Batarian liaison to the Protheans, and is particularly adept at helping our newer arrivals get settled in. Your dig site is in very capable hands with Saleesha and Rasha… not to mention the various SILC platforms… and work continues at a steady pace. You excel at planning, and I am confident everything will proceed on schedule while you are away."

His gaze shifted to Shepard as he continued, "And you, rather artfully if I do say so myself, somehow persuaded the Council to include both Alliance and Turian frigates into the rotation for Ilos' perimeter defense, to ease the burden on the House T'Soni vessels, Liberation and Freedom." His face took on a look of bewilderment as he added, "And I still have to wonder how you managed to convince Aria, of all people, to provide traffic observation ships and crews at the relays between the Traverse and Terminus, to provide us with an early warning of any potentially hostile craft that could be headed our way!"

Shepard chuckled at that while glancing at Arick Vythan. "That was all part of the technology and trade agreement which Liara and I helped the Protheans broker with Omega." Looking back to Colis, she continued, "That tech is worth a whole bunch of creds… which just might make it worth the risk to certain autonomous operators. So, if Aria wants to ensure her exclusive shipments get through – unimpeded and not intercepted by those independent pirates – then she needs to protect her end of the connections. It's either that or allow Alliance forces to do it, something she will never allow to take place… not in her space. It was easy enough to ask for that protection clause to include early warning to Ilos, should any of her scouts observe any… shall we say 'questionable' traffic… outbound from the Terminus and heading in our direction."

"Oh, I see!" Furant nodded emphatically. "Making Omega share the expenses of route protection. Excellent idea… especially for such advanced technology! We certainly wouldn't want any of that to end up in the wrong hands."

"No, we wouldn't… and neither does she." Shepard shook her head. "Of course, her motive is purely about her profits. If someone else intercepts a shipment, they could easily undersell us. Worse, though it's a longshot, they could possibly set up fabrication. If that happened, we would forever and completely lose our corner on the market. So, don't give Aria T'Loak too much credit, Ambassador. Trust me, her motivation is entirely about profit-protection."

"Yes, yes… of course. Predictably Aria." The ambassador flashed a grin. "But it doesn't matter why it works… as long as it does work, correct?"

Shepard chuckled. "Yup. But we still need to monitor her activities… because she'll always be looking for a better angle for Omega."

"Of that I have no doubt, Shepard." Colis nodded. "But enough business chatter. You must be on your way. Pleasant journey to you all… and enjoy your vacation. We will see you in January!"


T'Soni Estate, Thessia, Parnitha System – 29 Oct 2191

It was late evening when Aletheia touched down at her home base. Even so, almost the entire household turned out for Liara and Shepard's return, including Aethyta and Mozia with their contingent of commandos from House Armali. The only ones not standing on the fringes of the landing pad were those who were either on duty, or sleeping, in preparation to come on duty after midnight.

Liara and Shepard descended the ramp, smiles on both their faces, but it was Liara who spoke. "Thank you, all of you, for coming out to meet us at such a late hour! Truly, it wasn't necessary. Unless something is wrong, let us all retreat to the house and relax for a bit, perhaps with a nice glass of Elasa! I do not imagine there is anything that requires our immediate attention, and cannot wait until tomorrow?"

"Only the overdue, personal welcome of your newest member of House T'Soni." Livos' voice sounded from the side, causing Liara to turn.

"Zan!" Liara moved quickly to wrap the Asari in a welcoming hug. "It truly is good to have you here!" Pushing back with a smile, she continued, "How are you settling in? Has everyone been good to you?"

Zan chuckled quietly, smiling happily at Liara in return. "No worries there, Lady Liara. Rest assured, your staff have performed their welcoming duties well beyond what a simple nature guide could ever expect." She glanced at Liv, who immediately joined them, before continuing. "We do have business to discuss, but you are absolutely correct in your assessment that it need not be addressed this evening… not even this week, should you choose to take time to relax a bit. From the reports we've been getting, you certainly deserve a rest!" A smile lit up her entire countenance as she concluded, "I'm not going anywhere, so will make myself available at your convenience."

"Thank you… and welcome, again, to House T'Soni!" Liara looked around, smiling at everyone. "And… I really wasn't kidding. I'm going in for a glass of Elasa and then heading straight to bed. Anyone joining us for a drink?"


Liara quickly realized inviting everyone for a drink wasn't the best of ideas, immediately recognizing it would be much later than anticipated, before she and Shepard would make their way to bed. Her only comfort came from Shepard, with a quick reminder across the link. {Don't worry about it, Ionúin Álainn. We are here to relax and enjoy the holidays… and it's not like we have to get up early on our first full day home.}

They chatted first with the matriarchs, Mozia and Aethyta, getting caught up with all the comings and goings that had happened, including the very unexpected visit by Matriarch Marisha. Mozia smiled understandingly. "It is no surprise she did not want to say goodbye to a daughter she had just so recently gained. I believe one such as Zan – in work ethic, heart, and soul – will be difficult for Marisha to replace, no matter what credentials their new wilderness guide brings."

"Come on, Moz!" Aethyta chuckled and shook her head. "You heard Zan… she doesn't have any plans of forsaking her new mother. Being here might be a big change at first, but she and Liv have every intention of visiting a certain resort for their holidays… and not just because S'Vatyne is top-notch. Zan loves her newly adopted mother every bit as much as Marisha loves Zan – it's definitely mutual. And it's not like they cannot call and chat whenever they want to."

"I know… but it's just not the same as having that someone at your side, Aethyta… and you know it!" Mozia gave her mate a molten look. "You, especially, are more than aware of that. Our time apart during the war was absolutely horrible… nearly too much to endure."

"Yes, it was." Aethyta nodded. "But that was different… and, I'll admit, frightening. The Estate was dark… so we couldn't exactly call and reassure one another we were okay. We're well past that now, and so are Zan and Marisha."

A lightly accented voice spoke up from behind Aethyta. "I'm sure Zan will be just fine, if the way she and Liv are acting right now is any indication." Kasumi seemed to have appeared from nowhere; even without a cloak, the woman was still amazingly quiet and stealthy.

"Goddess be damned, Kasumi!" Aethyta cursed. "Doing shit like that is going to get you killed! You're lucky I didn't warp you into next week! Stop sneaking up on people!"

"That was not my intent, so I do apologize, Aethyta. You, of all people, are not one to tolerate surprises, inadvertent as this one was; I will be more careful in future." She smiled at the people sitting at the table as she explained her presence. "I have been holding on to these until I found the four of you together, so you can share the spoils." She paused as she put down the box she had been carrying. Opening it, she removed four rather decorative bottles from within and placed them on the table. "I bought these while visiting my home country of Japan. While tame by your standards, Aethyta, I still believe you will find the flavor to your liking. It is Tokutei meishō-shu – a special-designation sake which is the equivalent of a fine table wine." She paused while each of the four picked up a bottle for closer study. "I highly recommend consuming it with food… I believe it will pair very nicely with a Tuinnín dinner, no matter the sides that accompany it."

"Thank you, Kasumi." Mozia gave the woman an appreciative look. "We'll be sure to take these back to the city and share with those at the townhome." She purposefully paused to look at her partner as she asked, "Won't we, Aethyta?"

Chuckling, Aethyta responded, "Sure we will. I'm not much of one to sit down and polish off a bottle of table wine, anyway. Consider these two safe for the journey back to Armali."

"Excellent," responded Kas. She then looked at Samantha. "See you at commando practice in the morning, Shep?"

Shepard gave her a smile and answered promptly, "Not likely. I do believe Liara and I plan on sleeping in on our first morning home." She drew a deep breath, causing an inadvertent yawn, which made her continue sheepishly, "Apparently, we've got some catching up to do. Things on Ilos have been kind of crazy. How about we wait until Monday?"

"Monday?" Kas crossed her arms under her chest and cocked back on a hip. "I suppose, if that's the way you want it, it will simply have to do. I feel I must warn you, though… after a full day of rest, you had better come prepared!"


T'Soni Estate, Thessia, Parnitha System – 31 Oct 2191

"Ow."

"Ow?" Liara immediately stopped the impromptu massage she had just begun and opened her mind more, searching for the cause of Shepard's pain. "What do you mean… ow? Did you do something to your shoulder in commando practice?"

"No…" Shepard rolled her right shoulder, reaching across her chest with her left hand to rub it gently. "I started Kenjutsu training with Kas today, and she promptly declared I had a weak defense on my right side, even with my early Asari blade training with Niria."

"And you denied any such weakness, didn't you?" Liara wasn't sure if she wanted to chuckle at Shepard's typical bravado or be angry at Kasumi for exploiting it. "So, her response was to demonstrate the truth of her statement." Shaking her head, a grin finally won out over any antipathy she may have felt towards the enigmatic master thief. "She managed to verify what, in reality, we both already know about you, Shepard. You truly defend your left while leading with your right… almost always, and it leaves you open to anyone with a decent level of skill."

"Which kinetic shields normally protect against with ballistic or energy weapons…" Shepard sighed. "Just not blades." She smiled softly at her Anam Cara. "Make it better?"

"Of course… assuming you are speaking of your bruised shoulder rather than your style of attack." Liara smirked. "That, I have been trying to help you fix since we first met." She paused, a small giggle supplanting her words, then concluded, "I no longer believe there is any hope for that."

"Ouch, T'Soni!" Shepard chuckled. "That just might hurt more than my shoulder!"

"I very much doubt that, Siame." Liara stood, moved to retrieve a small tube of medi-gel from the side table, then quickly returned to Shepard's side. Retaking her seat on the couch, she waved her hand to indicate that Samantha needed to remove her shirt.

"Here?"

"Do you want me to 'fix it,' or not?" Liara gave her a look of mock exasperation. "Love and biotics are not magic, Sam. You still need medi-gel to help with the bruising."

At that, Shepard laughed. "I imagined you would just kiss it and make it better. You know your kisses work magic on me any day of the week, Liara."

"Stop it…" Liara blushed slightly as she responded, "… or you're never going to see this medi-gel touch your skin."

"Fine." Shepard grinned as she pulled her shirt over her head, exposing much more than her shoulder. As Liara squeezed a bit of gel on her fingers and reached for the sore spot, Shepard flexed, making Liara pause and raise a brow marking towards the woman.

"You are really asking for it, aren't you?" Liara's voice was low, trying to sound accusatory, but Shepard knew there was another reason for the huskiness in her tone and chuckled quietly.

"Asking for what, exactly?"

The playful quality of Sam's words was more than Liara could stand, so she retorted, "Initially, you hesitated to even take your shirt off here… I can't imagine what you'll do if I call you on your bluff… right now… right here… this very moment."

It was Liara who was surprised when Shepard answered quietly, "Have you ever considered – even for just an instant – the possibility that I am gradually becoming more Asari, every single day I spend with my Thessian family… more specifically, with you, Liara T'Soni. What then?"

Liara didn't miss a beat. She leaned in and touched her lips to Shepard's, even as her hand aimed at the sore shoulder, to gently rub the gel onto the bruise that had been revealed by the removal of the woman's shirt. Their foreheads remained together as their lips separated, Liara answering quietly, "I think I would like that very much, Siame, even if I do still feel like that blushing maiden whenever I am with you in this way."

"In this way?" Shepard's brow rose. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that we are entirely different people when we are at work… or in armor, be it on the battlefield or just in the practice arena." Liara smiled softly as she continued, "But here? We are safe, well-guarded and protected by others, such that we can let our own guards down and do exactly as we please. Believe me when I say this pleases me, Samantha… very much… much more than my words could ever begin to explain." Her next few words were unexpectedly abrupt, as if she had to get them out before her trepidation overtook the impulse. "Join with me?"

"Here? Now?" Shepard's gaze darted about the room. No one was around and, she had to admit – both to herself and to Liara – that the idea of making love in such a public place had its own sense of intrigue and adventure. "Gods!" she exclaimed. "We must be absolutely daft."

Liara's eyes sparkled, even as she chuckled nervously. "Or so very much in love that we honestly don't care if someone sees us?"

"Yeah, maybe there's a bit of that as well." Shepard – also nervous – drew a deep, shaky breath. The feeling was obviously mutual and resonated through the link, almost as if this was their first time together. Shepard rhetorically asked, "What the hell?" just before she shrugged and grinned like an eager teenager. Looking at her bondmate, she whispered conspiratorially, "Let's do it, Ionúin Álainn. We have plenty of time before anyone will expect us for dinner… and the start of Samhain."