A faint pulsing hum resonated through the room, ripples of light from the illuminated fish tank occasionally casting shimmering arcs on the cabin walls. Tucked away at the top of the Normandy, Commander Shepard's quarters offered a sanctuary from the ship's relentless pace. The dim lights and soft ambience provided a serene contrast to the previous night's fervour.

A sharp hunger pang pierced through Shepard's stomach as she slowly awakened. The comfort of deeply restful oblivion faded away, returning her awareness to her body and surroundings. She took a deep breath, the familiar scent of her sheets mixed with an unfamiliar musk. The events of the prior evening slowly trickled back, like a fragmented holo coming into focus—the duel in the hangar, the intensity of their matched exchange, then the intimate tiebreaker held in her quarters.

Opening her eyes, she was greeted by the sight of Arius, tranquillity etched into his features as he read from a softly glowing datapad. His dishevelled hair contrasted starkly with the peaceful setting, a surreal tableau.

As the memories flowed, she began to scrutinize his features—his brow, eyes, jaw curve, and skin, which appeared free from scars. There was an uncanny elegance to him that differed from the human form. In that still moment, Shepard pondered the enigma of Arius—this figure of stories who had so effortlessly slipped through her literal and metaphorical defences.

Gently, she stirred. Feeling her move, Arius lowered the datapad, turning his head towards her.

"Morning," he offered, a subtle smile softening his voice.

"Good morning," she returned, her own smile tinged with a reserved warmth.

For a moment, the two simply gazed at each other, the weight of the previous night settling between them. There was a lot left unsaid, and many questions hung in the air, but for now, the quiet cocoon of the morning was enough.

"What's that you're reading?" she inquired, stretching languidly, her body surprisingly free from discomfort.

"Old horticulture accounts from Rannoch," he answered, turning the datapad slightly to show her some information about a grain native to the arid world. "I was surprised to receive a message from Tali asking if I could help lend any knowledge about raising crops. You wouldn't happen to know where she got that notion, would you?"

"I might've have let slip that you had experience with that sort of thing. Was I wrong to have done so?"

"Not at all. It was a refreshing change, to be honest. It took me back." He lowered his eyes, thinking. "I visited Rannoch during the Prothean era. When Tali was helping me restore power on Ilos, she asked me what I could remember about it. At the time, I could recall almost nothing. But the smell of it after you came back after running through its soil… it jogged my memory very unexpectedly. Not sure if you know this, but Rannoch has no insects; its plants evolved to rely on animals for pollination, even quarians. This unique relationship contributed to their weakened immune systems long before their exile. That was an anomalous thing for us to find, so we were there to study it. The closest thing they have to bees are carnivorous large horned sheep whose fleece is covered in pollen and seeds. It was a fascinating discovery."

"You sound like you miss that type of work," she observed.

"To my surprise, I do."

"After the war, the galaxy will be in ruins. We could benefit from someone with your expertise…"

Arius fixed her with a discerning look, then chuckled, "I see what you're trying to do."

She smirked, "Is it working?"

Arius set down the datapad. "By the stars above - your charisma is unbelievably dangerous."

Her laughter was a soft echo. She propped herself on an elbow, her tone turning earnest. "I've been told. But seriously, Arius, there's more to the galaxy than just waging war. There are people out there who need the kind of knowledge you have. Don't you want to be part of a future where we can pick our own destiny?"

There went that unexpected optimism again, Arius reflected, worming its way into his thoughts. The destruction of the Reapers had been the singular goal in his life, a target that forever seemed to loom out of reach. He had never dared think about life after, for what was the point if the step before it was unreachable? But now, the thought of building something for the unknown future gleamed in the distance, beaconing to him from across the threshold. This beautiful creature beside him had unexpectedly shown up in his life and was slowly changing a great deal.

Arius chuckled, gingerly brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Sometimes, Eden," he began, pausing to find the right words, "When you've been chasing shadows for so long, you forget that there might be a sun behind them." Closing the distance between them, he gently kissed her lips. "As I said before, fate doesn't guarantee destiny. But maybe we can find that light together."

"I'd like that," she said, returning his kiss. "But first, we've got a galaxy to save. And for that, I need another shower and food. I'm starving."

With the mention of food, Arius' stomach gave an audible grumble. "Same. I might just take a bite out of someone if I don't eat something soon."

She swung her legs over the side of the bed before standing and stretching, her joints popping satisfyingly. She felt invigorated from a restful sleep, free of any aches or pains. As she began walking towards the bathroom, she glanced back at him with an inviting smile. "Coming?" she called, her voice echoing slightly off the bathroom tiles.

.

Navigating the Normandy's corridors, the subtle changes in Shepard and Arius were not lost on the crew. Exchanged glances and hushed chuckles hinted that rumours of their newfound closeness had already begun to circulate. Nearing the mess hall, the ship's ambient thrum blended with the undercurrent of anxious chatter. The pair exchanged a look, their steps hastening towards the source of the unrest.

Inside, they found Specialist Traynor addressing a sombre crowd. Her face was etched with concern, her eyes reflecting the turmoil of the news she held. "Traynor, report," Shepard demanded, her tone authoritative.

Lifting her gaze, Traynor swallowed hard before responding. "Commander, the Reapers have penetrated asari space. We're still waiting on a full report from Thessian high command."

The weight of the news settled on them like a thick fog.

"It was only a matter of time…" Arius voiced, though he knew the news was invariably a harsh blow to morale. The emotional whiplash from the elation of the previous day to the present dread was almost palpable.

Shepard turned to the rest of the team. "Alright, everyone, we don't have time for despair. We've faced down impossible odds before, and we're going to do it again. Until we get a full report, it's business as usual. Make sure everything is prepped and ready to move."

There was nothing like an old-school brief to put one's mind at ease. The crew nodded and scattered to resume their duties. Shepard, meanwhile, resumed grabbing food and sat silently to eat. The mental balance she'd managed to achieve in the tranquillity of the morning was once again disrupted by the demands of war.

Arius, sensing her turmoil, placed a gentle hand on her arm. No words were needed. He sat down to eat, too, deeply reflective. The asari had nowhere left to turn.