Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

Beltane - Gaelic May Day festival; welcoming of Summer (Gaelic)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

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

A Path Revealed

Serrice, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 14 Apr 2192

"I can't thank you enough for the sweet targeting upgrade kit for my assault rifle! That thing had to cost a fortune!" Ashley was beside herself over the birthday present she had received from the couple, not even waiting for Shepard to make her standard annual call at the end of the evening. She had literally jumped with joy upon realizing what was in the package from Thessia.

Shepard and Liara chuckled as they exchanged happy glances, with Liara being the one who explained. "It is standard equipment for our commandos here, Ashley. Knowing how much you would likely love it, we simply bought an extra kit when we placed our normal springtime equipment upgrades orders."

"You just may have set a new expectation for my birthday every year, Liara." Ashley smirked as she continued, "I could get used to being included on the House T'Soni annual springtime equipment upgrade list. If this is an example, you two buy only top-of-the-line equipment!"

Shepard let out a good-hearted belly-laugh before answering, "For you, Ash? Consider it done. You pulled my ass outta the fire more than enough times during the war, so I think you deserve nothing but the best."

"Truer words have never been spoken!" Liara tagged on. "With all the action you two saw during all the conflicts, I could never thank you enough for all the times you helped deliver Samantha back to me in one piece. That is something I can never repay… no matter how many gifts we send to you."

Williams ducked her head as an intense blush crossed her features. Returning her gaze to the images before her, she replied in a distinctly embarrassed tone of voice, "Yeah, once I pulled my head out of my ass over the whole 'you're working for Cerberus' thing." She gave Liara a bit of a smile as she added, "I'm not sure I ever did apologize to you for the things I said the day we scooped you off Mars, and I'm truly sorry it took me so long to come around."

"Long ago forgiven and forgotten, Ashley." Liara smiled back at her, encouraging the woman to relax a bit. "So, accept the gift with the intent in which it was given. Enjoy it. You must know we love you like family, and we always will… even with the occasional… disagreement." She cocked her head slightly as she asked, "How's Andreas?"

"He's great," Ash responded with a smile. "We've actually been discussing wedding dates… which is a secondary reason for my call to you, instead of waiting for you to call me tonight."

Shepard grinned. "Am I that predictable?"

Ashley smiled at her former commander. "When it comes to a call on my birthday? Absolutely!" She paused for a moment, then asked, "Would it be possible for you to send me a copy of your tentative schedule for the rest of the year? We don't want to pick a wedding date that will conflict with whatever you two have going on these days."

Liara activated her omnitool, made a couple of entries, then sent a file. "There's my entire schedule for the rest of the year, Ash. After you look at it, I'm sure you'll agree we have become extremely busy." As she finished speaking, Ashley's omnitool self-activated and downloaded the data.

Ash skimmed through the file, pursing her lips and giving sound to her thoughts with a long, piercing whistle of astonishment. "Okay…" she smirked. "I always believed Asari required sleep, same as Humans, but I don't see any time in this schedule that allows for that."

Liara chuckled. "I will admit, my days have become filled from sunup to sundown, and sometimes beyond." With a loving look at her Siame, she added, "I have Sam to help keep me on track… she's an excellent distraction."

Shepard chuckled, "Yes, well… we should cut this short so you can get back to work, Ash. Glad we could chat before you head back out again." She cocked her head and added, "We'll be expecting a note from you soon as you have a date set. Maybe, even include an alternate date? Oh! And a location... which, I would guess, you'll want to be married on Earth – London, perhaps?"

"Good guess, Skipper. We've actually discussed the possibility of getting married in the new memorial park. Soon as we can get things lined up, we'll give you a call." She paused briefly, then said, "Thanks again for the kit… both of you. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness." With a nod of her head, she concluded, "We'll talk soon. Love you both!" and cut the connection.

Ashley leaned on the rail for a few moments after Liara's and Samantha's images dissolved in a swirling dance of shadows and light. Pushing away from the railing, she turned and moved out of the QEC compartment; pausing beside a waiting Comms Specialist Dubow, she quietly said, "Secure the QEC, Mr Dubow. Shouldn't need to use it again for a while."

Dubow responded, "Aye, Ma'am," as she began to walk away. Strolling through and around the circular war room, she moved into the secure passageway, past the conference room and unmanned checkpoint. Chokepoint, really, came the thought. Ever since Shepard had pulled the young Marine privates from their posts in here, the positions had stayed unmanned. Except when the ship was docked and there were guests aboard, she didn't see any reason to waste manpower guarding an unused passageway. Never made sense to me either.

She thought briefly of Sarah Campbell, and – especially – Bethany Westmoreland… women had welcomed their inclusion on Shepard's ground teams with unbridled enthusiasm. After all this time, Beth dying because of a grand-standing Han'Gerrel still hurts. The memory of just how much Westie enjoyed lighting up enemy Geth with an arc projector brought a small grin to her face as she stepped through the hatch leading to the CIC.

The sound of the hatch opening, along with the sound of Williams' footsteps, brought Commander Rensch's head around. He turned partway, as if to step down from the platform behind the galaxy map projection well; Ashley waved a hand, saying, "I'm going up to my quarters for a couple of minutes, Mr Rensch. Get the ship underway for the relay… I'll be back down by the time we get there."

Upon entering her quarters on Deck One – the 'Loft' – Ashley sat at her desk and, after glancing at the display case full of model starships, activated her comms terminal. She entered Dré's address, then wrote a short note to the love of her life, in which she described her just concluded QEC visit with Samantha and Liara on Thessia. She appended her note with a copy of T'Soni's schedule for the rest of the year, with the conclusion that, if he could arrange for the time off, the first two weeks of September would be an ideal time. They could say their vows on Monday the 3rd, with all their friends and relatives in attendance, then leave on Tuesday for a ten-to-twelve day honeymoon.

She concluded by writing, "If we agree on the third of September – in London – we have just over four-and-a-half months to make our plans, Dré. It will give my mom and sisters time to make arrangements to be there for us, as well as any family members you wish to invite, plus all our friends; most importantly, T'Soni and Shepard should be able to be there for us as well. Let me know at your earliest convenience, my darling. I love you."

She tagged the note as 'high priority', placed it in the outgoing messages queue – it would be sent as Normandy flew past the comms relay – shut down her terminal, and left to rejoin her XO in the CIC.

Serrice University, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 27 Apr 2192

Before they knew it, the next two weeks had flown by, Liara's time at Serrice being eaten up with staff meetings and curriculum reviews as Liara put her spin on the curriculum summary she had received for her upcoming semester. Her 'spin' including an almost complete rewrite of the course she had been assigned, 'Introduction to Basic Field Archaeology.' When she presented her entirely new course outline to Tevany, the dean was initially shocked but quickly realized the old class had actually become quite antiquated, teaching theory rather than practice. After reading Liara's proposal, she welcomed it with an open mind.

"This is fantastic, Liara!" Tevany's smile was infectious, and Liara found herself smiling back before the dean really got started. "Theory is good… but this new curriculum will actually teach skills… get students out into actual field practice to see what the career is truly about. A so much more interesting introduction than reading the terribly boring old records of previous expeditions done by others!" She shrugged, "I'm just not sure how we'll manage and fund the trips to some of these sites you want to visit over the course of the semester… at least two of these locations would be overnights and would interfere with the students' remaining class schedules."

"Not if we make those two trips 'optional' add-ons to the regular curriculum," Liara replied. "If you read the reference notes, I assumed those would be weekend trips where I would split the class, with no more than half of the class going on each one. If necessary, I will personally fund the expeditionary vessel charter, to include a full live-aboard experience that would simulate the start of an actual dig, pre-setup. It can't get much more realistic than that and would give the students an honest representation of what the career field would hold for them."

The dean stared at her for a moment before managing to say, "That is an exceptionally generous offer, Liara… I simply don't know what to say."

"Tell me you will advocate to the curriculum board for the suggested revisions." Liara smiled softly. "I know the final decision is not yours to make, and I will abide by whatever decision they come to. You can also tell them that as head of a Thessian High House, I never travel without security and that protection will be freely extended to any students in my care for the duration of the journey."

Tevany looked at Liara for a moment before responding, "I will hold that offer back, unless they discuss the cost of security as a cause for refusal. The safety of students is a definite concern, complicated by the fact you insist on bringing your commando team onto school property. I think making such an offer would highlight the potential for additional risk, if you truly believe you need that on campus." She then smiled, adding, "But, I also have full faith in your ability to provide that safety and security. If you can do that all the way out in the fringes on Ilos, you can certainly accomplish such at a dig site within local Council Space!"

"Thank you for your support and trust." Liara then added, "The unknown cost would be for any research permits we would need to acquire. I was thinking we could perhaps see if there are any outstanding research requirements for the Department of Antiquities? I would be happy to discuss the possibilities with the minister, Matriarch Elesia, to see if there is anything we could do for her… any particular information or relics she is hunting for. She was very supportive of our needs when we went on the hunt for the Protheans and, I do believe, she would relish the opportunity to aid us in the application approval process."

"By the Goddess, Liara!" Tevany chuckled as she asked, "Is there a single minister, anywhere in Thessian circles, whom you do not know on a personal basis?"

Liara actually blushed at the question, but had to answer honestly, "I am not sure… but can't think of any at present. Of course, the war necessitated some changes in personnel… so, I am positive there must be someone with whom I remain unfamiliar." She shrugged and smiled, adding, "But then, Matriarch Mozia has likely already made their acquaintance in my stead."

Tevany kept chuckling as she concluded, "Fine, fine! Leave all of this in my hands and get out of my office. I suddenly feel like I have a lot of work to do before the new curriculum approval process starts next week, all while you go running off to hide on Ilos!"

Liara laughed with her, then stood to move around her desk and give her a warm hug. "Thank you… and let me know if you need anything more from me before I return on the fourteenth. Even on Ilos, I remain just a comm call away."

Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 3 May 2192

House T'Soni had completed the evening rituals for Beltane at sundown, the last day of April, then immediately boarded the Aletheia for their departure to Ilos. They arrived early evening on Thursday, as planned, in time to have dinner with Sal and Rix, who had apparently fully endorsed their budding relationship during Liara and Shepard's absence. The new couple met them at the landing platform, hand-in-hand, both grinning happily.

Sal spoke first, stepping up to give each of them a hug as she greeted them both. "Goddess, it is good to have you back, even if only for a few days! It is positively amazing, how much has happened in your absence!"

Liara grinned happily, shaking her head briefly before replying, "Which is why I felt just fine leaving you and Rix to run things here. I had no doubts you would make wonderful progress without me hovering about, watching your every move. It is your time to shine!"

"Well… I hope you came with an appetite! We have the kitchen preparing a special welcome back dinner for all of you… traditional Asari food… in a reserved corner of the hall, where we can chat and fill you in." Sal glanced at Rix before adding, "Of course we can give you the quick summary while we walk." Her head turned to the commandos, looking specifically at Riana as she added, "With plenty for everyone. You, along with all the commandos, are welcome to join us, of course. I know you wouldn't be willing separated from Liara and Shepard anyway, so we planned for the full contingent."

Riana smiled and gave her a sharp nod of approval. "Thank you, Saleesha. A warm meal at a spacious table would be quite welcome about now. Not that the Aletheia is exactly a small vessel, but it will still be nice to have more room to stretch out a bit."

"Well, come on then! Let's eat!" Sal looped her arm through Liara's as they started to walk. "First, let me tell you that having Oriana's expertise has been wonderful! The SILC may have logical processing power… but the nuances of music? Undoubtedly, she has provided them with much needed insight on musical composition! The whole concept of counter melodies, versus harmonies, and how it all fits together has been absolutely key in them being able to decipher the Inusannon language. Once they figured it out though? They have managed to translate large segments of the recordings! I'm sure they can forward their progress to you, should you desire to see their preliminary work."

"And this one?" She then glanced at Rix, pointing at her with the thumb of her free hand. "By the blue blazes, she makes a great second! Her scheduling skills are like none I have ever seen. She has an eye on everything… nothing escaping her notice. I won't say anything else until you speak with Rasha… but I believe even she is surprised at how well Rix has stepped into that role. I think I heard her mention something to Tyson about how she might need to start worrying about job security if you bring Rix onto your payroll… joking, of course." At that point she simply smiled, laughed, and shook her head. "But, 'nuf said about that… any more has to come from Rasha!"

"This all sounds wonderful!" Liara gave the arm in hers a gentle squeeze. "I can't wait to get the whole story! I also have some news regarding my upcoming semester class. I just may need the two of you to help me out, if everything I want to do gets approved!"

"Seriously?" Rix canted her head so she could see past Sal to look questioningly at Liara. "Being a teaching aide? I thought that was for the advanced doctoral students… those who had completed the required field experience and were prepping for their dissertations."

Liara chuckled as she responded, "And just where in the process do you think the two of you are, with the research on the Inusannon going so well? Especially if the translations are as far along as you are alluding?" Her voice took on a more serious tone as she added, "Which means, while Shepard and I are here, you and I do need to sit down for a private session, to speak about where you want your future to go, regarding your doctorate or future employment."

Rix smiled softly, responding without hesitation, "There is little to talk about, in all honesty. Sal and I have had many discussions about my choice and have come to an agreement. If acceptable to you, I will accept employment at House T'Soni on an interim basis… until we figure out what Sal will be doing once she completes her doctoral program with Serrice. Then, once she receives her doctorate… I will follow wherever her path may lead." Her face tinted slightly as she admitted, "My future lies with Sal. She is both my lover and my best friend and, we both believe, our skill sets complement one another wonderfully. We feel we make a great team."

"So, you truly are going to give up on getting your own doctorate?" Liara asked, wanted a definitive answer from her current student.

"Yes, Doctor T'Soni, I am." Rix smiled contentedly as she added, "I am her Shepard. I bring balance to the equation to keep her from working too hard, staying up too late, and losing herself in her work. Does that sound familiar?" She chuckled and shook her head. "With her wartime experience, I always believed Sal to be more like Shepard… but, after observing the team dynamics over time, I quickly realized you and Sal are more alike than any of us ever realized."

"Alright then. We can discuss your options further when time allows, particularly after we see what employment opportunities come available to Doctor Saleesha Kessori." Liara grinned at the couple as she added, "I would be remiss if I did not mention I hope to add both of you to the House T'Soni payroll, in an official capacity as my archaeological field team leads – with Rasha completing the triad as your site supervisor, of course – to keep everyone working much as we are now. It would allow me to dedicate the majority of my time to Thessia. I want to enjoy my many roles there… the leader of House T'Soni, a full-time professor at Serrice…" She smiled at Shepard as she continued, "… the bondmate of Samantha, and a father to Michael."

Rix and Sal both stopped dead in their tracks, turning to stare at Liara in surprise. The sudden stop forced the commandos following closely behind to dodge the unexpected roadblock as Saleesha asked, "Are you serious?"

"I would never jest about such a thing," Liara answered without pause. "I know the level of your work and I trust your judgement… or you never would be doing what you are now. And Rasha has nothing but praise for both of you. I will ask her if it is acceptable to show you the last performance reports she sent to me for the both of you. Before I have that permission, I will say she is the one who recommended this course of action. She obviously has my full trust, with a lot of field experience to back that up, so you should both take that as extremely high praise."

Liara paused and chuckled quietly for a moment before she added, "I do know for a fact she was jesting with Tyson when she mentioned Sal taking her job… though, I do believe there was just a bit of truth to it, being she was more likely thinking Sal would be the lead and you, Rix, would be the one to threaten her position as the site manager."

"Oh, no!" Rix exclaimed. "I am much more the personal aide… keeping schedules, doing project tracking, and making sure reports get filed on time; things like that. I have no desire to be the working site lead… all the logistics, equipment setup, and operations? No thank you!"

"The three of us do work very well together, that's for sure." Saleesha's face held a wide grin as she gave a nod of agreement, suddenly feeling extremely optimistic regarding her future and her continued involvement with House T'Soni. Being able to follow her dream of archaeology with a secured placement post-graduation was enough to make her happy… but, to have that placement be with a High House – led by a couple as famous as Liara T'Soni and Samantha Shepard – rather than some poorly funded educational or research program? That was something she had never considered, even in her wildest imaginations! Even so, she managed to keep her voice level as she continued speaking. "Well… enough of all that for now. We're here and it's time for our reunion dinner. Let's eat!"

Serrice University, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 14 May 2192

To her great satisfaction, Liara had returned to the University of Serrice to find her proposed new curriculum for the class she would be teaching, Introduction to Archaeology, had been approved, almost unanimously. Tevany had been positively glowing with the good news, commenting on the fact that all but one of the advisors had agreed the change was for the better… much better. The only resistance they received was from the drafter of the superseded curriculum, who had complained about it being tailored to the particular 'whims and fancies' of an untested educator, warning the class was doomed to failure because of the higher performance expectations than those for a standard introductory course, as well as its rather unique travel requirements. She was instantly rebutted by the dean, who had been very thorough on her background research – to include an electronic poll of incoming archaeological students.

In no uncertain terms, Tevany provided hard data; more than 90 percent of the respondents had agreed the new curriculum was more engaging and would be more purposeful as they moved forward in their doctoral education. Tevany had simply shrugged as she told Liara the whole story, which ended with the old professor stomping out of the room, grumbling something about the judgement of uneducated students being worth more than her own so, as her opinion no longer mattered, she would stop wasting everyone's time.

Tevany looked sad as she finished, "She has had a wonderful career at the university, I sincerely hope she does not leave on such a sour note… or attempt to cast doubts amongst our supporters regarding our capacity to properly evaluate course requirements. If she will only hang on long enough to realize change is not her enemy, she will leave on much better terms once her time for retirement truly does come along."

Liara had attempted to apologize for any difficulties she may have caused, but Tevany wouldn't hear it. "Your fresh perspective obviously struck a chord with the incoming students… who have spent two or more decades preparing for this very thing, Liara – their doctoral coursework. Introductory course or not, they expect it to be difficult! They have already spent their time in the classroom and simply expect… more… from a doctoral program. Your revised curriculum provides the spark of realism today's scholars are looking for. And, based on the level of support from the incoming students, we may need to consider changing the class location to one of the larger lecture halls; one which can handle a much higher student capacity… and possibly consider adding additional optional weekend trips, assuming you are willing and able to accommodate such in your schedule."

Liara's eyes grew a bit wider as she listened to the dean but, by the time her advisor was done explaining, her lips held a smile as she said, "Well, then… it is a very good thing I already mentioned to Sal and Rix that I may need their help during those trips. Rather than cram in more trips, we'll simply increase the capacity of those we already have planned, as required."

Tevany had simply stared at her for a few moments as Liara's words sunk in. Finally, she erupted in laughter for a few moments. She finally regained her self-control and grinned at the university's newest professor. "And this foresight you possess is the very reason we need you, Liara! I'll make sure we don't schedule more than… what? Forty? Fifty students per semester?"

Liara shook her head. "Honestly, I was thinking Sal, Rix and Rasha could each demonstrate their own specialty, which would be straight up archaeology for Sal, scheduling, recording and reporting for Rix, and logistics management for Rasha. I think each could handle ten students at a time per trip, for a total of thirty students… with me moving between the groups. If we do two trips, that is a total class size of 60, assuming we complete the two trips as planned."

"So, one of the large classrooms, not necessarily a lecture hall," replied a smiling Tevany. "The only thing we have to do now is figure out how sustainable that will be, once your doctoral students graduate. I am uncertain as to the sustainability of this arrangement."

Liara sighed quietly before answering, "Very sustainable, actually. I plan on hiring Doctor Kessori as my field lead, so I can focus on teaching here. I will also be hiring Rix as her aide. The only regret I have in this arrangement is Rix has decided not to complete her doctoral review. She will finish the course work but has no intention of completing an actual thesis presentation to the review board." Liara's expression became brighter as she added, "The two have fallen in love and, given the performance of both Sal and me, Rix has determined she would not be very competitive in the field. She simply does not feel she has the necessary motivation and drive."

"But that's ridiculous!" Tevany growled. "She's comparing herself to probably two of the brightest lights we have had in the field for a very, very long time!"

"Which, as she told Sal and me during our last discussion, she is very happy to follow and work for. She actually said she would rather follow two people she loves than go out on her own and live what she called a 'starving artist' life." Liara chuckled as she concluded, "I did have to admit she likely has a valid point. Good paying jobs within the archaeological field are few and far between… legal ones, anyway."

Tevany released a quiet sigh of acceptance. "Well, it is her choice to make. I thought she showed great promise… and given how much Saleesha has bloomed under your tutelage, I know the fault does not lie with you. I, too, will admit that archaeology is a field of passion, not based on huge monetary reward. So, however loathe I am to admit it, she is likely making the correct choice for her particular case. Is this something I need to forward to the review board?"

"Not yet, no." Liara's face held a sad smile. "She has yet to submit her formal application for withdrawal, so I do not want to push her timeline. I imagine we'll see it within the next couple of weeks, though, so I very much doubt we will have to wait too long."

"Well, thank you for coming in, Liara." Tevany rose and walked around her desk to give Liara a hug. "Enjoy your week at the Estate with your family, and we'll see you on Monday!"

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 17 May 2192

It was a beautiful day when Liara and Shepard introduced their 11-month-old Michael to his grandmother Benezia. In honor of her death, they spent the morning going through old vids, reminding those of the house of the happier times during Liara's earlier years. Shepard asked Liara to remember what they talked about on the Presidium… how her mother was confident and kind and how she loved the color yellow. Liara remembered that day, reiterating to little Michael, "Your grandmother was the most beautiful Asari in the galaxy. I wish she was still with us, if for no other reason than to meet you."

Liara surprised everyone, including herself, when speaking those words did not bring her to tears. She drew a deep breath, her thoughts having already traveled to Samantha via the link, and added aloud, "Well… it's only taken me what? Nine years? I can finally speak of my mother and not fall apart, even though I still miss her immensely. I remember, after it all happened, you told me that such a thing was possible… but, until this very moment, I didn't think I honestly believed it ever would." She managed a small, shy smile as she leaned in give her bondmate a quick, loving peck on the lips before adding, "Thank you… simply for being you… and for all the support you have given me over the past decade, Samantha."

Shepard smiled and looked around the room at all those in attendance. "I have said it before but is worth repeating. It truly has been my honor to have joined… and my pleasure to serve… House T'Soni. I'd like to think that the Matriarch would be extremely pleased with how we handled the war and our recovery from the devastation. We will never forget Matriarch Benezia T'Soni and shall never bring dishonor or ruin to her House. This I swear to all those who serve this Asari Great House, present and past." Seeing the nods and smiles, along with a few expressions of resolve to see her words made truth, Shepard added, "Now, I think it's time to head outside, wander Benezia's favorite gardens, and make our final stop of the remembrance ceremony at her memorial, so each of us can say our own words to our deceased, yet still beloved, Matriarch."

Shepard rose from her seat and scooped little Micheal – who squealed and laughed happily with excitement – up onto her shoulders. Liara rose quietly, only a trace of moisture in her eyes which, via the link, Samantha knew they were not tears of sadness, but of happiness and devotion toward her bondmate and their son. "You ready, Liara?"

"Of course, Siame." Liara reached up and swept an errant lock of hair out of Michael's face. She then pulled her hand back slowly, drifting the backs of her fingers gently down the side of Shepard's face. "I love you, Anam Cara."

"I know," came the soft reply. "I still count on it every single day I draw breath, Ionúin Álainn."