Loyalties:
Mass Effect Trilogy is a Bioware game. For any reference to the Official Game All rights are owned by Bioware. The Fan Fiction "Mass Effect At Dawn Again" is a fruit of my imagination and my work, it is a free tribute, passionate and personal to a great video game. It is not allowed any use partial or total for profit and not.
Chapter 57
The First Morning Sunlight
Shepard is alone in her cabin, focused on putting some last touches on the surprise she is preparing for Liara. It has to be said, she went to a lot of trouble to get everything she needed in such a short time. Nevertheless, with the help of Tali, Traynor and Sergeant Davidson, in charge of Normandy's supplies, the results go far beyond her wildest expectations. Standing in the middle of the room, hands on her hips, the Commander peers at the table already set for two, with a critical scowl. The soft pink tablecloth perfectly complements the large rectangular plates in dark purple, and the square plates placed above them, which are smaller and identical in pink shade to the tablecloth. Next to each plate, there is a small golden candle holder with a long, bright red candle twisted into a spiral. Tali assured that once lit, they will spread a pleasant strawberry scent. Next Liara's seat, a small transparent glass vase contains a long-stemmed rose, with warm velvety red petals, still half-closed, and beaded with a dew veil. The soft light illuminates the room, and a sweet music spreads in the air a perfect vibe.
Emily wears dressy clothing and looks wonderful tonight. The soft red turtleneck sweater of light wool worked in relief adds elegance to her figure. The black fitted pants are embellished with French seams in golden thread. The slender appearance of hers is further enhanced by the elegant black shoes with a hint of heel. The woman chose a light makeup, and a dark pink lipstick, her sensuality highlighted by the soap and water look. Her honey-colored hair, softly laid on the neck, is crossed, here and there, by brushstrokes of lighter blond. The earrings and necklace's crystals reflect enchanting light, resulting in a radiant and sensual appearance. As the door opens, Shepard's heart welters convulsively through her chest, as she feels the unmistakable stomach squeeze that only one person in the entire Galaxy can make her feel.
The music welcomes Liara, still in the doorway, wrapping her in pleasant sensations. She recognizes the song, immediately. The same melody she tried to play on piano, the night spent with Shepard in Anderson's apartment, almost a "century" ago. She smiles, anticipating a pleasant surprise, letting herself be intoxicated by the inviting smell of roast, which pervades the room. "Hungry?" Shepard asks, and give her an intelligent smile, as she lights the last candle. Liara stares at her, still unable to speak, her eyes shining with joy, while the scent of strawberries mingles with the scent of food. Shepard pours some light white wine. She looks up, her smile caressing Liara's face, as she gives her the glass. "Here's to you, Babygirl!" The Asari gives a euphoric sigh, making the glasses clink. "Cheers, Shepard! Thank you, my love, you're... you're absolutely charming tonight!" She coos softly, revealing a quiver of excitement in her voice. "My pleasure! And, you're much more than charming, like every night!" Shepard whispers, seductively, inviting Liara to sit down, with a wave of her hand.
The Asari sits down, looking around with an absorbed face. "By the Goddess! It's all just so... so damn romantic! And, this delicious smell... now you'll tell me you can cook, right?" She asks, with heady irony. Shepard shakes her head, looking amused. "Well, actually... not at all! But, if you learn to play the piano, I could learn to cook!" She suggests, with a mischievous smile. "Sounds perfect!" Liara agrees, returning both mischief and smile, and causing something arousing in Shepard's stomach. "Great! We have a deal, then! But... for now, I have a promise to keep." The woman says, with a more serious and deep voice, under the curious gaze of her mate. "It's been four years, but... I haven't forgotten!" She drops the words, without taking her eyes off of Liara, who suddenly understands. Her mind goes back to a candlelit dinner planned right on the Normandy, but never made, because of the... Collectors! Tonight, the threat finally seems light years away. Liara's heart also welters convulsively through her chest, as she puts her glass on the table, and feels the unmistakable stomach squeeze that only one person in the entire Galaxy can make her feel.
She gets up, reaching for Shepard's hands, and slips gently into her arms. Liara's smile is warm and bright. She touches Shepard's neck with her face, lingering in her hair, immersed in her seductive scent, as whispers with infinite sweetness. "So... do you remember where we left off?" Shepard relishes a cascade of chills on her skin, upon contact with Liara's lips, which are moving, sensual, between her neck and cheek. "I do! Where I was saying... I can't wait for tonight to come!" She murmurs, eyes closed, impatiently looking for Liara's mouth. Their lips caress each other, while the young Asari whispers, lowly. "Hmm, right, but... if you kiss me now, I won't wake up in a life pod again, will I?" Shepard grins, reassuringly. "Hmm, I don't know... I bet we'll always wake up here... in peace and happiness, from now on!" Liara's lips meet Shepard's. The kiss envelops their senses, intimately. They meld into a passionate exchange of emotion, love and tenderness.
Dinner was delicious. Liara did not remember eating so well and feeling so stuffed in a lifetime. Nevertheless, she has no idea that the real surprise is yet to come. "Thanks, Emy! It was all delicious! I owe you a candlelit dinner!" She promises, in a persuasive tone, raising the glass to seal her intentions with a toast. The Commander smiles with her eyes, as brings the glass to her lips. "Sounds intriguing! I can hardly wait! Meanwhile... there's only one thing more important than that!" She reveals, taking out of her pocket a pretty little box, entirely covered in blue silk, and pleated by dozens of small folds, which converge near the upper left corner. This all held together by a colorful crystal. Holding her breath, Shepard offers the box to the love of her life, while her face is illuminated by a shy smile. Emotion floods every cell in Liara's body. The hands of hers are visibly shaking as she opens it, guessing. At the sight of the magnificent content, she is caught speechless. Mouth wide open, in an awkward smile of wonder. The eyes, shining, her vitals absolutely off the scale. She blinks slowly, once, twice, three times, sure she has been dreaming. "Goddess! Never seen anything more beautiful!" She admits, in a faint voice.
The ring is made up of two branches of yellow gold, artfully chased, and elegantly intertwined with each other. Branches that merge into a pretty heart-shaped leaf, above which is set a red ruby of the same shape, diamond-cut finish. A promise is engraved on the inside of the ring - "I'm Always coming back, my Eternity" - Liara's eyes are embroidered with tears of joy, as her heart is bursting with emotion."I don't... it's so... Oh, Emy, you... I-It's so beautiful!... S-So wonderful!... S-So incredible!" She fumbles, breathless, in a stunned voice. With her trembling hands, she caresses Shepard's face who gives back a dazed grin, while she feels herself floating in the air as weightless. "Oh, my love!... It's... It's too much... Must've cost a fortune! You... You're not going crazy, are you?" Liara wants to know, already starting to feel guilty, torn between immense happiness and a growing concern for Shepard's mental health. Shepard swallows to regulate the rapid heartbeat and regain control over her throat, constricted like a fissure, trying to unravel her vocal cords that seem irremediably tangled. "I have never been more right in the head in my life... Those were nothing but credits. My Fortune... it's you! Liara, my love, will you marry me?" Despite the great emotion, the voice comes out of Shepard's mouth, effortlessly. It seems perfectly natural to hear her say every sensual, profound word.
Weighed down by the intense emotion, a full term pregnancy, and a binge on roast and ice-cream, the young Asari must hold Shepard's hand in order to get back on her feet. A tear shines in the light of the candles, as they look into each other's eyes. Liara's fingers in Shepard's hair, Shepard's chest resting on Liara's, hearts pounding against their breasts, like crazy drums. "Yes... of course I will, my love! I wanna marry you and join you, in every possible way! I love you so... so much!" "I love you too!" They embrace, tenderly, their eyes embroidered with diamonds of light. They kiss, immersed in an ocean of happiness, which spreads forcefully in the midst of the soul, at the bottom of the inscrutable abysses of every cell, in the electrified senses, in the bodies dragged into the prodigious vortex of emotions. Liara's hands slide gently Shepard's sweater, pulling it off and setting her skin on fire with chills. The cheek of the young Asari rests on the chest of her mate, tenderly. The lips on the skin, eagerly looking for the heartbeat, continuous, powerful, tireless. Liara remains spellbound listening for a long time, closed eyes, heart at the mercy of an extraordinary trepidation. Her body radiates emotions, and a vibrant desire. Shepard's embrace becomes more and more intense, exciting. The hands of hers move along the fastening Liara's dress, unzipping, and letting it slide to the ground, silently. Shepard's lips gently trace Liara's shoulders with small kisses, wrapping her in a warm, electrifying contact that takes her breath away and makes her shudder.
"Wait, I'll get a blanket!" Emily wraps Liara in a soft blanket and hugs her tenderly, sitting behind her on the sofa, to keep her warm. "Thanks, Emy. It's not just cold... it's you!" The woman smiles, flattered, gently sliding her hands over Liara's belly and caresses it, fondly. She inspects the baby bump, looking for the slightest hint of movement. "Do you think she's sleeping?" She asks, in a low voice, sure she is blushing. "Haven't felt her move in a while, I guess so!" Liara nods surprised, staring at Shepard's blushed cheeks. "So... she won't realize what we're doing, will she?" She eventually asks, awkwardly trying to hide her embarrassment behind a mischievous smirk. Liara recognizes the delicate nature of Shepard's feelings and senses a profound tenderness. "Of course she won't! She's really tiny, Shepard!" Liara conveys a sense of reassurance, then adds, more seriously. "Although... since I'm pregnant, there have been very difficult, painful moments, which have certainly not contributed to her well-being! On the contrary, when I am happy, when I feel good, she also receives a pleasant feeling of calmness, which make her sleep peacefully and grow healthy, in perfect harmony." She concludes, settling into Shepard's embrace. "Hmm, there's an intriguing aspect here! So... is there anything I can do to make you feel... happy?" The commander wants to know, holding a sigh of foretaste. Liara says exactly what she was hoping to hear. "I don't know... it might be worth trying to... kiss me in that way!"
Shepard smiles, softly. She picks up the edges of the blanket and pulls them gently towards her, to find herself intimately intertwined in a warm embrace. Emily approaches Liara's breath, attracted by her seductive lips. Wondering if Odysseus' sirens were also blue, Shepard closes her eyes, inebriated by Liara scent, enraptured by the incomparable magic, bewitched by an irresistible call. She cannot breathe as she slowly slides towards Liara's smile, lingering on her thirsty lips, which are waiting for her. They stay in balance between vibrant sighs. They ignite, flare, and burn with passion. Their lips come together, they take and leave each other, again and again, in a long and deep kiss. Their bodies irresistibly attract each other, wrapped in an intense blue halo. They touch, caress, shiver and sigh, slowly, gently. Their senses are ignited with excitement, intimately intertwined, overflowing with joy and pleasure. The night falls apart in Shepard's hands, illuminates in fragments on the skin of Liara, dissolves in sighs, in the compelling touch of naked bodies, intoxicated with desire, pervaded with sweetness, lost in passion. Until, the Two become One, deeply and completely, in the wonderful wonder of ecstasy, which voluptuously overflows into a magical flight of love.
48 hours later...
...It is night. All is quiet, from the Crew's Quarters to the Engineering, and down to the Hangar. Nothing but silence envelops the ship. Spread everywhere, like a warm blanket, where everyone has found the refreshment, calmness and well-deserved rest. Sleep descended slowly, lulling each occupant, gently invading the bulkheads, conquering every deck, stealthily replacing the quivering comings and goings, the shouting and laughter of the celebrations for EDI's return home. Even the last glimmer of resistance finally gave way to rest, dissolving the exhilaration, giving in to tiredness, surrendering to dreams. In the Captain's cabin, Liara sleeps deeply, brushing her lips against Shepard's neck, head resting on her pillow, face pleasantly immersed in the scent of her hair. A sudden and excruciating pain abruptly tears her away from that pleasant sensation, leaving her breathless, curled up on her side, unable to speak, to react, even to move. An unbearable pain penetrates her belly, deep down. It is an intense, insistent, excruciating pain that never seems to end. She immediately realizes she is having a contraction. She wants to call Emily, wake her up, but the pain does not give her any reprieve. She feels like she is going crazy, and all she can do is cling to Shepard, desperately, with all her might.
Shepard wakes up in searing pain too. The moment she realizes that it is Liara's nails stuck in her arm, she jumps up like a spring, heart on the alert, unmanageable discomfort in the pit of her stomach. What is happening is engraved clearly on her mind. Instinct is already telling her what to do. She picks Liara up, chasing away all the restlessness, and helps her sit on the bed. "Honey, are you okay?! It's the baby, right?" She asks, guessing the answer in Liara's eyes. The Asari nods, trying to sound calm, while listening to her own heartbeat speed up. "Yes! I don't feel pain now, Emy, but... we're almost there! I think the baby is about to come!" Everyone knows that Shepard is used to handle high levels of stress, trained to dominate tension, conditioned to stay clear-headed in all circumstances. She is a woman used to reassure and protect, especially when it comes to Liara. However, in this moment, she is forced to admit to herself that she felt much safer and definitely less terrified facing the Harbinger. "Hold on, my Love... hold on! I'm calling Karin. She knows how to help you!" The woman stammers, apprehensively, trying her best to convince herself in the process. Liara nods, closing her eyes, as she tries to stifle a groan of pain. She focuses on the voice of Shepard who talks to Karin. "Here we go! Contractions have started. We're coming!" A short announcement, which requires an equally brief response. "Understood, Commander. I'm ready!"
Liara tightens her arms around Shepard's neck and feels herself being lifted. "Come on, cling to me, let's go!" She whispers as she picks her up, without any apparent effort. Together, they quickly exit the cabin, heading for the elevator. Both wearing only a loose fitting N7 shirt, which miraculously hides all that it is good to keep hidden. When they reach the infirmary, Karin is waiting for them, her med-tool on. She immediately proceeds to a first check. "It's okay, angel, don't worry! The baby is fine. She turned around and is getting ready to go out. The pain at this stage is normal." The doctor's voice is affectionate, the calm and firm tone of who knows exactly what to do. "How long has it been since the last contraction?" She asks, turning to Shepard, aware that the perception of time can be emphasized in someone who is experiencing intense pain. Before answering, the commander takes a moment to ponder and reconstruct events in chronological order. "Ten minutes, maybe less... Couldn't she meditate to relieve the pain?" She ventures, hopeful. "Absolutely not!" Karin blurts out, in a lapidary tone. However, immediately afterwards, she takes care to provide a thorough explanation. "The Asari have remarkable mental powers, which would risk slowing down, or worse, stopping the contractions, jeopardizing the baby's health and also Liara's. I'm sorry, Shepard. Just some relaxation techniques, some breathing exercises, but... nothing more!" She concludes, placing a supportive hand on the Commander's shoulder.
Shepard clenches her jaw, gripped by a frustrating feeling of helplessness that she does not know how to oppose. "Dammit!" She growls, aware that she is facing an enemy she cannot defeat with conventional weapons. "I'm alright, Emy! Don't worry, it's a physiological process... All Asari give birth like this!" The reassuring hand of Liara, who is already lying on the med-bed, gives her courage. "Yeah! As far as I know... human women too! It's just... I wish I could help you!" She admits, holding Liara's hands tight. "Oh, you're helping me so much, Emy! I could never do this without you!" Liara's voice is imbued with pain and emotion, but her gaze has never been more unshakable, bright. Shepard squeezes Liara's hand, caresses her forehead, comforting her soul, with the soothing sound of her voice. "I'm here! I won't leave you alone, my love! Hold on, everything will be over soon. We're about to meet our little blue baby!" Liara feels a sense of refreshment, completely enveloped in the intensity of her partner's love.
The contractions are getting more and more frequent, endless. Dr Chakwas is extremely focused. The gaze of hers carefully scans the fetal track monitor. Cerebral oxygenation is optimal. No risk of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy nor cerebral palsy. Rate 110 to 150 beats per minute, slightly bradycardia. The fetal heart rate dropped to 110 during the last contraction, slightly down. All vitals are perfectly normal for a baby Asari. The doctor's gaze shifts to the monitor showing Liara's biometrics. The data relate to a break between two rather close contractions. Systolic and diastolic pressure within normal parameters. The heart rate is currently 85 ppm, but it is declining. ECG free of non-specific anomalies. Karin gives herself half a second of controlled optimism. She carefully studied all stages of Asari childbirth, which fortunately does not differ much from a human's. She feels ready and prepared to assist Liara in the final stage of childbirth. Contractions follow each other faster and faster. Although the pain is very intense, when she feels she can't make it, Liara clings to Shepard's voice that encourages her, reassures and feels pain with her. Together, they are part of a single, invincible Creature, capable of facing any challenge, of resisting any pain. Three minutes, two minutes, one minute... The contractions are about to become pushes.
"Ok, this is it!... C'mon, push now with all your might. Good, like that! Seeing the crests... Come on, angel, your baby is coming!" Karin gently encourages Liara. Both with tiny drops of sweat on the forehead. Both absorbed at their maximum concentration. Each contraction becomes a forceful, decisive, and endless push. Liara feels a powerful strength growing inside her, getting bigger, taking over, and it seems she has never had so much fortitude in her life. Blue skin shimmering with sweat, every muscle tensed. The young mom feels extremely calm and self-confident, no plans to give up. She is reactive, focused on fighting, pushing, squeezing hands with Shepard. They are resisting, together, with unshakeable will, sharing the same soul, for as long as it takes. Karin keeps an eye on Liara's and the baby's vitals. The cutaneous crests are now completely visible... a last push might be enough.
"I think she'll come out on the next push! By performing a small incision, I will be able to assist you. You won't feel any pain. You just have to push, with all your might. Don't stop, until the little one gets out. I know you can!" The doctor says reassuringly as she pulls a conventional scalpel out of sterile case. The gaze of hers rests peaceful on her friend's face. Liara takes a long preparatory breath, then nods to Karin, who immediately turns to Shepard. "Now I need you. Grab that towel and listen to me. When I cut, the little one's gonna slide out like a bullet... To pick up the baby in the towel without dropping her, you must be fast and precise. Are we clear?" She orders, looking her commander straight in the eye, with an authoritative attitude. "Got it doctor!" Shepard hurries to confirm, resolute and concentrated, with the towel clasped in her hands, eager to help. Giving Liara a loving look, she adds softly. "I'll take care of her!" The push comes suddenly and is stronger than ever, but Liara is prepared and unafraid. She gathers in her lungs all the air she can, then begins to push, with an intensity she did not believe she had. Her eyes closed, she holds her breath, her fists clenched, and teeth tight, enduring an endless apnea. All she thinks about is her baby, how much she loves her, how much she wants to help her come into the world.
Karin waits in silence, preparing to seize the perfect moment. At the maximum thrust intensity, she performs a quick and precise incision. Immediately, the little head slides out, followed by the rest of the body. Shepard has never been so ready. Her wide open hands clasp the towel and quiver as she waits to receive her daughter. The woman's arms are outstretched, alert, ready to welcome the newborn. She closes her fingers, tenderly. The sweet first touch of the lovable little body is capable of conveying an emotion that is breathtaking and takes words away. When she looks at her daughter for the first time, Shepard feels overwhelmed by tenderness, invaded by happiness, flooded with pride and wonder, filled with burning love. She tries to channel all the sweetness she can into the trembling sound of her voice. "Hi, little blue baby! I was so excited to meet you, sweetie... It's daddy!" She gets up and gently rests the newborn on Liara's belly, who feels neither fatigue nor pain, but vibrates with an irrepressible impatience.
When Liara touches her daughter's skin, she feels such an intense emotion, which stops her heart from beating for an amount of time that seems eternal to her. For the rest of her long life, she will never forget that unique feeling of warmth. The gentle pressure, the delicate weight of her daughter's tiny body, so light yet tangible that is pressing on her belly. This creates an indelible bond that will remain on her skin for a lifetime. An imprint, indestructible and profound, beyond all rationality. A memory that will remain unchanged forever. "Hi, sweetie! You know me, don't you? Goddess! You look so gorgeous... Just like your daddy!" She whispers with an ecstatic look on her face. Karin was full of pride and tenderness as she gave mom and daughter a few moments together. Finally, the doctor takes the newborn in her arms, to clear the respiratory tract and make her let out her first cry. The procedure for both Asari and human newborns is identical. Apparently, none of them like being upside down.
The silence of the night is suddenly interrupted by a vigorous and obstinate cry. It fills the air of the med-bay and echoes, loudly, in every corner of the crew deck. The doctor quickly ties the umbilical cord, skillfully cutting it. Eventually, she puts the baby in her father's arms, where she magically stops crying, instantly. "Congrats! This cutie sweetheart is in excellent health!" Karin says, staring at Shepard with a focused smirk on her face. "But now, she has to be washed. I've to take care of Liara for a while, so... Would you care of the cutie? Just be careful not to wet the umbilical cord." She suggests, sure of the answer. Immediately, turns her attention to the young mother, who is watching with bright eyes her new, wonderful family. Shepard lovingly takes care of her daughter. She still cannot believe she is holding her. Emily looks at her baby, caresses, brushes her face with her lips and thinks that she is amazing. This baby definitely appears like the picture of health, her light blue skin is tender and fragrant. Shepard caresses her chubby cheeks, touches her tender nose, which sparks a toothless smile on her dark blue lips. The huge, lively eyes of hers, intense crystalline blue, seems to color every look with goodness. The small crests are soft and still joined together. They are crossed by delicate and light motifs, just like Liara's.
Once the baby is clean and perfectly dry, Emily wraps her in a warm towel. She approaches the bed, and father and daughter slip into Liara's arms. Smiles illuminate eyes, and eyes reflect smiles. "Hey, how are you feeling?" Shepard asks, in contemplation, placing her lips on Liara's. "I am fine!" Liara says in a soothing voice. "The pain is gone. I'm just tired, exhilarated, and... immensely happy!" She adds, moving her glowing gaze from Shepard to the little one and back. "Me too! You were incredible!... The baby... Everything was incredible! I love you so much!" Shepard whispers, still incredulous. With her eyes full of wonder, she struggles to find words. They kiss, tenderly, in the folds of a bright smile. Their fingers linger on the soft and fluffy forehead of their little blue baby. Liara looks long into the eyes of her daughter, in those beautiful light eyes, letting herself be illuminated with their blue light. She continues to caress her daughter's face, gently kissing her forehead, cheeks, and nose, while a tear falls from her eyes and reaches those of Shepard. The intense sensations of birth, the warmth of the parents' bodies, and their attention are so pleasant that soon the newborn closes her eyes and falls asleep, peacefully.
Doctor Chakwas is busy cleaning all medical equipment thoroughly before storing it in the sterilizer. This activity is used by her to give Shepard and Liara a chance to spend time together. From time to time, Karin gives them a tender look. All the accumulated tension begins to be felt over her shoulders, it channels down her chest and descends along her calves. Luckily, everything went perfectly, and even the doctor can finally lower her guard and chill out. Karin's heart is still beating with pride and satisfaction. Every breath she takes swells her chest with a pleasant feeling of triumph. A single regret can cloud the atmosphere. More than anything, she would like to share this moment with Aethyta. She knows how much her mate wanted to be there, and how much she is gonna curse herself for missing her granddaughter's birth. However, Karin smiles at the thought she will meet Thyta in a few days, and will find dozens of "creative" ways to comfort her. "So, you two... I'm dying to give Thyta the wonderful news... Don't keep me on my toes, what's the name of her first grandbaby?" Karin wants to know. Liara gazes at Shepard, who nods, pleased to confer upon her the honor of the announcement. "Well, Shepard and I came up with several names. None of them on top of the others though. We couldn't decide. Until, I sought my father's opinion, and... she gave us a stunning name!" Shepard's proud gaze is on Liara as she announces. "It's Keerah! According to Asari mythology, it is the name of the first morning sunlight!"
To be continued...