Notes:

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

Arashu - Goddess of Motherhood and Protection (Drell)

Ardat - demon (Source: CDN)

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

FTL - Faster Than Light travel

Inanna - pinnacle of Asari blending, perfect unity of two spirits into one (from 'real world' Sumerian Goddess of Love, Fertility, and War)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Kalahira - Goddess of Oceans and Afterlife (Drell)

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

Tides are - Asari saying that is a reminder that individuals are not always in command of their own destiny (Source: CDN)

Chasing Shadows

Serrice Detention Center, Serrice, Thessia – 24 Apr 2190

The Drell was seated at a table, hobbles around his ankles, and his wrists anchored to the table with cuffs and chains. As soon as they entered the room, the Drell's eyes closed, and he bowed his head. "I have done you a gross disservice, Spectre Shepard."

"Me? Tell that to Liara," she growled. "Oh, wait… you can't… because she's lying unconscious in a hospital bed!" Her hand smacked down flat on the table, the cracking sound enhanced with a biotic pulse; this made the Drell jump, the cuffs cutting into his wrists.

Lydia called for a med kit, but the Drell shook his head. "No. I do not deserve any such kindness. Not after what I did."

"If you're so damned remorseful, why did you do it in the first place?" Shepard's words came out like raw glass, sharp and biting.

After a brief pause, the Drell looked up and met her eyes. "To you, it is just data… a possible lead to the location of the only remaining Protheans. To my Host, it is an affront to the religious beliefs of the Hanar, the basis of their very existence. Even on your world, religious wars have caused unimaginable pain and suffering so, this, you should understand."

His gaze dropped and tears splashed onto the table as he added, "To me, it is the forfeiture of the lives of my family, because when I do not return to Kahje with the discs in my hands before the deadline, my failure will void the Compact that protects their lives there."

"What?" Shepard looked at D'Naga, who looked just as appalled as she felt. "They are holding your family hostage to make you do this?"

"Hostage? No." Dusi blinked away the last of his tears and began to explain. "It is the nature of the Compact. You swear your life to the Hanar, and they protect those you love, giving them both a place to live and work to keep them busy. It is considered an honor to serve… if you are in a normal Compact… but those pulled into the Department of Religion are anything but normal."

D'Naga had grown curious, never having worked with someone like Thane Krios, so didn't understand the concept. "Compact? What do you mean?"

"The Hanar saved us from a dying world and gave us a new chance at life. We repay them with the Compact, an honored vow of service based on our gratitude… but our religious beliefs are vastly different and, generally, we refuse to hold the Protheans up as they do, continuing to worship our own Gods as we always have, in our own way. The Department of Religion, therefore, feels the need to motivate us… differently. I do not know of a single Drell who has ever learned the soul name of a Hanar within it. We are… impure and undeserving."

"So, what does this have to do with your family?" Shepard asked.

"To the Hanar, my failure will signify the disapproval of the Enkindlers. According to the Primacy, they are all-knowing, all-seeing. If they allowed me to fail, then neither I nor the lives of my family are deserving of their protection and they will be cast out upon the world of water… outside of the climate-controlled protection of the dome of Cnidaria City, where they currently reside. They will soon contract Kepral's Syndrome and suffer its symptoms… shallow breath and constant exhaustion… but only until they are found by others who target the less fortunate. Then, they will simply be dead, but at least their suffering will have come to an end. Of course, the Hanar will claim it was the bandits who killed them, not the priests."

"Goddess." D'Naga looked to Shepard, who was more shocked than she was. Neither one would have guessed such a subculture existed on the world of Kahje, especially Shepard, after getting to know and work with Thane Krios.

Samantha frowned and asked, "So, just what did they expect you to accomplish here?"

"They had hoped I could get here, infiltrate the Archives, and remove the data before you ever gained access… but Hanar intelligence received the information too late, and Minister Elesia moved forward with unexpected speed against the opposition within your Defense Committee." The defeated Drell hung his head and sighed. "The window of opportunity closed during my transit… before I ever even set foot on Thessia. So, I was forced to make my attempt with you inside." He looked up and met Shepard's eyes and continued, "I never desired to hurt anyone. I swear it."

After a long moment of silence, Shepard walked toward the door, but stopped short and turned. She met the Drell's eyes and said, "For what it's worth, I believe you," before exiting the room.

D'Naga followed her into the hall and waited for the soundproof door to close before asking, "So, what now?"

Shepard shook her head. "I don't know. I need to tell Liara all this and we'll go from there."

"It doesn't sound like it's over, not to me." D'Naga replied. "If they really want to stop you, they'll send another… and another… until either they succeed, or you do. It's hard to live your life looking over your shoulder."

"I agree." Shepard's face held a slight smile as she said, "But I'm thinking Jerrod Dusi is about to become the most important Drell alive. Can you drop him in holding and give me until tomorrow before you do anything with him?"

D'Naga's eyes lit with curiosity and she answered, "I think I can arrange that for you… just don't wait too long. I imagine when word about the incident gets out, there's going to be a line of people who want his head. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to protect him."

"Understood, Captain. We'll talk tomorrow."

Serrice Regional Medical Center, Serrice, Thessia – 25 Apr 2190

Liara woke slowly, her mind stubbornly sluggish with an unnatural sleep but still realizing, simply by the feel of the bed, it was not her own. She swallowed, only to discover her throat dry and only grudgingly responsive, so reached out for help from the one person she trusted would always be at her side. {Siame?}

"Right here, Blue."

Shepard's voice was hushed, but she was immediately at her side, entwining their fingers with one hand and gently caressing her cheek with the other. Liara peered up at a face heavy with concern, the strain of the previous day evident in her normally bright, green eyes. Temporarily ignoring that, she attempted to clear her throat to speak, but her request traveled through the link much faster than she could force the words across her lips.

"Absolutely." Shepard's soothing physical touch withdrew as she tapped the bed controls to raise Liara into a sitting position before handing her the cup of ice chips that was sitting on the adjacent table.

With a chip in her mouth, Liara closed her eyes and simply let the cool, soothing water trickle down her parched throat while Samantha's calming presence slid comfortingly into her soul. In the background, Liara could sense the tumult, but Shepard was keeping it well shielded, so she could not discern the cause. {Let go of whatever it is that is bothering you, Siame. I was attacked by a Drell and lived to tell the tale. I can only imagine that was largely due to you, so I don't care about whatever it was you needed to do to make it happen. Thank you.}

Shepard's lip twitched, wanting to pull into a grin, but unsure it was appropriate. Liara chuckled at her attempted restraint and, as the last of the ice melted, whispered hoarsely, "I love you," as she gently pushed her feelings of adoration for her brave protector through the link.

Samantha drew a deep breath before pulling one hand away so she could reach back and tug her chair closer to the bedside. "A lot happened while you were sleeping, Liara, but I want to make sure you're okay before we get into any details. How do you feel?"

"Not horrible?" she croaked, then chuckled quietly as she raised the cup to her lips, sipping the little bit of melted water in the bottom of the cup. "Like I was warped into a cushioned wall… groggy and dizzy from the impact, a bit of an ache in my neck and right shoulder, but not bad, considering." She squeezed Sam's hand and stated, "Tell me."

Shepard sighed, realizing Liara wouldn't let up until she knew the whole story, so began the tale. "I will tell you the Drell was a thief, not an assassin, so I had very little to do with you being alive right now. If he had been intent on killing you, I very much doubt I would have been able to stop him."

Liara understood completely, Shepard's memories of Thane's… efficiency… at killing trickling through, and a light shudder of fear rippled through her body. "Thank the Goddess for small miracles, then. So, if not me, then he was after the discs. To what purpose? Do you know?"

{It is easier to show you, Ionúin Álainn.}

Liara closed her eyes as Shepard's memories from the previous evening began to flow. She realized Samantha was muting the emotions, trying to relay only the events… more like a news reporter than a woman who had been terrified by the possibility of losing her Anam Cara. No matter how hard she tried to prevent it, a tear escaped and slid down her cheek. "I am so sorry, Samantha, that you had to go through that…"

"Don't apologize, Blue." Shepard squeezed her hand in comfort. "There is absolutely nothing either of us could have changed that would have prevented this or altered the outcome. As it is, I'm not sure what to do about Dusi… or, perhaps more accurately, about Huizar. I don't know if I can simply turn this over to Councilor Tevos and let it go."

Liara immediately noted Shepard's reference to Rae with her formal title, drawing a line between their friendship and Tevos' role on the larger stage. She didn't even need to think about her response, immediately responding, "I can send Roshi's team in…" She felt Samantha tense and squeezed her hand. "Let me finish before you protest, please." A soft smile crossed Liara's face as she continued, "To locate and extract Jerrod Dusi's family before any pirates have a chance to kill them. She can bring them to the Estate, where we can explain to them what has transpired, and offer them protection while the Council takes whatever action they decide upon. We can give the Dusi family a chance at a future, even while Jerrod endures whatever punishment the Council deems reasonable, given the extenuating circumstances."

"And you're willing to do that for some unknown Drell? One who just tried to take what we have worked so hard to find… and injured you in the process?"

Just from the tone, being more of a statement than a question, Liara fully understood that it was extremely likely Samantha already knew the answer but, for some reason, needed to hear Liara voice the confirmation aloud, so the Asari nodded and gave it willingly.

"Yes; absolutely, Siame. I can neither forget nor ignore the sometimes-violent acts which I have committed to locate and save you over the past seven years, give or take." Liara huffed and gave her head just the teeniest of shakes as she continued. "How can I possibly be in any position to condemn this Drell for his actions, knowing the lives of his family hung in the balance?" She smiled regretfully, adding, "I would be the galaxy's worst hypocrite if I took such a position."

Liara watched, relieved, as the tension departed from Shepard's expression, the anxiety slipping away as her emerald eyes once again lit brightly with promise.

Shepard softly whispered, "Thank you, Ionúin Álainn," as she leaned in, placing a long, caring kiss upon blue lips. Feeling the love and affection flow into her body through the contact, Liara simply let herself absorb Samantha's energy, drinking greedily from the fount of healing warmth that filled her soul.

Liara could feel the conflict within Shepard, who wondered how she could possibly feel sorry for the Drell after what he had done. {There is no need for thanks, Siame. It is simply the right thing to do… especially when I can sense how much this means to you. If anything, it is I who should be thanking you.}

Regretting the need, Liara gently pushed Samantha away. "Now, go. You must inform Captain D'Naga and Jerrod Dusi about our planned course of action… and, I imagine, connect with Rae, as well." Liara closed her eyes and almost didn't open them again, feeling the exhaustion that still plagued her healing body creep back in as soon as their physical contact was broken. "And I need to sleep so I can finish healing. We have work yet to do, Captain. When is Dusi's deadline?"

"I don't know; I didn't ask." Shepard frowned. "But, the Hanar seem remarkably well informed on what was going on, so they must have an informant here, somewhere."

"Which means they potentially know of his failure by now and we could already be too late." Liara sat up in the bed. "Where is my omnitool? I must contact Roshi immediately." Seeing the expression on Shepard's face, she shook her head. "No. I can rest as soon as I make contact with her, but I have to get her and the team on their way as soon as possible, or I will never be able to sleep well again, knowing I squandered time that could have been critical to successfully completing the extraction." She looked pleadingly at the hesitating woman before her. "Please, Samantha. Let me do this."

Grudgingly – but, at the same time understanding – Shepard went to the storage locker in the room and pulled out the requested omnitool, only reluctantly handing it to Liara. "Fine. But I'm staying here until you are done, then putting it back in the locker, so you don't have any temptation to do other work. I'll be back soon enough, as this shouldn't take long, and we'll see how you're doing after another nap. Fair?"

Liara cast her a loving smile and responded with only one word. "Absolutely."

Defense Ministry Chambers, Armali, Thessia – 26 Apr 2190

Mozia stood from her chair and glanced around the table at her seven compatriots. "Thank you for assembling on such short notice, but I believe you will understand the urgency of my request, once I explain what happened." She then went on to describe the series of events that had occurred over the past month before concluding, "So, my concern is that a member of the Hanar Department of Religion within the Illuminated Primacy has taken direct action against us, violating the sanctity of our sovereign space and our Restricted Archives, as well as attacking a rather prominent Asari citizen. Never mind that I hold an extremely personal interest in this case… that is not the point, and we should all recognize that."

Eleria T'Saptos, the representative from Dassus, was the first to respond, shocked by the events described. "Before all else, I will ask how is Liara? She is going to fully recover, correct?"

Mozia closed her eyes and dipped her head in recognition of the query. "Yes, thankfully. It may be slow, as her head injury was somewhat serious… but she will recover, likely over the course of a month or so. Even so, with Shepard's assistance, their work will not pause; Liara is rather determined to proceed." Mozia smirked and her eyes sparkled a bit as she added, "Probably even more so than she was before all this happened, if you ask me."

One of the original dissenters, Mellia N'Aasen from Attena, sounded a bit disgusted as she asked, "So, what exactly do you want us to do about it? Sounds like a Council problem to me, seeing as they are the ones who mandated that we allow this to begin with. I warned you it could be troublesome… but you refused to listen to my objections."

"Oh, Mel…" Matriarch Trellani, from Majesa, let out a quiet, derisive snort before responding, "That's because it was exactly that… a Council mandate, not a request… in line with their freedom of information statute requiring the sharing of all Prothean data we possess. It's not like we had the choice to say no or to keep any of it secret any longer! And, you should know that better than most here, as that's how you managed to gain your seat here to begin with… when Suvanni was arrested for that very infraction!"

Huffing again, Trellani continued with more than a hint of disdain in her voice. "So, please. Enough with these ridiculous objections regarding our granting Doctor Liara T'Soni permission to access the Archives. It makes the three of you…" She very pointedly stared at Mellia's accomplices – Matriarchs Laraya from the Kendra Ocean, and Davos from, of all places, Serrice – before she resolutely concluded, "… sound the fools."

As the threesome raised their voices in protest, it was Juria V'Tani of Ulee who slapped a slightly-biotic-enhanced hand onto the tabletop between them all, shouting, "Enough!" She glared across the round table as she growled, "Stop your adolescent bickering this very moment! The three of you are worse than a group of drunken Eclipse mercenaries fighting over the spoils of a successful raid! By the Goddess! When will you learn that Prothean information is no longer something we can keep to ourselves? Times have changed, and your desire to withhold that data almost cost us the war… and the lives of every single Asari citizen in the entire almost-damned galaxy! There are five in favor, three against… you will lose the vote, so simply shut up and do what is required of you, else I will personally call in the Justicars for a repeat investigation of your districts… for as many times as necessary for you to learn that lesson!"

She balled her fist, giving it a slight shake as she finished, "You more than sound the fools. With every single continued protest you utter in violation of the Council edict, you prove you are the fools, so just shut up before you dig your own graves!"

Matriarch Davos stared at her in disbelief, asking, "You dare threaten us?"

Juria narrowed her eyes, meeting Davos' gaze without flinching as she answered with ice in words, "That is not a threat, Matriarch. It is a guaranteed response to your law-breaking ways, should you insist upon going down that path. I promise you that."

Mozia cleared her throat in the sudden deathly silence, the noise sounding as loud as a gunshot in the quiet. As everyone's eyes immediately riveted upon her, she spoke calmly. "This entire scenario is a Council action… so, I recommend we forward an affirmation to Councilor Tevos, stating we support any action she deems necessary to protect Asari interests and defend our citizens against these Hanar-directed attacks. Otherwise, I see these attacks continuing over the course of Shepard and Liara's Council-directed mission to locate the elusive Protheans and determine their intent. After all they have done for us, protection during their quest is the least we should be willing to offer them."

Not giving the other matriarchs time to protest, Trellani seconded the motion and declared, "So, let us not waste any more time. I vote 'yes' on sending such an affirmation to the Councilor."

Davos – now clearly understanding the full threat to her position in Serrice should she continue her opposition – also voted in favor, leaving the final vote at six for, two against, and earning glares from her former supporters. She simple shrugged at them, responding to their unvoiced disapproval with, "The rules of the game have changed, my friends. Tides are… and I have no intention of following the path of my predecessor, into ruin."

Kahje, Zaythanal, Zahel Sea Cluster – 28 Apr 2190

Having departed from the Skyllian Verge on the 25th, it had taken Roshida B'Sayle and her crew a full three days to make the necessary hops through Council space to reach its edge, at the Crescent Nebula. From there, they continued along the Illium-Kahje shipping lane for most of the way, peeling off the beaten path short of their arrival at Kahje.

With the entire world being protected by automated planetary defense systems, there was only one path in that had any reasonable expectation of success. Roshi was speaking with Lieutenant Celia "LT' M'Creno, who was currently sitting in the pilot seat of their small infiltration craft. "So, you have a potential target?"

"Yes… there appears to be a Salarian science ship coming in." Celia grinned as she continued, "More than enough mass to hide us, assuming they don't have their shielding cranked up to max, keeping us from getting close enough to maglock onto their hull. We'll know soon enough."

"Everyone strap in," B'Sayle commanded. "Could be a bumpy ride if either the Salarians or the Hanar detect the change in mass as we pass through the planetary barrier, cloaked or not. Once through, we'll be dropping off in the cloud cover, then heading out over the ocean."

As soon as she killed her mic, Roshi sat down and strapped into the co-pilot seat. Glancing over at the pilot, she grumbled, "I feel like we're looking for a single grain of sand in the Majesan Desert, LT. Those damned tide calcs given to us by our contact best be spot on, or this could take weeks instead of days."

Celia was completely serious as she responded, "If we don't find them within 48 hours, we just follow the pirates. My guess is they have been tracking that drop-off from the very moment it happened. At the most, they'll give it a couple of days for the Drell to get weak from hunger and thirst… and to get enough drift time from the city. It would make the take-down less risky."

"Well, aren't you just the fucking cheery one?" Roshi shook her head and sighed. "But that's likely more true than I'm willing to admit… at least right now."

The plan worked as hoped, and their cloaked craft slid into the clouds undetected, immediately laying in an intercept course to where the calculations told them the tide would have placed the small boat. Once they reached the general area, their sniper, Mireya R'Velli, was using her scope as a spyglass, trying to spot the small, bobbing boat amongst the waves. "This is fucking heartless. I can't believe the bastards don't even have the guts to just kill them. It would be more merciful than throwing them out onto these waves. Just how fast can the Drell contract Kepral's Syndrome, anyway?"

Roshi never pulled her eyes from the observation window as she answered, "Don't know for sure, as it varies… but word on the streets puts direct water exposure like this in the three-to-four-day range, max. I'm pretty sure that's the whole idea… simply knowing you're going to get sick and that it's going to kill you. The Hanar count on the fear to keep the Drell in line, to Hell with the actual disease."

"By the Goddess… I actually have a ping!"

"What? Where?" Roshi turned to the pilot's nav screen in surprise, but once she saw the display, she growled, "The signal is too damned big; the pirates must already be on them, assuming that dot also holds the boat with our Drell. Get us closer, so we can take a look."

"I know why they didn't wait for the Drell to get sick," Erin Thyria growled. "Those Ardats aren't pirates… they're damned slavers!"

"Doesn't matter," barked B'Sayle. "Take 'em out and let's pick up our new Drell friends!"

"Understood, Captain." The small ship decloaked as the side hatch lid open; Rey braced herself against the hull and lined up a shot on the first of her three potential targets – the one closest to the Drell – before squeezing the trigger. As the ship appeared and the first target was thrown out of the craft by the force of the shot, the remaining two slavers heard and saw missiles screaming in their direction, so quickly dove off the side into the water.

The Lieutenant had locked onto the slaver ship's main engines and, as soon as she heard the bark of the sniper rifle, immediately launched a double volley of paired disruptor torpedoes. As the missiles closed, the main slaver ship hit its thrusters, nearly capsizing the small craft still holding the Drell, and attempted to come about to face their attacker, but never got the chance.

The short distance between the two ships made it impossible for the slaver ship to evade the attack. Completely losing thrust with the simultaneous strike on both main engines, the ship plunged into the water. The sizeable holes in the sides – where the engines used to be attached –quickly took on water and the ship sank beneath the surface in a matter of moments.

The resultant waves hit the skiff, tossing both it and its occupants into the air. Rey yelled for help as she quickly enveloped the younger Drell in a biotic pull, yanking him into their ship through the doorway. Catalina T'Gelvos, who had been the one to curse the slavers, was right behind Rey and immediately did the same, grabbing the older female and pulling her to safety.

Carefully monitoring the developments, B'Sayle closed the side hatch as she ordered, "Reengage the cloak and clear the area! This has the potential to attract a lot of unwanted attention, so I don't want to be anywhere near here if it does! Get us to the closest bolthole and kill the engines!" Then, she calmly turned to her two new passengers and quietly added, "Welcome to the Morock. I'll explain everything once we're tucked away and out of sight. For now, just know that you are safe, and we intend you no harm. Quite the opposite if truth be told."

All she got out of her mouth next was a name, to which their infiltrator, Erin Thyria replied, "Already on it, Cap," as she handed two small packages to the still-in-shock Drell. "They're just rations, but suitable for you to eat. I'm not sure how long it's been since you've had solid food, so try to eat slowly, so as to not upset your system."

The female blinked a couple of times before she finally reached out and took the offerings, handing one to her young son. "Thank you. My name is Charamey… and this is my son, Aemuth. I am unsure as to why you would be here… or your motivations to do what you have just done."

"Nice to meet you both, but we've got a bit of work to do, yet, to make sure your rescue isn't wasted. The captain will be back soon enough to explain what's going on."

"Then we will wait." As Erin walked quickly away, Charamey turned to Aemuth and helped him open the food pack. "Eat while you can… as we do not yet know the full reasons behind our apparent rescue. Pray to Arashu that they are truly here as our worldly protectors; as they may be the only hope we have left." What she did not say, was for them to be in this predicament, it was very possible his father was dead. She shuddered at the thought, praying to Kalahira that she not yet take Jerrod across the sea; Aemuth was too young to be without a father.

It was only a short time later when Roshi approached their Drell guests and introduced herself properly before adding, "Thank you for being so patient." She sat down across the aisle from them, not wanting to encroach too much on their personal space, and first introduced her squad. Only then did she explain about Jerrod's latest mission gone wrong – and Lady T'Soni's and Captain Shepard's response to the attack once they had heard his story. "As such, Lady Liara and Captain Shepard are offering sanctuary to your family… at least until the issues between the Illuminated Primacy and the Council are resolved.

"So, Jerrod is truly alive?" Charamey wanted to cry in relief, but managed to maintain her composure as she asked, "Will he be at the Estate? Will we be able to see him?"

"I'm afraid I don't have the answers to those questions. Our mission was to get to Kahje and save you if we were able." B'Sayle frowned and drew a deep breath. "We were dispatched immediately, and I have no idea what the Council's decision was… or will be, as I don't even know if they've made one yet. We were also told to run silent, so I have had no contact with House T'Soni since we left port. I'm sorry I am unable to provide you with more information."

"Then I will content myself with the knowledge he is still alive." She hugged her young son close to her side and finally voiced aloud her greatest fear, now that it had been assuaged. "Aemuth is far too young to be without a father. The Dusi family is in your debt."

"Not mine, you're not." Roshi actually managed a smile. "That debt of life belongs to Lady Liara… and you'll find her to be a generous, undemanding, and reasonable benefactor if you treat honestly with her." Roshi stood and pointed down the passageway. "Now, it's going to be a long three days of travel for us to make our return trip to Thessia, so we have bunks for you… and, I imagine, you must be exhausted after your ordeal. Come. I'll show you where our sleeping quarters are."

Once the pair was settled in and knew how to work the on-board facilities, Roshi said her farewells. "Feel free to come back out to the main area whenever you wake. You are not captives and are free to move about the ship at will." She smiled and offered a quick wave. "Sleep well."

After sitting quietly for a couple of hours and hearing no transmission chatter about the destroyed slaver ship, the Morock slipped out of her safe haven and climbed once more into the clouds. Without the presence of any type of alert, only inbound craft were monitored, not outbound, so they quickly left atmosphere, jumped to FTL without incident and, with the satisfaction of a job well done sweeping through the ship, headed toward the relay.

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 1 May 2190

It was late evening when the Morock slipped into one of the estate's commercial hangars under cover of both cloak and night. Other than those on active guard duty, the entire house was down on the beach enjoying the Beltane Festival bonfire while eating, drinking and dancing. The notable exceptions were Liara and Shepard, who were sitting quietly in a couple of beach chairs, simply relaxing.

It was Liara's first day home from the hospital, still not fully recovered from the blow to her head. The Serrice Regional doctors had wanted her to stay but, knowing Beltane was one of Shepard's primary fire festivals, Liara had made the argument for returning home under the supervised care of Doctor Alyna T'Lori and simply checked herself out. There were no treatments being provided that Alyna was not capable of providing within the comfort of the Estate so, while reluctant, her in-hospital caregivers finally agreed to let her go home.

With the Lady of House T'Soni back home, everyone had enjoyed the evening, and Liara was beginning to consider slipping back up to the house to rest when Lyessa messaged her omnitool. With the speed of thought, Liara informed Shepard and then typed her response. Please bring them to the common area so we can meet them… and explain what has happened since Jerrod left Kahje.

Shepard located Livos and told her of the notification, adding she and Liara would be heading in and, most likely, not returning. Livos smiled and nodded, responding, "I will pass the information on to Lyria, and Riana and I will join you shortly, Captain."

"See you then."

With Shepard loaning her arm, Liara stood and stretched, a wave of dizziness causing her to latch on tightly to the offered support. "Goddess be damned, I'm tired of this." She looked knowingly at her Siame, seeing in her emerald eyes the concern that accompanied the wave of unease through the link. "Come on. I will be fine… it's just frustrating to me, that's all. The doctors did say it could be a month before I have my sense of balance completely back."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it." Shepard smiled lightly as she added, "I'm just so used to you being the one picking me up… this seems backward, somehow… like I failed you."

Liara gave the arm another squeeze, this time to comfort her Human bondmate, as she replied with a quiet chuckle, "That was only because you are… were… a crazy, reckless Spectre Vanguard who charged into danger without necessarily thinking through the potential consequences. As for me, I am quite happy the War is over and that the necessity of such actions no longer exists, Samantha… at least they shouldn't exist, anyway." Liara stopped and pulled Shepard around to face her, adding, "And you know as well as I that my injury was caused in no way by a failure on your part, so don't even let your thoughts take you down that path." She cocked a brow marking. "Understood?"

"Yes, Ma'am, Lady Liara." Shepard jerked her head toward the house. "Come on, we have guests waiting."

"Thank you, Captain Shepard," Liara smirked, starting up the path again, her minor vertigo finally fading into the background of her exhausting, seemingly ever-present, headache. "Though, after I bid them welcome, I may let you take over the explanation of what's been going on…" She didn't feel the need to clarify, seeing as Samantha could sense everything going on within both her body and mind, especially with their current skin-to-skin contact. The level of comfort provided by such intimacy never ceased to amaze Liara; the whole concept of Inanna – of being truly one with her bondmate – was so far beyond what she had ever known through regular melds, she truly did feel blessed by the Goddess.

Without a word, Shepard stopped, turned, and lit with biotics to effortlessly scoop Liara up into her arms, carrying her the rest of the way up the hill. {I'll set you back down when we reach the flat, Blue… no sense in tiring yourself out when we have biotics to help us.}

Grateful, Liara simple closed her eyes and laid her head on Shepard's shoulder, drawing on the woman's strength as she rested in the comfort of her siame's arms. {I love you, Sam. I am sorry to be such a burden.} Samantha didn't need to say a word for Liara to feel the rush of devotion sweep into her soul.

When they reached the top and the path leveled out, Shepard set her feet down softly, making sure Liara's balance was good before releasing her hold. "You will never be a burden to me, Liara T'Soni… not ever. For as long as my heart still beats, it beats for you. I am yours."

Shepard's lips brushed across hers and Liara had to resist the desire that flamed within at the loving touch. "You're lucky we have guests to attend to, Samantha Shepard," Liara whispered against the lips still feathering across her own.

Shepard chuckled softly and reluctantly pulled away. "I'm pretty sure we're not supposed to be doing that for a few more days yet, anyway. Right"

Liara let out a soft sigh, teasingly responding, "Since when has that ever stopped us?" A wide smile erupted on her face, Shepard's humor cascading through the link.

"You can be such a vixen, T'Soni!" Samantha couldn't help but grin as she added, "Your mind is making proposals your body can't support right now… but I'm happy to take a rain check."

Looping her arm through Sam's, Liara whispered softly, "You've got a deal," and resumed their walk toward the house.