Notes:

A Grá - My Love (Gaelic)

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

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

Mo cheann geallta - My promised one (Gaelic)

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

Resolutions and Promises

Council Chambers, CGC, Widow System – 7 May 2190

Once Liara and Shepard entered the Council Chambers, they glanced around the room to discover they were the last to arrive. They had already warned Charamey neither she nor Aemuth would be able to speak with Jerrod, however painful that may be, even though they would be in the same room, but still enjoyed the exchange of relieved smiles the threesome exchanged, each seeing all their loved ones truly alive and well. While not exactly happy about the restriction, they understood the necessity… at least until the meeting was complete. Just being able to see one another… to realize the Spectre and Lady Liara were telling the truth, would simply have to be enough for the immediate future.

Tevos gave them all a welcoming nod before looking to the Hanar and stating, "With the relevant parties now present, you may respond to the charges, Diplomat Desotelan."

Having been granted permission, the diplomat began speaking immediately. "Most esteemed Councilors. This one does not understand the source of such baseless accusations regarding the Illuminated Primacy. It sees these words not only as a personal attack against one of our religious leaders, but as an attack on a core tenant of the Hanar civilization. This one does not understand the underlying purpose of such. It was an outcast Drell who traversed space to commit this crime, not our benevolent minister… as no evidence to the contrary has been provided, this conversation is already concluded, since this one has much more pressing concerns to attend to than these baseless accusations of conspiracy from the Asari homeworld."

"Oh, please." Councilor Valern had little patience for the Hanar, rolling his eyes then blinking quickly as he countered, "We began our investigation immediately and have already… acquired… multiple audio and text files from the office of Minister Huizar directing this unlawful action." He immediately activated his omnitool and began playback of the first of four video and audio files. All the councilors had the tech required to monitor the initial bioluminescence display by the surprised diplomat which, while lasting only a few seconds before he regained his poise, was infinitely more revealing than anything he said next.

After quickly regaining control of his emotions, Desotelan remained calm and collected. "This one is surprised that you would stoop so low as to have spies on Kahje. Even so, he understands how you could misconstrue these words to be an order to obtain the mentioned discs… but such could also be simple rumination on the hope that the work of the Enkindlers could find its way back to the true believers. This one heard no direct order to proceed to Thessia to acquire said items. As such, this one suggests the existence of such an order is mere speculation… incorrect conjecture… on your part."

Tevos practically snorted before replying, "First of all, our people on Kahje are not spies; they are inspectors, there to evaluate your suitability to shift from your status as a protectorate to membership within the Council. Secondly, are you claiming there is no implied order, and Jerrod Dusi lied to us? That there was no implied threat to the well-being of the Dusi family should this Drell fail to acquire the discs?"

Tevos leaned forward in her chair and cocked her head at the Hanar, her voice carrying an unusually hard edge as she continued, "Before you answer, I will caution you on the consequences here, should you purposely choose to lie to us at this juncture. We know the truth of the matter, and an attempt at such deceit would be ill-advised… because it will greatly imperil your current negotiations regarding the admittance of the Hanar into the Council."

Before Desotelan could respond, Councilor Quentius gestured to the back of the room where Shepard and Liara were standing, along with Charamey and Aemuth. "After Jerrod Dusi was apprehended and he told his story, immediate action was taken to rescue his wife and son – successful action – so we know all about the slavers. The Drell are here today to dispute any claim you may make to the contrary, should you decide to force our hand."

"Yes," Tevos picked back up. "We also managed to track the financial transactions of the Minister." She stood from her chair to lean forward on the table, adding emphasis to her words. "Even we were a bit surprised to discover multiple dealings with this same slave trader, over the period of the past eight years, with at least three different ministers. What we don't know is if you realize that a few of the Drell those ministers sacrificed had the means to buy their way out of those contracts. Believe me when I tell you those slavers were more than happy to let them buy their way out, first getting your fee to pick them up, and then doubling what they would have made otherwise, by selling them to the Batarians!"

As she sat down, Valern added, "We are in the process of locating even more of those Drell so we may question them. I am confident they will be eager to tell their stories to the Council… to see justice finally done for the wrongs committed against them, and to receive compensation for their pain and suffering at the hands of the Hanar Department of Religion!"

"So, now that you understand the totality of our evidence," a calmer Tevos cautioned, "… you should consider your answer very carefully before you say anything else. This has grown beyond the actions of a single rogue minister. It is obviously a systemic problem within your Department of Religion… one which we compare to the slavery standards of the Batarians. You ask us to respect your religious freedoms, while you deny the same to the Drell under Compact to the Ministry. This is unacceptable for a prospective member of the Council, and I can guarantee it will void the current Hanar application."

Quentius concluded. "We understand the impact of your decision regarding this incident, so do not expect an immediate answer. You have until this time tomorrow to provide us an official response from the Primacy. Know that your position on this station as a diplomat, the fate of your people – including the Drell living on Kahje – and the Hanar application to become members of the Council all hang in the balance, Desotelan. We abide neither slavers nor those who would compel obedience with veiled threats of physical harm."

He lowered his voice slightly, allowing his flanging sub-harmonics to add to the seriousness of his words. "I want to believe the Hanar, as a people, do not wish to follow that path. You can have your religious freedom, but only if you grant the same to everyone… and are willing to make the necessary recompense to those your policies have injured in the past. That is your choice."

"Work quickly, Desotelan. You have one solar day." Tevos' face was grim. The translation scrolling across the screen before her of the diplomat's bioluminescence did not look promising; the diplomat was angry and confused, with waves of disbelief emanating from his body. The problem was she had no way of knowing exactly who the anger and disbelief was directed towards… the Council, the Department of Religion, or being stuck in the middle of the two.

"This one will convey the full concerns of the Council to the Illuminated Primacy within the hour… and will then await their decision. This Diplomat can offer no guarantees as to the timing nor the specifics of the response that may be given but will relay the information upon receipt." He then bobbed in farewell and turned, vanishing through the door without further comment.

Tevos breathed out a heavy sigh of relief as the obviously conflicted Hanar made his way out the door, while still managing to remain poised throughout the proceedings. She looked around the table at her fellow councilors and stated, "Well, that didn't seem to go very well, did it?"

"No, it did not. It was extremely difficult to see past the frustration within his response. We need to improve our bioluminescence translators." Valern blinked and looked to their other guests. "Spectre Shepard. Doctor T'Soni. Please, come forward and join us if you would."

As they made their way to the front of the room, Quentius was the one to address them. "I suppose we have you to thank for bringing this matter to our attention… though, I sincerely wish it had not been revealed by an attack on your person, Doctor. You have served us well, even without any type of official standing…" His mandibles flared into the Turian version of a smile as he glanced at Shepard and continued, "… which I completely understand, given your obvious attachment to a certain Spectre." His humor vanished as he continued, "Which leads to our next offer, one I would appreciate you taking the appropriate time to consider before rejecting it out of hand."

Valern was next, also flashing a quick smile before he picked up the dialogue. "Your calculated reasoning is almost Salarian in nature, Doctor, and I believe your research and information network surpasses even that of the STG. It is a rare combination… and it is not my intent to upset you with this… but it is apparent to us that you are very much Benezia's daughter."

Liara paled slightly, grateful for the stability of Shepard's arm as all kinds of thoughts rushed through her mind, flooding the link with a dozen possibilities as to where the discussion was headed. Sam's calming thoughts quickly eased her anxiety.

{Quentius mentioned time to consider it, Li. You don't even know what they're going to ask, yet… though we both likely know what it will be. More importantly, you don't have to answer today, so we can take whatever time they are willing to give us to talk about it. For now, just breathe and listen.}

With Shepard's reassurances, Liara drew a deep breath before responding, "Hearing my mother's name mentioned in this chamber creates a mixture of conflicting emotions." Liara felt her voice tremble as she started, drawing on Shepard's support to ease the flood of memories which had initially besieged her. Gaining strength from her bondmate's encouragement, she continued, "Benezia was a matriarch of high standing… I simply cannot imagine what you could possibly offer or expect from a young maiden only 112 years of age."

Tevos actually chuckled, shaking her head at Liara's occasional, but always-refreshing, modesty. "Liara, my dear. You and Shepard have pulled off the most amazing feats in known history, with the discovery and subsequent conquest of both the Collectors and the Reapers. You may be only a maiden of 112… but, especially as a team, you and Shepard are obviously the best of us."

With a glance from Tevos, Quentius took a deep breath and continued the narration. "Our proposal is this… You are already searching for the Protheans and, once you find them, you will obviously evaluate the risks associated with contact. Given everything we know, we think it extremely likely that you will attempt communicating with them, especially since Shepard speaks their language. When you do contact them, we would greatly appreciate if you spoke as the voice of the Council – as an emissary, rather than an independent researcher."

Valern immediately added, "Of course, any academic research and subsequent publications would remain yours alone, Doctor T'Soni. We would never presume to claim sponsorship or take credit for any of your accomplishments."

"Regarding my research," responded Liara, "first right to publish is already part of my agreement with the University of Serrice, as my academic sponsors. As for the rest…" She paused to look at Samantha, who was squeezing her hand in reassurance and repeating her previous encouragement through the link. "We will discuss the issue and get back to you. To give such a young maiden that level of authority is unheard of… and, to be perfectly honest, simply thinking about the level of responsibility that would come along with being an official Council envoy is a bit… overwhelming… no matter our previous accomplishments."

"We fully realize that, Liara," Tevos nodded in understanding as she continued, "but it is nothing you and Shepard haven't already dealt with during the Reaper War, pulling all the disparate races together as you did. Compared to the life and death decisions that required, this should be easy."

"Those were military decisions made during a time of war, when every race had everything to lose," Shepard chimed in. "Peacetime politics are a whole different quagmire which we have always preferred to avoid." She held up her hand as Quentius was about to interrupt. "Please, don't. The bottom line is you're right; it is highly likely we're going to attempt contact anyway, should we manage to find them. The real question is simply whether or not we are comfortable speaking for the Council. I stepped away from being a Spectre for that very reason… so I could go on this journey with the singular purpose of supporting Liara. Acceptance of your offer would change all of that again so, as Liara told you, we will return home and discuss it. There is no more to be said on the topic until we are given time to consider our options."

Liara smiled softly, adding, "That is not entirely true. I would like to add my thanks, for the level of trust you obviously place in us… in our discretion and judgment… to even offer up the position of Council Emissary. We will give your request the level of attention it deserves and let you all know as soon as we have reached a decision."

"Thank you, both." Tevos smiled softly at the couple. "We understand it is huge ask and we will understand should you choose to decline the position. You have done so much already. If you do decline, however, we would appreciate the opportunity to send someone to join you, preferably before you attempt first contact, if at all possible."

"We can talk about that once we make up our minds, Councilor." Shepard smiled playfully as she added, "No sense wasting brain power on a way forward until we all know exactly what roles we'll be playing. Anything else is simple conjecture."

"Exactly right, Shepard!" Quentius chuckled. "Now… How about you introduce us to the Dusi family so we can all hear their story in person?"

Spectre Apartments, CGC, Widow System – 7 May 2190

After enjoying some unplanned social time with Tevos and Sha'ira, Liara and Shepard had remained overnight on the CGC, with Charamey and Aemuth sleeping in the spare rooms of the Spectre apartment. Given the Council-level investigation into the incident, D'Naga had transferred custody of Jerrod to CGC Security, said her farewells and returned to Thessia, stating, "Better you than me, Shepard. I'm with you… I much prefer to simply do my job and skip all the political crap that can make it so difficult. May the Goddess watch over you!"

As for Shepard and Liara, their sleep had been troubled, with Liara unable to get the idea of becoming a Council Emissary out of her head and, by nature of the link, out of Shepard's. As such they had lain awake for a rather long period of time, discussing their options – or, more to Liara's interpretation – their responsibility to the Council, given their unique position. They were forced to admit their exceptional capabilities were rather extensive and placed them in a unique position, whether they liked it or not. The real clincher, however, was Shepard's possession of the cypher.

There was only one other person alive in the galaxy who possessed it – Shiala – but it was not common knowledge and they all preferred it stay that way. Saren had callously sacrificed Shiala to the Thorian to gain that knowledge and Shepard, while surviving her initial contact with the Beacons with Liara's help, had taken on the Cypher in a desperate attempt to keep her mind from being torn apart as they desperately sought the answers they needed to defeat Sovereign and postpone the Reaper invasion. Liara had shuddered at the memory. We got lucky.

{You're just that good, T'Soni… helping me sort it out in my head and put it all together in a coherent, understandable order? Nothing lucky about it, except for me finding you in that damned cavern to begin with.}

A wave of devotion hit Liara, immediately making all the remaining questions seem trivial. Shiala now worked for the Shadow Broker aboard the Night Shadow, and her role in Shepard learning the cypher remained a well-guarded secret… one which they had no desire to reveal. The past was exactly where it should be… in the past… and they could not change the path they now found themselves on.

Liara suddenly understood how both she and Shepard had been placed in a unique position to help – exactly as Tevos had been the perfect representative they had needed on the Council, how Benezia had been the one who needed to go to Saren, and how Anderson had needed to stay on Earth to lead the Resistance. They had all played their roles perfectly, leading to the final defeat of the Reapers after an untold number of cycles before them.

It was our destiny. Even to Liara it sounded… trite… but they could not – not in good conscience, anyway – decline the Council's offer and she whispered resolutely into the dark. "No one else has what we do, Shepard. We have to do it."

Council Chambers, CGC, Widow System – 8 May 2190

The next morning brought sobering news. Desotelan had arrived at the Council offices early in the day with a markedly short announcement; the Illuminated Primacy had made it perfectly clear that gaining full membership within the Council was their highest priority. They declared no previous knowledge of the agreements between the Department of Religion and the slavers, accepting the Council-provided evidence without hesitation. The three identified ministers had been excommunicated and cast out from Kahje at dawn, with their Drell immediately placed under a new Compact with more… accepting… primaries.

While the Council sat in stunned silence at the revelation, Liara asked, "And what of the compensation for those Drell fortunate enough to have escaped this utter betrayal of trust?"

Desotelan bobbed and flashed in recognition, responding promptly. "This one was informed the Primacy stands ready to negotiate a fair and reasonable reparation for their past treatment, Doctor T'Soni. As part of their restitution, they will be given the option to return to Kahje, all expenses paid. Should they desire to return to a life with their fellow Drell and accept the offer, they will also be provided a home at no cost, as a citizen free of Compact, at liberty to work and live within the domed city of their choice."

"That is… exceedingly generous." Tevos had finally found her voice, surprised as she was by the Hanar response. "But what if they do not desire to return to Kahje… if they no longer trust the Hanar enough to return or have built a new life for themselves, elsewhere?"

Desotelan's bioluminescence flashed brilliantly before he responded, "Should that be their final decision, the Illuminated Primacy requests the Council act as arbiter to assess a value and form for reasonable compensation. The Hanar will display their loyalty to the Council by accepting any judgement you render for this unfortunate… transgression."

Normally little more than a silent observer, the entire group was surprised when Prime Huulik spoke. "The Consensus, in coordination with the Creators, also has a proposal, separate but not unrelated to the current discussion."

Always quick to process, Valern was the one who asked, "And just what may that be?"

Eri'Addan vas Rannoch continued the explanation. "We have been discussing this for some time, prompted in no small part by Admiral Zorah's progress with Medica, and our ability to go for longer and longer periods of time free of our enviro-suits." The Quarian smiled and continued, "Rannoch has an extremely arid environment, with vast expanses of rather… empty… desert." He glanced at Huulik, who immediately picked up the explanation again.

"The SILC would be honored to build a new Drell city upon the dry deserts of Rannoch, freeing them of the requirement to live within a dome." Huulik's gaze traveled the table before focusing on Valern. "Living once again upon an arid, rocky desert would greatly decrease the Drell risk of contracting Kepral's Syndrome. It is also possible we could alter their immunities, should they be amenable to living within a SILC-occupied enviro-suit for a period of time, just as we have done for the Creators."

"You would be willing to do that?" Tevos gasped. "At what cost? I cannot even begin to imagine how much energy and determination you would need to be put into such an effort!"

Huulik's lights flickered rapidly for a moment, indicating an ongoing conversation with the Consensus, before he responded, "We have relatively few material needs, so there is little cost to us. The SILC are experiencing a new awakening, much as we did before the Morning War. With our enhanced code and what we have observed from the actions of Shepard Commander, we have discovered the concept of… altruism. Construction of such a city would help us fulfill this newly realized purpose."

Shepard's voice cut in to respond. "The Drell view the Compact as a point of honor… a form of restitution to the Hanar for being the only race willing to step in and save them from a dying planet. I am not sure if those on Kahje would take you up on the offer… but, perhaps, those wandering the galaxy without such ties would be more willing."

"If I may?" Everyone's attention immediately turned to the Drell, Charamey – standing as she asked permission to speak.

"Absolutely," answered Shepard. "You're being so quiet, I almost forgot you were here. I apologize for speaking about this with my limited knowledge, when we have someone here in the room who has lived it."

"No apology is necessary, Captain. Truly." Charamey smiled briefly, with the expression fading quickly with her next words. "I simply need to say there may be more who are willing to leave Kahje than you realize. Conditions within sections of the domed Cnidaria City are far from ideal, Shepard. While we may serve the Hanar in thanks for saving us, we do not thank them for the conditions in which a minority of Drell exist. Those who work independently, who are not sponsored directly by a Hanar family and given the privilege to either live within their home or in an adjacent apartment, survive in what could only be described as a crime-infested slum."

She shook her head sadly before adding, "Of our 400 and some thousand, nearly a quarter live in horrible circumstances… in what any decent person would consider cramped and grossly sub-standard housing. Because of this, I would expect many of those 100,000 Drell being very willing to take the SILC up on such an offer. A chance at a new beginning, on Rannoch."

Liara then entered the conversation, directing her comments to the Hanar diplomat. "Even if the SILC state there is no direct cost to them, there is still the sourcing of the necessary raw materials… and the fuel and time to relocate such a population. Volunteering their time, and maybe even their ships, for the construction and the move is one thing, but there will be many other additional expenses I would not expect the SILC to donate." Her gaze shifted to the Council as she added, "Perhaps that can be the starting point for negotiations regarding the basis for any compensation due to those who either don't want to return to Kahje…" Her focus shifted to Charamey as she finished, "… or those who are there and would prefer to leave?"

Shepard nodded in agreement. "Yes. The Hanar could pick up a reasonable level of those expenses, at an amount to be determined by the Council; one that could be considered a fair wage for the SILC. I have spoken to Legion before about this… about their tendency to work for free. When they assisted the Krogan settlement on Gellix, I helped them negotiate compensation in the form of unrestricted access to a few Gellix mines, which could help them collect the raw materials they require for the continuing construction of their Dyson Sphere."

Huulik's lights dimmed and flickered again before he responded, "It was an acceptable trade. A similar arrangement would be satisfactory to us."

"This one would also consider such as an acceptable proposal." Desotelan bobbed in agreement, his bioluminescence signaling relief. Those with the necessary translators immediately got the impression the Hanar had expected much more… demanding… reparations.

"A starting point, yes." Tevos nodded. She glanced at the others who were also nodding in agreement. She looked once again to Desotelan. "The Council accepts the role of Arbiter. It will be a lengthy, time-consuming process, and we will complete the final evaluation of your application to the Council once the matter is settled. Do we have an agreement?"

Desotelan bobbed again. "As a representative of the Primacy, this one humbly accepts your proposal."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 9 May 2190

Happy to climb into their bed at the Estate and following a brief period of simple cuddling, punctuated by a few kisses and gentle loving caresses, Liara had easily slipped into a welcome sleep, ensconced in the comforting arms of her bondmate. Having to deal with both the Drell issue and the Council's request for her to become an emissary – all while still trying to recover from the attack in the archives – Liara was exhausted... both physically and emotionally.

"Mother!" It was still early morning when Liara bolted awake, tears cascading down her cheeks as she drew a deep, sobbing breath. The Council's mention of her mother had brought painful memories to the fore, memories her subconscious now seemed unwilling to suppress, no matter how much she wanted to, and expressing them in the form of rather vivid and unpleasant dreams.

They began rather benignly, during her youth on Thessia with the kinder and more loving version of the Benezia as a mother. Unfortunately, the dreams quickly shifted to the horrible day in the labs on Peak 15, when the Matriarch was under the sway of Sovereign. It became evident she would never break free of the Reaper's influence and Benezia had been transformed into a villain whom they had been forced to kill. Liara's sleep-muffled scream coincided with the shot that had killed the Matriarch.

Oddly, Liara's thrashing had not wakened Shepard. Goddess, she must be exhausted to not have felt or heard that. Careful to not wake her still sleeping siame, she slipped cautiously from the bed and moved as quietly as possible to the closet, pulled on Shepard's N7 sweats, then slipped out into the hallway to carefully descend the stairs and go out one of the rear doors. Being so early in the morning, only the cold, late-spring stars lit the path before her, but Liara did not feel the chill, so focused was she upon the horrid images that had awoken her. Tears still streaming down her face as a result of the nightmare, she made her way through the gardens, not stopping until she plopped down upon the nearest of the benches surrounding Benezia's memorial.

Hunched over and rocking on the bench, she stared at the small, carved marble torch through tear-blurred eyes as she whispered in a voice hitching in barely contained grief, "I wish you were here to celebrate our victory with us, Mother. To meet Shepard, to be here with us to greet your first grandchild. It's not fair!" Another sob escaped and she tilted her head, placing her face in her hands as she mumbled, "Saren and Sovereign took you away too soon, stealing away our chance to reconcile and all the things that should have come… after."

Her heart, beating hard in her chest, felt as though it wanted to rend itself in two. "Worse yet, now that we have won, the Council expects me to somehow fill your shoes…" She let out a quiet sob and continued, "to be an emissary to the Protheans, a few of which have somehow miraculously survived. I wish you had time to tell me what you knew of them… about the research you had done… to show me the discoveries you and the other Matriarchs had uncovered. You left so much undone! I am glad the Reapers are dead… but it would have been so much better had they never come at all!"

"Hey."

Surprised, Liara jumped from the bench, a ball of power forming in her hand as she spun around to face the intruder.

Shepard's eyes widened slightly, but she did not retreat. Instead, she identified the recognition sweeping across Liara's expression, so stepped closer and wrapped her arms around her Ionúin Álainn, pulling her into a tight embrace. "It's just me, Liara… Why are you out here, alone, in the dark?"

Liara's biotics faded as quickly as they had appeared, and she fell gladly into the woman's arms; feeling both relieved and ashamed, her tears gushed anew. Her breath and words hitching, she still managed to squeak out, "I had a horrible nightmare, Shepard… reliving Mother's death. It seemed so real… and when I lurched awake, you didn't even stir, so I know you must be really tired. I am so sorry for disturbing your sleep."

"You don't need to be sorry for that, Li. You should have woken me." Shepard held her tightly around the waist with her left arm, running her right soothingly up and down Liara's back. "You know I'm here for you, right? Any time, day or night… no matter what we're doing or where we are. Always."

It took a few minutes more for Liara's heart to stop racing, but Shepard did not press her for an answer; she simply held her, providing the stability Liara had come to rely on, even in the worst of times – a stability that was, at the moment, very much needed. Her embrace was calming and Liara simply closed her eyes, squeezing out more tears as she absorbed the reassurances that flowed so easily from the woman who held her, quite literally, in both body and spirit.

Sensing Liara's lingering guilt, Shepard smiled softly and Liara could feel the woman's lips turn up against her crest. "Sleep is overrated, Mo cheann geallta, and not nearly as dear to me as you are." Shepard turned them around and sat on the bench, pulling Liara down onto her lap. "So, tell me. What brought this on? Just the conversation with the Council… or is there more to it? We've got this, A Grá, and we'll get through it together, I promise."

Her breath hitched and she still didn't trust her voice, so Liara simply opened her mind instead, having realized she had inadvertently closed off the link in her anguish. {You are always here for me, but I should be stronger. After everything that happened in the war, all the death, the friends and comrades we lost, how can one Asari cause me so much anguish?}

"Because she's not just one Asari, Liara. She was your mother." Shepard squeezed her tight, her own voice a bit shaky as she continued, "It's different when it's a parent."

Liara felt a quiet shudder run through Shepard's body as she heard the words {I've shared with you what I was like after my dad was murdered. I was a wreck. I would be more worried if her death didn't bother you, Blue. Losing a parent when you're young… it's tough.}

Liara couldn't stop the tears from starting again at the images that passed through the link but, at the same time, they firmed her resolve as she said, "Goddess, how I do miss her, Siame! But just like you had Karin come to your rescue, I have you… and your mom… who treats me as her own. You are correct; we will make it through this. It's just having to process through a grief that is simply beyond any words that could be used to describe it."

{That's why I'm here, Liara… so you don't have to go it alone. You ready to go back in? It's a bit on the chilly side out here.}

"I'm sorry, Sam." Liara actually managed a small chuckle. "It is, isn't it?" She drew a deep, shaky breath and slowly stood, offering a hand to the woman who loved her so deeply. "But I very much doubt I'll be able to go back to sleep."

"Then we'll just make some Kaffe, go to the office, and sink into the settee, in front of a nice, warm fire." Shepard took the hand and stood, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm all good with a bit of early morning quiet time with my Anam Cara."

"Me too."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 10 May 2190

In spite of her protestation to the contrary, Liara awoke a few hours later, snuggled comfortably into Shepard's side, both of them having fallen into a blissful, nightmare-free sleep ensconced in the plush chair. The fire had dwindled to embers and Lyessa was standing before them, in the process of placing a breakfast tray on the coffee table, the noise of the door and the Steward's footsteps across the wooden floor likely being what had woken her.

"Good morning, Liara." She gave a little chuckle. "Your absence from the master suite caused a bit of a stir this morning… until Riana came here looking for Shepard and found both of you snuggled on the settee, sleeping peacefully. Did you even make it to bed last night, or did you simply fall asleep here and not bother?"

Not wanting everyone to worry about her any more than they already were, Liara answered with only a partial truth, leaving a majority of the story untold. "Everything going on with the Drell attack and then the Council involvement, especially their request for Shepard and me to act as their Prothean Emissaries, makes it difficult to sleep… too much going on in our heads. So, we talked it through a bit… until, apparently, we simply passed out where we sat."

Shepard drew a deep breath and smiled softly, a small chuckle erupting as she opened her eyes and whispered, "Heh. Look at us, sleeping on the settee. Guess we managed to fall asleep after all." Looking up to the Steward, she continued, "Good morning, Lyessa. Is that… breakfast?"

"Yes, it is." Lyessa eyed the empty mugs and the bottle sitting next to them, smiling playfully as she asked, "Are you honestly surprised you slept here, given it is obvious you were drinking Kaffe with a bit of added coffee liqueur?"

Removing her arm from behind Liara, she sat forward and stretched. "No… I guess not; or, at least, I guess I shouldn't be surprised… but it's not like we drank a lot. Just one mug each, with a double shot."

Liara smiled and gently poked her in the ribs with an elbow. "But we were both exhausted so, yes, we should have anticipated it, I suppose." Glancing at the dwindling embers she turned to Shepard, adding, "And I was very comfortably warm, especially snuggled in with you."

"Yeah, that's me. The soft, warm cuddle-bug who will be with you always, anytime you need some bedtime snuggles." She leaned in, placing a tender kiss on Liara's cheek before adding quietly, "I promise." Shifting her attention to the food tray that had been placed before them, she grinned. "And thanks, Lyessa. This looks great!"