Notes:

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

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

Tell-Tales and Tribulations

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 18 Dec 2190

Somewhat disbelievingly, Andreas looked around the comfortable suite for the third or fourth time since their earlier arrival from the CGC. Grinning at the woman that had so captured his heart, he ventured, "This is going to be a holiday to remember, Ash. I don't believe I've ever had accommodations so grand!"

Ashley offered her lover a teeth-baring grin. "This house is every bit as magnificent as I remember from the skipper's bonding two years ago." She strolled up to give him a quick hug as she continued, "I'm glad the British Army finally realized they could soldier on for a couple of weeks without their Mobile Artillery Commander. I mean, it's not as if we're still fighting the damned war!"

Falk chuckled as he returned her embrace, followed by a chaste peck on her cheek before releasing her. "That goes double for me, Ash. I even informed my commander I'd be off-world for the duration, just in case he might think I could easily return should he decide to call me back early."

Williams gave the arm she was still holding a quick squeeze as she chuckled with her response. "I hope you didn't tell him you planned to spend all your time in the company of a Council Spectre."

Andreas ducked his head momentarily as he huffed a short laugh. "Actually, I thought about not telling him, but…" As her happy grin shifted towards a disapproving smirk, he hastened to add, "… I told him I was going to be a guest of Asari Spectre Samantha Shepard… I think that actually impressed him." She dropped her hand, allowing him to continue emptying his overnight bag. After placing the rest of his clothes in the dresser drawer he'd selected, he surreptitiously retrieved a velvety case from the bottom of the bag and slipped it into a folded pair of boxers while thinking, You are about to get the surprise of your life, Ashley Williams. Just wait until Christmas day, my love. He smiled inwardly as he placed another pair of underpants on the pair hiding the small box. Soon, my love… very soon.

Closing the drawer, he turned to her and asked, "Ready for lunch?"

"More than ready, Dré." She grabbed one of his hands while continuing, "Let's get down there."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 19 Dec 2190

Liara welcomed Sha'ira with open arms, pulling her into a hug. "You are here early… and look exhausted. I've never known you to look so tired, Sha'ira. Is everything alright?"

Sha'ira smiled softly. "You always were the perceptive one, Liara T'Soni. Much like your mother, in that regard… reading others better than you understand yourself."

Liara blushed slightly at the comment but was not to be dissuaded. "While that may very well be true, it does not answer the question."

Sha'ira's smile shifted to a quiet chuckle. "Also like your mother to not accept deflection… so, yes, I am rather tired." She gave Rae a glance, who answered the unspoken question with a nod. Letting out a sigh, Sha'ira's smile faltered for a moment. "We are coming from Záhrada… and before you pester me with comments or questions about why I would be there during the Consort gathering, as I am no longer active… I will admit to being the topic of discussion for the meeting. Anything more needs to be relayed privately, hopefully after Rae and I get settled into our room?"

Shepard squeezed her hand in comfort, both of them realizing something was afoot. {Just say yes, Liara, and have them tell us when they are ready to discuss whatever is going on. They may need some down time to discuss it between themselves, first, if they headed here directly from the resort.}

"Of course." Liara gave them both a caring smile. "You know House T'Soni hospitality… including refuge, if required… is always available to both of you. Please, retreat to your rooms – it is your normal suite with the garden view – and make yourselves comfortable. Rest as long as you desire, then come visit with us once you are refreshed. We would never think to press you into violating any trusts you may be keeping, so we will be available to chat, whenever you are prepared to tell us what is happening in your lives, be it the Consort issue or focused on other, more… usual… things."

"Thank you, Liara." Rae stepped in and gave her a loving embrace. "We knew you would be understanding, else we would have begged off and gone home following the conclave." Giving Sha'ira a quick smile, she added, "We will explain everything eventually, just not yet… and, most certainly, not here in the foyer."

"Understood, Rae." Liara gave her a quick hug and let her go. "Now… go get settled and rest. We have many guests, so you know we won't be disappearing on you any time soon. Take your time… relax… and don't be afraid to call for a meal in your room if you desire privacy for a bit. It's no trouble for us to pull items from the buffet and bring it to you…" She paused as a small smirk crawled onto her face. "We have dined with you often enough to know what you do and do not like."

Shepard also gave them both a quick hug. "You'll get more of that later… but, right now, you need to grab some lunch and go relax for a bit. The commandos can carry your bags, so you'll have your hands free to grab a plate on your way up. But, that does not negate Liara's offer for us to bring dinner up to you, should you not be prepared to socialize quite yet. Take a breather and relax… tomorrow is soon enough to talk, assuming you're even ready by then."

"Absolutely," confirmed Liara. "We take this on your schedule… this is your vacation as well, not only our party. Just send me a message when you're ready for dinner… or breakfast, should you prefer to sleep. We know you are here… safe… so will not bother you until you are ready to be bothered." She ended with a loving smile, to which Sha'ira simply had to respond.

"Thank you, Liara." Her gaze shifted as she added, "And you, too, Samantha, for allowing us this time to get ourselves settled." Both Shepard and Liara knew she was speaking of more than getting situated in their suite, as Sha'ira continued, "I cannot imagine that we won't talk at some point this evening. We are not here to hide… we are here to be amongst the comfort of those whom we consider dear friends."

"Then off you go to get comfy… while I play the hostess with Matriarch Tristana and her First, Guard Captain Magdalena 'Maga' Isgro, from the Thaptos Vineyards." Liara gave them both a soft nod. "I am quite confident they have brought some of their latest releases, so we'll have some fresh wines to try."

Shepard chuckled softly. "And review, no doubt. Last time we did this, we ended up doing a full tasting of… what?" She glanced at Liara. "Seven wines?"

"Yes, and don't forget the brandy she brought out last time," added Liara. "That was a rather… shall we say… potent change of pace?"

"Ooohhh… that's right!" The smile on Samantha's face said it all, urging Rae to respond.

"Now, that is a terrible tease!" She let out a quiet chuckle. "I imagine we'll be speaking over dinner… possibly with a bottle of new wine to try?"

"Call when you're ready… and, in the meantime, we'll talk to Tris and discover what they brought with them, if anything." Liara grinned. "Now that we have everyone thinking about it and set such high expectations, watch us find they didn't bring anything with them this time."

"Oh… please let that not be the case," Sha'ira added. "We have some of their wines at the house. Their master vintner is of some renown… and I will be disappointed if they didn't come out with some award winners this past year. If you have never had the opportunity to try it, Thaptos has a positively divine Vintner's Reserve sparkling sherry."

"We'll have to inquire on that one." Liara glanced at Shepard for confirmation, which she received as she said, "I do not believe we've ever tried it."

Shepard shook her head, "No, I don't think we have. We'll ask… but not until you actually turn around and head to your rooms… or we'll be standing here chatting until dinner time!"

"Yes… I believe that is a rather accurate assessment." Sha'ira actually managed to laugh. "So, off you go to attend to your other guests… and off we go to our rooms to relax for a bit." Her expression turned appreciative as she added, "And thank you, again, for being so gracious and understanding of our need for a bit of privacy before we join the throng. You do have a rather large group here, this year."

"Yes, we do. That is what happens when you actually plan an event far enough in advance for people to work their calendars." Shepard's face held one of her trademark grins, causing the Asari Councilor to let out a little chuckle.

"No… that is what happens when you have so many loving and devoted friends." Rae gave the young couple a knowing glance. "I have seen bondings in high houses that were planned more than a year in advance which did not get the attendance this party has… especially when these events are not even Asari holidays… nor Turian, Krogan, or Salarian… yet they are all here. They have not come for your holiday, Samantha… they are here for you and Liara."

Matriarch Tristana's face lit with a broad smile as she caught sight of the couple approaching her. She opened her arms wide in welcome, and Liara stepped in to receive the friendly embrace. "Quite the crowd, this year… and, yet, Maga and I have a lovely suite with a positively gorgeous view of the ocean! It is very easy to see why you prefer the estate over your home in Armali, Liara. Being from the central mountains, the sea air and expansive view are quite refreshing. It always makes me wonder why I don't visit more often!"

Liara stepped back, a smile and light chuckle on her lips as she answered, "Perhaps because you are always busy producing and selling equally stunning, award-winning wines?"

Shepard grinned, nodding to the matriarch and holding her hands out, palms up, in welcome. Tris rolled her eyes and shoved the hands away, stepping close for her second embrace in as many minutes. "There is no need to be so formal, Samantha. With everything tying our two houses together… including your holiday parties… we are so beyond that! I want my hug!"

Laughing, Shepard stepped up and embraced her tightly, then followed quickly with a kiss on her cheek. "It truly is very good to see you, Matriarch." Stepping back and turning to Tristana's First, she grinned and reached out, the two clasping forearms. "Great to see you, too, Maga. Life treating you well?"

"It is, Shepard," the Asari grinned. "Especially now, when we manage to sneak away… minus the entire guard. I have complete trust in you, and know the competency of your commandos… so, this truly is a vacation for both the Matriarch and me… a treat I normally wouldn't be able to enjoy, being the solo Thaptos commando accompanying Tris."

Sam raised an eyebrow as she glanced at the Matriarch, making her laugh at the new expression on the Human's face. "Yes… Tris." Tristana drew a deep breath. "That's why I only bring Maga when I come directly here… so we can truly relax and have a chance to breathe. The Goddess knows the level of formality we must maintain, with all of the regulatory officials and purchasing agents constantly present at the winery. I love having a chance to travel… to simply step away for a few days and leave Kanesha in charge. She has always run more than the house – she also handles much of the day-to-day winery operations. I am, and will always be, grateful for her aptitude in the realm of business management. At times like this, I can simply be 'Tris,' instead of Matriarch Tristana; it's positively… rejuvenating."

"I completely understand that sense of relief." Liara nodded in agreement. "My mother chose well when she hired Lyessa. She may not manage everything here on her own, but she had the necessary contacts to find and assist us in hiring the excellent staff members we have for each of our major projects… Sharime has been our Master Gardener for nearly a century at this point… and, well, Captain M'Lori has run our fisheries division for almost three. She is also approaching her Matriarchy, so I should consider having a serious discussion with her regarding how long she plans to stay… seeing as she is actually in port for this year's celebrations."

That made Tristana's eyes light up. "Naitha is actually here, at the Estate?"

"Yes, she is," Shepard chuckled. "But… she only just arrived last night, and first thing this morning, following only the briefest of introductions, she went down to the boathouse. I haven't seen her since. She mumbled something about inspecting the condition of all the lines on our 'personal' fleet."

"That sounds like her." Tris had an odd expression on her face for only a fleeting moment before she asked, "Would you mind terribly if I headed out there to say hello? It has been a long time since I have seen her."

"By all means!" Liara smiled softly, waiving her hand toward the rear exit. "There are always extra cloaks hanging by the door, available for use, should you prefer that over the trek to your room. We leave them there specifically for that purpose."

She glanced at Maga and asked, "Do you mind?"

"Not a bit, Tris." Maga smiled, fully understanding the Matriarch was asking for privacy. "I know you are perfectly safe within this compound… especially with Captain M'Lori. Enjoy your walk… and take your time getting reacquainted."

Tristana gave her a quick nod, adding softly, "Feel free to explain while I'm out," and headed toward the door.

Maga watched in silence until her Matriarch drew a cloak over her shoulders and stepped through the door. Turning back to Liara and Shepard, she spoke softly, so others would not overhear. "It is not well known… but those two – the Wine Magnate and the Seafaring Captain – share a long history."

An endearing smile appeared on Maga's face as she continued, "This may come as a bit of a shock, but Naitha was Ryati's father; it was a secret kept for political reasons which I assume are now moot… since Matriarch Benezia's passing. Tris has spoken with me about wanting to tell you… but hadn't quite figured out just how to do so. I believe this opportunity to see Naitha is too fortuitous to pass up, so I imagine she and the captain will be coming to you later to make sure it will not be an issue, should it become publicly known."

"Goddess." Liara stared at the First, surprised by the revelation. "How did I not know that?"

"Because your mother forbade any mention or discussion of it within the house… just as she forbade discussion of who your father really was." Maga chuckled. "You have met your fleet captain, have you not?"

Liara's eyes opened wide in understanding. "My mother couldn't be friends with Tris simply because her mate was a similarly crass friend of my father?"

"No… well, not completely." Maga shook her head and sighed. "Mostly, it was because Tris sincerely believed keeping the name of your father a secret from you was positively absurd… and told Benezia as much. After that, Benezia forced Ryati to sign a non-disclosure agreement as a condition of continued employment at House T'Soni… to the point where if Riana ever suspected and had queried her directly, Ryati would have been forced to lie to her lover, or risk losing her position here. Trust me, it was an extremely uncomfortable situation for everyone involved. So, Tris and Naitha opted to break it off, however personally painful, to insure Ryati could maintain her standing within House T'Soni."

"So, they have stayed apart all these years, just so Ryati could stay employed by a great house?" Shepard frowned. "Why did they not come forward after Benezia passed?"

"Because they had been separated for a long time and both are unsure of the status of their relationship… if they still harbor those kinds of feelings for one another." Maga paused and dipped her chin as she added, "Even if they had been confident in that, the death of Benezia, along with all but one of her team, was emotionally delicate for you. Announcing a union while you were home for your mother's funeral? Extremely bad form… and crass as Naitha may be, even she wouldn't venture there."

She gave Liara and Shepard a knowing glance, continuing, "Besides all of that, while everyone else thought you crazy, you both understood that whole sequence of events was the precursor to the damned Reaper war. You and your team knew destroying Sovereign only bought us time to prepare… so you had much more important things to focus on. Tris felt it not only inappropriate, but possibly dangerous, to distract you during that time." Maga sighed and shrugged as she finished, "Then, after having waited so long, it became an awkward topic… a secret held so long it became impossible to tell, because it reflects poorly on the recently deceased Matriarch of your House… and Tris is unsure as to how you will take it, Liara."

The young Asari shook her head in confusion. "So, why now? What has changed?"

"Many things. For one, the relationship you have built with your father? That you were smart enough to bring Mozia on, to temporarily relieve a young, maiden-aged heir of handling the full burden of running a great house?" Maga smiled. "Everything has changed, Liara. Despite the similarities, you are most definitely not your mother. While you may not yet be the politician she once was, in many ways you are far greater than she ever hoped to be. And, while you may not yet recognize your potential, the other Matriarchs have already seen it."

The lips on the Thaptos Vineyards Guard Captain's face took on a smirk as she continued. "Ask Mozia. Many have already come courting, trying to renew their pre-war alliances with House T'Soni… all of which Mozia has deftly deflected, except for those you have asked her to pursue… such as S'Vatyne Resort, T'Sere Shipwrights… and Thaptos Vineyards."

Shepard's eyes widened just a little bit as she realized Maga's point. "Liara isn't relying on any of her mother's old friends, which has all of them nervous." She looked at Liara and grinned. "You're making your own alliances, based on your own criteria of mutual trust and familial connections. House T'Soni is not a force to be ignored… particularly now, with a galactic hero at the helm. So, the new alliances you have been forging have Benezia's old friends increasingly worried about their potentially fading level of influence, to the point they're running scared."

"And you say you're no politician, Shepard?" Maga cast her a knowing glance. "You caught onto that quite quickly."

"I was forced to be, during the war," Shepard huffed. "Doesn't mean I had to like it… or would choose to continue being one, now that it's all over."

Maga smiled. "Understood, Shepard. I'll never mention that again, at least not in association with your name."

Liara gave Samantha's mind a gentle, soothing touch as she responded to Maga's comments. "It was not necessarily the politics themselves, but the requirement to even resort to such tactics. We had a galactic war on our hands! Yet people who were supposed to be allies pulled back and thought only of themselves, very purposefully ignoring the larger picture and the necessity of working together against such a powerful enemy. They bargained galactic safety for individual gain and survival… they worked to save only themselves… damn the rest."

Liara shook her head in disgust, practically growling, "Truly, it was almost beyond belief… and, knowing just how scared everyone was, I will attempt to forgive… but, also, I will never forget what they did… especially how everyone treated Samantha as nothing more than a tool to be used… and, most unforgiveable… how they treated her as a disposable asset."

Maga had to concentrate on not taking a step back from Liara's vehement declaration, until a memory crossed her mind, prompting her immediate understanding. Looking at Liara, she replied, "You are referring to the destruction of the original Normandy… and how everyone did nothing for the two years Shepard was gone from the public eye. Time wasted, which could have been spent preparing for the war… or, at the very least, attempting to help you find her."

Having it stated so bluntly made Liara close her eyes for a moment. Shepard's reassuring presence in her mind helped soothe her soul and she found peace. She reopened her eyes and looked at Maga. "Yes, I am… along with the forced 'Victory Tour' at the end of it all, when all we wanted to do was come home, sit down, and breathe a sigh of relief; a tour… where, had it not been for Samantha, again, I very possibly could have died at the hands of a sniper assassin." She shook her head, adding, "Even so, you are not to blame for any of that, so I apologize…"

She did not get to finish, Maga shaking her head and cutting her off. "No. Do not apologize for that, Liara. You have every justification to be angry at the universe for the hand you were dealt in the game of life. You never knew your father, then lost your mother and her commandos… then had the love of your life violently ripped away from you. Everything you and Shepard discovered and everything the two of you did to save us from the initial Reaper invasion was promptly lied about and swept under the rug… completely ignored by every single entity who had any power at all to make ready for the coming storm. I'm actually surprised… and immeasurably grateful… that you didn't simply hop on that ship and head to Andromeda, leaving us and the whole mess behind."

She smiled at the look of surprise on Liara's face. "Yes… many in positions of power knew. Matter of fact, word made it around the Matriarchal circles rather quickly, regarding Pathfinder Alex Ryder's personal invitation to you, to join the Andromeda Initiative. Everyone… and I do mean everyone… was relieved when you turned him down. They postulated that finding Shepard – and redeeming your mother's legacy – were very likely the only things that kept you here in the Milky Way."

"I had no idea what was supposed to be a personal invitation had become so… public." Liara scowled and shook her head. "So much for my illusions of privacy."

Shepard chuckled quietly and took Liara's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Welcome to what it means to be a hero, Li. I first experienced that whole parade after Elysium… but being a hero to a single planet was nothing like what we're dealing with now. It will be great to escape to Ilos for a while, won't it? Then, we only have to worry about the Protheans… and the Ambassador… and the Council…"

Liara could not possibly hold on to her sour mood with the sarcastic tone of Samantha's playful banter, so she smiled and laughed. "Okay, okay. I get your point. It is the path we have chosen, so this is what you call 'living with our choices,' right?"

Shepard's face split with a wide grin, as did Maga's, as the woman answered, "Yup. That's definitely one way to put it."

"So," began Liara. "I can certainly help resolve one issue of living with your choices… that of Tris and Naitha." A contented smile on her face, she looked at Maga. "Please tell your Matriarch that she and our Fleet Captain, should they choose to renew their relationship, have the blessing of House T'Soni… and, while I am content with her previous silence on the issue, I would hope they can find the courage to talk to Riana. She should be told, preferably before she learns of it second hand, so sooner is better than later."

"As Matriarch Tristana's First, I will be happy to pass the message along, Lady Liara. And thank you… for such a gracious response. Tris will be thrilled, I'm sure."

As dinner approached, Liara received a message from Raesia, telling her they would be down for dinner, but would like to retreat to the private study for dessert… and drinks, to soothe the nerves and loosen the tongue. She said nothing aloud, simply passing the message along to Samantha via the link.

{That almost sounds a bit… ominous… don't you think?}

{Yes… it does. I have to wonder exactly what happened at that conclave to have someone like Sha'ira so out of sorts.}

{Agreed… but wondering about it won't do us any good, Li, especially when we'll have the answers we seek shortly after dinner. So, let's just go to the dining room and enjoy the company of our friends, shall we?}

"Absolutely." Liara forced a smile onto her face as she offered her arm to Sam. "Let's eat."

By the time they had their rather brief exchange and made it to the dining area, Sha'ira and Tevos were waiting for them at the entryway. Samantha smiled and noted, "You look a lot better… like you actually got some sleep."

Sha'ira closed her eyes and dipped her head in acknowledgement. "I did, at that, and not only look better, but I also feel quite a bit better, thank you."

Liara detected absolutely zero deception within Sha'ira's countenance, and she quite honestly did look much better, as Samantha had observed, so let herself relax. "That's excellent. I am glad you decided to come instead of going straight back to the CGC." She paused only a moment before adding, "So… where would you like to sit? Back in the corner, perhaps?"

"That would be most excellent, my dear." Sha'ira actually grinned, looking at Shepard as she said, "And, I suppose, Samantha wants the corner seat, so she can monitor the room, even if we are in the T'Soni dining hall."

Samantha gave a little chuckle in response before responding, "I'm actually feeling pretty comfortable today, with all the commandos and so many of my original team gathered around us. You may have the corner if you want it."

Sha'ira's grin turned into an honest laugh. "I believe I would actually feel better knowing you are looking out and watching our backs… just as you have always done, and do better than anyone else I know, Captain Shepard." She ended with a wink as she sat down in the chair on the opposite side of the table.

The group continued to make small talk while they ate, with the more-than-occasional interruption by friends and family stopping by simply to say hello to the latest arrivals. Once everyone had finished, Liara opened her omnitool and sent a quick message to Lyessa, from whom she received a prompt reply. Looking up and glancing about the table, she smiled. "Lyessa already has a dessert tray sitting in the office, with a variety of beverages that may go better with the selection than Akantha, Serrice Ice, or Bushmills. Shall we?"

Tevos looked at her, then glanced around the room. "Are you certain about this, Liara? Leaving the rest of your guests alone?"

"Absolutely," Liara laughed. "Nearly everyone in attendance has been here multiple times, knows where everything is, and has likely already made plans with their friends to take over the card room or the bar as soon as dinner is over."

Shepard smiled, adding, "And it's good thing nearly everyone knows there way around the place, because knowing some of them, the party is going to pretty much be all day and all night from here on out, until people start leaving." She shook her head and grinned. "There's no way Lyessa and the on-duty commandos would be able to keep up with them all, even with the Armali group augmenting for the duration of the party."

They had walked while they chatted, and soon found themselves at the office door. Liara opened the door, then paused, looking back at the couple. "Are you sure you're ready for this? We don't want to push…"

Sha'ira drew a deep breath, then answered softly, but with conviction. "Yes. We want to tell you… because it is going to significantly shift my lifestyle."

"Oh." Liara's forehead creased, her concern returning three-fold from her initial reaction. "Then let us get in, get a drink and sit, so you can tell your story."

Once settled in, drinks in hand, Sha'ira started to speak. "I was wondering how it would be handled… my pairing with Raesia. Even without a formal bonding, a Consort does not mate with familiarity. Our treatments are selected very carefully, dependent on the need of our clients… the occasional sex is generally completed with only a superficial meld… and done only for the sake of treatment, always keeping the subject's wellbeing in mind. However, as you witnessed with Septimus, it can occasionally be misinterpreted by the client and can cause… complications."

Shepard nodded in understanding, having been the one to talk Septimus off his proverbial 'ledge' and withdraw his accusations against Sha'ira, realizing he had been driven by jealousy. "Yeah. Septimus was definitely a problem… but what's that got to do with now… with you and Rae?"

Sha'ira closed her eyes for a moment, a coy smile appearing on her face before she reopened her eyes and rather bluntly stated, "As you can imagine, Raesia's and my sexual joinings are anything but superficial. The Consorts consider our relationship a threat to the code of confidentiality we hold as an unbreachable tenet of our work. Even retired, I will still hold many of my clients' secrets in my mind… secrets that could lead to assassinations, start wars, and overthrow more than a few governments. My mind holds information that could seed chaos."

Her eyes shifted to Liara as she added, "You most certainly understand that knowledge as powerful as that must be handled with the utmost discretion… something with which you, Liara, are likely very well acquainted, given your role as an information broker during the war."

"Partially true, yes…" Liara blushed slightly as she added, "But I have never withheld anything from Samantha… not when we were truly together. Besides which, once we discovered Inanna, doing so became impossible. We have become too entwined to keep secrets. If we want to do so, we need to section off a part of our mind… into which the other cannot see. We still see the barrier, so must simply trust that the other has a reason for it… such as a surprise night out, a birthday or holiday gift…"

"But if you encountered someone who was actually trying to see into that area… during the rapture of sexual intercourse?" Sha'ira shrugged. "Would it be possible to deny them entry?"

"No." Liara's eyes lit with a reluctant understanding. "During our deep melds, if Samantha wanted to see what was behind the curtain, I would not be able to stop her. Not at the depths with which we meld. I can see why the Consorts view your relationship with Rae with concern."

"And why being a Consort is supposed to be a life-long profession… where once you complete the training and decide to take the vows, you are never supposed to relinquish your position." Samantha's brow knit. "So… what, exactly did they say to you? That you must deny Rae's love and return to the Conclave?"

"Which is why we left early… first on the agenda was the debate over my request for retirement… and then the actions they felt necessary for me to leave the profession." Here Sha'ira paused, her expression reflecting what must have been a painful memory.

Rae growled, "The matriarchs in the group subjected her to an intense mental questioning period, trying to pry secrets from her mind, much like the inquisition that Riana faced – a story I assume you know only too well – regarding Justicar Davos and her… questionable query methods."

Liara reached out and grabbed Shepard's hand, pulling her back down into her seat. The woman had practically leapt up, almost knocking her chair over in the process as she growled, "What the fuck?"

"By the Goddess…" began Liara. "Was that truly necessary? I thought Consort was a noble profession… but, if they will resort to such barbaric tactics, I may rethink that!"

Surprisingly, Sha'ira was the one to come to their defense. "No… it was justified, however cruel it may seem. As Consorts, we are trained to keep the secrets… and the others had to ensure I could do so, at least until such time that whatever information I have is obsolete and no longer able to be used against the clients I served. If I am allowed to retire, I am no longer protected by the Conclave. I will be on my own… and they needed to know I would not look to Rae… and the Council… for protection. They fear the price that could be placed upon the value of my protection."

"Do they honestly believe you would betray secrets to the Council to gain protection for yourself?" Shepard scoffed. "If they do, I don't believe they ever knew who you are to begin with."

"Not necessarily," Sha'ira responded. "I think they do not necessarily believe in the Justicar reformation and rebirth. Without Conclave immunity, I could be subject to questioning… and, like we saw with Justicar Davos, the Justicars of old believe in their own form of justice above all else." She met Shepard's eyes and managed a smile. "I know the Humans have a saying that is appropriate here… the end justifies the means?"

Liara's eyes flew open wide in shock. "So, you're saying that if they somehow discover you had a person of interest on your client list, they could haul you in for interrogation and attempt to rip those memories from your mind?"

"That is what the Conclave fears, yes." Sha'ira shrugged. "Please, do not dwell on it. The inquisition is over, and I will admit to feeling… violated is the only word I can come up with at the moment." Blowing out a heavy breath, she continued, "It merely cements my decision to leave. The war changed everyone. The headhunting that ran rampant through the Ministry of Defense following the beacon incident has the Matriarchs on edge – which only tells me some of them have questionable clientele, where I do not. I was always very selective as to who I would or, more importantly, would not invite into my chambers."

She suddenly smiled, a certain memory scampering across the forefront of her mind. Looking at Samantha, she continued, "To include invitations to those for whom I had words but doubted they would find their way to me on their own."

That brought a smile to Shepard's face. "Like the first time I met you on the Citadel."

Sha'ira closed and reopened her eyes slowly as she dipped her head in acknowledgement. "Precisely like that. I aided those who honestly needed help… and refused any who wanted to use my gifts for ill. Many Consorts believe all deserve to be served, no matter the reason they come to us. I am not so generous… nor so imprudent… with my gift."

"While not a Consort, my mother was like that." Liara's entire posture took on the weight of a great sadness as she continued. "She felt she could use her influence to change people like that… to steer them down a gentler path; people like Saren, which turned out to be an astounding failure with horribly dire results – nearly fatal, for all of us."

"Precisely. I told them all exactly how I felt, which is why we left early… before their great debate on my future. I told them I was leaving, whether they approved of my early departure or not. They had no right to the privileged content I held… and I would tolerate their inquisition no more" She paused and a reluctant sadness crept into her eyes. "Though, I do hope I have not caused an issue for Marisha. She refused to impede my early departure from the resort, even though Grand Matriarch Lumina pressed her for it. I look forward to her arrival tomorrow, even though it will also bring more than its fair share of trepidation."

"So, you didn't stick around for their final decision?" asked Shepard. "What are their options?"

"No, I did not." Sha'ira's coloring paled slightly as she continued. "Their options are limited. If they deem me a risk, they will likely expect me to submit to a memory removal process, the thought of which does not please me in the slightest." Her eyes traveled to Rae, whose face had also paled as she reached for Sha'ira's hand.

Liara sat up tall in her chair and leaned forward slightly, recapturing Sha'ira's gaze. "I will admit, when I offered 'refuge' to you upon your arrival, I did so half-jokingly. I want you to know that I now extend that offer to you in its full measure. Should you ever need the protection of House T'Soni, it is yours, Sha'ira. You helped me through my darkest of times… should it become necessary, I promise you the same in return. Any assistance House T'Soni can provide in this matter is yours."

Sha'ira's eyes dampened with the immense gratitude she felt toward Liara in that moment. Her throat constricted, making it difficult to speak but, after a long moment, she managed to reply. "Thank you, Liara, for such an offer. I fully realize it would put your house in a horrible position, should such a move become necessary, so I will do everything within my power to prevent such a future from occurring. For now, however, all we can do is wait for their ruling on the matter."