Notes:

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

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)

Celebrations of the Heart

Moreh, Refuge, Pangaea Expanse – 12 Mar 2191

Tali's smile was radiant as she stood beside Len, his own face holding an ecstatic grin. As she had been instructed, Shepard placed her left hand on Tali's shoulder. "As Captain to Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Moreh, I approve of this union. May you spend many years in happiness."

They had all been surprised by the appearance of Rinn'Daza vas Nalotir, Len's father, who had quickly explained. "Are you kidding? Admiral Raan called Captain Ahlis'Laspar directly, informing him of the event and insisting he release me to attend. Per tradition, Ahlis could not refuse, and told me to prepare for immediate departure, to ensure I would arrive here on time."

He then glanced at his only son – who was pleasantly surprised by his father's unexpected appearance – and smiled. "You have found an admirable mate, my boy. Who am I to refuse such a wonderful union?" A huge, satisfied smile on his face, he placed his right hand on Len's left shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze of support. "As father to Len'Dazza vas Moreh, I approve of this union. By the homeworld you helped us reclaim, Tali'Zorah, may you spend many years in absolute happiness with my son."

Tali and Len could not help the grins that lit up both of their faces as they faced each other and joined hands, Tali speaking first. "I swear to love you, a thousand times a thousand stars, Len'Dazza vas Moreh. You bring me boundless happiness and joy, encouraging me as few in my life have ever done. I will treasure our union until all the suns fade from the galaxy's skies."

Len gave Tali's hands a loving squeeze, gentle yet firm, as he replied, "Our hearts are united as one, Tali'Zorah vas Moreh. No enemy fleet, no sea of stars will ever separate us again. We will be one until all the suns fade from the galaxy's skies."

Both Liara and Shepard had been surprised at how brief the Quarian ceremony was for such a momentous occasion until Tali had explained that it had developed as a safety measure within the Flotilla. No one in the Migrant Fleet truly cared to be exposed to open air for any duration of time… yet, to prove their dedication and resolve to their union, the joining couple performed the entire ceremony without their masks, culminating the event with what would – very likely in times past – be their only public kiss, ever.

Tali had smiled as she explained, "Times may be changing, with our new SILC friends and the changes they are making within our suits, but traditions will be much slower to shift. So, we will conduct our ceremony in the traditional way." She then chuckled, adding, "Which, by the way, is very short and sweet, which is perfectly fine by me!"

Now, with the ceremony complete, congratulations and a short party were most definitely the order for the day; to that end, everyone moved to the only space aboard the Moreh large enough to hold a reception. The grand hall was generally only used 'en masse' for conclave meetings, but this was a special occasion, for two very special people within what used to be known as the Migrant Fleet. Shepard and Liara attended and offered their congratulations, enjoying the evening party, but both also eager to head home.

Sensing their impatience, Len and Tali approached them with a smile, with Tali being first to speak. "Thank you, both, for staying for this… and thank you, Shepard, for standing as my captain once more. We both know you delayed your departure for today's festivities, but I can sense you are ready to be on your way." She chuckled and raised a hand to halt their objections. "No. You have both been away from Thessia for too long, and I know you have guests awaiting your arrival."

Len shook hands with each of them. "Yes… thank you for making Tali's wish come true and standing for her today." He glanced at his admiral – and his mate – with a smile. "It truly did make her… and my… day to have you both here. You're a good friend, Shepard… and know the both of you will always be welcome among us aboard the Moreh. Our home is your home."

Shepard and Liara pulled them both in for hugs. "Thank you," answered Liara. With a quick glance at Shepard, she continued, "We wouldn't have missed this for anything… and now, we'll be on our way. We'll see you after the holidays!"

Donnelly Home, Edinburgh, Sol – 13 Mar 2191

A pair of barely open, drowsy brown eyes emerged from beneath the sheet, blankets, comforter and quilt cocoon in which Gabriella Donnelly had been soundly sleeping. With a bit of effort, she finally managed to focus on the dimly glowing green numbers of the bedside chrono. 0624. Damn! Time to get up already?! And I was really enjoying that dream! Heaving a sigh reflecting equal parts irritation and resignation, she slowly rolled onto her back, rearranging the covers as she moved; with just the upper portion of her face exposed, she studied the ceiling's antique brocade finish, shadowed in the faint light of the freshly dawning day that somehow managed to leach into the room, despite the heavy drapes covering the window.

Her dream had been a familiar one, although it wasn't being repeated as often as it had the first couple of months of the new year. In her dream, Harley Creath, an N7 Lieutenant in the Systems Alliance Navy, was visiting – here – in this house – in Edinburgh, Scotland – and sharing her bed. The tingly warm feelings she felt in her core upon awakening had caused pangs of guilt the first few times it had happened; she always felt as if dreaming about the handsome man meant she was somehow cheating on Kenneth, loving husband and father of her two babies – whom she virtually never dreamed about anymore – dead and buried just over two years now.

Thinking of Harley jogged her memory; today would be the start of an off-world mini-vacation. Accompanied by her twin children and Violet Sweeney, she would be traveling to Thessia, there to spend a week – possibly two – relaxing, visiting friends, maybe even doing some sight-seeing. Additionally, Gabby was anticipating spending a lot of her time there with Harley Creath, who would be taking a mini vacation from his duties as executive officer on the Spectre vessel Huli.

As for Violet, the sweet woman couldn't quite comprehend just how many people would be visiting Shepard and T'Soni's house, not to mention the sheer number of Asari commandos employed there. Gabby knew without question any one of her Asari sisters would be more than happy to keep an eye on the twins, so Gabby, Violet and Harley could each have some 'adult' time together, even if only for a few hours at a time.

Resolutely pushing the covers down, she swung her bare legs around and placed her feet on the floor… now mercifully covered by a large throw rug. No more having to brace myself against that cold floor, came the thought. As she took the few steps necessary to reach her bathroom, the faint sounds coming from the adjacent bedroom told her Violet Sweeney was already up and seeing to the needs of Malcolm and Annabelle.

She pulled the sleepshirt over her head and dropped it in the laundry hamper, then relieved her bladder. After washing her face and brushing her hair, she inspected her nude form in the full-length mirror on the back of the door; it had been nearly two years since she'd given birth to her twins. The physical changes to her body brought on by her pregnancy, of which permanent stretch marks on her belly, breasts a full cup size larger – with faint stretch marks of their own – and slightly wider hips, were just the most obvious. Doctor Walsh had told her these changes, along with several hidden, internal modifications to her organs would, in all likelihood, be permanent reminders that she had carried two children to term and was now a mother.

With a wry chuckle, she pulled on a pair of panties and a lacy bra, then moved back to her bedroom. Feeling the warmth of the golden topaz touching her chest as she fastened the necklace around her neck not only reminded her of Harley's recent Christmas visit, but also intensified the feeling of regret at not having invited him to spend the last evening of his stay in her bed. With a slight shake of her head, she thought, No! It was not the right time – for me, or him. No way was I ready for that level of intimacy. Moving to her closet, she extracted and pulled on the blouse and pants she had chosen to wear for her trip, then sat in her chair to pull on a pair of socks.

As she opened her door and stepped into the hallway, she was met by Violet and a pair of energetic toddlers, preparing to go downstairs for breakfast. Violet's "Good morning, Missus. Howfur did ye sleep?" was nearly lost in the happy babble coming from Malcolm and Belle. Each of them was beginning to form words, of which 'mum', 'wawa' for water, and 'hi' were almost as frequently heard as an ardent 'NO!' to Mum, Violet or each other for anything they did not wish to do, or to refuse to share a toy, picture book, or most anything currently in the possession of one or the other.

"Good morning, Sweeties. Good morning, Violet," she replied. "I slept well… and enjoyed the most delightful dream. I actually hated waking from it. How'd you sleep?"

Violet opened the gate at the top of the stairs and began descending; attentively watching the progress of both toddlers behind her, she replied, "Very guid, Missus. 'N' th' dream ye hud? 'twas aboot him, was it not?"

Gabby's radiant grin was really all the perceptive woman needed to see, but she shyly answered anyway. "I can't help it, Violet." Gabby started down behind Belle and continued, "He was only here for two weeks, but having him visit… being embraced by him on his last morning here…" she paused for several moments as she stepped onto the main floor and locked the gate. Fingering the topaz on her chest, she finished with a quiet, "That's when I realized he had truly taken my heart."

"Really, Missus? It's nae juist that yer simply missing male companionship?"

With a slight shake of her head, she replied, "I still miss having Kenneth in my life – very much so, but now? After two years? I feel as if I'm finally ready to move on, Violet, and I think I may actually have fallen in love with the man. Not that I'm quite ready to open up my heart to him, but yes… I do believe Harley's the one."

Violet chuckled at Gabby's confession. "I think that's simply smashing, Missus! An', kin Ah presume this wee adventure wull bring ye confirmation o' yer feelings?"

Gabby grinned. "It just may do exactly that, Violet." By this time, she was making their morning coffee. "One way or the other, I expect I will know for certain if Harley Creath is the man I'm looking for."

Preparing breakfast for themselves, eating and feeding her children, then cleaning up afterwards, followed by getting themselves and the children ready and leaving the house for the combination airport/spaceport, all seemed a blur of activity to Gabby. Once inside the massive terminal, she led Violet and the kids to the entrance of the diplomatic and military area. T'Sere Shipwrights Operations Director Matriarch Tralis had arranged for Gabby, Violet and the twins to fly to the T'Soni estate onboard a new, fifteen-passenger capacity, corvette-class starship designed by Judea Voni; of great interest to Gabby, this ship was one of the first of a series of next generation spacecraft T'Sere was developing that would be equipped with sub-light and FTL engines of Gabby's design.

She stopped in the middle of the terminal to look around for the check-in desk, prompting Violet to observe, "This place is nearly as doolally as th' maglev terminal in London, Missus! Whaur kin all thae fowk be gawin` aff tae, ah wonder."

Finally spotting what appeared to be a check-in clerk, she replied, "Come on, Violet." With an amused giggle, she added, "It's busy, to be sure, but I expect it was even worse during the holidays." She was holding Malcolm's hand while Violet was watching Belle; additionally, each of the adults was wearing a backpack and maneuvering a wheeled overnight case. Gabby hadn't fully anticipated what the logistics of this trip would entail. Don't think I would have come out of my house if I had thought about all of this beforehand. At least the kids are behaving.

A young man – an Alliance Navy Petty Officer second class, judging by his insignia – addressed her: "How may I help you, Ma'am?"

She grinned in response. "Gabriella Donnelly, Violet Sweeney and my children are booked on an Asari diplomatic flight to Thessia, Petty Officer…" she paused for the briefest of moments to look at his nametag, then added, "… McGuire." She waited as he activated his omnitool, then used her own to transfer the particulars of their reservation. After confirming she was who she said she was, McGuire made several entries on his terminal, then stood from his chair, motioned to a nearby woman – also a petty officer – and said, "Isabelle, please accompany Missus Donnelly, Missus Sweeney and their children to the Jaziza's boarding gate."

The woman came around the counter and spoke to Gabby while opening her arms in a motion that included them all. "Please follow me, Missus Donnelly." As they walked through a wide passageway, Petty Officer MacMillan glanced sidelong at Gabby while speaking with her. "It's only been a couple of years now, but ah kin remember hearing the name of Donnelly in news reports concerning the Quarian conflict out on the Far Rim. Pardon me for asking, Ma'am, but that wouldn't be you, would it?"

Gabby's mouth fell in amazement. "My dear husband, actually." She took note of the shocked expression that instantly appeared on the young woman's face as she added, "Kenneth was a systems engineer on my former posting – SSV Normandy SR2."

"You served on Normandy?" she exclaimed, before realizing her faux pas. "Oh, my God! I am so sorry fur asking, Missus. He was one of the casualties, wasn't he? I am so very sorry fur your loss, Missus. Wur ye on the ship as well… when 'twas hit?"

Gabby, surprised she hadn't burst into tears at the memory of Kenneth dying on the frigate, shook her head slightly, then looked pointedly at Belle and Malcolm. "I was ashore on the CGC – pregnant with these two – when it happened, Petty Officer." The corners of her mouth lifted slightly as she added, "He's buried in the annex at Portobello Cemetery, and…" she paused to take a breath, "… I'd be lying right alongside him in that cold ground had I been on Normandy."

Petty Officer MacMillan shook her head slightly, embarrassment at asking this woman – a widowed mother of two – about her name adding a hint of color to her cheeks. When they reached the boarding area for the Jaziza, MacMillan turned to squarely face Gabby and said, "Again, I'm so very sorry fur yer loss, Missus Donnelly. You have my sincere apologies fur even asking ye about yer name – 'twas insensitive o' me."

"Thank you, Petty Officer, but it's quite alright." With a heavy sigh, she added, "He's been gone just over two years, now. My only regret in all this is, since Normandy was comms out while monitoring the Quarian situation, Kenneth never knew he had fathered twins."

MacMillan schooled her shocked expression, then placed a tentative hand on Gabby's upper arm as she spoke in a voice barely above a whisper. "I have faith, Missus Donnelly… faith that he does know, and is watching over ye and yer bairns, from whatever heavenly bar he is in." She looked to the Jaziza's entry hatch, offering the hand that had been resting on the mother's arm in comradeship. When Gabby grasped her hand, a slight grin played about the corners of Isabelle's mouth as she said, "Have a bonny voyage, Missus Donnelly, and a pleasant time on Thessia."

"Thank you, Petty Officer." Releasing MacMillan's hand, she nodded to Violet, who followed with a pair of wide-eyed toddlers as she stepped up the short ramp to enter the gleaming vessel. Just inside was an Asari she felt she knew. "Clarissa? Is that you?"

Systems Support Technician Clarissa Sheris held her hands out, palms up. "Welcome aboard, Gabby." Gabby slid her arms past those of a surprised Clarissa in order to embrace the Asari in a sisterly hug, which brought a slightly purplish flush to her cheeks. Stepping back, she ducked her head momentarily before nodding to Violet. "Missus Sweeney, it's a pleasure to see you again." Dropping to one knee to greet the twins, she exclaimed, "Oh, Gabby! They're growing so fast!"

"They're almost two years old now and get into everything if we're not careful to keep an eye on them." With a quiet giggle, she added, "If they're in another room playing, we always equate total quiet with trouble." Pausing briefly, she admitted, "I'm really surprised to see you here, Clarissa. Are you working?"

Sheris nodded as she stood back up. "Yes, I am. You, more than most, know the mechanical systems need to be fine-tuned in order to operate seamlessly, as one cohesive unit. After a ship's inaugural flight, I generally perform the post-production check ride in order to ensure it's all been assembled correctly."

The commando helped the two women stow their travel gear and seat them and the children – Gabby and Violet across the central aisle from each other, with each of the children seated next to the inner hull. There were no viewports; rather, a small video monitor was inset in each of the seatbacks facing them. The view could be cycled among any of the several cameras that were installed behind clear, protective covers flush-mounted in the pressure hull.

As the ramp was retracted and the hatch was closed and sealed, a quick glance around the passenger compartment confirmed for Gabby that they were the only passengers on board. Gaining Clarissa's attention, she asked, "No one else making this trip to your homeworld?"

"Transporting you and yours to the Athena Nebula is the main reason for our detour here from the CGC, Gabby." With a broad grin, she added, "As this is a new vessel, and even though it has handily passed all of T'Sere's required flight tests and is ready for its new owner to take possession, it's standard procedure for us to make one or two trips prior to delivery in order to further confirm that all the ship's systems are functioning as designed."

While she was speaking, her omnitool chimed; this was accompanied by a subtle escalation of sound from the engineering area behind them. "Please, excuse me. We will be departing in a few minutes, and I need to be seated." As the commando moved forward to sit in the jump seat mounted sideways near the inner hull, Gabby's ears told her the pilot was performing a pressure check to ensure the entry hatch was properly sealed.

As she fastened her own harness, Gabby felt the momentary – and familiar – sensation of imbalance caused by the activation of the inertial dampeners; Malcolm's expression reflected his unease at this new feeling. Gabby quickly reassured her son that all was well, with Violet doing the same for Belle. Shifting her attention between the pair, she said, "Everything is fine, kids." Gabby set the video display in front of Malcolm to show the view to the side and forward, then coached Violet in setting the monitor in front of Belle to display what was happening on her side; the ability to watch what was happening outside immediately engrossed and calmed both children.

Violet looked at Gabby with a happy grin. "That's much better, Missus. Makes me feel better as weel, bein' able tae see outside." She cycled the views on the monitor in front of her, until she was able to watch their takeoff as if she were sitting in the copilot's seat. "Excellent view!"

Gabby simply grinned in reply as she sat back in her comfortable seat and closed her eyes.

She had seemingly been asleep for only a few minutes when a familiar, accented voice intruded. "Gabby! What urr ye daein' here?"

Opening her eyes, she quickly looked around and gasped in shock – there was no one else in the seats around her, and the person standing in the aisle – no! It could not be. "Kenneth? Is that… really you, Kenneth?" She slowly rose from her seat and moved to stand in front of him. "But… I don't understand… you've been dead for over two years, my love." She tentatively reached out a hand in an attempt to touch his cheek. "You died on the Normandy during the Quarian campaign. How can you be standing here before me, now?"

He quickly grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips, there to kiss her palm and fingers. "I am present in yer hert, Gabriella; Ah wull continue tae live oan… in yer hert, and in th' beautiful bairns… our bonny bairns, that yer raising." He cocked his head and grinned at her.

"My God, Kenneth… I'm having a difficult time continuing on without you! I get so lonely at times. I find myself wishing I had been with you on the Normandy when it happened. You are… were… the other half of my soul," she cried. "It's just hard… so damned hard, Kenneth!"

"Don't ever think about that, Gabby! Never!" The cheeky grin had evaporated. "I am sae very sorry ah hud tae lea ye by yerself, Gabby. That's why A'm here now." He caressed the side of her face – the touch feeling as if a slight breeze was softly fluttering the finest silk against her skin. "It's okay fur ye tae shift oan with yer life, Gabriella. Hold me in a corner o' yer hert. Ye mist realize yer heart has room in thare fur another." He brought his other hand up in order to wipe the tears that trickled down her cheeks. "You've met a right braw fellow, Gabby. Allow him intae yer hert. Ah ken thare is plenty o' room thare fur him… 'n'me. A'm yer foremaist love, my darlin', bit Ah don't hae tae be th' last. Open yer heart… it's time, mah love."

Gabby watched in awe… and sadness, as Kenneth gradually lost his defined shape, becoming as misty as a thin cloud drifting away. "Kenneth?" He slowly vanished, as morning fog being burned off by the warmth of sunshine. Was he even really here? She looked all around the passenger compartment, only to see two rows of empty seats. She returned to her own seat and leaned back. He said to open my heart. He knows about Harley… wants me to allow him into my life. She was still mulling this around in her mind when sleep took her once more.

At Large, Parnitha System, Athena Nebula – 14 Mar 2191

Gabby woke to the sound of her name as a gentle hand on her shoulder shook her. "Missus Donnelly? We've arrived in th' Asari home system." Violet Sweeney was leaning over her, a bit of concern in her expression. "Ye gaed tae kip afore we left Sol, Missus. Ne'er stirred wance. Are ye okay, then?"

It took a few moments for Gabby to get her bearings; she glanced at Belle and Malcolm before refocusing on Violet. "I'm fine, Violet. I'm just…" she hurriedly covered her mouth as an enormous yawn interrupted her. "I'm just a bit tired, is all, and sleeping on a space vessel was never a problem for me."

Clarissa had approached from the front of the passenger compartment. With a kind smile, she said, "We'll be making planetary entry soon, and landing at the T'Soni estate in about 45 minutes, Gabby, so…" here she directed her attention to Violet, "if you would retake your seat, Missus Sweeney?" Splitting her attention between Violet and Gabby, she added, "Make sure both you and the children have your restraints buckled.

Gabby grinned at the Asari, saying, "Of course, Clarissa." She looked to Malcolm as Violet returned to her seat, arranged and buckled her harness, then rechecked those embracing a sleeping Belle, who woke up a bit fussy at being disturbed.

The final ten minutes of their flight mesmerized the children, not to mention Violet Sweeney, as the sleek corvette swooped low over the Kendra Ocean to approach the T'Soni estate from the southeast. In a matter of minutes, the Jaziza, having slowed its speed considerably during the final approach, tipped its nose up in a rather dramatic fashion and drifted over the beach east of the estate, before turning to settle down on the parking apron adjacent to the main house.

As the unseen pilot idled the ship's propulsion systems, Gabby unbuckled her harness and, with Violet now standing in the aisle and backing away, stood up, stretched her arms over her head, then leaned from side-to-side to get the kinks out of her shoulders and back. "Come on. Let's gather up the children and our packs – see who's waiting outside to greet us."

Violet took charge of Belle while Gabby held onto her little boy; with the friendly assistance of Clarissa Sheris, both women made their way off the gleaming corvette and onto the pavement, seeing the welcoming, smiling faces of Lyessa Raptos and Samantha Traynor.

When the T'Soni House Steward caught site of Gabby, her face erupted in a huge grin as she engulfed the woman in an intimate embrace of welcome. Pushing back after a few moments, she looked into a happy pair of brown eyes, saying, "It truly is so good to have you home with us again, my child." Releasing Gabby, the matron turned to a decidedly shy Violet Sweeney, who hesitantly held both hands out in greeting.

Lyessa smiled at the woman as she slid her palms atop those offered in friendship; Gabby said, "Lyessa, this is my housekeeper… and friend, Violet Sweeney. Violet, this is Lyessa Raptos, the house steward, my birth coach, and the twin's godmother."

Violet grinned as she nodded her head and said, "'Tis mah honor tae catch up wi' ye, Matron Raptos," to which the Asari replied with a quiet chuckle, "Oh, please. My name is Lyessa, and I am very glad to meet you, Violet."

After having introducing Violet to their hosts, Gabby quickly introduced Clarissa as a colleague from T'Sere, then embraced her before they parted company. As the Asari reentered the ship, a curious Traynor quietly asked, "Did you design the engines for that ship, Gabby?"

Gabby grinned with her answer. "Completely new engine design, both sublight and FTL. I've been told T'Sere is constructing an addition at their main factory, just to keep up with the demand for Judea's…" she waved her hand at the Jaziza, "… latest ship design." Shaking her head slightly, she concluded, "I will always be in her debt for introducing me to T'Sere Shipwrights, Samantha. I seriously doubt she realizes what a treat it is for me to work from home."

A happy grin firmly in place, Traynor replied, "Oh, I expect she realizes exactly how much it means to you, as it has also meant a great deal to Jude."

Gabby's curiosity was piqued. "Her ship designs are selling quite well. I expect she's reaping the financial benefits from her designs, same as me. Has her relationship with T'Sere changed?"

Traynor chuckled lightly. "You'll have to speak with her tonight at dinner. I'm sure she will have a great deal to share with you." Smiling, she stuck her hands out to Malcolm, who gave her a happy grin, extending his own little arms up in approval. Samantha laughed and quickly hoisted Malcolm up, parking him on her hip as she continued, "Come on, Gabby! Let's get you, Violet and the children settled in your rooms. There will be plenty of time for you to relax, freshen up, visit with people before we have dinner. Oh! Did you have lunch?"

"Yes, we did, but it wouldn't hurt to have a mid-afternoon snack to keep the kids' tummies happy." Smiling at her friend, Gabby continued, "I really cannot wait to see everyone again… It seems like only yesterday I was bidding them all farewell."

In less than 90 minutes, Gabby, accompanied by her children and Violet, had returned downstairs from the suite Liara and Shepard had reserved for her. Violet was still talking about what she felt was an enormous amount of space the couple was allowing them to use. Her comment of "… this is nearly th' size o' yer hoose in Edinburgh!" had caused Gabby to laugh as she nodded in agreement. Discovering a pair of children's beds already in the main bedroom when they entered simply endeared the entire staff of House T'Soni to her even more.

The children quickly became the center of attention for the many huntresses, visiting amongst themselves and with guests. Gabby was looking around for one Asari in particular, and quickly found her in the center of a number of the house staff. With Violet right behind her, she gently but unabashedly worked her way past the several commandos in front of her.

Focusing her attention to the young mom, Lyessa's voice took on a note of concern as she asked, "But where are your babies, Gabby? Is everything alright?"

Looking around, Gabby spotted both children being entertained by several of the commandos and pointed them out to Lyessa. "I had nearly forgotten how pleasant it was to never have to worry about them in this house," she giggled. "Everyone is simply crazy about them."

"Well, they are Thessian born, Gabby, and their mom is employed by a Thessian ship builder," came the smiling reply. One of the commandos began moving towards Gabby and Violet, a small hand in each of hers. She came to a halt in front of Lyessa, who knelt down to greet them.

Gabby knelt as well, looking at Belle first, then Malcolm. "Kids, this is your godmother, Lyessa Raptos." Each of them looked from their mom to Lyessa, then back to their mom.

Lyessa reached out a hand to each child and waited. With an encouraging look from their mom, they each raised a hand towards the Asari; she responded by softly grasping each tiny hand in her own. They allowed her to draw them into her embrace, with Belle displaying more confidence than Malcolm. Lyessa hugged each of them, placed a light kiss on a pair of ruddy cheeks, then retook her feet. "It's hard for me to believe you've grown so much, children." Looking at their mom and Violet, she observed, "It would seem the ocean air and good food of your homeworld are really beneficial for this pair, Gabby. They're beautiful."

"Thank you, Lyessa. I thank God I'm fortunate enough to earn a good living working from my home. It's not something I would have been able to do if I'd remained in the navy."

Lyessa gave her a stern, caring look. "You know you will always have a place here, should some other unfortunate event ever befall you." Lyessa reached out to give Gabby's arm a reassuring squeeze. "We are family, and this is your home, just as it is for all of our dearest friends." She suddenly winked and smiled as she added, "And it most certainly would not break my heart to have the little ones running about again. We are all growing older… and while I miss the patter of tiny feet about the house, Liara's and Shepard's children are a long time coming, yet."

They laughed together, Lyessa looping her arm through Gabby's and giving a light tug toward the kitchen. "Come now. I hear you would like a small snack to tide the children over until dinner. I do believe Chef Leyana has cooked up some Kaffe for us, as well as coming up with just the thing for Malcolm's and Belle's young palates!"

Gabby was over the moon happy to once again be staying in this house… this place that she somehow knew would always feel like a second home. "I can't wait, Lyessa. Lead the way."