Ai'a me - a trusted friend and unquestioned ally (Source: CDN)

Alban Eiler - Druid festival of the Spring Equinox, means 'Light of the Earth' (Gaelic)

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

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

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

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

Turnabout is Fair Play

Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 17 Mar 2192

Sal had woken that morning seriously wondering if the night before had truly happened or if it had all been a dream. As she ate breakfast, she immediately confirmed it was not when Rix asked her, "So… you were out awfully late with Doctor T'Soni last night. Care to share what you were discussing that took so much time?"

Sal shrugged, being evasive as she replied, "It was really kind of crazy. We started out talking about the breakthroughs on the Inusannon subharmonic communications and how their language works… and how it is going to be the baseline for my final thesis presentation. After that, we spoke about travel schedules and how we would stay in touch… for both the period while she is preparing for her Ilos presentation, and afterward, once classes are back in session."

She then paused and took a deep breath, realizing she could not commit a lie by omission with her best friend. "Then, I made a huge confession to her, which turned out quite differently than I had anticipated… in a good way." She suddenly couldn't help the teeth-baring grin that bloomed across her face, even knowing Rix would have every reason to be upset about what was happening. "I confessed my love for her… and Shepard."

"You what?" Nearly shouting her question, Rix stared at her, simply knowing what kind of love Saleesha was talking about by the glow on her friend's face and the enormous, happy smile that had spread across her lips. "Are you insane?" Rix shook her head in disbelief. "Those two make a perfect couple… and I am thankful you're still here, with neither of them having warped you all the way back to Thessia! What in the blue blazes were you thinking?"

Understanding suddenly dawned as she said those words, realizing Sal was happy… extremely so. "But you're here, and not packing your bags to leave… and I cannot deny the delight that is written all over your face… so, of even greater surprise, they accepted? But… by the Goddess, Sal! You're her student and she is both your mentor and evaluator… which creates a seriously major conflict of interest for her… and puts her in an extremely vulnerable position!"

"I realize that… and so does she, I think. We didn't speak of it, but I know she will need to be very diligent about you and I receiving equal treatment and consideration throughout. She and Shepard want to be the ones to tell people… so, honestly, I shouldn't have said anything."

"Perhaps not, but I would have been furious if I had heard about this from anyone else, Sal! That is too huge a secret to keep, even if only for the week or so until Doctor T'Soni returns to Thessia." She reached out and took her friend's hand. "Thank you for the consideration, but I seriously believe you need to rethink that entire idea, along with the possible consequences."

"Well… Liara says they have a policy of 'no secrets in House T'Soni,' so they plan on telling people tonight at the party as they mingle. We spoke about a formal announcement, but there is nothing formal about our arrangement… at least not yet. It is simply a trial, to see if we can even make it work. Quite honestly, I may be the one backing away first, because the two of them are so obviously smitten with and dedicated to one another. I need more out of a relationship than just being a side attraction."

Saleesha fell silent for a moment, her happy smile fading to one of contemplation. Shrugging, she added, "I am simply overjoyed they were willing to consider it at all. I thought for sure that I was going to be doing exactly what you mentioned… packing my bags this morning for an immediate departure… and on the hunt for a new doctoral sponsor."

Rix scoffed. "Doctor T'Soni would never do that to you, Sal… especially since you are so much better at this stuff than I am. She needs you to run the dig site. Blazes! I need you to run this dig site in her absence, because I have come to realize I couldn't do it. There are definite reasons she selected you for the position, Sal. You are a natural born leader, where I am not."

"You would do just fine without me, Rix." Sal squeezed the hand that was still clasping hers. "I couldn't do what I do without your help… and I have told Liara as much. You never speak up for yourself… it's like you're the silent partner in this relationship."

"That is because I am the silent partner, Sal. Have been for a while now." Rix squeezed back as she continued, "However, I surprised even myself when I suddenly realized I was perfectly happy playing the supporting roll, working in your shadow and avoiding all the attention." She grinned as she saw the surprise blossom on Sal's face. "Honestly? I quickly discovered I am quite content to be your second, Sal… both here and now, for your thesis work, and after you graduate. I would be quite happy to continue as such, when you start working on your own. You would have my full support in your future efforts, should you want it."

She loosened her grip and pulled her hand with a sigh, worried her next words would be hard for Sal to accept. "But now, I feel the need to caveat my support as only in regard to you running the dig. I cannot condone this new arrangement you have with Doctor T'Soni. My biggest issue is that it crosses an ethical, student-teacher boundary that should never be crossed, not so long as she is your performance evaluator and mentor. You need to think seriously about the consequences for her career, should it be discovered. If Doctor T'Soni speaks the truth about no secrets in House T'Soni, of which I have no doubt, news of the relationship will get out, and her career as a professor may be jeopardized – as well as yours as a field archaeologist – before either even truly begins. Are you prepared to accept that risk?"

It took a moment before a response broke the sudden silence. "That is brutal honesty if I ever heard it… but now, having heard a different viewpoint, I suppose not." Sal looked at Rix, feeling a sense of defeat in Rix' voice she had never perceived before. "However, setting the question of my potential relationship with Liara and Shepard aside for a moment… I have to ask. I mean, you sound like you are disappointed in me, so why would you contemplate giving up your own doctorate, just to follow me?"

"I am not speaking hypothetically, Sal." Rix hunched her shoulders as a sad smile took over her face. "During this last review, I already spoke with Doctor T'Soni about terminating my doctorate and simply joining her team. She said she would absolutely take me on as an aide, but then told me to not rush the decision… to wait until I was undeniably sure that was what I wanted to do. Once I terminate, it would be very difficult to get re-enrolled… and all my previous work to get to this point could be lost but, to me, that doesn't honestly matter."

She shrugged and continued, "Quite simply, we both recognize I am not as good as I need to be… not to be a successful, independent archaeologist. Adding to that, jobs are scarce and competition for grants is crazy… and I most certainly do not have the financials to fund my own digs until I get established, assuming I could ever even reach that point. Given my choices, I don't care to live on bare minimums… not when I have the opportunity to work as a second for someone exceptional. If that someone also happens to be my best friend in the galaxy, why would I sacrifice working with them, only to face a career of constant struggle?"

"Your best friend?" Sal looked at her, even more confused and, perhaps, sounding just a bit offended. "So, Liara becomes your best friend just by offering you a job if you quit school?"

"What?" Rix asked, before scoffing and shaking her head. "I'm not speaking of Doctor T'Soni, you idiot. I'm speaking of you!"

"Oh… of course… a faulty conclusion on my part." Sal fell silent for a moment, then asked quietly, "So you would quit school and work in Liara's employ… just so you could stay here and work with me?" Her brow knit in contemplation as she asked, "Why would you do that?"

"Because… you absolutely beautiful, oblivious idiot. No matter how much time we spend together… both on the job and in our free time… how much fun we have and how well we work together, you are completely unaware that when it comes to love, I am in the same situation as you. Have you never realized that how you feel about Captain Shepard is the same way I feel about you… simply because I have never been brave enough or bold enough to tell you out right?"

Seeing the surprise on Saleesha's face, Rix shook her head and looked down, a sad smile creeping onto her face. "Apparently, I am no better at love than I am at archaeology, but better late than never, I suppose. So, here goes nothing. You are my Shepard, Sal… my confidant… my warrior-protector… and… I love you." Her eyes came up to meet Sal's, pleading for understanding.

Sal felt a hard lump form in her throat, having to swallow a number of times, take a deep breath, and finally clear her throat before she finally managed to whisper, "By the Goddess, Rix! How could I not realize you felt that way?" She paused only a moment before adding, "And why, in the name of the Goddess, did you never say anything to me? I mean… I thought we shared pretty much everything!"

A single tear trickled down Rix' face as she choked out a little laugh. "Did you seriously just say that… after you gave me absolutely no indications regarding your crush on Shepard? Really?"

"Good point." Sal smiled softly. "I honestly had no idea … and now that you brought up the points regarding Liara and the ethics of us getting involved…" She paused, huffed quietly and reached over to wipe the tear off Rix' cheek before adding, "Well, shit." She pulled her hand back and looked her best friend in the eyes as she shrugged and admitted, "And you are correct about how much fun we have together… like… all the time! A blind idiot is what I am, plain and simple."

Even Rix had to laugh at that. "Perhaps you are… but I don't believe you to be an irredeemable one." She paused, holding Saleesha's gaze as she asked, "So, where do you and I stand, and what in the Goddess' name do we do now?"

Sal ran her right hand nervously across her crests. "Well… first, we finish breakfast, then I need to go speak with Liara and Shepard." She let out a big sigh of relief and grinned at her companion, her mind suddenly content with the realization and conclusion she should have reached months ago. "And that's not right. My first thing is to apologize to you… I am so very sorry, Rix, truly. The next thing is to offer you my sincere gratitude for setting me back on the correct path. Then, I go speak with Liara and Shepard, to tell them about this conversation."

"Would you like the emotional support of your best friend for that conversation?" asked Rix.

"Absolutely… but I also think my future archaeological assistant and ethics advisor should be there, along with… just maybe… my future amantia? Assuming, of course, she'll have me after I've been such an insensitive and unobservant dullard."

Rix smiled softly and whispered, "I'm pretty sure she'll find it in her heart to forgive your crush. I mean… seriously. Who doesn't crush on Shepard?" She smiled warmly, adding, "As for becoming your amantia? You might want to discuss a few things with her, before that happens. You nearly broke her heart… and she might need some assurances you'll talk about things before ever doing anything so… impulsive… again, like you did with Shepard."

Sal sat back and relaxed… suddenly swept by an overwhelming sensation of contentment. A quiet chuckle rumbled through her chest as she replied, "I'm pretty sure I can give her those. My ethics advisor gave me a good talking to, so I won't be repeating any mistakes like that again… ever… assuming, of course, she is also willing to remain by my side?"

Rix looked down at the table for a long second before looking back up to meet Saleesha's eyes once more. "I'm pretty sure your advisor isn't planning on going anywhere, Sal. Every path is easier to follow when you have someone to keep you company along the way, and a true Ai'a me can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to find sometimes."

Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 17 Mar 2192

Shepard awoke, late for her, but she and Liara had not gone directly to sleep when they went to bed. Even with the late hour following the long discussion with Sal, they had enjoyed making love… soft and tender… ending by spending some indefinite period of time in Inanna, simply being one.

Not realizing her Anam Cara was awake, she rolled over and gently stroked Liara's cheek as she whispered, "I don't know if I can share you with Sal, Anam Cara. She knows nothing of the true link we share… a whole hidden galaxy of just you and me where we are truly one."

Liara drew a deep breath and, her voice rough with sleep, whispered only two words, "Second thoughts?" before slipping her eyes open to meet those astonishingly emerald orbs studying her so lovingly. "As I said last night… this is entirely up to you, Siame. If you are not yet comfortable with the idea, then we won't do it. We will talk to Sal about it and make no announcements of any kind until the issue is resolved. If I may ask, what makes you so hesitant… enough so that you have a change of heart?"

"Last night… here, with you… just us." Shepard answered quietly. "Inanna? We said nothing of it to Sal… and I don't believe it is something she can ever experience. I feel as if our union would either be lessened by her presence, or she would feel left out… maybe even abandoned… when we shifted. I don't believe either option is truly healthy for our emotional wellbeing… any of us.

"Yet you care deeply for her, Sam, I can tell." Liara paused and pulled Shepard against her. "Though, I do sense your love for Sal is more like what you now feel for Sharon. More of a sisterly love… a fellow warrior, a sister-in-arms for whom you care for deeply. One whom you want to defend and protect."

"You know me so well, Liara." Shepard sighed heavily. "Without Inanna, Sal will never compare to you. We can never share that special closeness and, I fear, she'll eventually feel resentment for it. No pun intended, but after sleeping on it, I just don't think we should do it."

"Then we won't." Liara turned her head and kissed her siame, who was obviously thankful for her quick agreement, Shepard's relief slipping through the link as soon as their lips met. The quick kiss ended, and Liara ran her fingertips gently across Samantha's cheek, adding, "All we can do is explain why our link is so special and hope Sal understands."

Liara sat up and stretched, adding, "And, since we are both awake, I suppose we should get up and get dressed. I will message Sal and see if she is willing to come join us, to speak about this again." With a final yawn, she swung her legs off the side of the bed and picked up her omnitool, only to see she had a message already waiting. "Sam?"

Shepard looked her way as Liara continued, "We already have a message from Sal. It came in about thirty minutes ago, asking if we could meet her and Rix in my office?"

"We?" Shepard asked. After a brief pause, she added, "To meet her… and Rix? Obviously, we'll say yes, but I have to wonder why it's all four of us."

"Agreed… and there is only one way to find out." Liara smiled as the woman slid out from the protective cover of the sheets, putting her naked body on display. "I am telling her… them… that we'll meet in my office at noon, and I will arrange to have lunch brought in." She shut down her omnitool and set it back on the dresser before standing and walking around the bed to intercept Samantha on the way to the shower. "I have a feeling we may get distracted and not be able to make it until then."

Shepard sensed Liara's intentions through the link only moments before she felt loving arms wrap around her from behind, stopping her progress toward the bathroom. "Hot tub first… then shower," came the sultry whisper in her ear.

Liara and Shepard had made their way to the office a little bit early, first arranging for lunch with Aelia's assistance, then sitting in a pair of comfortable chairs in the waiting area. They hadn't sat there for very long before Sal and Rix appeared, both with what Liara could only describe as cautious smiles on their faces. Liara and Shepard stood, in unison, as the two approached, Liara speaking for them both as the students approached. "We were a bit surprised by your message this morning, but welcomed it as we, also, have news to discuss."

While Liara spoke, Shepard had stepped back and opened the door to the office. As soon as her bondmate stopped speaking, Sam asked, "Shall we get started?"

"I suppose we should," answered Sal, with a somewhat nervous glance at Rix, before moving through the doorway.

They sat at the table and began eating, Liara opening the discussion with a simple question. "So, Sal… you asked for this meeting. Why don't you start?"

Sal nodded and cleared her throat. "I know I wasn't supposed to tell anyone but, this morning at breakfast, Rix asked me what we talked about for so long…" She shrugged and gave Rix a quick smile before turning back to continue. "… and I couldn't lie, so I told her. Simple as that."

Rix immediately came to her rescue, continuing the story. "After which, I told her it was a terrible idea… mainly because it not only put you, as her instructor and evaluator, in a rather tenuous position, but her, as well. Who is to say the Dean or, worse yet, the Doctoral Board wouldn't find out about the relationship? I am sure they would see it as I do… a breach of ethics, on both of your parts. It would be extremely difficult to maintain a professional relationship once you are lovers and, I do believe, the Board – who didn't want to approve your doctorate to begin with, Doctor T'Soni – would move to rescind your credentials. The University would certainly need to reconsider your position as a professor… something I would never want to see happen, because you have been one of the best instructors I have ever had during all my years in Secondary."

Rix took a deep breath and leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms protectively across her body as she looked up to look directly into Liara's eyes. "I also understand my blunt honesty may be the beginning of my end as one of your doctoral students. While I would be sorry if…"

"Stop right there." Liara held her hand up and shook her head. "I would never terminate someone for speaking out against one of my actions… particularly when they are correct." She glanced at Shepard, who smiled and nodded for her to continue. "Shepard and I also had a discussion this morning and, while for differing reasons, we came to the same conclusion." Her gaze traveled to Sal. "What Shepard and I have is unique… in ways that can be difficult to explain, assuming you have never heard the term Inanna."

Liara and Samantha watched two things happen simultaneously. Sal's forehead wrinkled as she glanced toward the suddenly animated Rix, sitting next to her. Rix, on the other hand, dropped her crossed arms, her palms slapping down on the table hard enough to rattle the silverware sitting on their plates. "What?" she gaped. "Are you serious? You share Inanna?"

"What in the Goddess' name is Inanna?"

Rix' mouth gaped at Sal. "You have to be kidding. You call yourself an archaeologist, yet you don't pay attention to our own histories? Inanna is the pinnacle of bonding! Two souls, truly united as one, where boundaries between them no longer exist. You see, hear, and feel everything the other person does… from their perspective! There has not been a recorded case in… millennia!"

"I can't even begin to understand how that could happen…" She glanced rapidly between the two sitting across from her as she continued, "…but, neither would I consider calling either of you a liar." She finally focused on Samantha, the true object of her affection within the couple. "And, I assume, it is not a three-way bond… so I would always be the one left out."

"If you could even find a mate to complete such a blending," added Rix, rather bluntly. "It is extremely rare… only recorded two or three times in our entire history." To soften her words, she added, "I know I have never found such a perfect soul match in any of those I have joined with."

Sal chuckled quietly for a few seconds, shaking her head. "This arrangement was never truly meant to be, was it."

Shepard sensed the statement – not a question – and chuckled as she responded, "No, I don't think it was. But Liara nailed it when we talked about it this morning. Seeing as she's pretty much inside my head all the time, she told me she had sensed my love for you… as a battle mate, a sister-in-arms, much like my relationship with another very dear friend of mine, Sharon Culver. We may never be lovers, but we will always be Ai'a me. Nothing in this galaxy will ever take that away."

"So… I guess the trip to S'Vatyne is off, huh?" Sal smiled softly. "Darn… was really looking forward to that one."

Liara laughed. "Maybe we'll shut the dig down for a week and take everyone… as a thank you for all the hard work everyone has put in. Separate living arrangements, of course, for the archaeological team."

"Oh, by the Goddess, Liara!" Rix' eyes lit up in anticipation. "Just tell me you aren't joking… because that would be cruel, to offer such a thing and then rip it away just as quickly!"

"Not joking at all." Liara smiled and continued, "Matriarch Marisha is a personal friend, who has spent her own holidays on Thessia, at our Estate. I am quite confident we can arrange for a second house for eight somewhere on the resort."

Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 21 Mar 2192

The St Patrick's Day festivities had gone as normal on the seventeenth – with no major announcements regarding any changes in Liara's relationship circle – though a lot fewer people were in attendance at the party than the big blowouts they had at home. Even so, a few curious Protheans attended, asking questions about the cause for celebration and the odd green drinks the partygoers were consuming. Shepard had chuckled good-naturedly and explained the history of St Patrick and the green beer multiple times over the course of the evening as attendees came and went.

The major difference in the parties – being on Ilos and wanting to protect the good relationship between House T'Soni and the Prothean people – was that the commandos were on their best behavior, particularly during the celebration of Janiris. Liara, as well as Shepard and Ambassador Colis, realized they were much too early in the stages of their relationship with the newest addition to the Council races for the Protheans to witness such shameless sexual behavior, without understanding any of the symbolism behind it. Liara, being the sexually shy Asari she was, had no desire to attempt an explanation. Fortunately for her, the large majority of the Asari commandos present felt the same way, particularly given the Prothean's militaristic nature. Unsure as to how their martial friends would react, they all agreed a little restraint was the better path to follow.

Along those lines, they also opted not to conduct the Parade of Maidens, for a couple of reasons. First, there weren't honestly enough unbonded maidens present to have an actual 'parade' and, second, they did not care to subject the Prothean people, at large, to the blatant sexuality that often occurred, both during and after the parade.

Once the Janiris formalities had been completed, Liara and Shepard made their rounds, saying their goodbyes to those Protheans with whom they did not have daily contact. They would be returning the family home in which they had lived the past few months back over to the Protheans, so the next few days were going to be occupied with departure preparations, to include packing all their personal items and getting everything stowed in the cargo bay of the Aletheia. There would be little time available to do much else over the three days remaining before their departure for Thessia.

Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 24 Mar 2192

The day of departure came upon them quickly but, with the commandos' normal efficiency, everything had been made ready by midday on the 23d, so there was no last-minute scrambling. It was a leisurely walk to the pad, only to be met by the ambassador and the entire Prothean leadership group, to include the Batarian Envoys, Akrelo Ferank and Delea Fedah. It was Jorè who spoke for the group. "We all know you have said your goodbyes, but we all agreed we could not let you depart without us seeing you off. We will not keep you, but simply have to say safe travels home, for all of you, and we will be eagerly awaiting your return in May. May your Goddess bless you on all of your journeys away from and back to Ilos, and all those in between."

Ruso, who had spent the most one-on-one time with Shepard quietly added, "Your presence at my side will be missed, Shepard. Your guidance and assistance with the security of our homeworld has not gone unnoticed and will be missed. It is difficult to say goodbye, so the only consolation I have is knowing you will also be returning to us again. So, as the Human saying goes… Fair winds and following seas, Captain. May your trip home be quick and trouble free."

Shepard grinned. "As I so often hear from you… You learn quickly, Ruso." They both chuckled as she continued, "I too, will miss your friendship and our conversations, but you know I am still just a comm unit away. You can always contact me, Ruso, any time, be it day or night."

With their final goodbyes having been said, they climbed aboard the Aletheia and waved back at the group until they were cut off by the closing hatch. "Ready to leave this place and go home, Ionúin Álainn?" Shepard's face held a soft, loving smile.

"I am," responded Liara softly, feeling the gentle squeeze of Samantha's hand in hers. "Even knowing how much I will miss everyone here, I am ready to see Thessia's moons in her sky."

Shepard nodded and opened the ship-wide comm channel. "Everyone, prepare for departure. Lus… please contact Captain Nevada to make sure she and Jam are ready to escort us. We don't need any independent confirmation as to when that will happen other than lift off." She paused and smiled at Liara as she added, "Just take us home, Lus!"

"Roger that, Captain!" responded Lus, before abruptly ending the call. They hadn't even sat down at the table in the lounge yet before both Shepard and Liara felt the vibration in the deck as the eezo core spun up and the vertical-lift thrusters began to fire.