The Fair Lady's Predicament 12/?
anonymous
September 14 2012, 10:27:31 UTC
The days passed wearily for Liara. She wandered the halls of the castle aimlessly, worked on her knitting, avoided any human servants as much as she could, and lay on her bed longing for the human with the green eyes. One night after dinner the Prince took her by the hand to a secluded garden in the back of the castle. In the moonlight the small waterfall and ponds reminded her of Thessia. It was peaceful and serene but not the person she wanted to be here with. He led her through the waist-high hedge maze until they were well away from eavesdroppers.
"Liara, I want to know honestly." Jack said seriously. Looking into her eyes. "Do you love me?" At her hesitation he added. "I know I haven't been spending as much time with you as a good fiancée should have but this truce requires all of my father's attention. Not to mention handling those persistent Andersons. With him fully occupied it falls to me to run the country.
Answer me honestly my lovely lady. What do you feel for me?"
Liara was stunned by his boldness and was momentarily devoid of an answer. You are a T'Soni! You are a master at subterfuge! She took a calming breath. You are like Shepard. You can do no wrong. "I am eternally grateful I can end this war only by marrying a handsome Prince but love comes with time. My feelings for you are like a young seedling that must be nurtured for it to grow into something more. Love is a powerful force that cannot be rushed, you understand."
"Yes of course. I understand. I will work on spending more time with you Liara. We still have that ball to attend and that second first dance." He smiled but it did not carry the same feelings of happiness that Shepard's did. "I have not forgotten. I want you to know I am on your side. I want what you want. Marriage, old age, and a lot of little blue children."
Liara grimaced and hoped he did not notice in the low light. She wanted none of that. At least not with him. My feelings are like a seedling? Goddess that is such a bad metaphor.
"May we return to the castle? There is a chill in the air." Truthfully she just wanted to get away from him. He walked her to her room and bade her goodnight, leaning in for a quick almost nonexistent kiss before she shut the door in his face. She washed her lips extra hard that night trying to scrub out the memory.
The Fair Lady's Predicament 13/?
anonymous
September 14 2012, 10:29:22 UTC
To her happiness Shepard greeted her as soon as she opened her door the next day. She flung herself into the human's arms. She felt the past week's miseries washing away in Shepard's presence. Repeated romantic engagements, the words rang through her head and she pulled Shepard into the privacy of her room locking the door behind them.
"A pleasant and most welcome surprise Miss T'Soni."
"That is my line Shepard." Liara clung to her guard. "Goddess where have you been? I have missed you terribly."
"Ah, but I went all the way to the moon to bring you this, my fair maiden." She produced an exquisite necklace with a small white gem on one end connected to a fine golden chain.
Liara was shocked. "It's beautiful Shepard!" She caressed the flat round pendant and its chain. "The merchants on the moon must have charged you a fortune." She teased.
Shepard smiled. "They did indeed."
She fastened the necklace so it hung over her dress and pulled Shepard over to her bed. Shepard hesitated for a moment but then allowed herself to sit on the edge of the mattress. She gripped her guard willing the moment to last forever. She wanted nothing more than to spend the day with Shepard and told her as such.
"Where would you like to go today Miss T'Soni?"
"Shepard, I think we are past such formalities. You may call me Liara."
"I was waiting for your explicit permission ... Miss Liara."
They ended up going to the local church which was less than a ten minute walk from the castle. There was no sermon today so the pews were relatively empty except for a few commoners deep in prayer. Liara was again amazed at the history behind each object and its historical, cultural, and religious significance. Shepard tried her best to explain everything but she herself wasn't a devout follower so many of her answers were vague and incomplete.
Liara found she enjoyed the church. The few people that were there paid her no mind even though she was an asari. It was so quiet she could let her mind wander over the time she had spent in the country of Earth and go through each event like a movie. She discovered she could easily meditate here as well. Liara did not know if this God existed or not but the commoners here believed and their belief filled the building with a sort of essence that comforted her.
"What are those people praying for Shepard?"
She shrugged. "It could be anything Miss Liara. Good health, good harvest, loved ones, lost ones, or repentance perhaps."
"If I prayed do you think the God would hear me?"
Shepard laughed. "Have you converted already?"
Liara smiled but prayed anyway even though she was of a different faith. At least she wasn't praying for herself so she figured it would be alright. She prayed Shepard's God would take care of her.
When it became late and they had to return to the castle she was so afraid Shepard wouldn't be there the next day. Liara had spent the last week and a half in agony and did not wish to have it repeated. She pleaded with her guard to stay. She was within her rights to order Shepard to stay but it would be extremely rude and if they were caught-scandalous. Liara didn't need to give more evidence to support her mother's claims.
Liara walked with her to the door but didn't let go of her hand. "I just need to know you're always coming back."
"I don't know. That's an awfully big promise to make." Shepard teased but regretted it when it looked like Liara was going to cry. She wrapped her arms around the miserable asari. "I promise, Miss Liara ... I'm always coming back."
Her voice cracked. "Are you sure?" She whispered. A day without Shepard was just another wretched day in this castle.
Shepard fingered the white gem around Liara's neck and whispered back. "Even the moon couldn't stop me."
She buried her head in Shepard's shirt. Her voice was muffled when she spoke but it hid the rasping in her voice. "You make a ... compelling argument." When she lifted her head she found Shepard's mere centimeters away from hers. In that moment she knew she wanted this human. She leaned in and when Shepard didn't pull away she whispered. "We shouldn't be doing this."
The Fair Lady's Predicament 14/?
anonymous
September 14 2012, 10:31:01 UTC
She's going to marry the Prince, you can't Shepard, Kelly's words flitted through her head. But Liara was right here and desire overwhelmed her. She wasn't going to miss this chance. "Remind me to ask God for forgiveness later."
"That's not my religion remember?" Liara closed the gap marveling at the difference this kiss felt compared to yesterday with Prince Harper. She moved her hands up around Shepard's neck and through her hair. The human tugged at her waist pulling them even closer. Liara felt something slipping between her teeth and opened her mouth to allow access. Their tongues brushed past each other making Liara's body feel like it was on fire. Shepard was getting rougher in her actions building a fervent desire between Liara's legs.
Shepard sucked on Liara's bottom lip, biting it slightly before releasing. She kept her arms around the asari and felt Liara run her nails lightly across her scalp. "Lord I have sinned." Shepard whispered, "and I'm about to do it again." She leaned in and they met each other halfway. This time it was sweet, slow, and tender.
Liara drew back first, breathless. "Please don't leave Shepard."
"I will be back tomorrow." She grasped the arms around her neck and gently pulled them away. The way Liara was looking at her was making this very difficult but she managed to unlock the door and slip out of the room. "Good night Miss Liara."
--
"Damn that asari!" Jack said furiously as he paced in his study. The only onlooker was one of his most trusted elite soldiers, Kai Leng. The soldier stood silently in the corner just waiting for his master's orders. "Why couldn't she make this easy for me? She should spread her legs like the whore she is!"
"Asari bond for life, sir. There are little if any whores in Thessia."
"Quiet!" Jack yelled. "You will speak when spoken to and not a moment before!" Leng bowed deeply in acknowledgement.
Jack continued to pace around the small room. "The others tell me they have been hearing rumors that the asari is fooling around with someone. It is the only rumor that seems to be consistent. Tell me Leng, what are some of the other rumors you have heard?"
Kai Leng straightened. "There is much conjecture sir. The ones that have garnered the most attention in gossip circles however are that Lady Liara T'Soni is actually a Turian, she worships demons, she is pregnant, her mother eats children, and she is having an affair with a female human."
The Prince stopped pacing suddenly and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "As much as I hate the thought, I must make her accept the marriage or I will not have the support of the asari. We cannot take Palaven by ourselves and we do not have the manpower to instigate a war while holding off the blasted Andersons at the same time! We should have razed Thessia to the ground while we had the chance! Unfortunately it is rather hard to recruit allies when you keep killing them all ... and we need them."
"If I may make a suggestion sir?"
"What?! Out with it!" Jack spat.
"Send Cerberus to find the lady's mistress. We can manipulate the scene in whatever way you desire: spontaneous organ failure, unfortunate accident, assassination by the Andersons, suicide ..."
"Frame the Andersons? It sounds delightful but perhaps that would be too convenient even for them. No, no blood is not necessary. For now, I require only the confirmation of this rumor and the name of the mistress. Knowledge is power, Leng. I will make my decision once I have their identity." His plans raced through his head. He mentally replaced and reorganized all the Cerberus agents available to suit his goals. "I would have sent Shepard to investigate but she is busy playing tour guide and making sure my future wife doesn't get herself killed. The job is yours Leng. Do not fail me."
The soldier bowed. "If I do, it shall be the first My Lord."
The Fair Lady's Predicament 15/?
anonymous
September 14 2012, 10:33:21 UTC
Liara woke earlier than usual and clambered out of bed. She woke early enough that the servant girl had not bothered to enter her quarters yet. She rushed to the door in her nightgown and yanked it open.
"Shepard!" True enough the guard was leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed apparently chatting with the serving girl in front of her.
At the sound of the door and her name she turned around. "Good morning Miss Liara. I believe your maid has arrived." Liara didn't bother to greet the other girl as she entered the room carrying Liara's change of clothes and new sheets.
"You're here." She was beaming.
"I am." Shepard smiled which sent Liara's heart soaring. "Didn't I say I would? When you are finished dressed we shall have ourselves another adventure." She grabbed the door knob between them and gently pulled the door closed.
"I look forward to it." Liara whispered.
They had already visited many of the places in the castle's immediate vicinity except one. Past the market and church, about a few miles down from the noble mansions was the border marking the common lands. Large open pastures separated by crude wooden fences with rolling plains stretching on endlessly. Liara had seen bits of it pass by the day they had went to the museum but to be standing in the middle of it made all the difference. Shepard led her to one of the farm's enclosures. Small fluffy animals were wandering around while others were eating food off the ground.
"What are these?"
"Chickens."
"What are they used for?"
"Food."
Liara remembered Jack making some remark about the animal at dinner one day. "They are adorable and I must admit, quite tasty." Shepard led Liara around the farm pointing things out and answering questions. She seemed much more informed on this particular subject than any other Liara had asked her about. When questioned, Shepard simply replied, "when you don't have your own cook, it helps to know all about what you're eating" and eventually admitted to "having some experience in this line of work."
"And these?"
"Pigs."
"What about those?"
"Goats."
"Fascinating!"
On their way back Shepard explained that there were more animals and hundreds of different crops had they traveled to a different farm. Liara had little dealings with the common people in Thessia. She only oversaw the quota at the end of the season, the rare complaint from a farmer that got past the lesser houses, and of course whatever was on the table for dinner that night. She did know that most of the food she ate came from the water. They did not "raise" animals like they did in Earth and hardly needed to pray for rain when most of their crops grew in water-logged mud. The most they had to worry about were floods and a few land predators but even then the plants had evolved in such a way that they usually survived the occasional flash flood.
Shepard had walked her to her door as usual. Liara paused outside not wanting to go in. Tonight she would be having dinner with the Prince and she was definitely not looking forward to it.
"I heard from the cooks you'll be having pork roast tonight Miss Liara." Shepard whispered.
She laughed. "That is ... pig yes?"
"Indeed." Shepard turned to leave. "Have a good evening Miss Liara."
"Shepard wait!" She leaned in to give her guard a quick kiss and smiled at the human's surprised face. Before the door closed completely she whispered. "Good night Shepard."
Re: The Fair Lady's Predicament 15/?
anonymous
September 14 2012, 11:45:49 UTC
Awwww..... Shepard and Liara are so cute. Gah! Noooo Kai Lang's gonna find out T_T. Yay! The Andersons!!! *hopes that Shepard is actually an Anderson and hopes that the Andersons tears the Harpers to the grounds*
Love the added description of Thessia farm life a!a.
Enjoyed the updates but... *waves the MOAR flag* must have more of this cuteness :)
The Fair Lady's Predicament 16/?
anonymous
September 16 2012, 12:34:50 UTC
As the servant girl bathed her she found herself voluntarily talking about her guard.
"They're so different and yet so similar. It is remarkable. Shepard especially. She is always there for me."
"Perhaps that is because she is your guard My Lady." The servant girl replied as she scrubbed Liara's shoulders. Liara fiddled with the slinky Shepard had bought her the day they went to the market, passing it back and forth between her hands.
"No. Any other guard would have ... would not have ... reciprocated ..." She dunked her head in the soapy water to hide her growing blush and came up moments later hoping the girl didn't notice. "She is so different from Jack. She never intrudes on my personal space or makes me uncomfortable or calls me by my name ... although ... although I wish she would."
"My Lady these are dangerous thoughts to be having with a fiancée."
There was that word again! "What is your name girl?"
"I am Liselle, My Lady."
"Tell me Liselle, what does that word mean, fiancée?"
"It is a word of commitment used by the humans. It means future spouse." Liselle answered calmly while she moved to cleaning Liara's arms.
Word of commitment?! There was no commitment between her and Jack! How dare he use that word. He had been using it since they first met and now that she knew exactly what it meant she was furious. How stupid of her to not ask someone what it meant earlier. Jack must have thought she didn't mind being called his fiancée. "You know a great deal about humans Liselle."
The servant girl fumbled with the washcloth and had to go fishing around for it in the bathtub. "I ... I have had dealings with them in the past My Lady."
"In what capacity?"
"My ... mother ... is a wealthy businesswoman. She has trades with Earth, Palaven, sometimes even Rannoch to the west."
It made much more sense now. Liara had often wondered why Samara had chosen the new girl to be her personal maid for the duration of her stay here in Earth. In a foreign land it would have been more prudent to send one of the senior girls but if the new girl had experience dealing with humans in the past ... that would make all the difference. Liara was a fool for not getting to know the girl sooner.
The Fair Lady's Predicament 17/?
anonymous
September 16 2012, 12:35:39 UTC
"I assume your mother sent you here to learn the ways of the nobles and eventually return to become the head of your House. Am I correct?"
"You are correct My Lady." Liselle continued down to begin scrubbing Liara's legs.
"What is the name of your House?"
"I am from the House of T'Loak." She rose and set the washcloth down. "It is time to rinse off My Lady."
Liara stood up inside the bathtub while Liselle fetched the clean water. She had never heard of the name T'Loak but there were many houses and as a member of one of the noblest, she only came into contact with equally noble ones. Liselle came back with a bucket of lukewarm water and rinsed the suds off. She then picked up a clean towel and began drying Liara off.
Liara continued to play with the slinky while the fluffy towel moved over her body. "I find myself ... attracted to Shepard."
"Does the Prince not interest you My Lady?"
She didn't want this getting back to her mother but she hadn't spoken about how she felt to anyone-not even Shepard-and she found that she could not close the floodgates once they were opened. "No. I find him ... revolting! He is quick to assume and place labels on everything. Never thinking of others around him. He only cares about himself and his military prowess. I have dealt with nobles like him before but always at large functions where I could slip away whenever I needed. When I am with him all I can think about is the moment I can leave him. Knowing I can sleep undisturbed and forget about his touch ... and in the morning I will see Shepard ..."
Liara gripped the simple toy from the market and thought of the necklace in the drawer next to her tiara. The few material things she had from Shepard. "No ... I can't ... I can't marry him. Not even for Thessia."
The servant girl didn't seem at all shocked. "It is times like these where I thank the Goddess I come from a lesser house." Liara sighed. Sometimes she wished that too. She held out her arms as Liselle clothed her in an evening dress. "I see the way you look at Shepard and the way she looks at you My Lady. You have also made your feelings clear by the kiss you shared earlier."
Liara blushed. Oh how I enjoyed that kiss and the one from yesterday! "Liselle this is a sensitive matter and must be handled with delicate precision. I trust your silence?"
"If you truly love Shepard ... I will not say a word."
Later during dinner Liara would think over what Liselle had said. If you truly love Shepard. She hadn't thought it had gotten that far already. She didn't know if she loved Shepard. She certainly liked her company immensely but maybe this was just her way of coping, by spending time with a good friend in a time of crisis. If she could will herself to enjoy Jack's presence perhaps she eventually would, but her mind and body continued to betray her when she couldn't concentrate on anything Jack was saying. Everything reminded her of Shepard. Even the pork roast.
Re: The Fair Lady's Predicament 17/?
anonymous
September 18 2012, 02:21:34 UTC
What an lovely story thus far. I really love how you portray the characters and how they speak, I can't wait to read more! I love all of the little quirks and twists in the story thus far. I hope Liselle will be okay!
"Liara, I want to know honestly." Jack said seriously. Looking into her eyes. "Do you love me?" At her hesitation he added. "I know I haven't been spending as much time with you as a good fiancée should have but this truce requires all of my father's attention. Not to mention handling those persistent Andersons. With him fully occupied it falls to me to run the country.
Answer me honestly my lovely lady. What do you feel for me?"
Liara was stunned by his boldness and was momentarily devoid of an answer. You are a T'Soni! You are a master at subterfuge! She took a calming breath. You are like Shepard. You can do no wrong. "I am eternally grateful I can end this war only by marrying a handsome Prince but love comes with time. My feelings for you are like a young seedling that must be nurtured for it to grow into something more. Love is a powerful force that cannot be rushed, you understand."
"Yes of course. I understand. I will work on spending more time with you Liara. We still have that ball to attend and that second first dance." He smiled but it did not carry the same feelings of happiness that Shepard's did. "I have not forgotten. I want you to know I am on your side. I want what you want. Marriage, old age, and a lot of little blue children."
Liara grimaced and hoped he did not notice in the low light. She wanted none of that. At least not with him. My feelings are like a seedling? Goddess that is such a bad metaphor.
"May we return to the castle? There is a chill in the air." Truthfully she just wanted to get away from him. He walked her to her room and bade her goodnight, leaning in for a quick almost nonexistent kiss before she shut the door in his face. She washed her lips extra hard that night trying to scrub out the memory.
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"A pleasant and most welcome surprise Miss T'Soni."
"That is my line Shepard." Liara clung to her guard. "Goddess where have you been? I have missed you terribly."
"Ah, but I went all the way to the moon to bring you this, my fair maiden." She produced an exquisite necklace with a small white gem on one end connected to a fine golden chain.
Liara was shocked. "It's beautiful Shepard!" She caressed the flat round pendant and its chain. "The merchants on the moon must have charged you a fortune." She teased.
Shepard smiled. "They did indeed."
She fastened the necklace so it hung over her dress and pulled Shepard over to her bed. Shepard hesitated for a moment but then allowed herself to sit on the edge of the mattress. She gripped her guard willing the moment to last forever. She wanted nothing more than to spend the day with Shepard and told her as such.
"Where would you like to go today Miss T'Soni?"
"Shepard, I think we are past such formalities. You may call me Liara."
"I was waiting for your explicit permission ... Miss Liara."
They ended up going to the local church which was less than a ten minute walk from the castle. There was no sermon today so the pews were relatively empty except for a few commoners deep in prayer. Liara was again amazed at the history behind each object and its historical, cultural, and religious significance. Shepard tried her best to explain everything but she herself wasn't a devout follower so many of her answers were vague and incomplete.
Liara found she enjoyed the church. The few people that were there paid her no mind even though she was an asari. It was so quiet she could let her mind wander over the time she had spent in the country of Earth and go through each event like a movie. She discovered she could easily meditate here as well. Liara did not know if this God existed or not but the commoners here believed and their belief filled the building with a sort of essence that comforted her.
"What are those people praying for Shepard?"
She shrugged. "It could be anything Miss Liara. Good health, good harvest, loved ones, lost ones, or repentance perhaps."
"If I prayed do you think the God would hear me?"
Shepard laughed. "Have you converted already?"
Liara smiled but prayed anyway even though she was of a different faith. At least she wasn't praying for herself so she figured it would be alright. She prayed Shepard's God would take care of her.
When it became late and they had to return to the castle she was so afraid Shepard wouldn't be there the next day. Liara had spent the last week and a half in agony and did not wish to have it repeated. She pleaded with her guard to stay. She was within her rights to order Shepard to stay but it would be extremely rude and if they were caught-scandalous. Liara didn't need to give more evidence to support her mother's claims.
Liara walked with her to the door but didn't let go of her hand. "I just need to know you're always coming back."
"I don't know. That's an awfully big promise to make." Shepard teased but regretted it when it looked like Liara was going to cry. She wrapped her arms around the miserable asari. "I promise, Miss Liara ... I'm always coming back."
Her voice cracked. "Are you sure?" She whispered. A day without Shepard was just another wretched day in this castle.
Shepard fingered the white gem around Liara's neck and whispered back. "Even the moon couldn't stop me."
She buried her head in Shepard's shirt. Her voice was muffled when she spoke but it hid the rasping in her voice. "You make a ... compelling argument." When she lifted her head she found Shepard's mere centimeters away from hers. In that moment she knew she wanted this human. She leaned in and when Shepard didn't pull away she whispered. "We shouldn't be doing this."
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"That's not my religion remember?" Liara closed the gap marveling at the difference this kiss felt compared to yesterday with Prince Harper. She moved her hands up around Shepard's neck and through her hair. The human tugged at her waist pulling them even closer. Liara felt something slipping between her teeth and opened her mouth to allow access. Their tongues brushed past each other making Liara's body feel like it was on fire. Shepard was getting rougher in her actions building a fervent desire between Liara's legs.
Shepard sucked on Liara's bottom lip, biting it slightly before releasing. She kept her arms around the asari and felt Liara run her nails lightly across her scalp. "Lord I have sinned." Shepard whispered, "and I'm about to do it again." She leaned in and they met each other halfway. This time it was sweet, slow, and tender.
Liara drew back first, breathless. "Please don't leave Shepard."
"I will be back tomorrow." She grasped the arms around her neck and gently pulled them away. The way Liara was looking at her was making this very difficult but she managed to unlock the door and slip out of the room. "Good night Miss Liara."
--
"Damn that asari!" Jack said furiously as he paced in his study. The only onlooker was one of his most trusted elite soldiers, Kai Leng. The soldier stood silently in the corner just waiting for his master's orders. "Why couldn't she make this easy for me? She should spread her legs like the whore she is!"
"Asari bond for life, sir. There are little if any whores in Thessia."
"Quiet!" Jack yelled. "You will speak when spoken to and not a moment before!" Leng bowed deeply in acknowledgement.
Jack continued to pace around the small room. "The others tell me they have been hearing rumors that the asari is fooling around with someone. It is the only rumor that seems to be consistent. Tell me Leng, what are some of the other rumors you have heard?"
Kai Leng straightened. "There is much conjecture sir. The ones that have garnered the most attention in gossip circles however are that Lady Liara T'Soni is actually a Turian, she worships demons, she is pregnant, her mother eats children, and she is having an affair with a female human."
The Prince stopped pacing suddenly and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "As much as I hate the thought, I must make her accept the marriage or I will not have the support of the asari. We cannot take Palaven by ourselves and we do not have the manpower to instigate a war while holding off the blasted Andersons at the same time! We should have razed Thessia to the ground while we had the chance! Unfortunately it is rather hard to recruit allies when you keep killing them all ... and we need them."
"If I may make a suggestion sir?"
"What?! Out with it!" Jack spat.
"Send Cerberus to find the lady's mistress. We can manipulate the scene in whatever way you desire: spontaneous organ failure, unfortunate accident, assassination by the Andersons, suicide ..."
"Frame the Andersons? It sounds delightful but perhaps that would be too convenient even for them. No, no blood is not necessary. For now, I require only the confirmation of this rumor and the name of the mistress. Knowledge is power, Leng. I will make my decision once I have their identity." His plans raced through his head. He mentally replaced and reorganized all the Cerberus agents available to suit his goals. "I would have sent Shepard to investigate but she is busy playing tour guide and making sure my future wife doesn't get herself killed. The job is yours Leng. Do not fail me."
The soldier bowed. "If I do, it shall be the first My Lord."
Reply
"Shepard!" True enough the guard was leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed apparently chatting with the serving girl in front of her.
At the sound of the door and her name she turned around. "Good morning Miss Liara. I believe your maid has arrived." Liara didn't bother to greet the other girl as she entered the room carrying Liara's change of clothes and new sheets.
"You're here." She was beaming.
"I am." Shepard smiled which sent Liara's heart soaring. "Didn't I say I would? When you are finished dressed we shall have ourselves another adventure." She grabbed the door knob between them and gently pulled the door closed.
"I look forward to it." Liara whispered.
They had already visited many of the places in the castle's immediate vicinity except one. Past the market and church, about a few miles down from the noble mansions was the border marking the common lands. Large open pastures separated by crude wooden fences with rolling plains stretching on endlessly. Liara had seen bits of it pass by the day they had went to the museum but to be standing in the middle of it made all the difference. Shepard led her to one of the farm's enclosures. Small fluffy animals were wandering around while others were eating food off the ground.
"What are these?"
"Chickens."
"What are they used for?"
"Food."
Liara remembered Jack making some remark about the animal at dinner one day. "They are adorable and I must admit, quite tasty." Shepard led Liara around the farm pointing things out and answering questions. She seemed much more informed on this particular subject than any other Liara had asked her about. When questioned, Shepard simply replied, "when you don't have your own cook, it helps to know all about what you're eating" and eventually admitted to "having some experience in this line of work."
"And these?"
"Pigs."
"What about those?"
"Goats."
"Fascinating!"
On their way back Shepard explained that there were more animals and hundreds of different crops had they traveled to a different farm. Liara had little dealings with the common people in Thessia. She only oversaw the quota at the end of the season, the rare complaint from a farmer that got past the lesser houses, and of course whatever was on the table for dinner that night. She did know that most of the food she ate came from the water. They did not "raise" animals like they did in Earth and hardly needed to pray for rain when most of their crops grew in water-logged mud. The most they had to worry about were floods and a few land predators but even then the plants had evolved in such a way that they usually survived the occasional flash flood.
Shepard had walked her to her door as usual. Liara paused outside not wanting to go in. Tonight she would be having dinner with the Prince and she was definitely not looking forward to it.
"I heard from the cooks you'll be having pork roast tonight Miss Liara." Shepard whispered.
She laughed. "That is ... pig yes?"
"Indeed." Shepard turned to leave. "Have a good evening Miss Liara."
"Shepard wait!" She leaned in to give her guard a quick kiss and smiled at the human's surprised face. Before the door closed completely she whispered. "Good night Shepard."
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Love the added description of Thessia farm life a!a.
Enjoyed the updates but... *waves the MOAR flag* must have more of this cuteness :)
Reply
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"They're so different and yet so similar. It is remarkable. Shepard especially. She is always there for me."
"Perhaps that is because she is your guard My Lady." The servant girl replied as she scrubbed Liara's shoulders. Liara fiddled with the slinky Shepard had bought her the day they went to the market, passing it back and forth between her hands.
"No. Any other guard would have ... would not have ... reciprocated ..." She dunked her head in the soapy water to hide her growing blush and came up moments later hoping the girl didn't notice. "She is so different from Jack. She never intrudes on my personal space or makes me uncomfortable or calls me by my name ... although ... although I wish she would."
"My Lady these are dangerous thoughts to be having with a fiancée."
There was that word again! "What is your name girl?"
"I am Liselle, My Lady."
"Tell me Liselle, what does that word mean, fiancée?"
"It is a word of commitment used by the humans. It means future spouse." Liselle answered calmly while she moved to cleaning Liara's arms.
Word of commitment?! There was no commitment between her and Jack! How dare he use that word. He had been using it since they first met and now that she knew exactly what it meant she was furious. How stupid of her to not ask someone what it meant earlier. Jack must have thought she didn't mind being called his fiancée. "You know a great deal about humans Liselle."
The servant girl fumbled with the washcloth and had to go fishing around for it in the bathtub. "I ... I have had dealings with them in the past My Lady."
"In what capacity?"
"My ... mother ... is a wealthy businesswoman. She has trades with Earth, Palaven, sometimes even Rannoch to the west."
It made much more sense now. Liara had often wondered why Samara had chosen the new girl to be her personal maid for the duration of her stay here in Earth. In a foreign land it would have been more prudent to send one of the senior girls but if the new girl had experience dealing with humans in the past ... that would make all the difference. Liara was a fool for not getting to know the girl sooner.
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"You are correct My Lady." Liselle continued down to begin scrubbing Liara's legs.
"What is the name of your House?"
"I am from the House of T'Loak." She rose and set the washcloth down. "It is time to rinse off My Lady."
Liara stood up inside the bathtub while Liselle fetched the clean water. She had never heard of the name T'Loak but there were many houses and as a member of one of the noblest, she only came into contact with equally noble ones. Liselle came back with a bucket of lukewarm water and rinsed the suds off. She then picked up a clean towel and began drying Liara off.
Liara continued to play with the slinky while the fluffy towel moved over her body. "I find myself ... attracted to Shepard."
"Does the Prince not interest you My Lady?"
She didn't want this getting back to her mother but she hadn't spoken about how she felt to anyone-not even Shepard-and she found that she could not close the floodgates once they were opened. "No. I find him ... revolting! He is quick to assume and place labels on everything. Never thinking of others around him. He only cares about himself and his military prowess. I have dealt with nobles like him before but always at large functions where I could slip away whenever I needed. When I am with him all I can think about is the moment I can leave him. Knowing I can sleep undisturbed and forget about his touch ... and in the morning I will see Shepard ..."
Liara gripped the simple toy from the market and thought of the necklace in the drawer next to her tiara. The few material things she had from Shepard. "No ... I can't ... I can't marry him. Not even for Thessia."
The servant girl didn't seem at all shocked. "It is times like these where I thank the Goddess I come from a lesser house." Liara sighed. Sometimes she wished that too. She held out her arms as Liselle clothed her in an evening dress. "I see the way you look at Shepard and the way she looks at you My Lady. You have also made your feelings clear by the kiss you shared earlier."
Liara blushed. Oh how I enjoyed that kiss and the one from yesterday! "Liselle this is a sensitive matter and must be handled with delicate precision. I trust your silence?"
"If you truly love Shepard ... I will not say a word."
Later during dinner Liara would think over what Liselle had said. If you truly love Shepard. She hadn't thought it had gotten that far already. She didn't know if she loved Shepard. She certainly liked her company immensely but maybe this was just her way of coping, by spending time with a good friend in a time of crisis. If she could will herself to enjoy Jack's presence perhaps she eventually would, but her mind and body continued to betray her when she couldn't concentrate on anything Jack was saying. Everything reminded her of Shepard. Even the pork roast.
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Er Meh GERD I love this story. and liara is so CUTE! but we must prepare for kai leng
*Cocks Shotgun, sets up camp*
and so we shall be....
Keep'em coming Author!non. we await with bated breath...
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or shall I say I appreciate the compliments you have bestowed upon one such as myself good sir or madam.
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