A/N -- Thanks to everyone who left a comment at the end of the previous chapter. I think the opinion regarding what I asked was split between those who want a relationship or at least a sex scene, those who don't, and those who think I should just what I want since it's my story.
As I have a few chapters already written but still editing, nothing further will be added to the previous chapter regarding the relationship. Whether anything happens in the future, I'm really not sure. At the moment, let's just say it's a case of wait and see. If it does happen, it certainly won't be anything more than a small element within the grander story.
Anyway, as I said, cheers to those who left me feedback. Your comments are generally appreciated and it was heartening to see that so many are actually reading this!
And to those anonymous reviewers who 'complain' about realism, please note this is not meant to be an accurate representation of any particular era considering this is a FANTASY story.
*****
Year 2183 of the Empire (since Foundation Year)
Year 979 of the Third Era of Empire (Dragonheart Line)
Veneris, the twenty-third day of Sun's Dawn
Mid-afternoon
Dear mother,
You would never believe how vast the ocean is. The Normandy is currently tracking on a north-west trajectory, having passed through the Great Barrier Reef a month ago, and apart from one small uninhabited small island, which we spent a day surveying regardless, we have come across no sign of life whatsoever.
That is not to say life hasn't been interesting or we haven't made discoveries. You wouldn't believe the size of some of the animals that appear to reside in the oceans. Most of us who have been to sea have been witness to dolphin's swimming alongside our vessels, but I'm talking of monstrous creatures, the size of if not larger than our vessel. Creatures that blow water through holes in their bodies, that drench us if they come close enough. Spectacular, marvellous creatures, mother. We just don't know what to name them!
We are also visited by birds with wingspans double if not triple that of a human. I have no idea how they are so far out at sea, but they appear curious of our vessel, one or two having perched on the side. Some of the men wanted to grab them for fresh meat. Instead, we did grab one and kept it alive so one of my doctor's, Serana, could study it. She wouldn't have given killing and then dissecting it a second thought, though she would probably have learned lot more had she done so.
Jane is well, mother. We eat breakfast and dinner together more often than not. She has adapted well to life on the Normandy alongside me and has steadily built friendships with her fellow officers. I will admit that I adore having my little sister by my side at times. She helps keep me grounded, and for someone younger than me, is sometimes full of good advice.
My officers are a good bunch. No, not just good. They are fantastic. All of them are brilliant at their jobs. I cannot fault them one bit. What you would find interesting is that two of them have magic. They have had no opportunity to us their talents yet, but they may do if, or perhaps when, we meet someone. There is one particular person who...
Her name is Leliana, mother. She is a priestess of the Five. And as the Five as my witnesses, I'm in love with her. She knows. I know. But we haven't told each other yet. I guess neither of us want to rush it. Or perhaps we believe the mission is too important to be truly distracted, despite what my manservant, Jeeves, has told me about love. Or maybe we're just, I don't know, scared to admit those feelings, because then we'd have something to lose if the worst happened. But that's not to say we haven't spent a lot of time together...
*****
Leliana had just finished up her morning sermon, and I waited for everyone else to disappear before I approached her. She wasn't surprised to see me do so. We spoke every day. I tried not to go searching for her too often, but if we hadn't seen each other all day, she would generally come looking for me, even if we only talked for a few minutes about the most mundane of topics.
"Leliana, would you care to join me for dinner tonight?"
The smile was immediate, broad, and lit up her face. "I would be delighted, Shepard," she replied softly.
"Unfortunately we ran out of fresh ingredients a week back, so..."
She immediately stepped forward, taking hold of my hands. "I don't care about that, Shepard. Will you be at the table with me?"
"Well, yes."
"That is all that matters then."
I had a spring in my step the rest of the day, enough that even Pressly made mention of my rather happy demeanour. He probably knew the reason but knew not to say anything. And I think Moreau received a word in the ear from the Master, as he gave me a look, smirked, but kept his mouth closed.
Departing slightly earlier than normal, leaving Lawson in charge of the bridge, I returned to quarters and had Jeeves heat a little water. If there was one thing I was going to do before dinner, it was to enjoy a quick clean and ensure I didn't stink to high heaven. All I could do was have a good scrub, Jeeves having a few male perfumes I could wear, and wonder if Leliana would be going to the same lengths.
After a good scrub, I picked out my cleanest uniform and dressed, ensuring my boots were polished, using the same rag to give my teeth a quick scrub as well. Sounds disgusting, but better than nothing. Wandering out into the cabin, Jeeves had prepared the table. Only two places, a bottle of wine and some candles, two placemats with some cutlery. "I will ensure you have privacy while you dine, sire."
"Thank you, Jeeves."
I paced the cabin as I waited for Leliana to knock on the door. When there finally was a knock, I had to resist running towards them and throwing them open. Instead, I casually as possible walked towards and opened them. Leliana stood before me, a vision in white. She'd platted her hair, a ring around the top of her head, with a further plat to either side, almost framing her face. Her cheeks were slightly redder, as were her lips.
I performed a half bow. "Sister Leliana."
She performed a half curtsey. "Captain Shepard."
I stood to the side and gestured. "Please, come in," I said. She walked by and I closed the door. She stood nearby, waiting for me to walk her to the table. I pulled her chair out and she sat down, thanking me. I then offered her a glass of wine, letting her know Jeeves thought it would complement our meal perfectly. "I hope you like salt beef, biscuit and sauerkraut," I said as I sat down.
She reached across to grab my hand. "I don't care about the food, Shepard."
