As the Citadel began to get ready for the upcoming Turian New Year and Council Ball. Mina left the apartment with a game plan. It was her first time celebrating the New Year with her friends and now, her new husband.
She was looking forward to celebrating with them.
Mina made her way toward the crowded shops of the Presidium. She was on a mission: decorations for their apartment, a thoughtful gift for Garrus and friends, and maybe, just maybe, something she could wear.
The market buzzed with life. Salarian vendors hawked glowing moss, Asari artisans displayed intricately woven tapestries, and Krogan merchants (somewhat surprisingly) offered handcrafted bird feeders.
Mina, a little overwhelmed but thoroughly delighted, consulted SAM.
'I suggest going with the fire-flowers,' SAM suggested. 'It will be most suitable for a centerpiece.'
He sent her an image.
"Okay," Mina muttered out loud.
She began to walk around. Finally, she spotted them. A stall overflowing with vibrant blooms, the fire-flowers glowing with an inner light. A young Turian woman, her mandibles painted a delicate shade of blue, smiled at her.
"Looking for the ceremonial fire-flowers, Human?" she asked, her voice melodic. "My grandmother grew these. They burn brightest for the most dedicated bond."
Mina nodded. "That's... that's exactly what I'm looking for."
'We have a lot of gifts to buy,' SAM reminded her. 'You should think about a gift for your new in-laws, and Wrex will feel left out if you don't get him anything.'
'Don't I know it,' Mina agreed.
After carefully selecting the best blooms, Mina moved on to her next challenge: finding a gift for everyone else, especially Garrus and Solana.
Mina visited several shops, buying what she needed. She was struggling to find a gift for Garrus. After several more minutes, and was about to give up, Mina saw it.
Nestled amongst various Turian crafts was a small, beautifully carved wooden box. The intricate detail depicting the Palaven landscape captivated her.
"He'd love this," she whispered, picturing his mandibles twitching in a smile.
Mina was buying a decoration package from one of the vendors when a soft ping on her omni-tool notified her of a message.
'Garrus said he will be late coming home,' SAM informed her. 'Take your time.'
Mina put away the decorations in her cart and proceeded to find something to wear for the occasion. Finding clothes that were comfortable, stylish, and wouldn't offend Turian sensibilities was a challenge. Most human fashion was... flamboyant, to say the least. A simple, elegant dress in deep blue caught her eye.
'This one will do,' Mina thought, pleased with her selection.
As she paid for her purchases, she couldn't help but smile. This New Year would be different. Instead of being out on a mission and away from her family, she would be surrounded by the people she likes. Wrex included.
**
Mina was in bed when she heard Garrus return.
'He's back.'
Mina held her breath, listening. His footsteps were slower than usual, a heavier tread on the polished floor.
'He was probably exhausted.'
YOU ARE READING
Unseen: Mass Effect FanFiction (ReWritten)
Fanfic**Story has been rewritten, and new chapters will be added!** Unlike her brother, the celebrated Commander Shepard, Aster Shepard preferred the grit and anonymity of the underworld to the flash of galactic headlines. While John blasted Reapers and s...
