Ryncol: A Tale of Two Memories

This is just a little something that was floating around in my head cause god knows there's a lot of room up there. So, we've all done stupid things while drunk, right? Well I have… and now so too has our lovely, awkward Liara…

Disclaimer, Bioware owns all, etc, I just make them misbehave and drink too much…

Onwards, part 1.

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The ship was alive with an almost excited fever. Whispers, silent cheers, and smiles could be seen on every deck. An announcement had been made, one that appealed to every species of every rank: Shore Leave. This pause in the chaos that was their lives was to be different; a party on the Normandy, anchored in the middle of no where, and adrift. Luckily for the crew morale was something their Commander took very seriously because in their last trip to the Citadel she had indeed purchased 100 gallons worth of "team spirit" in the form of many, many bottles.

As Liara walked the ship's halls she could hear several of the crew talking about, and planning activities they would participate in during their 2 day shore leave the Commander had ordered. She remembered their last break, and receiving "the package". No this definitely would not be a repeat of her previous shore leave, this time she would socialize, be friendly, and participate in the crew's activities, even if it meant trying this Krogan alcohol they were so fond of.

Beware of the serpant's kiss, for it comes in many forms, Little Wing… It's a party, Mother… Heed that which you know not of… I'll have a few drinks, have fun with my peers, and be done with it… Oh Little Wing, beware of Ryncol, it is truly an unconscionable beast…

Liara shook her head as she headed back to the med-bay to change. Ryncol. Surely it couldn't be that bad, right? Although Wrex did describe the repercussions of it once as sometimes worse than a Thresher Maw's embrace. No, she was a responsible Asari, and had never over-indulged in anything. Her mother was always over protective of her, and obviously her new-found peers seemed to like this Ryncol. Goddess be damned, I am going to fit in if it kills me, Mother.

Liara flipped though her wardrobe, a green lab get up, a blue lab get up, a black lab get up. Some how she didn't think any of these would be appropriate for this evening. Although she had been on the ship but a few weeks, her mother's words had always resonated in her. Indoctrinated or not, the words of the wise Matriarch still rang true. "Always be prepared, and always wear clean underwear for you never know when an accident will happen, when it will happen and who will see it."

Indeed she had prepared. As rumors of this shore leave and Normandy party circulated the week prior, Liara decided to go shopping. She got the dress, the shoes, now all she needed was the attitude.

She got changed and looked around her "cabin". No mirrors. Damn it. She looked at the crono; the party doesn't s-start for another 10 minutes… You CAN do this, T'Soni. Thankfully her quest for a mirror wasn't long as she found a full-length one in the med-bay.

She stopped in front of the mirror, looking at herself very judgmentally. Hmm the straps are too loose. With two quick motions, problem solved. And what a bonus, her boobs suddenly looked much "perkier". A grin of contentment crept across her face.

Next on her list was the length of her dress. In the store it looked fantastic, but upon realizing who she was trying to impress, it was perhaps a bit long. She undid the fashionable belt she'd bought for it and folded her dress over several times at the waist, shortening its length by several inches. Much better. You look the part Little Wing, quick thinking, a true Matriarch's daughter.

Once satisfied with her appearance, Liara decided it was time to practice her "social skills". Looking around outside the med-bay windows, and seeing the coast was completely clear she resolved herself to putting Mother's training to use.

Liara relaxed her muscles, rolled her shoulders, put her hands on her hips and settled for a leg forward, chest arched and head in a slightly dipped position. She looked up at herself with her eyes only, and smirked. "Oh Commander, I did not see you there. You look… exquisite." No, no. Too forward, T'Soni.

Readjusting her stance she crossed her arms over her chest and smiled. "Shepard, how nice to see you." Again no. Too cold. Goddess, how hard could this be?

Taking a deep breath, Liara steadied her nerves, and looked herself straight in her mirrored eye. You paid a hefty sum for a subscription to the extranet love specialists, Fornax, T'Soni. Their advice must be brilliant, as they have over 46 million subscribers annually.

Liara heard bustling outside the med-bay and through the windows could see the crew was starting to gather for their shore-leave soirée. Liara was tense, nervous, and yet excited all at once.

Having never "drank", she'd heard alcohol was a social lubricant and was convinced she would unwind after a few shots of Ryncol, then rely on her Fornax subscription's advice when it came to matters of the heart… After all, 46 million people who'd "found love" couldn't be wrong, right?

A/N: A few shots of the universe's most dangerous liquor and seduction advice from this said universe's foremost leader in porn pedaling… What could possibly go wrong?