#the misadventures of aria ryder

[cousinslavellan-archive]

Bit of a throwback here guys! Anyone who remembers my Andromeda work The Misadventures of Aria Ryder would remember this kiddo - as a baby, at least!

For my October Patreon Reward from Alex Coggon I decided to grab an adult Senri Ryder-Ama Darav, Jaal and my Ryder’s hybrid daughter! Mostly human, a few quirks from her father - and eventually, Pathfinder in her Mother’s place, when Aria’s ready to step down.

I love her! ♥ One of these days I’ll need to write about this kid as an adult. 

[wafflesrock16]

Mass Effect Andromeda Fic Recs

Continuing with my fic recs, next up are FemRyder/Jaal. The shortest of my lists so far, but some damn good stuff. Also, should probably mention everything on the lists I’m posting is rated either M or E. So, fair warning. 

Anyways, big thank you to the fanfic authors, and again, if I follow you on Tumblr I’ll try to tag you. =)

Mass Effect Andromeda Fics

Galaxies Apart by CoupdeJarnac. The main character is a human woman specializing in interspecies societies. The main angara protagonist has disabilities, and they are well written, not fetishized, and treated with respect. Honestly a fun read.

The Misadventures of Aria Ryder by Amariahellcat. Fun take on a Female Ryder/Jaal romance. Covers the game and goes into the events following the defeat of the Archon.

Chronicle of a Soul by eveninglottie. This fic is currently on hiatus, but is honestly incredibly well written, with really fleshed out characters. The Female Ryder and Jaal in this fic are super cute, and the slow burn is just. So. Good.

Convergence by Octobig. Want some sweet, smutty Female Ryder/Jaal goodness? Then look no more! This author has several incredibly hot Fem!Ryder/Jaal fics. Smut with feels for the win!

@commandershepardvasfuckit @octobig @eveninglottie @cousinslavellan thanks for the awesome fics =)

[catacone]

Chapters: 30/? Fandom: Mass Effect: Andromeda Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Jaal Ama Darav/Female Ryder | Sara, Jaal Ama Darav & Female Ryder | Sara, Jaal Ama Darav/Ryder Characters: Female Ryder | Sara, Jaal Ama Darav, Liam Kosta, Female Ryder (Mass Effect), Aria Ryder, Cora Harper, Moshae Sjefa, Sahuna Ama Darav, Ryder (Mass Effect), Other Angara Characters, Male Ryder | Scott, Garrus Vakarian, Female Shepard (Mass Effect) Additional Tags: Slow Build, Custom Ryder - Freeform, Spoilers, Eventual Romance, First Meetings, Fluff, Getting to Know Each Other, Adventure, Awkward Flirting, Interspecies Relationship(s), Pre-Relationship, New Relationship, Hurt/Comfort, Loss of Parent(s), breakdowns, Meet the Family, Biotic Ryder, First Love, First Kiss, Established Relationship, Eventual Smut, First Time, Cunnilingus, Vaginal Sex, waterfall sex, Size Difference, Light Angst, Temporary Character Death, Marriage Proposal, Mentions of Shepard x Garrus, Minor Shepard/Garrus Vakarian Series: Part 1 of Aria Ryder Summary:

Aria Ryder awoke from stasis on the Hyperion at 22, trained but not ready for the role she would be forced into, overwhelmed but determined to do the best she could.

At least the Angara didn't shoot them down on sight, right?

A series of snippets following Aria Ryder on her journey as Pathfinder, starting from her first meeting with Jaal and the Angara. Some will be short, some will be longer. Will update tags/rating as need be.

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Peace is won, land is claimed, life is calm.

The Pathfinder's Journey comes to a close... for now.

The Final Chapter of Misadventures is up! Sorry this took forever guys ♥

[cousinslavellan-archive]

I don't know if this one's been done yet... but could you do a prompt for Aria telling Jaal "You made me feel beautiful when I thought I was nothing" ?

It’s maybe a few days after their visit to the waterfall on Aya - after she’d given herself to him, body and soul - when Aria turns over in Jaal’s arms and burrows further into his chest, mumbling into his skin.

Jaal chuckles, drawing the fingers of one hand tenderly through her short hair, “What was that, Darling One?”

“Just being sappy.” she huffs against him, wrapping her arms as far around his large chest as she can.

“Ah, then I should like to hear the words, love.”

“Mmmmm…” Aria mumbles for a moment, then repeats “Just… thank you, Jaal. You made me feel beautiful, when I… thought I was nothing.”

“You are beautiful, Dearest, inside and out.” the angara purrs gently beneath her, arms pulling her tight against him, “You could never be nothing - you are far too brilliant for that. And I will endeavor to remind you of this fact every day, should you need me to.”

Aria smiles, snuggling closer with a happy hum. “Thank you, Jaal.”

“No need to thank me, my love - I only speak the truth.”

(SUPER LATE PROMPT FILL GO AHHHHHHH)

[cousinslavellan-archive]

You wanna do “You said it was just a cold last week and you’re still not better!” With a worried Jaal and sick Ryder? Not angsty, just our fav angara boy trying to understand human sickness.

“Darling One, you must go see Lexi.”

“Jaal, id just a cold.” Aria can��t help cracking a half-grin at her flustered husband, reaching up to pat his cheek affectionately, “I’ll be fine.”

“You said it was just a cold last week, and you’re still not better!” Jaal argues, making sure she’s tucked in properly for the fifth time in ten minutes, “The children are worried as well - are you sure you should not be seeking medical aid?”

“I promise, love, I’m fine.” Aria pushes herself up into a sit despite his objections, looping an arm back around his neck to pull him down and nuzzle her nose against his, “I sound worse, but I feel better - honestly. I’m sorry for worrying you and the children.”

“Well… it is mostly me.” Jaal returns the nuzzle, shimmying further back onto the bed so he can wrap himself around her, “The children believe you are indestructible, Darling One - their mother could never fall to something as silly as illness.”

That earns a startled burst of laughter from the redhead, followed by a short coughing fit that makes Jaal panic all over again. She’s still giggling even as it subsides, curling gratefully closer.

“Well, I’m glad to know my children at least have faith in me.” she snickers, giving him a grin, “But I won’t argue with cuddling - it’s been proven to help cure illness, did you hear?”

“I had - and that is one cure I am all to happy to provide, Darling.”

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Fanfic trope mash-up: 31 & 100

Birthday Fic & Accidentally Saving the Day!

Hmm… you didn’t specify a ship, so I get to choose! I’m gonna go Rydaal on this one.

Jaal is totally that husband who just always brings home little gifts for Aria - doesn’t matter where he is, he always comes across something he thinks she’d like.

Maybe, on her first birthday since the arrival of all the kiddos, Aria’s not bothering with a huge party - too much going on, and sure she’d like to have some cake, and see everyone, but she’s just not up to planning anything -

And then Jaal comes home from whatever errand he was on - toting a cake, and followed by all of their closest friends on Meridian.

‘I stumbled into everyone while I was out,” he says, completely sincere, “And when I mentioned that tomorrow was your birthday… well, you get the picture.”

And Aria just kisses the hell out of her huge, amazing husband, and wonders how she got so damn lucky.

(…did that rot your teeth? Cause it sure as hell gave me cavities to write! ♥ )

[cousinslavellan-archive]

SURPRISE got this in my email today and AHHH MY BABY.

Commissioned the lovely @orokay to help me design teenage/adult Senri Ryder-Ama Darav from my ‘canon’ Andromeda fic, The Misadventures of Aria Ryder, over here on AO3!

Senri is the only biological daughter of Aria Ryder and Jaal Ama Darav, the first and currently only human-angara hybrid! She’s also the only hybrid baby I have planned in any of my ME fics, but I digress. She looks probably about 75% human with angaran traits poking through in certain ways - the eyes, the markings on her skin, the fused fingers - and I just love how she came out here ahhhh thank you oro!! ;----; ♥ ♥

[cousinslavellan-archive]

A. Ryder Log #33: Valentine’s

Valentine’s Day in the Ryder-Ama Darav Household. Not much going on for the parents - but crushes’ can inspire people to go out of their comfort zones no matter their age.

Probably the only damn thing I’ll write for Valentine’s or post for a while… ah well.

The idea comes during a visit to Aya - from Tela herself, if Adrien’s honest. A quick mention during a short stop in the Marketplace, the Angara’s eyes lingering momentarily on a fruit stand off on it’s own.

She’d caught his look and grinned, laughing. “See the big fruit, Adrien? We don’t eat those, usually - they’re really expensive, and we usually just eat the nutrient paste day to day. They’re more often given as a gift, or eaten at weddings or other events.”

“They look interesting.” the turian had lifted his head, peering curiously at the brightly coloured fruit; likely not safe for him to eat, but still interesting to look at.

“I’d love to try one, someday. Maybe another family member will get married and they’ll have them!” Tela laughs brightly, the sound one that always makes Adrien’s heart beat a little quicker, “Anyways, c’mon! We’re gonna be late!”

So when Aria later mentions an old Earth tradition - Valentine’s Day - Adrien practically jumps up, mandibles quivering excitedly.

A day to give gifts to that special someone. I could… I could get one of those fruit for Tela!

“Mom, you know that fruit stand on Aya? The really pricey one?”

Aria hums, bouncing Senri for a moment as she thinks, “Ah, I do, yes. Off to the side, right?”

“That’s it! Do you know how much they are?”

The redhead scowls, brow creasing. She pauses to feed Senri a spoonful of baby food, tilting her head back at the sound of footsteps, “Jaal, do you know how much those big fruit are going for on Aya? I can’t remember.”

“Which ones, Dearest?” Jaal comes into the room with Sayren in his arms, bending to nuzzle at Aria briefly before depositing the toddler in his chair, “There are several varieties at that stand - I believe the least expensive are the Paripo, which still run roughly 300 credits.”

“Oh.” Tela wasn’t kidding about it being pricey, Spirits, that’s a lot!

“Why d’you ask, hun?”

Adrien swallows, hoping his neck isn’t flushing to badly, “I, um. I wanted to buy one. For Tela.”

His parents exchange a knowing look, both grinning widely when they look back at him. “Well, we are stopping by Aya at the end of the week, Adrien. We could buy the fruit for you, if you want?”

Adrien shakes his head stubbornly, mandibles pulled in. “No, I… I want to buy it myself! I have some allowance left-”

He’s typing at his omni to check it as he speaks - an upgraded toolset he’d gotten for Christmas, much faster than the kid-friendly version he’d been fitted with before - squinting at the number that pops up. “Okay, I have… I have 150 credits, so I need to… can I get a job?”

“No, hun, oh my Gods, you’re eight.” Aria’s smothering her laugh, clearly amused, “But, your Aunt’s and Uncle’s might be willing to let you do some chores for them in exchange for some credits?”

That excitement flares again, “You think they would?!”

“It cannot hurt to ask.” Jaal reasons, settling a hand on his shoulder and grinning widely, “Come, finish breakfast, and then we will go visit the others.”

 Turns out, their makeshift family is more then willing to trade odd jobs for credits, especially once they’ve heard the reason. (And been sworn to secrecy by Aria).

Adrien brings Piper with him and entertains Dian and Meri while Gil and Kallo do some tinkering (Mom really wasn’t exaggerating about their bickering, wow.), then heads out with Liam to do some exploring in the nearby jungle zones (thankfully the whole planet is docile after the reset, so it’s mostly safe to go trudging through the terrain).

He helps Cora with her garden, gives Lexi a couple of small blood samples (with his parent’s permission, of course), tastes a few dextro-safe dishes for Suvi - even wrestles with some of Drack’s great-grand kids when he brings them to visit, the baby Krogan much smaller but much stronger then he is already.

Vetra’s perplexed and amused by his refusal to let her just buy him the fruit - That’s not the point, Aunt Vetra! I want to do it myself! - but lets him help her carry some goods up into the Tempest’s stockroom, sending him far more credits then he’d have asked for and disappearing before he can argue.

All-together, he ends up with 500 credits from the odd-jobs - enough to buy the Paripo fruit from the very entertained looking fruit seller and a small ribbon to tie around the stem, storing it as safely as he possibly can and then spending the entire trip to Havarl anxiously playing with his siblings and trying not to panic too much.

 The panic does start to set in when they arrive at the private landing pad of the Ama-Darav Compound and Tela is there waiting for them, grinning brightly and running up to him the moment he’s stepped down from the ramp.

“You made it! Things have been so boring without you all around, Adrien!” Tela’s laughing, bubbly as ever, and Adrien does his best to tamp down on his nerves, “Papa says we can go exploring if you want! Havarl’s calmed down so much lately-!”

Adrien swallows, whips the fruit out from behind his back, and shoves it out towards her, trying not to shake.

Tela goes silent, eyes wide and mouth open as she stares at the fruit, startled. “Is that a…?”

“H-Happy V-Valentine’s Day, Tela.” Adrien stammers, mandibles pulled in tight, “You… you mentioned wanting to try the fruit, so I thought I would… y’know.”

“It’s a present? For me? Really?!” the little Angara lights up, cheeks suddenly bright purple as she grins, gingerly taking the fruit, “Thank you, Adrien!”

Tela’s stepping closer before he can react, leaning up to press a quick kiss to his cheek, and he’s left stammering and flushing again as he registers what just happened.

She kissed my cheek! She likes it! Oh, Spirits, she-

“C’mon! Let’s share this! Wait - can you eat this? Is it safe?”

“It is.” he hears Aria call from behind him, turning just a little to see her smiling widely from the base of the cargo ramp, “We scanned it - Adrien can eat it.”

“Good! Let’s go!” Tela grabs his hand and tugs him after her, babbling and smiling the entire way into the complex, cheeks still brushed purple, “I can’t wait to try this! You’re the best, Adrien!”

Adrien only grips her hand in return, mandibles flared wide and neck flushed bright blue. No, Tela, you are.

[cousinslavellan-archive]

Soooo the Misadventures of Aria.. Will there be more or?

There will definitely be more! TBH - spoiler but eh - Misadventures and R&R are in the same Verse, so you’ll be seeing crossovers and cameos of the characters in each. Likewise, Misadventures will definitely continue! Going to be lots of kiddo shenanigans :D

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It’s in this moment that Aria realizes, truly, there’s no where in the Universe she would rather be. 

Sitting on their bed, Jaal’s legs bent and acting as a rest for her back. Sayren on her lap, balanced by one of his fathers hands, his own tiny fingers pressed eagerly to her belly to feel the baby kicking. Adrien sprawled on his stomach beside her, legs kicking back and forth, talking animatedly - Piper laying on his back, comfy so long as they’re all in one place.

Their family, all together, safe and comfortable and happy, so very, very happy. Aria wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Gorgeous commission I grabbed from miss @lynngo-art a while ago now; it goes with what is now the next chapter of the Misadventures, so I was trying to wait till I finished it. Alas, I figured everyone could use some fluff, so here we go. Everything looks beautiful and perfect as always; if you get the chance, go commission Lynn!! She’s awesome to work with and her art is gorgeous!

Here’s a little look at the current kiddos ♥ ♥ More Rydaal family fluff coming soon ♥

[cousinslavellan-archive]

Hello again. I was wondering if you're still doing 'The Misadventures of Aria Ryder'? I have lost count on how many time I have read that story, and still hooked to it.

Hello! I promise Misadventures is still active, and that I have every intention of updating it in the future! Its taken a backseat to other works atm (aka Rose and Rainer have invaded my brain and taken over), but it’s definitely still something I’m going to work on!

I’m glad you like it enough to reread it multiple times!! ;–; ♥ ♥ I promise there’s more Ryder-Ama Darav family shenanigans to come!

[cousinslavellan-archive]

A. Ryder Log #32

Nearly two years after arriving in Andromeda, the cure is complete.

Ellen Ryder wakes just in time to welcome a new member to the family.

I’M SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG ARG. BUT TADA! I think everyone’s been waiting for this chapter so... meep!!! Enjoy?

Rydaal, Post-Game, Mentions of Pregnancy and Giving Birth. Also on AO3 under ‘The Misadventures of Aria Ryder’

"Pulse is steady. Breathing is regular. Showing normal brain function."

I would hear a doctor as I die... is that Harry?

It's been... she's not sure how long it's been, since she'd 'heard' anything, 'thought' anything... known anything but black.

Ellen wonders if this means her body has finally released her soul into whatever Afterlife might exist. It feels like it's taken far, far longer than it should - yet it had just been moments ago that she'd bid Alec farewell, since she'd insisted that he live on without her, look after the twins.

...it had just been moments ago, hadn't it? But if I'm dead, why...

"We don't have a lot of time here, Harry." that voice makes her thoughts scatter, like a warm breeze on a cool day, "Sis is finally about to pop. She needs Mom."

Scott. Scott, are you here? Where is here? Aren't I dead? And about to pop... Aria?! How long-

"No need to worry about that - I think she heard us." that is definitely Harry, he sounds too smug for it to be anyone else, "Good timing as always, Ellen."

"Mom? Can you hear me?"

Much as her eyes want to just pop open in shock, it's a much slower process; a weak flickering of her lids on the first attempt before she manages to pry them open on the second, vision hazy and blurred.

Ellen coughs, startled to find  her lungs still working, reaching for the tall blonde blob that can only be Scott, "Sc... Scott. I'm...?"

"You're alive, Mom." Scott's hands close tightly around hers, and she can hear the waver to his voice, "Welcome back."

She grips him back as her strength slowly comes back, blinking as her vision clears, "How?"

"Dad put you in stasis before your disease could get worse; he had you placed on the Hyperion without anyone knowing. Not even me or Aria. We're in Andromeda, Mom, and they found a cure. You're not sick anymore."

Her vision clears then and Ellen sucks in a breath, startled by the matured face in front of her, the young man that's clearly grown up while she was asleep. She notices a glimmer on his finger and can't help staring. "You're married?"

Scott's grin turns sheepish and ah, there's my boy. "I am. So is Aria. But we can talk about all of that later, now that we've got time. We've gotta go."

"You said she was about to pop," Ellen licks her lips, using her grip on Scott to lift herself into a sitting position, glad when the world only spins for a moment, "She's pregnant?"

"She is - and she's been in active labor for ten hours already. I'm hoping seeing you might somehow trigger an end to the waiting." Scott helps her swing her legs over the edge of the bed, ready to steady her, "I mean, we all kind of figured it would be a harder birth, since the father isn't human... please don't freak out."

Ellen pauses, processing that for a moment. "What species?"

"Angara - local to Andromeda. You haven't seen them yet. But Jaal is the best thing that's ever happened to Aria, Mom - and he'd die before he'd let anything happen to her or their baby."

"Relax, Scott; if you'll recall, I've never been a xenophobe," Ellen thinks briefly back to Shepard and wonders, curiously, if the Spectre's own interspecies relationship had influenced Aria's tastes, "So long as she is happy and loved, I'm happy. Now help your mother up."

Wonder of wonders, her legs don't immediately buckle when Scott carefully pulls her to her feet, though she's grateful for the support as they make their way slowly out of the medbay.

"There's a bit of a crowd outside Aria's suite - the Tempest Crew wants to be there for their Pathfinder, after all - and Jaal's mother Sahuna is here, to, helping out-"

Ellen's heart stutters. "Pathfinder?"

"Oh. You don't-" Scott trails off, seems to think, before giving her an almost pleading look, "We'll explain everything later, Mom, okay? Everything. We should focus on Aria for now."

"Alright. Lead on."

They round a corner and the aforementioned crowd comes into sight - a gaggle of every species she knows and a few she doesn't.

Two turian females stand with an asari, a Salarian, and two humans to the right of the door, a rather wound-up looking Krogan pacing behind them.

To the left of the door sits a blonde woman Ellen vaguely recognizes as Alec's second, Cora - holding a toddler of an unfamiliar race in her lap, an older child of the same species standing to one side of her and a turian child on the other.

"That's Vetra and Sidera, Kallo, Peebee, Liam and Suvi - and the krogan is Drack. He's kind of the cranky, overprotective grandpa of the group." Scott whispers, pointing at each in turn. "You've met Cora, I think - the one of her lap is Sayren, and the girl is Tela - they're Angara. The Turian is Adrian; Sayren and Adrian are Aria and Jaal's adopted boys, Tela is Jaal's niece."

Ellen glances over the kids - catches them asking Cora if their mom's okay, when they can see her, will the baby like them? - and immediately loves them. So long as they can accept a surprise grandmother.

"Ellen!" Cora spots them then, face lighting up, though she stays seated due to the position of the children, "I'm relieved to see you're alright. Perfect timing, really; Lexi just said she's finally getting proper contractions, shouldn't be long now."

Ellen catches the fond looks between the two, the ring on Cora's finger that matches Scott's, and she smiles, resolving to grill them about it later.

"I can manage from here, Scott." she says, taking a purposeful step away from him and towards the doors, proud of how steady she seems, "Later, we need to talk."

"Promise." Scott replies, grin wide as she's ever seen it.

Ellen returns the look before resolutely reaching for the pad to open the door, stepping inside and feeling suddenly overwhelmed as the door slides shut behind her.

An Asari dressed in Initiative medical gear flits around the bed, taking measurements and checking readouts, clearly trying to be prepared for any scenario.

An Angaran woman sits on one side of the bed - Sahuna, she remembers Scott mentioning - but her attention falls on the male Angara standing to the left, and her first thoughts are tall, strong, broader then a human, different physical structure-

Then she notes his expression - a startling mix of awe and fear, love and worry, happiness and anxiety - and her analysis changes to caring, loving, the exact opposite of Alec in showing emotion. Good.

Her attention is on Aria the moment she makes a sound - a pained cry, familiar from Ellen's own pregnancy - and though she's startled by how she's grown, it's still her daughter lying there, gritting her teeth through the pain and only letting the occasional grunts slip past, her typical stubborn Aria.

"Mom?"

Aria's eyes are on hers suddenly, surprised but happy, and Ellen feels warmth bloom in her chest as she moves closer, knowing the others are now looking at her as well.

"I'm here, sweetheart," Sahuna moves back and Ellen takes her place with a grateful nod, giving Aria's hand a tight squeeze and leaning over to kiss her forehead, "You can do this, Aria. You're so close, sweetheart."

Introductions can come later; all that matters right now is helping her daughter through this moment.

Aria goes to say something and cuts off with a cry, eyes slamming shut and hand clenching down around Ellen's.

Lexi - she thinks that was the doctors name - is immediately at the edge of the bed and lifting the sheet they'd draped over Aria's legs, eyes lighting up, "Ryder, it's time! Push!"

Time passes swiftly, then; encouragements coming from everyone in the room, cries from Aria as she pushes, Lexi ready between her legs.

The doctor gives on final command to push and then reaches forward to cradle the baby, still hidden beneath the sheet but clearly healthy going by the wail that pierces the air.

Aria slumps back into the pillows, panting, and Jaal is bending to whisper to her, crooning quiet words and nuzzling her cheek, and the clear affection between them warms Ellen's heart.

"You did it, sweetheart." she says, squeezing her daughters hand, "Now, it's time to rest."

 Several hours later finds Ellen sitting in an armchair with her granddaughter cradled to her chest, rocking carefully back and forth. It's been years since she's held a baby, but the instinct is still there, and so far the baby seems content.

Everyone had been in to visit once Aria had been cleaned up and tucked properly into bed, the baby checked over and declared healthy.

Scott had drawn Ellen aside while the crew occupied Aria, and he and Cora had gone over everything that had happened since she'd been put in stasis.

Alec was dead. And while she'd said her goodbyes long ago, to now be here, alive, without him, felt... wrong.

But if he hadn't, Aria would be dead. she sighs, grip on the baby tightening just a little, And you, little one, wouldn't exist.

Alec had made the right choice, and she wished her love peace - something he deserved, more than anyone

Now, the visitors have left, and Aria had slipped into a well deserved sleep not long after. Ellen had been introduced to Sahuna and Tela - and already she enjoyed the Angaran woman's company, and knowing her daughter had had a mother-in-law like her to help made her feel better - and to Adrian and Sayren.

Both were a little shy, but she hoped in time they would warm up to her.

And I get to be here from day one for you, little Senri.

Aria had announced the name once everyone was in the room; Senri Ryder Ama Darav, the first human-Angaran hybrid.

Ellen draws the blanket back a little, tracing a gentle finger over the babies features.

At first glance, Senri looked mostly human; her face, head, and body were humanoid, skin a similar tone to her mother's, ears normal, and the tiniest trace of red fuzz peeking through.

But there were ridges on the back of her head, her middle and index fingers were merged on each hand, and it was already clear that her ribcage would be stronger then a humans, more visible now as a baby. The back and top of her head were coloured like her fathers, ending in a sort of pattern just above her brow, and there were spatters of coloured skin along her collarbones and shoulders, down her arms and legs, some on her chest.

Perhaps the most startling feature, should you happen to miss the others, were her eyes; black and blue like her fathers, only the shape resembling a humans. Beautiful and unique.

Those big blue eyes blink up at her now, Senri yawning widely and squirming to get comfortable before settling down once more, content in the warmth of her blanket.

"So many opportunities ahead of you, little one," Ellen whispers, vaguely noticing the sound of the door opening, "And from what I can tell, so many people already love you."

"She's going to be spoiled." a rumbling voice agreed, and then Jaal was in front of her, smiling cautiously, holding out a mug.

"Thank you, Jaal." Ellen accepts the mug carefully, inhaling the scent of coffee greedily, careful to keep it out of the way as she passes the baby to her father, "Such a calm baby, for now. Hopefully she'll stay calm."

"We will figure it out." he says, and she likes him all the more. Such an interesting son-in-law, she's found herself with.

Jaal rocks the baby as he walks, and Ellen wonders how many siblings he has; he's an old pro, clearly comfortable handling a child, and that speaks worlds of his upbringing.

Senri fusses, making a grumpy noise, and Jaal chuckles, "Are you hungry, little one? Let's wake mama up, shall we?"

The baby gurgles as if in agreement, and Ellen smiles, quietly excusing herself as Jaal settles on the edge of the bed, listening to the gentle murmuring as Aria wakes before the door closes behind her.

Let them have some family time. We have all the time in the world, now. Ellen tilts her head back and closes her eyes, smiling, a single tear escaping. Thank you, Alec. I love you. And I will protect our family, now. It's your time to rest.

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Festive Prompts: Shrios 16, Rydaal 28, and Shakarian 9

Once more going to do all three, and going to say they’re from my fic ‘The Other Shepard’s’ Universe! ♥ Also going to say all of the Festive Prompts I do are somewhat connected cause why not.

1. Shrios + 16 - “Aren’t you just Santa’s Little Helper?”

Willow’s never been so happy that they have the passcode for the Vakarian household as she is Christmas Day - able to open the door and sneak in with all their gifts before either Arisa or Garrus know they’re there.

She holds the door wide while Thane carries the majority in - I am fine, Siha, I assure you. I can carry this load without a problem, I am not quite that far gone - before hurrying back out to grab the rest.

Thane already has the presents arranged pleasingly under the tree, and Willow can’t help coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his chest, humming happily when he clasps his hands over hers.

“Aren’t you just the best little Santa’s Helper?” she teases, feeling his chuckle in her own chest, grip loosening enough to allow him to turn to face her.

“Santa’s Helper?” Thane echoes, peppering small kisses over her face - forehead, cheeks, jaw, throat - before brushing his lips over hers.

“I’ll tell you later.” Willow giggles, kissing back, then pulling away and taking his hand to lead him further in, “C’mon, let’s get some coffee started before the grumps wake up.”

“Are they as addicted as you are, my Siha?” Thane teases, allowing her to lead him.

“More so. Arisa said we could sneak in this morning so long as we started the coffee.” Willow grins,  enjoying his laughter, “Now c’mon, or we’ll have very grumpy hosts to deal with.”

2. Rydaal + 28 - “Please tell me you aren’t searching my room for where I’ve hidden the presents” (NOTE for anyone not familiar with my story ‘The Misadventures of Aria Ryder, Jaal and Aria have two adopted kids - Adrien, a turian, and Sayren, an Angara - as well as a biological daughter, Senri, and niece, Tela.)

“C’mon, Sayren! I know they’re in here somewhere!”

“Gonna get in twouble.”

“Only if we get caught. C’mon!”

The Angara grumbles but follows, and Adrien flicks his mandibles out in a wide grin, leading the way into their parents bedroom.

Aria and Jaal had taken Senri for a checkup with Aunt Lexi, leaving them with Grandma Ellen - who was currently taking a nap on the couch downstairs, believing the boys were doing the same.

Adrien was just to curious to not go snooping, to excited by the thought of presents - not even his own presents, but presents for Sayren and Senri. Sure, the thought of getting presents was exciting - Christmas was technically a human tradition, so he’d never celebrated it with his birth parents - but he was more excited to get to help his siblings open theirs, to play with them.

I want to see what they got Tela, too; I need to make sure it’s something she’ll like. 

At seven, Adrien’s the oldest of their little group - Sayren’s about a two, now, and Senri’s just about to hit a year - and he takes his siblings happiness very seriously, okay? He loves being an older brother - and Aria and Jaal are awesome adoptive parents, which makes it even better.

Now, they just need to find where they’d stashed the presents-

A plan that’s thwarted the moment there’s heavier steps on the stairs and Sayren’s squealing “Mama!”, making Adrien freeze and look up guilty.

“Um…” he stammers, mandibles drawing in tight, “H-hi Mom, Dad.”

“Please tell me you aren’t searching our room for where we hid the presents.” Aria asks, but the lack of anger in her voice relaxes him; if anything, she looks amused.

“I’m sorry, Mom…”

“Oh, honey, it’s okay.” Aria passes Sayren over to Jaal - the Angara purring happily and reaching out to their little sister, making her giggle - before opening her arms to him. Adrien scrambles immediately to his feet and hugs her legs, face pressed into her belly as her fingers scratch at the skin beneath his fringe, “It’s your first Christmas - I’d be more worried if you weren’t curious, honestly.”

“Just wanted to check what you got Senri.” he mumbles, purring under her calming touch, “And Sayren, and Tela. So I can be ready to help put stuff together.”

“Aren’t you just the best big brother?” Jaal chuckles, heading down the stairs with the two youngest held securely in his arms, “We’ll wake Ellen up, Aria, and get some dinner going.”

“Okay, love.” Aria waits till they’ve disappeared from sight before gently pushing the little turian back and crouching to be at his eye-level. “Now, Adrien, I can’t show you everything, but if you want… I can show you the presents we got for Tela, and you can pick something to give her yourself?”

“Can I?” he chirps, embarrassed by the high noise until his mother laughs and nods.

“Let’s go look.” she takes his hand and leads him back into the room, and Adrien’s sure he’s never smiled so widely before.

3. Shakarian + 9 - “You’re kidding, right? I’m not going out in that snow storm!”

“You’re kidding, right? I’m not going out in that snow storm!”

Arisa’s lips twitch in a wide grin, brows lifted. She’s trying not to laugh, she really is, but -

“Garrus. It’s flurrying. This is like, the most calm type of snowfall there is.”

“It’s still cold. And hard to see in. And-”

“Garrus. I’m not asking you to stay outside in it all night.” Arisa steps in close to him, smoothing her hands over the warm clothes she’d talked him into, trying her best to be smooth and alluring, “Please? I just want to stand out on the balcony and watch the snow fall for a bit.”

Garrus eyes her dubiously, though his hands have settled on her hips, and she can tell he’s breaking even as he says “Are all you humans this crazy about the snow?”

Arisa whaps him on the chest for that, “Hey I am not crazy! I just want to watch the first snowfall! It’s been… years.”

That makes him soften, sighing dramatically before reaching for the scarf hanging on the rack behind her, “Alright, alright, you win - but just ten minutes, okay? Or else you’ll have a frozen turian on your hands.”

“I knew I married you for a reason.” she grins, yanking him down for a quick kiss before throwing on her own winter gear and hurrying out onto the front porch, listening to him grumble the whole time.

Garrus comes to stand behind her with his arms around her middle, bent slightly so he can rest his chin on her head, their breaths puffing out into the cold air in billows of white.

She’s more glad then ever that they rented a house on Earth, for Christmas. Room to have everyone over, to celebrate - and she gets to see the snow fall.

“Okay.” Garrus hmphs after a while, voice oddly quiet, “It is kind of pretty.”

“Told you.” Arisa laughs, turning in his arms to nuzzle at him, “Thank you. Now, what’s say we head inside, grab some coffee, then spend some… quality time together, hmm? While we have the house to ourselves?”

“Like you even have to ask.” Garrus growls, sweeping her up, and she only laughs as she’s carried back inside.

[cousinslavellan-archive]

Sorry you didn't have a great day. Here's a question: what would a great day look like for your Ryder-Ama-Darav family?

I’ll survive ♥ Thank you for thinking of me though!

Honestly? So long as the gaggle of them is together and healthy, they’re happy doing anything.

Big worry that she was during Aria’s pregnancy, Senri is a pretty dang healthy little kid - one that loves exploring with her brothers. So I imagine they explore Meridian fairly often, getting to know the ins and outs of the planet - stopping for picnics along the way.

Thank you for the ask! ♥ ♥

[cousinslavellan-archive]

“Aria, Darling One… what are you doing?”

Aria cracked one eye open and grinned up at them, “Shhh, I’m ‘defeated’.”

Both men just stared for a moment, Drack shaking his head and Jaal feeling distinctly wistful.

Aria lay on the ground in the middle of the office with three baby Krogan on top of her; one half on her chest, one over her right arm, and the last laying across her legs. All three were making happy rumbling noises, clearly not noticing that their ‘defeated prey’ was actually quite comfortable.

“Found yerself a clutch-sitter, Kesh?” Drack laughed, setting his load down and skirting the scene to approach his granddaughter.

“Hey, Ryder offered,” Kesh clearly had a grin on her face, even as she typed away at her console, “Natural caretaker, that one; kids went straight for her.”

Jaal couldn’t help it; he deposited his own armful on the ground and then carefully crouched beside the redhead, smirking as the Krogan nearest him made a curious sort of sound, “Having fun, Darling One?”

“I am.” Aria grinned.

Eheheheeee got a lovely little lineart commission from miss @lynngo-art to with Log#29 of The Misadventures of Aria Ryder. I honestly told her to pick her favourite part of the chapter and go for it, and I am very very happy with the result ♥ ♥

Kesh’s clutch is adorable and I need to name them crap. Oops. >>;

Thank you so much Lynn it’s so freaking cute ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ X3