February writing prompt of Mass Effect Fanfiction Writers Group. A story from Shepard's childhood.

My Lyla Shepard- Colony background

I can't put the song in here since I don't own it so feel free to imagine whatever song you like. :)

Shepard had just fallen into bed and awaiting the sweet oblivion of sleep when someone rather loudly banged on the door to her quarters. 'Someone better be dead,' she thought as she begrudgingly got up to open the door. It was rather surprising to find Grunt on the other side, in his footie pajamas, a joke gift from Garrus, who thought it was hilarious that he actually wore them, and a stuffed T-Rex that she had given him. "Is something wrong Grunt?" The young krogan stared at her for a moment before replying, "I can't sleep." Realising he wanted to sleep in her cabin, she moved over and let him inside. She couldn't help but smile at the way he rushed in and plopped on her bed like an eager child. She supposed in some ways, he was a child. He had only been born a few weeks ago.

Yawning loudly, she joined him in the bed even though there was barely any room. "Good night Grunt." She had just closed her eyes when he responded. "Shepard?" "Yes Grunt." "Is it true that humans sing to children to help them sleep?" "I can't speak for all of them but my mother did. The same song every night." "Would you, would you sing for me?"

The young Krogan's request caught her a bit off guard but it was immediately replaced with a warmth in her heart. "Sure Grunt. Can't say I have much of a singing voice but I will give it a try." Clearing her throat, she began to sing, as the song flowed out of her, she felt herself being transported to a different time and place, when she was just Lyla and her life hadn't been turned upside down by Batarian slavers yet.

"Time for bed." She heard her Mama yelling at her from the house. "I'm not tired yet. Can't I play just a little bit longer?" "I gave you longer the first time I tried to get you inside. No more extensions. Bedtime." "Yes Mama." Lyla hurried through her bedtime routine, washing her hands and face, brushing her teeth and changing into her favorite pajamas before climbing into bed. "Ready Mama." Her mother pulled the covers over her and tucked her in tight the way she did every night. Sitting down beside her she gently stroked Lyla's hair as she softly sang the same lullaby her own mother had sung to her. As she finished she pressed a kiss to her daughter's forehead. "Goodnight Mama" "Goodnight baby."

As Shepard finished the song, she glanced at Grunt and realized he had fallen asleep. She pressed a kiss to his forehead before rolling over. Just as she closed her eyes, she heard the young krogan whisper, "Goodnight Mama." "Goodnight baby."