"Hello Crystal." Lauren said when the door opened.
"Lauren!" Crystal replied excitedly as she went up and bear-hugged Lauren.
"Oh my goodness! Your grip is strong!" Lauren replied as she returned the hug.
"You dork! You should have called! I could have prepared something for you!" Crystal said as she saw MaryAoife, Char, Ryan and Ethan standing there all smiling up at her with their fingers in their mouths.
"You brought the rug rats!" Crystal said as she bent down and kissed each one, and motioned them into the house. Then Maddy came into view.
"Hey Maddy!" Crystal said as she greeted Maddy with a hug.
"Lovely to see you again, Crystal." Maddy replied.
"Please come on in!" Crystal motioned her inside. Then the Seneschal came into view followed by several burly men that Crystal immediately recognized as some form of security.
"Dude, are you on the run again?" Crystal asked. Lauren laughed.
"No." Lauren said as she made the introductions. "Crystal, this is the Seneschal, and these guys are members of my security detachment known as the Regnant Guard. Everyone, this is Crystal, a dear friend of mine." Both the Seneschal and The Regnant Guard bowed their heads in acknowledgement.
"Wow! Formal. Well, nice to meet you all. Please come on in everyone." Crystal replied as Crystal motioned everyone inside.
"Thank you, Milady." The Seneschal replied as they entered the home and the Regnant Guard took up positions outside and around the house. Then two enormous Guard Guards came into the house. One had to bend his head to enter the home.
"Oh, wow! You guys are huge!" Crystal looked up at them in awe.
"This is Bas Gamba. He is the head of the children's guard detail." Lauren introduced. Bas Gamba, stood at 6'3", black, 230-pound broadly muscular man.
"This is Bas Cibor. He is the head of my guard detail." Lauren introduced. Bas Cibor stood at 6'9" tall, white, and weighed in at 400 pounds, and was equally as broad and as muscular as Bas Gamba.
"Well, come on in! Please feel free to do what you do as security." Crystal said.
"Thank you, Milady." Both Bas's said in unison.
"Milady. Now I really feel special." Crystal said. Lauren smiled.
"I have to apologize for dropping in on you, but I wanted to stop by and share some news with you and Mirabel." Lauren said as she stepped inside the house.
"Well, let's get the children settled and then we can settle out back with a couple of drinks. Mirabel will be home in a few hours."
"How is she?" Lauren asked as she quickly surveyed the home and added, "And when are you two going to stop making so many changes to the place. Every I come here you have done something new to the place."
"Can't help it if I married someone who is a businesswoman by day, and avid DIYer by weekend."
"I cannot even recall what this place looked like beforehand." Laure said in admiration of the changes.
"Yeah, Mirabel is determined to add another addition. I told her we should hire help, but she wants to do it all by herself. Says it's therapeutic. Helps her to think and be at peace from the chaos of the work week."
"I understand."
"So how is Bo? Is she not with you?" Crystal asked.
"No. She is off taking care of some transitional business with the Dal, and then has to make a few stops herself, but she says hello to you and Mirabel."
"Transitional? What is up?" Crystal asked.
"A great deal." Lauren replied.
"Well, let's get settled then so we can talk. But first I want to walk you through the latest improvements around the house, and then we can go out back and sit on the remodeled porch. I swear the thing keeps sprawling." Crystal said as she turned for the kitchen to grab a couple drinks the Seneschal met her with two drinks in her hand.
"Oh. Hey, how did you know I planned to grab these?" Crystal asked incredulous.
"That is their Fae ability. To anticipate one's needs." Lauren explained.
"Wow! One could get very spoiled by that. Well, then Maddy can take the four amigos out back in the yard. Mirabel added some new play equipment for them." Crystal replied.
"Oh, she did not have to do that." Lauren said.
"Nonsense! She and I expect to see them here often, and we want them to feel right at home." Crystal replied.
"That is very sweet, thank you!" Lauren replied.
"I still cannot believe you have four of them, and they are all just adorable." Crystal said.
"Until feeding time, then they are far from it." Lauren replied.
As Maddy led the four toddlers out into the backyard Crystal showed Lauren all the new improvements that Mirabel had made to the home, and as she had done so it made Lauren reflect on their friendship.
After Lauren had decided to commit her life to Bo and to the Fae way of life she was not sure whether she wanted to ever tell Bo about Crystal. Especially after the time she spent with Ellie she decided to let sleeping dogs lie.
Lauren made every effort to stay in contact with Crystal after they were imprisoned and eventually released from the Fae dungeons nearly 12 years ago, and often saw one another several times a year even though they lived a good distance from one another. Lauren cherished her friendship with Crystal, especially since she was her one human friend who also knew of the existence of the Fae, and could confide in away from it all the machinations and drama involved with the Fae.
Lauren demonstrated how much she cherished and appreciated Crystal's loving kindness to her after they had met first met at Ronny's Diner when Lauren was on the run from the Fae. Crystal had presented Lauren with a picture of a farm she wanted to buy once she had enough money, a little something to call her own. After Lauren had returned from her trip to Albert Cove Lauren did some research and found it was still on the market. Lauren bought the farm, and presented Crystal with the deed. Crystal was floored, not quite sure what to think, and thought, given that she had conspired with the Fae to capture Lauren she thought for sure Lauren never wanted to see her again. But Lauren understood two things: one, that Crystal had no idea that she was dealing with an uber humanoid species, and two, when one is gripped, helplessly in the clutches of the Fae there is really nowhere to go, and so forgave Crystal. But most importantly for Lauren Crystal was there for her when no one else was, and Lauren would never forget that.
It was one of the primary reasons why Lauren decided not to tell Bo about Crystal that is, until Evony mentioned Crystal in front of Bo one day. Lauren should not have been surprised that Crystal's name came up; it was bound to happen, but she hoped it wouldn't, at least, until she was ready to discuss Crystal with Bo. But once it did happen, Lauren dreaded the reaction it would elicit from Bo: guilt.
One of the things Lauren loved about Bo, and also drove her mad, is that Bo is a person of great heart and great feeling. She always wants to be there for everyone in their time of need, but still has a hard time understanding that she could not be in all places at once during that period. She knew Bo would feel guilty once she brought up Crystal, not about Crystal per se but what Crystal represented. Lauren had met Crystal at a time Bo was herself lost, jumping from the "Death Train" to regain her memories as to whom she was. Bo had a hard time with that point in her life. She felt she let everyone down. Frankly, Lauren didn't want to mention that period in their lives ever again. When they finally sat down and discussed how Lauren and Crystal became friends, then lovers, and then friends again Lauren wanted to make it clear it was when they were on their "break", and when Lauren was on the run from the Fae. Crystal reached out. Bo said she understood, but Lauren knew Bo still felt a tremendous amount of guilt at not being there for her regardless of their relationship status at the time.
Lauren knew there was nothing she could do about how Bo felt, and instead told Bo she wanted her to meet Crystal. It was important to Lauren because no matter what happened Bo needed to understand Crystal would always be part of their lives. With all Lauren had to put up in Bo's life, Bo did not argue. Bo said that she had no objection meeting her, but she didn't feel the need either. She said wasn't threatened by Lauren's friendship with Crystal because of the circumstances at the time, and whatever Bo felt about it all that was Bo's issue, not Crystal's. Lauren also said she felt a need to keep watch over Crystal, especially where the Fae were concerned. Bo understood that point all too well for she felt the same when it came to Sylvie and Julia. Crystal, however, was extremely curious to meet the woman Lauren was so emotionally committed to so Lauren invited Crystal to dinner at her and Bo's new home before the children were born, just the three of them. The dinner proved to be quite congenial, and they all conversed late into the night.
Whenever Lauren had to travel on JFM stakeholder business she would invite Crystal to come along if her schedule permitted. One time when Lauren had to travel to New York City to attend a Stakeholder meeting with Liam, Ryan, Drs. Abigail Danna and Russo Monteiro she asked Crystal to join her. Bo had to remain back at the County due to a case she and Kenzi were involved in, so Lauren thought it would nice to make it one, big girl's weekend out.
After the first days' set of meetings were over Liam had arranged a reception for potential new Stakeholders at the famed Sardi's Restaurant near Times Square. Crystal turned out to be a great co-hostess, helping Liam manage the crowd of guests, and that is how she caught the eye of Mirabel Aldsworth-Bishop. Mirabel was an Investment Banker representing her firm, Billington Capital at the event. She and Crystal met and hit it off pretty much right away. During the day, Mirabel would be in Stakeholder meetings with Lauren, Liam, Ryan, and Drs. Danna and Monteiro, but at night she would join them all as they stormed the town. When the trip was over they exchanged numbers, and soon thereafter started officially dating. Crystal wasn't sure if a long-distance relationship would work, but patience, understanding and perseverance between her and Mirabel made it work. Mirabel worked out a consultancy-style role with Billington Capital which still required her to be in New York at least seven days out of the month, but the rest of time she could be with Crystal and travel for work where needed.
Crystal still worked at Ronny's diner, but instead of being an employee she became its Owner, with Mirabel's help and guidance. She changed the name to Cramb's Bar and Grill, a meld of Crystal's name and Lauren's pseudonym, Amber, from when she was on the run from the Fae, in honor of them meeting for the first time at Ronny's. Lauren was flattered. Crystal did a complete remodel of the place to include a proper stage for traveling stage bands. Bo and Lauren drove down and celebrated opening night with Crystal and Mirabel. Even with all that happened over the last few years Evony still maintained her business of representing new talent so Lauren parlayed an agreement with The Morrigan that music acts that were part of her Talent Agency, big or small, would make an appearance at Cramb's. This led to Cramb's becoming incredibly popular and well-known, for both humans and Fae. Cramb's became so popular that Crystal ended up hiring Bruce's brothers, Dave and Eric, to manage security in the place, primarily for Fae patrons, especially when Fae got drunk and forgot they were in a primarily human establishment. And now close to 15 years later, with Lauren committed to Bo and four children later, and Crystal with Mirabel, and her thriving business here they were. When they finished the tour and settled out on the porch and watched the children play on the new toy equipment Crystal turned to Lauren.
"So my friend, what is up?" Crystal asked as the Seneschal served them with fresh drinks. Lauren filled her in on the events that led up to Bo's Recognition as the next Queen of the Fae Realm, meeting The Regnant and her family, the Elder Fae Council meeting, the takeover of the plane of existence by the Fae, Evony's elevation to Grand Ducal status, the attack on The Regnant, the banishment of the Monoliths, her trip to the Congo to visit the descendants of the Ranoruks, and now her move to the Presidium. As Lauren started to describe events Crystal's face grew more and more surprised. By the time Lauren was finished, Crystal's mouth was on the floor. By this time, MaryAoife had toddled over and crawled on Lauren's lap and laid there chewing her fist while Ryan toddled over to Crystal and played with her face and hands. Ethan and Char were still fascinated by the contraption Mirabel had built for them and were crawling all over it.
"Are you okay?" Lauren asked Crystal concerned.
"Dude, you just explained to me that life as I know it is over." Crystal said still astonished.
"I know." Lauren replied.
"What the fu…" Crystal started then stopped herself when she remembered children were present. Lauren smiled.
"I could ask you questions all day, but the most pressing one is what happens next?" Crystal asked.
"Transition." Lauren replied.
"Starting with your move to the Presidium?" Crystal asked.
"Yes."
"To another plane of existence?"
"Yes."
"Do you hear yourself? You are not moving to Bora Bora or even to the moon, you are moving to an entirely different plane of existence." Crystal said.
"Yep."
"Our long-distance bills are going to be crazy!" Crystal quipped. Lauren laughed.
"Have you seen what the place looks like at least?" Crystal asked.
"Only through the calls Bo made on her first visit there. From what I have seen it seems to be quite palatial, expansive." Lauren replied.
"Wow!" Crystal said as Ryan stuck his fingers in her mouth and she fake-bit them by covering her teeth with her lips and pressed down to his delight.
"He has such a crush on you." Lauren said. "Always loves to go to you."
"He has great taste. Don't you, sweetie!" Crystal said to Ryan who smiled and fell into her chest, looking a little sleepy.
"They've had a full day running errands with Mommy today." Lauren said as she stroked the head of MaryAoife as she laid on Lauren and watch Ethan and Char playing. Crystal looked at Lauren.
"My next question is how are you handling all of this?" Crystal asked.
"I decided long ago that I wanted to spend my life with Bo. I knew that would come with a lot attached to it. Namely, the Fae and all of their beliefs and practices. I also knew that Bo would face some aspect of her destiny, but not like this, not so clearly and in your face. I mean, how many of us, Human or Fae have that kind of moment, that realization." Lauren replied.
"But how are you? You have a lot to take in, a lot to do. Not to mention all the things you have to do with this move. The house, the children, the JFM, and then taking on this job at the Presidium in the heart of Fae land itself." Crystal asked. Lauren chuckled.
"No Lauren, really, how are you?" Crystal asked.
"There is a part of me that is completely rational about all of this. I understand what needs to be done. I understand the game plan. But then there is a part of me that is unsure. Unsure how our future relies on such a delicate balance of understanding, compromise, negotiation and good, old fashioned luck. And there is a part of me that if I allow myself to wallow in my feelings I could drive myself into a panic. But above all else, my first concern is for these four beautiful, little creatures we brought into this world, and I will do everything in my power to keep them safe. I don't know what this Presidium looks like, who these people really are. I am trying not to give into the fear of the unknown and just clinging to what needs to be done, step by step."
"A methodical approach." Crystal said.
"Yes."
"Ever the Scientist." Crystal said as she smiled. Lauren matched her smile.
"Lauren, you are an amazing woman." Crystal said.
"Thank you, Crystal!"
"No I mean it. Do you realize that this is just as much about your destiny as it is Bo's?"
"How do you mean?"
"That at long last you have found yours as well. Look at what you have been through in your life. Even with the life you built with Bo, and then the creation of the JFM, and let's not forget the butt-loads of money you have made from all the new drugs you have produced, who knew? But here you are poised to sit next to Bo as her Consort while she rules."
"I will only be her companion. If we were married then I would be her Consort."
"A distinction without difference. You, a Human, will rule with Bo as her significant, however they will call it, over the entire Fae Realm! To include us mere mortals!" Crystal said excitedly.
"Well, when you put it like that." Lauren replied with a smile.
"Lauren, you have every right to be cautious of the unknown, and how these unknowns will impact your family, but don't forget this is about your destiny just as much as Bo's. Just make sure to assert your part in it, and don't lose yourself to all of the Fae BS." Crystal said.
"Thank you, Crystal for the great advice." Lauren replied.
"So what about us? How the heck will we keep in touch?" Crystal asked.
"Amazingly, that will be relatively easy. I will show you later on. You will be in shock about that too!" Lauren replied.
"Cannot wait to see that!" Crystal replied.
"Oh yeah, forgot to tell you one tiny, little thing." Lauren said.
"What's that?" Crystal asked.
"They don't believe in money."
"Who doesn't?" Crystal asked.
"The Presidium."
"You are kidding me?" Crystal said in disbelief.
"Nope."
"Aw c'mon!" Crystal said exasperated. Lauren laughed hard. Just then they heard a commotion from inside the house and then Mirabel emerged out into the backyard.
"Lauren!" Mirabel said as she went over, bent down and hugged Lauren while MaryAoife looked up and smiled. Then Mirabel went over and greeted Crystal with a kiss, and then rubbed the top of Ryan's head. "Hey buddy!" Ryan smiled.
"My goodness! Enough Guards out there? And the two big ones? Holy cow!" Mirabel commented.
"That is not the half of it, babe! Did you know that Bo and Lauren are moving the Presidium, the Fae will rule over this plane of existence, Lauren will be a Queen over us all, and then the Presidium is going to get rid of money?"
"What?" Mirabel said as she looked to Lauren who smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
