Aoife arrived in Bear Valley and entered the Donut Hole diner where she was supposed to meet her contact. She settled into a nearby booth next to a window and the waitress came up, took her order of coffee and left while she settled back to look out the window.
It had been nearly a month since the events with Chas at Engelram's Warehouse and all of the Fae Realm was in attendance at the Convocation. Aoife had heard Fae on the Human plane held viewing parties to watch the Opening Ceremony, and while Aoife was on the run she did hear about Bo's speech and felt proud. The change she hoped for to end the light/dark divide had happened and now Bo planned to take it further to unify both Fae and Humans through transparency.
Aoife watched her watch as she watched out the window. She arranged to meet her contact at in upstate New York away from any sort of prying eyes. While she waited she saw a rather handsome man followed by another equally handsome man enter the diner, approach the counter, said they were picking up an order and then went and sat down in a nearby booth. While Aoife took note of them they were too immersed in their own conversation to take notice of her.
"So what does Jeremy think?" The man with the dark brown complex said in a low whisper. He thought his whispers could not be heard by human ears. Operative word of course being human.
"Your guess is as good as mine, Logan. The Council is supposed to meet this week on the Mutts and then inform Jeremy."
"Clay? They really are going to meet without Jeremy?"
"Yep."
"Clay!"
"I know, but what can he do? The Council feels the Mutt situation is out of control!" Logan replied. Their conversation was interrupted when the doors opened to reveal the Sheriff. She saw them and went over to them.
"Clay, Logan." The Sheriff greeted.
"Sheriff Morgan." Clay and Logan greeted in unison.
"How's everything up at Stonehaven?" Sheriff Morgan asked. "Seeing more visitor activity of late."
"Good! Just art dealers coming in to view Jeremy's art pieces. He has acquired a new collection that need appraisals." Logan responded.
"He must be happy." Sheriff Morgan commented.
"Making money is always good for business." Clay replied.
"Of course. You boys have a great day." Sheriff said.
"Thanks Sheriff! You as well." Then Sheriff Morgan left and then the waitress called out their names and placed their bagged orders on the counter. Clay paid for the order and they walked out of the Dount Hole. As Aoife watched them enter their cars she saw her contacts exiting theirs and walk into the diner and look around. When they laid eyes on her they headed in her direction and sat down with her in the booth.
"You must be Aoife." The man said.
"And you are?" Aoife asked.
"Marcus." Marcus answered. "This is Koren."
"So Marcus, Koren, you two were not whom I was expecting. I was waiting for my connect." Aoife replied.
"And there he is." Koren replied as he pointed out of the window. Her connect had exited from the passenger side of a car while the driver stayed in the car. Her connect entered the diner, saw them all at the booth and walked towards them, pulled up a chair and sat down.
"Aoife." The man greeted.
"Rumlar." Aoife greeted.
"So things did not go as planned." Rumlar said.
"That business with Chas Marrero was not my fault. He acted impulsively. But his impulsiveness imperiled my daughter, whom by the way I had no idea she would just show up. Nevertheless, I think I can still be successful." Aoife replied.
"As do I, but for now both you and I need to make ourselves scarce." Rumlar replied then pointed out in the direction of his car. "Ehlnor, my driver will take you to a safe place with Koren while Marcus takes me in another direction. We shall meet again soon as we are not finished yet." Rumlar replied.
"I understand." Aoife replied.
"When we meet again, there will be a lot to do." Rumlar said as he stood up. "Koren?"
"Got it boss. Please follow me Your Serene Highness." Koren said.
"To be addressed as royalty. Your man Koren is good." Aoife replied.
"That is not a hallow addressement. You are the Princess Mother." Rumlar stated.
"One of them at least." Aoife replied.
"This way Your Serene Highness." Koren directed out the door and to the car where Ehlnor awaited. Koren opened the passenger door for Aoife and when she settled in he closed and then opened the back door and got in. As they pulled away Aoife watched as Rumlar was driven away in another car by Marcus.
