They continued to argue through most of the trip. Layla was standing on her points that she was on the moral high ground to protect her kind. And Talia was about how she put Kurt in danger. And Kurt didn't like the idea that no one was arguing that he was a 'pushover' even though Talia seemed to concede that point.

The situation was tense, and Layla went off to one of the bunks and told them not to get any mating ideas. And tired of pretending to sleep. Did fae really even sleep?

"So you think I'm a pushover?" said Kurt.

"Kurt you're really a big softy," said Talia.

"That's not a no," said Kurt.

"This is why you need me, you're stronger than you know. Are we going to fight about this? What do you think Sara would say?"

"That is not the same."

"Is it now, and you still got me despite her attempts," said Talia trying to snuggle up a bit closer.

"You can't just.."

"Why not?" said Talia.

That wasn't fair, thought Kurt. He was still a bit stuck in his situation though. He really was still in shock that the truth was Kurt was picked out for it. Not because he was some warrior type but the opposite.

They arrived at the Border town, where there was a wall between a range, not very large. This signified the official border. And the town was split between the sides. You needed a pass to get through legally from each side which was possible but not necessary for most people. Unlike themselves. There was a small hotel where they were staying until their paperwork was worked out. They figure they would have to meet the officials. The town was peaceful as there were guards from both sides of the border near the wall.

The reality was you could easily go around it and it was more for showing this side and that side, and this was the proper entry point. Otherwise, you'd be thought of as a smuggler.

They had received word eventually there was a meeting to be had at the embassy for the nations. This was not standard procedure, and they knew they wouldn't have the same as other's their secret was out. And they weren't sure how Midas was going to react.

Layla, Kurt, and Talia went to the office and were led to a meeting room where several men were waiting for them. It was clear that it wasn't just Midas but Hamlet officials who were there.

"Welcome," said one of the officials. The main ambassador for Midas was a man named Michael and his Hamlet counterpart was named Sam.

"Is there an issue?" said Laya.

"Yes," said Michael.

"And that is?"

"You have to realize the situation changed from some merchant moving some product. Even like this."

"How so? That's exactly what we intend to be doing, we are willing to pay the appropriate taxes, if Carl hasn't kept everyone up to date, we can fix any debts presently."

"It's not about the taxes, it's that you are essentially a portable army," said Sam.

"Then do we have a problem that needs this army?"

"The problem is the possibility, not your intent, intentions change," said Michael.

"I have only come to your aid."

"We know that. But you also took down Bright Flame Castle."

"Was I supposed to let myself be captured? In your territory," Layla said looking at Sam, "no less."

"Stop it, you know this is an issue our nations can't ignore, and can't just let you walk through our land with an army that can pop out of nothing, it would be a dereliction of our duty."

"So do you have a solution in mind?" said Layla, "I have been moving through Hamlet all this time. With the Prince's blessing, I thought."

"We do, you will have to submit to having a force on your side of the gate while in our countries. Midas troops while in Midas, Hamlet troops while in Hamlet. Or leave the continent."

"What kind of force?" said Kurt.

"Enough to secure the gate entrance, so we won't have any surprises. About fifty men."

"Anything else?" said Layla.

"You will agree to help mobilize forces in a time of war. If we are attacked we expect transport to be made with your help."

"You will have to feed these troops and provide other necessities. They will also have restricted access while armed at a minimum. I won't have your troops occupying my lands, or spying on my sovereignty. But I can see your point, it is an ever-present risk for you. As an act of good faith. You may make a small center near the gate. But if your people commit crimes against mine they will be held accountable for their own actions. And if they choose to participate in some of our activities, they must assume the danger to themselves, tests of strength are not uncommon among my people, and being hurt in one is common in them, if they choose to participate they also accept those risks." said Layla. "We will have to have time to prepare as well, the placement of the gate will have to change on my side. There won't be anything there immediately for your men to stay in I'm afraid, that will take more time. Bring your tents."

"That should be alright, as long as these activities are voluntary, the first troops are coming from Midas, when you cross they will be coming, we will have to switch on border crossings as well," said Sam. "But you will have to tell us where the gate is."

"This all seems reasonable," said Talia.

"I think so too, we need a little compromise and cooperation," said Kurt, "so we have news to share to show a sign of support for our agreements."

"News?" said Michael.

"The gate at Dakota Springs has not just closed, it has been moved, unfortunately we don't know where. But they are somewhere."

"What?"

"It's been confirmed on our side," said Layla. "It is much smaller as well, that gate was always too big anyway. They have also apparently allied with the shadow clan as best we can tell. So it is possible the gate isn't even on this continent."

"So the shadow clan can do that?"

"We know there is a man who can, if he is a part of the shadow clan or just an associate is unknown," said Layla, "this man most likely created the gate in the first place, or knows who did."

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