Whispering Suits

The bar seems different than I remember, though I suppose I wasn't paying much attention when I was here for the wake. Now that I'm actually paying attention, I'm surprised I didn't sense the Fae energy the first time I was here. The room with the bar has a faint glow to it, and there are several Faeries dotted about the bar in amongst the other patrons. Nat doesn't need to tell me not to react, whilst coming in here guaranteed that the Winter Fae following us will have stopped, if I let on that I have The Sight we're in for a whole new world of trouble. Nat has to keep her head down too, there are plenty of Faeries out there who don't take kindly to the fact that she has chosen to forsake their way of life and instead spends her time living in peace with mortals. It's why mum trusted Nat with Dan and I, she has only ever taken what she needed and never more. “You grab a table, I'll go grab us some drinks” I say to her before she can argue. So long as I maintain my oblivious act and don't let them know I can see their real selves, I should be fine. I walk up to the bar, and realise quite quickly that I am very underdressed for this place. All the patrons, Fae and mortal alike, are wearing glitzy gowns and fancy suits. I can make out several designer labels in one group alone. The only glitzy thing about my get-up are the silver stars sewn onto my old black jumper, mum did them when she last patched it up. Between that and the dark jeans I'm wearing, I realise that the bartender might kick me out. A place this swanky must have a dress code, and while I'm not planning to make this place home I certainly don't want to leave just yet. We need to wait long enough for the Winter Faerie outside to get bored and find a new target. I try my best to straighten up, trying to seem confident in my cheap home-brand clothes. I sit on a stool at the bar and wait to be served. The bartender is seeing to a man sat a few stools down. The barkeep seems familiar to me, but I can't place why. He has bright red curly hair, with a plait hanging down over his right shoulder. His golden tanned skin seems to fit perfectly with the tailored waistcoat he wears, which is a deep ruby colour. His white shirt is fastened at the neck with a ruby coloured western tie. I can't see clearly from here because he's moving so quickly, but I can just catch the glimpse of his gold cufflinks as they glint into he light. I can't help but watch as he mixes the man's drink. His movements are so smooth, so precise, like he's doing a perfectly choreographed dance. He serves the man the drink with a winning smile, and the turns his attention to me. As he moves closer, I notice his eyes. They're a warm hazel colour, but as I look at them I'm certain they change hue to a bright copper that reminds me of the setting sun in the midst of summer. “Welcome, what can I get for you?” He asks. His voice is like deep and soft, like velvet. If I had any doubts that this place was a Faerie safe haven, those doubts where gone now. Now he's infrotn of me I'm certain, this man is a Faerie. And, from the aura coming off him, a powerful one. He straitens his tie and I can see the emblem on his cufflinks, a wand, the emblem of the Summer court. I try not to react, knowing Fae that move was done on purpose. He's testing me, to see if I can see through his disguise. He must be very powerful, even with The Sight seeing through his glamour is difficult. I can make out the true hues of his eyes I I focus, but I feel like that is only scratching the surface of what he truly looks like. I pick up a menu off the bar and pretend to read through their offerings. Something about this Faerie seems familiar, and equally off-putting. I feel my face flushing and wonder if this is the result of some Fae power he has, would explain how they can charge these prices and keep up business. It's easy to keep customers around if the barkeep can charm them all. He smirks as I think that, and I wonder for a moment if he has the same powers as Nat, if he can read my mind we're done for. “Might I make a suggestion?” He asks, a subtle cocky tone to his voice. I smile politely. “Yes, please do” I reply, trying to keep my tone even. He points to the menu, and I instinctively move my hand away from where he points. Something tells me I shouldn't let him touch me. He doesn't react to my movement, but keeps his gaze steadily on me. “This is our most popular drink. It's not too large, and is good for if you are just passing through” he paused and leans forward, moving his hand to imply I should lean forward so he can whisper to me. I find myself doing so, even though I'm not sure why. “I know who you are.” He whispers. I feel frozen to the spot, I can hear my blood rushing through my ears as the whole bar seems to suddenly go quiet. I don't respond beyond a ‘mhmm’. “Don't fear, I have no intentions of revealing you. But, my brethren might not be as understanding if they become aware of your presence. I can grant you, and your comrade, my protection for one hour. That should be all the time you need”. I gulp, and find myself rubbing the fabric of my jumper for comfort. “Does…does this protection have a price?” I ask, afraid the answer might be worse than the alternative of taking our chances with the Winter Faerie who I am sure is still outside. His grin gets wider, and with my sight I can see his true teeth are sharp and gleaming white. He nods subtly, maintaining his closeness to me as he whispers. “Very clever. Yes, there is a price. All things in our world have their cost. But, I promise it is reasonable. I simply ask for a favour, your vow that you will at a time of my choosing answer a question of mine with the whole and honest truth. That is my price.” I think on his proposal, it's a simple contract, which is to be expected of the Fae. They thrive on the hidden meanings, inferred implications, the clauses not specified. On the surface the price seems simple, he will ask me a question that I must answer honestly. But, the detail of what the question can cover is left unspecified. He could ask for my name, my families name, the location of my home. I can't risk anything that could lead them back to Daniel. I take a deep breath, negotiation is the key of a Faerie contract. “I am willing to accept your proposal, with some stipulations. You cannot ask me anything that would cause harm to come to myself, or those I love. And, you are limited to one question. The question must be specific, and once asked and answered my debt will be fully repaid. Do you agree to these terms?” I ask. He seems overjoyed, perhaps it is rare to find a human who understands a Faerie’s way of thinking. He seems thrilled to see my mind at work as I try to outwit him. “The terms are agreeable. Shake my hand, and the deal will be done. For the next 60 minutes, I will shield you and your comrade so that you may conduct your business. And, I expect you understand this means you will have to see me again. If you try to get out of our deal, it will not end well for you”. He leans back and reaches out his hand. I glance over at Nat, she's huddled up at a table in a dark corner, but even so I can spot several Faeries looking her way. I need to speak to her tonight, and with this Faerie's deal I am guaranteed safety for at least an hour. It's not something to sniff at. I reach out and take his hand, shaking it firmly. His hand is warm, hot almost, and I feel my whole body tingle as a thin veil is drawn over me. He passes me two drinks, neither of which I remember him making, and nods me on my way. I join Nat at the table in the corner and only relax once I see the veil spread to cover her as well. At least for now, we are safe.