Whispering Suits

It's cold out, but the sun is up and I'm grateful for the warmth it provides. I hug my arms close, I'm regretting this outfit but it feels too late to run back now. Hopefully, this time I won't stand out. I arrive at the bar, and am surprised to see a bouncer on the door. I panic for a moment, I hadn't stopped to check if the bar was booked out for something. I realise that I haven't really made a plan at all, I don't even know that he'll help. But, last night he helped me. Yes, that help came at a price, but he could have just left me and Nat to the wolves. And, he's not going to run to Nat and tell her what I'm up to. He's my best bet, and after, I do have a debt to repay. I walk up to the bouncer, and he raises and eyebrow at me questioningly. “Hello, erm, sir? How can I be of help?” He asks, I can see he has a clipboard under one arm, maybe there is a private event going on after all. I clear my throat. “I was hoping to speak with the bartender, erm, the same one who was working last night. Is he on shift?” I realise I never got his name, though had I asked I'm sure he would have given me a pseudonym. The bartender seems amused by my query. He consults the clipboard. “I see, you’re a friend of Cyrus’s then. He's here alright, but doesn't look like he's put down any names. If you don't mind waiting a minute, I can give him a call and see if you're good to come in?” The bouncer seems to be enjoying himself. I simply nod back at him and then step to the side so that he can make his call. I can easily tell with my sight that this guy is mortal, which makes me feel a little more at ease. This must just be one of the many properties the summer court owns. It might seem strange to think of Faeries as property tycoons, but in the modern world the best way for Faeries to fly under the radar whilst still amassing power is to become the heads of business. After all, who likes a contract better than a good business man, or lawyer. I try to look like I'm not paying attention as the bouncer gets out a small black mobile from his pocket, he must have ‘Cyrus’ on speed dial because he just hits the number 3 and lifts the phone to his ear. “Hello, Sir, erm, I have someone at the front door saying they want to see you…no I know there's no one on the list but…Look there's some dude here in an ‘effin evening gown asking for you. Do you want me to let them in or not? Ok, I'll let ‘im know”. The bouncer puts his phone away and then looks at me awkwardly. “Erm, sorry about that. I didn't mean any disrespect. Cyrus is just…difficult at times. He said he'll be down in a minute to see if he wants to let you in. Sorry for the hassle, the family is here and we gotta keep the weirdos out, ya know?” he says, he sounds pretty stressed about the whole thing. I simply smile, but inside I'm screaming. By ‘the family’ he must mean the summer court, maybe even the nobles. Great. Just great, I had to pick today of all days to come back. For a minute, I think of saying not to bother, that I'll just come back another day, but then the door opens. ‘Cyrus’, or whatever his real name might be, looks different in the daylight. His hair somehow looks an even more vibrant red, and his eyes glint and glisten between orange and gold in the sunlight. His outfit is different too. He's wearing a tailored three piece suit in a beautiful scarlet colour that compliments his tan skin. If I use my sight, I can make out tiny wand designs sewn throughout the fabric. He's definitely summer court, and he must be someone the heads of the court trust for him to be wearing such a fine suit. He cracks a wide smile as his eyes move from the bouncer to me. “Why, I wasn't expecting you.” He says, his deep voice filled with amusement. The sound sends shivers down my spine, but I do my best to shake off the thoughts that his voice brings to my mind. This is how they get you, the looks, the voice, even their scent. Everything about a Faerie is made to draw you in. And once they have you, you're trapped and they have a new pet. But I don't plan on being any Faeries plaything. “Yes, sorry. I didn't think to call ahead. I can come back another time, if you are busy. I wouldn't want to intrude”. I keep my voice level, I won't let him think he's having an effect on me. He's far too cocky as it is. He tilts his head to the side, and for some reason it makes me think of a cat as it sizes up its prey. “Oh no, I couldn't have that outfit go to waste.” He holds out his hand. “Come on in”. I take his hand, and he leads me inside. The bar is brightly lit, with candles and lanterns lit throughout and there's a roaring fire blazing in the fireplace. Every pillar and wall is covered in flowers and vines. The Faerie pulls me closer, wrapping my hand around his arm. “There, much better”. He says, then he steadies his gaze on me. “Now, the rules are simple. Stay by my side at all times, don't eat or drink anything unless I give it to you, and try your best to look like you're having a good time. Can you manage that?” He talks as though he has done this a lot, perhaps he has. Maybe bringing a clueless mortal to Faerie parties is the kind of thing he does regularly. Except, I'm not a clueless mortal. I have The Sight, and I don't know if he knows or simply doesn't care. I nod as assertively as I can manage. “Okay, I can do that. But, if I'm going to do this, you are going to have to answer three questions for me”. I can hear the unsteadiness in my voice, it's hard to focus when I'm standing so close to him. He radiates such warmth, and I can feel the surge and tingle of magic from him where my hand rests on his arm. He tilts back his head slightly and laughs, his mouth open wide to reveal his sharp teeth. “My oh my. If I recall you are in my debt, not the other way round. But, I must know what questions you would ask of me”. He leans in conspiratorially, and I suddenly feel stupid for going along with all this. I don't even know that I'll get to ask for his help, the whole reason I came here in the first place, but, I'm here now and I've come this far. “First, I would like to know your name. Your real name, if I'm going to be in your debt I'd like to have some insurance. Second, I want to know how long I will be here. I need to be home tonight. And third, I want to know why you invited me to join you.” I ask, trying to keep my voice hushed so as not to draw attention to us. The Faerie keeps his eyes fixed on mine, perhaps he can see if I'm being truthful or not? Whatever the reason, I find I can't look away from him. I'm starting to realise why Nat never wanted me around the Faeries who frequented her cafe, to resist is a challenge. “Interesting.” He finally replies. “I suppose it's clear that if I answer your questions, you'll answer mine. And that this would still leave your debt to be settled?” I expected as much, Faeries are only ever happy if they get something out of the deal. “Yes, if you answer my questions, I will answer three questions of yours. I understand that these will be in addition to the debt I owe you”. He places his hand on top of mine and I feel a small surge of magic, the contract is made. “Then allow me to answer your question. First, my true name is indeed Cyrus, and you are welcome to call me by that name quite freely. I have no fear of my name being known. Second, you may stay as long as you wish. There are not many of my kin here, and so time shall pass as it usually does. If you wish to leave, simply ask and I will be happy to escort you out. And finally, my reason for inviting you to join our little soirée is entirely self-serving. You simply look all too beautiful to be left standing on the sidewalk, and I'm far too curious to see why you have come back here so soon. Are you satisfied that I have answered your questions?” I feel myself blushing from the compliment, but I’m equally surprised to find that he has been using his true name openly. Names have great power, if he openly uses his name this must mean he has little reason to fear that others will use it against him. I realise that he is waiting for me to respond. “I am satisfied. You may ask me your questions, but I keep the stipulation that I won't answer anything that could cause me or the ones I love harm”. Cyrus seems quite prepared for this stipulation, it does make sense I would want to protect myself afterall. “Of course,” he says. “My questions are thus. First, as you know my name I would like to know yours. I will happily use a false name in front of my associates, but I should like to know your true name. Second, I would like to know what brought you here today. It is clear you came prepared to speak to me, and the anticipation of knowing what is killing me. As for my third question, I would like to save that for now. I promise to ask it before you leave, is that agreeable?” I nod mutely and think of the best way to answer the two questions asked. I suppose his questions are fair, and it's nothing more than I would expect given the circumstances. “My name is Indigo, though my friends call me Indy. I suppose, around others of your kind, you could call me Izzy. As for your second question, I came here because I need knowledge that only a Faerie will have. To be clear, I don't trust you. That being said, you seem to enjoy making deals, and all I ask for is honesty”. Somehow Cyrus’s grin gets even wider. “Perfect” he says “I look forward to our partnership. For now, let's have some fun”.