Whispering Suits

I keep my eyes on Cyrus and Maya until they turn round a corner, and then move my attention to Charlie. He seems physically in pain now Maya isn't standing next to him, and his eyes are darting around somewhat frantically. “So, Charlie, nice to meet you.” I finally muster, feeling slightly stupid talking to someone so clearly under a Faerie enchantment. He gives me a look of disgust, scoffing as he does so. “I'm not talking to you” he says, his voice hoarse and gravelly. “'I’m only staying here because Maya asked me to. And for the record, you should show her more respect”. I would question why he cares, but it's clear his devotion to Maya is part of the enchantment. Faeries like to have mortals fawning after them, it makes them feel important. I can't help but wonder if Charlie is aware that he's just a placeholder, Maya has no real care for him. She clearly has much bigger fish in mind, and from my brief interaction with her today, I would bet good money that her sights are set on Cyrus. I could make some assumptions on how Cyrus feels about that, but I'm not a fool. I know I don't know anywhere near enough about Faeries or their world to yet fully understand their actions or customs. I decide it's best not to agitate Charlie anymore than I already have. He clearly took my handshake with Maya as a slight even though I think it was perfectly polite considering I have no idea who she is. Maybe Cyrus should have thought through the social faux pars I might make before dragging me into a Faerie party. I listen in to some of the conversations happening round us and it's a mix of people complimenting the bar, and people talking court business. The two Faeries left near Charlie and I are whispering to each other. I try to subtly move my position to hear them better, but I'm only able to make out snippets of the conversation. “Cyrus is going to be in a lot of trouble when his father hears..” “We shouldn't expect better, it is in his nature afterall”. “But to bring that pet with him…” “He’s being a fool, as always. Hopefully he doesn't break this one as quickly as the others.” I stop listening after that and instead focus on the rest of the crowd. Last night, I had suspected he was too eager to help me. It seems my gut instinct was right. To him, I am nothing more than a plaything, a ‘pet’. Something amusing he can show off at parties, perhaps right now he and Maya are laughing about the stupid mortal who came to him for help. But, I'm not like the other mortals he has messed with. I know what game he is playing, and so long as I'm aware I won't fall for his tricks. I can do this, I can play his game and win. So long as I remember that I'm here for answers. I'm here to get stronger. I'm here because I want to keep Dan safe, and nothing else matters. When Cyrus and Maya return, they're smiling and laughing with each other and I wonder if this whole time I was just imagining his dis-interest. I'm grateful for Charlie, seeing how lost he is has given me clarity. I was being naive, I liked the attention and I was stupid enough to forget that even beautiful flowers have thorns. Cyrus walks over to me and gives me a look of concern, but I simply smile at him. “I'm sorry to cut and run, but I think it's time I head out. Would you mind seeing me or the door?” I ask, my voice steady and calm. Cyrus seems a little caught off guard, and I feel a tingle of satisfaction. He clearly thought he had me already wrapped around his finger, but I'm stronger than he expected. “Of course, allow me to escort you out”. He offers me his arm, but I know better than to take it. I can't risk his warmth infecting my mind again. I turn and start to walk back through the venue, and Cyrus has to walk quickly to catch up. He catches my shoulder and turns me to face him. I try my best not to meet his gaze. “Indy, did something happen while I was gone? You didn't eat or drink anything, did you?” His voice is but a whisper, but there is a twinge of panic to it. I shake off his hand from my shoulder and take a deep breath. Then smile at him. “Nothing happened. I said I'd stay till you came back. I just realised I'm tired, is all. It's clear you are busy, so I figured we could just leave our business for another day. Why? Is everything ok?” I try to speak calmly, but I feel so angry at myself for starting to believe his act that I'm certain my tone betrays my inner rage. Cyrus seems conflicted for a moment, then his face becomes calm and he begins walking towards the exit again. “No” he says confidently “Everything is fine. I'm sorry to have tired you out. Before you go, I never asked you my third question. I don't want you leaving even more in my debt.” I keep my gaze fixed on the door ahead, so close now and then I can go home and forget about the mess of today. “Go ahead” I say before really thinking it through “I did say you could ask the third question later”. We stop by the door, and I try not to get sucked in by his grin. “Here is my question, you claim you seek knowledge from me. Before you leave, I would like to know, what is it you wish to learn?” He leans against the door nonchalantly, but keeps his patient gaze on me. I suppose I've already committed to this path, might as well go all in. “I want to learn about The Tarot.” Is all I say in reply. He stands upright at that, his eyes wide and blinking. He looks around, seemingly checking that no-one else can hear us before he replies. “Then we will need to meet again. But not here.” He slips a piece of paper out of his pocket and into my hand. “Meet me at this address in four days time. We can discuss the arrangement then. Till then, farewell, Indigo”. I make sure to tuck the note securely in my pocket before I push the door and leave, not responding to Cyrus’s false farewell. I walk out into the cold afternoon air and though I don't look back, I can feel his eyes on me as I head down the street.