XI

They jumped at the same time and hit the water with a loud splash. Elanor desperately clung to the leash in her hand and opened her eyes as soon as they sank underwater. Either the current or the magic of the faery door was pushing her vigorously, first in different directions, and then as if she got into a tunnel, pressing her down. Talvi's cold hand was holding her tight, and when it felt like she was about to lose her grip, he appeared next to her shoulder and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her against his chest, which surprisingly was hot, and she could feel his heart beating intensely inside. Elanor saw a white flash of colour and hoped that it was Lumi. In a few seconds, she felt Talvi's arms pulling her up, and her head broke the surface. 

The elf was carrying her effortlessly, holding Elanor under her knees and back. He started walking towards the shore, and the girl looked around to make sure Lumi was following them; he was thankfully right there. The Samoyed shook off the water, and the droplets were flying everywhere. Elanor, now relieved that he did not get lost, had a moment to appreciate how easily Talvi bore the weight of her body, wet clothes and the backpack; he did not look like he was so strong, so slim and wilowy. Their faces were very close, but she still had to look up if she wanted to glance at the fae's beautiful face because in his long tan arms, she was at around his chest level. 

Merchant's wet hair lost the shiny curls for now, stuck around his forehead and water was dripping down his brows into the deep black eyes, and the elf was squinting occasionally. Before she changed her mind, Elanor extended her hand and lightly brushed his hair aside. 

After all, I don't want him to trip and drop me; I'm only trying to be considerate of my ally.

If Talvi was surprised, he did not let it show on his face, either to avoid saying something out of place, or perhaps he wished not to startle the shy girl, delicate as a bird. He only stole a quick glance, burning her with those bottomless obsidian eyes, but Elanor could feel his heartbeat race in a wild rhythm. She was not able to tell whether he was blushing or she imagined it: his bronze skin was hiding it well, and the young man rushed forward in a few long steps and gingerly placed her down. 

Elanor let her companion believe that his fussy attempts at making it seem like nothing happened were successful, and kneeled in front of Lumi to stroke his head. Secretly, however, she could not stop hearing the loud beat of his heart.

"Let's go," called the elf in a deliberately casual voice. "This way," and he grabbed Elanor's backpack, lifting it onto his shoulder. She scuttled along, grateful for not having to drag the heavy, wet bag that felt like an anchor pulling her down. 

After climbing a small hill of the riverbank, the biggest fae settlement she has seen so far opened in front of her eyes. It looked like a proper town, just peculiar with foreign architecture. Numerous faeries of all kinds rushed up and down the street; Elanor was overwhelmed by the diversity of townsfolk. There were those with all kinds of insect wings, those who looked closer to humans with some extravagant features, and then those who looked nothing like humans; animal-like ones, flowery kind, and even somebody she could swear looked like a dragon. 

Talvi was marching ahead swiftly, and Elanor almost lost sight of him a couple of times, but Lumi would then tug her in the right direction, and they stopped eventually in front of a tall several-story building. Most buildings they passed were painted in different colours and made with unique materials. Some of the houses were put together with bricks, following no particular shape; it seemed like the builders were inspired by the flow of the waves or followed the direction of the wind to use as a guide. 

On the left of the tailor's atelier stood a small booth rendered top to bottom with various seashells. On the right, something less of a building and more of a gazebo with long drapes of floating fabric concealing the inside. Elanor didn't manage to peek through them, but heard some spooky whispers emanating from behind. Her white animal guardian urged them to move away, nudging Elanor's hip with his head and grumbling.

"What's up, buddy?" she asked, but obliged and made a few steps aside. 

"He seems not to like the Bargain Pavilion. I don't blame him; not much good can come out of it for a human. You would do wise to avoid it," explained the young man. 

"So one can only seek a bargain here? Are faeries ever bargaining between themselves?"

"No, you can strike a bargain anywhere, but humans rarely initiate. Most often, those of the folk who see an opportunity would make an offer. Humans who come into the Faery to seek a pact are not always lucky to meet an interested party. Their best bet is to visit the Bargain Pavilion."

"I imagine there must be a whole predatory syndicate operating through these?" assumed Elanor darkly.

"You imagine right," confirmed Talvi shortly. 

He opened the brass door and gallantly invited them inside. Elanor stepped into a well-lit room with garment stands covering most of the space. The artisan was sitting in a soft chair, busy covering the tips of hundreds of bright feathers with gold dust. He was surrounded by feathers and glitter, creating an unintended confetti effect by sending them swirling around when he rose. 

"Welcome! Please don't mind me, achoo!-" Being a small creature, he was barely taller than Lumi, and the dog licked his face politely, forcing Elanor to chase after him to prevent her friendly dog from toppling poor host to the ground. "Ah, make sure he behaves or I will have to use my crawling ivy to pin him still-" babbled the small man, petted the Samoyed and turned back to the newcomers. 

"What do we have here? Nice to meet you, young lady," he continued his monologue without pause, shaking Elanor's hand, until he looked up over her shoulder and saw her companion. His eyes widened in surprise. "Oh! Your-"

The tailor stopped mid-sentence, and Elanor turned to look at Talvi suspiciously, feeling like she had missed some silent gestures. He was standing in a most natural pose and smiled at her innocently.

"Your... suite is almost ready. Have you come for the fitting?"

"Yes. Allow me to introduce you to Lara, my business partner, whom I met while travelling with merchandise through the Spring Court."

"A pleasure to meet you, Lara. Call me Hazel, and tell me why my old friend always arrives in some kind of predicament, like just now, visiting me, it seems, straight out of a thunderstorm?"

The party indeed looked quite pathetic; their soaking clothes already made a small puddle on the beautiful woven carpet. 

"Just a brief swim in the local river, no predicament about it," waved dismissively Talvi. Somehow, even now, he managed to look and present himself with lazy confidence. 

"Let's get you out of these sad garments first," nodded Hazel and rang a small bronze bell.