A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps

The fae 'club' is definitely not what I expected. For starters, it's outdoors. Like entirely outdoors. Except for what I assume is the bar which is in a tiny little room with only three walls and the bar to stop people just walking in. The roof is just enough to protect the drinks from the elements. The only other structure in the area is a wooden stage with a group of fae on it who are apparently a band because they're the ones playing the music. Their instruments look a little off, but are essentially the same as ours. I guess humans and fae came to the same conclusions about how to make instruments that sound good. I suppose it IS possible that fae have visited humans before in secret. I wouldn't be too shocked. Our fairy tales had to come from somewhere, right? The rest of the area is basically an open clearing. The decorations consist of more of those glowing flowers and plants that seem to be strategically planted throughout the area to provide light to the partygoers. I would expect fire, but I suppose if people are drinking that could be a little dangerous. The entire effect is gorgeous, but there's one thing I don't understand. Based on the built in bar and stage, this is a permanent location. Does it just... Not function on days with bad weather? I frown and look around. A tarp maybe? I don't know. I can just imagine everything being wet and muddy. That can't be a proper way to run a business. Also we're OUTSIDE. How do they make money? It doesn't seem like there is a cover charge or anything. Does the bar share the income with the musicians? This whole thing feels like a big party rather than an actual venue or anything like that. My confusion must be obvious because Ashton tugs on my arm to get my attention.

"Is something wrong?" he asks, a little concerned. I shake myself out of it.

Huh? No. Everything is fine, I was just thinking. Uhm, what do they do if it rains?" I question. Ashton shrugs.

"Nothing, we keep dancing. It's just water. The weather here is usually very warm, even when it rains. The bar is safe and the instruments are charmed to keep them protected. Besides, there are many species of fae who especially like water and wet weather, if it rains it just makes it more fun for them and cools down all the dancers. Don't you ever get hot when you're dancing?" He asks with a wink and I choke out a laugh. Ashton is very flirtatious today. I don't quite know what to make of it. He was clearly keeping a bit of distance between us before, but now he doesn't seem worried about that at all.

I've looked at the 'venue' and now it's time for me to check out the people. There are.... A LOT of fae here. It's a huge group. People are all dancing and drinking. I also notice something else a little strange. A lot of the fae are following the social rules I would expect from the fae, not touching, keeping their distance. Even on the dance floor the fae are careful not to inadvertently touch one another. It makes the group spread out a little more than a human club since people need more space to dance without touching. BUT there are also a lot of people who are definitely not following the 'no touching' rule. There are several couples on the dance floor and scattered around the area that I can only describe as being ALL OVER each other. A couple of them are full on making out. Now I'm even more confused. I've gotten used to fae being distant and formal, this is the exact opposite of that. Obviously there are exceptions, Ashton is still holding my hand right now. But these fae are so touchy feely... Yeah I can't imagine being like that with anyone in public. Not to mention a lot of their outfits make mine look downright modest. I'm a little stunned. I feel the need to look away from them because I'm embarrassed. Ashton sees my blush and he must have been watching my eyes and following my line of sight because he knows what I'm avoiding.

"Do you have more questions?" He prompts me to ask. Clearly he can tell I'm a little unsure about it all.

"I suppose. I am wondering why the clothing here is so revealing, and the people are very..." I trail off. I don't want to imply they're doing anything wrong. They're not. This isn't my home and the same rules don't apply. Besides, I'm sure if you searched the dark corners of a club back home you could probably catch a few people being just as intimate as these people are. Luckily, Ashton is able to read between the lines.

"The fae don't feel the need to cover up the way you humans do. We generally don't touch others unless there is express consent and trust between us. It would be unwise to try since you never know what magic someone might have. So we dress comfortably for the weather and in ways that make us feel good. We don't worry so much about being too... Provocative. Touching is the only concern we have. Looking at someone doesn't harm them." He explains. I'm not totally sure I get that. Don't people get uncomfortable being seen like that? But then again if everyone dresses that way and acts that way it probably ISN'T actually a problem. It would be nice to know you can safely walk around in whatever you want without worrying about someone pawing at you, even if the rule is only enforced by the fae's eternal fear and distrust of each other and their magic.

I nervously cling to Ashton's hand as we step a little further into the clearing and out of the trees. Instantly I feel everyone's eyes on us. I start sweating. I don't think I've ever had so many people watch me all at once before. "Uh, Ashton? Do... Do the fae have any... Objections to humans? There are a lot of people here and I do not want to cause trouble." I say nervously. Ashton shakes his head firmly.

"Not at all. We barely even knew that humans existed until a few years ago and you're the first human to ever visit here. Humans haven't even had a chance to offend the fae. People are probably staring because they're interested to see a human for the first time so they CAN form an opinion of you." He concludes. Ugh. That does not make it better. Now I KNOW that everyone here is judging, not just me, but humanity in general. I did not sign up to represent the entire human race. This feels like a role that should have been carefully selected and given to someone more qualified. Still, I'm here now and I resolve not to screw things up for humans too much.

"Would you like to dance with me?" Ashton offers, using his free hand to gesture at the dancers. I'm still a little hesitant. I could probably use a little liquid courage. "Maybe we could get a drink first?" I say hopefully. Just one drink though. I don't want to get too drunk since I'm apparently being judged by literally everyone. "Of course." Ashton agrees easily. We walk around the edge of the clearing towards the bar. I notice a few fae entering from another path.

"How does this place make any money if there is no charge to get in. You are not checking how old anyone is either." I point out.

"How old do you need to be to dance? There is a limit for the alcohol and that is managed at the bar. It's not like anyone can lie about their age." He points out.noveldrama

"As for the money, they make money selling food and drinks at the bar. The band has a collection jar. If they don't feel they are getting enough money, they will just stop playing. People will generally keep adding to it to request their favourite songs and to keep the celebration going." He explains. Huh, I actually like that. I assume Ashton brought some money because I don't have any. I'll have to ask him to tip the musicians before we leave. We approach the bar and a short fae man with pointed ears doesn't even look up as we approach, just flips open a large book and asks.

"Species and age?"