Clean Your Clock.

True Sight flicked her tail in annoyance. She absolutely hated for the shop to get dirty. Most of the time it was easy to keep an antique shop clean. She did alright with business, but it wasn't like she was selling the latest fashions or high end jewelry. Everything in her shop was old, well preserved, and timeless. Only a certain type of pony, mainly collectors, or ponies who wanted some antique to add some culture to their homes, came to her shop. Then of course there where those who wanted readings, but they were by appointment only.

Today however, True Sight had seen an influx of customers like she had never seen before. Some popular noble in the court had decided that she loved some clocks created by some old earth pony, and so of course, the entire court just had to have one of the clocks. Word had gotten out that True Sight had some of the clocks in her store, and then the flood came. Ponies came flying in, all having to own one of the clocks. True Sight was grateful for the business of course, but mad at the wreck her shop was in now. The floors were dirty, items weren't in their right places, shelves were askew. True Sight stomped her hoof and flicked her tail one last time before she began cleaning up the store. She only had two of the clocks left, and she would practically give them away as long as the next pony who came looking for them didn't mess up anything. And if they did, they better be able to run, and fast.

Seihai was wandering Canterlot in search of interesting sounds to listen to. He always had a love for sounds and discovering what made them this way. He once got lost in the woods looking for a sound, it turned out to be a bird who made the most strangely wonderful noise. His mother had scolded him deeply for doing so. The Main Square was alive as it always was with ponies of importance trotting about. The new popular thing was to do a sort of skip with only your back hind legs as you walked. Seihai had tried it, but successfully fell on his face when doing so. He was about to just head home and try to decode those book for Mystic who had thrusted the job on to him. Granted he was happy to do so of course. It wasn't like he to wasn't interested in what sort of spells were in them. Maybe if he find a really good one he could use it in his spell class for a easy A.

Then his thoughts disappeared as he heard something. It was old sounding and rare, it was a clock for certain. It had this feeling to it. It didn't sound like any clock he had heard before. He races down the street getting looks from some ponies and almost hitting a fancy dress colt on his way. He had to find where that sound was coming from.

He runs for a short time after that to stand in front of a little antique shop with a welcoming feeling to it. The inside looked like a hurricane had passed through when he walked in. The first thing he noticed was the smell of old wood and the creaks the front wood plank made. He didn't know how to act about the place as he walked slowly in.

"Hello?"

Elegance was peeved. Artists were so extremely hard to work with. Waiting for 'inspiration' and such. Didn't they know that inspiration had to find them working, not lazing around huffing not-even-Celestia-knows what? It wasn't as if they had to come up with anything special, she had already done most of the measurements and suggested the themes to adorn the walls, windows, ceilings, and floors. They were just...lazy.

Then of course there was the damned business with the library. Apparently a book was stolen from one of the central chambers, and this caused no end of magical tomfoolery. A lot of old, smelly academics had come to her saying incomprehensible phrases that she was expected to understand. Her older brother was so going to get a furious letter for letting a common thief into the magnum opus of one of their anscestors. And of course it wasn't the Royal Court's responsibility, oh, no. It was one of the 'private chambers' meaning it fell right into the family's plate, and she, Elegance was the one who had to choke it down.

Quite frankly, she thought the thief deserved to have the unpleasant after effects such an action would affect...

But now, relaxing matters after a horrible chain of horrible events making Elegance race up and down Canterlot like a street urchin or drunk. It was time to get, of all things, a clock. She sighed as she walked down the street. At the very least, today's whim of the rich and stupid had some purpose, unlike so many other times. And whilst being one of the last to get a particular antique clock would probably be enough for Elegance not to bother, this time when the fashion inevitably faded, she could pull it apart and figure the inner mechanics to hopefully find something unique and wonderful in its workings.

It probably wouldn't, and the clocks were probably just like normal timepieces that an idiot airhead decided he liked the name or somesuch, but one could always hope.
"Now, Delicate Blossom said she got hers at an antique shop around...here," she recalled softly as she watched a colt walk in. Well, there was no time (ha) like the present, was there? She swiftly followed, and declared, "Good afternoon, I would like to purchase a... clock...?"

Her voice faltered at the absolute mess that was the store. This state of chaos gave her pause as she tried to consider her options.

True Sight looked up as first one, then another new customer walked into the store. She had barely begun to clean, so the place was still very much a mess. She sighed, well at least two customers meant the last two clocks would be sold, and then she could close for the day and clean up her store.

"Welcome to True Sight's Antiques" she said as she walked towards the two ponies. "Please excuse the mess. We were just bombarded with a hurricane of Canterlot nobility all here wanting the same thing I'm guessing the two of you want, the clocks."

True Sight looked both of the new comers over quickly. She had never met either of them before, but that wasn't unusual. She rarely attended the different social events of the court, unless of course someone was paying her to be at their party to do readings. They both looked rather young, but then again who was she to judge, she wasn't that old herself.

"I only have two more clocks left, so you both are in luck" she said, as she turned toward the wall where the clocks were hanging.

With a little bit of concentration her horn began to emit a bright blue light, the same as her eyes, and the two clocks floated down off the wall to land in front of the two ponies. Each clock looked about the same, though the wood used to make them was different. The appeal of the clocks were that the wood was continuously smooth, there were no chips or seams, no rough edges. There wasn't a nail to be found. Each clock, with it's intricate designs and beautiful carvings looked as if it had grown from a tree like that, not been carved and cobbled together. Even True Sight was amazed that an earth pony did this, without any magical help at all.

He was stunned by how friendly the store owner was when he came in. Where he came from there was no such thing as costume service, unless it was trying to trick you into something. He had learned to spot those kinda con ponies at a early age. She didn't seem like the type actually, in fact she seem to be far nicer then most ponies in Canterlot seem to be. She even explained was she had the shop like this and was apologetic about it when she didn't need to.

Seihai steamed up red with a embarrassed look as he bowed to her. "No please forgive me for coming in at such a usual time Shin no biggu saito-san!" He bowed lower to espress how sorry he was. This filly was so nice to complete strangers, grant she needed to sell things, but she didn't need that nice about it. He rose and out of the corner of his eye saw a filly who looked like she was thinking deeply about something, to add to this as well she had a certain kinda air about her. Seihai almost bowed to her to if he didn't think he would look sillier then he already did.

Elegance was shaken out of her reverie by the clock that was placed in front of her. It was, in a word, magnificent. She levitated it, and turned it around, admiring every last little detail of the device. It seemed almost criminal to think about pulling it apart, but the inner working behind it had to be discovered. It was done by Earth pony hooves, definitely. While it was easier to be precise with magic, it still left its mark. Only one with a strong connection to the element of wood itself would be able to craft such a work of art.

Her focus was broken by the colt speaking out. Elegance glanced irritably at the distraction. "Firstly, young colt, despite the rather...rustic state of the store I do believe that the time at present is still within its opening hours," she said mildly, successfully hiding her annoyance under a veil of manners, "Secondly, I don't think I caught that last bit, would you kindly repeat it?" She gave Seihai a pointed stare, analyzing him as intently as she analyzed the clock, this time donning glasses from her pocket. He was, on the whole, unremarkable, except for his obvious foreign background. Perhaps a student at the school, then? Probably, yes. That showed some talent, at least. Music, judging from the cutie mark. Well, Elegance didn't really care much for transient sound.

True Sight looked at both ponies as she assessed their reactions. The colt seemed all apologies, and also sad something funny sounding that True could not quite catch. The filly was intent on the clock, examining it with an appreciative eye. True Sight nodded at the sight of that, because of all the ponies to come in a buy one of the clocks, the young filly was the only one who took time to actually look at it and appreciate the ability and work that went into it. She was all manners and niceties too, which definitely spoke to a pony that knew her way around the court.

Even with all that, True Sight was still ready to get rid of the two clocks and close for the day, so that she could clean her shop.

"Ahem" she interrupted. "Will the two of you be buying the clocks?" she asked.

This filly seem to be in love with every part of the clock expect what Seihai liked about them. He loved the sound it made, it was like nature and mechanics decided to settle there differences to create a force of the earth. A testament of tech of the earth and pony. A living symbol of time itself. She only seem to see the the clock's workmanship. Seihai felt when he looked at her it was like looking at eyes through thick clouds, where you could only see bits of what was behind it. He couldn't tell if she was nice or not.

Suddenly she asks him about his speak. Seihai looks to the filly who asked him to repeat what he said, which was more then likely. He wasn't sure how to properly explain without sounding foolish, though failure to respond is disrespectful. Also taking your sweet time to respond would be rude as well. "I said her name in my origin language as to show a sign of formal respect. I also added to this by adding -san at the end." After he finished he saw her face which was readng his almost as much as he was trying to read her's. She was acting very suspicious for someone coming to buy a clock. 'She must run low risk of getting in trouble. So could she be a important pony?' He was going to sneak a peek at her cutie mark, but last time he had tried that a pony took the wrong idea and he was chased down the street with four mares beating him with purses. He decided that not looking it the only pick for now. 'I'll try a different approach then.' He turns to the store clerk with a determined look as he plants his hoofs in front of him.

"I would like to purchase both of the clocks please!" He said with a confident tone. 'Let's hope this doesn't go badly. Best to just wing it Seihai....wait....I don't have wings...'

Elegance nodded at the young colt's remark. She had no idea if he was telling the truth or not, but it was impolite to probe too deeply. Speaking of which, Elegance felt that the atmosphere had gotten a bit too much like a scene of interrogation. Everypony was watching everypony. Just like all the galas, parties, and court sessions of the nobles. Elegance sighed.

Which turned into a hum of disapproval when the colt tried his little...stunt. "Young sir, that's a bit inconsiderate of you," she admonished, "I wish to buy this clock for myself, and simply claiming both is a bit greedy, isn't it? There are two of us, and there are two clocks. One each should suffice."

She placed her clock down on the counter, keeping her air of dignity. She had been snubbed far worse in the past, and being the better pony is definitely the best course of action. "Dear shopkeeper, I'd like to purchase this clock, if you please. Name any price."

True Sight decided that the young filly was definitely a Court pony. Her mannerisms and the air she gave off was just like any other noble pony True Sight had met. They weren't all bad, but she tried to keep herself out of court politics, it was much too convoluted for her. The other pony however was still a bit of a mystery. He must be an attendee of Princess Celestia's school. Some ponies told her that she needed to apply to the school, to learn the full extend of what she would do with the Tarot, but she just hadn't had the time of inclination.

True Sight's eyes widened in surprise when the colt asked to buy both of the clocks. The young filly said that it was rude of him to attempt to buy both when they both wanted one, and True Sight was inclined to agree. She nodded in the fillies direction and then spoke to the colt.

"I have to agree with the young miss here. One clock for each of you should suffice. If you want another one, leave me your information, and if I ever find anymore you will be the first to know. But I must be fair to all my customers, and you two came in at practically the same time." True Sight said.

She didn't add that she wanted to make sure the court pony was pleased with the service. It wouldn't do to have her go back and tell the court she received less than satisfactory service at the shop. True Sight would never make another bit if that happened. Not in antiques anyway.

"That will be ninety-five bits, each, please" she said, as she her horn began to glow again, and two large boxes and stuffing came up from underneath the counter.

Seihai keep his determined look on his face, but inside he was freaking out. 'Ok, that didn't go as I planned. I had underestimated th ponies of Canterlot. I'll hvae to try a different approach.' Seihai then got a idea that mite get the ball rolling back in his side of the court. Clearly the objective wasn't to be forceful, which seems to come off as greedy it was to come off as the one who needed them more. The looked around the room to se the mess that was aberrant, then to the two clocks then back at the filly who was trying to buy it. He would never be able to understand what was eating at him to know if he didn't keep moving forward. Seihai was one you could call dangerous curious about things, and once he has his mind he never stops.

"Actually Miss." He wore a confident look as he looked at her in the eyes with a passionate tone. He was really in his element here, being in a hopeless situation.

"I need both clocks not for myself, but one I'll be sending back to my famliy to show him how thankful I am for everything they have done for me. Without them I wouldn't be able to go to school here and these clocks have a wonderful sound miss. I think the symbolic gesture of the two clocks would be just what my grandfather would like. Also, you have only two clocks left right?" He puts his hoof to his chin as he spoke out loud. "More then likely you will never come across a pair of clocks like this again. This is a Antique shop right? You don't normally get resupplied on a product once it's gone." He sets down his hoof trying to look as determined and not scared as he could. He was standing up against to ponies much bigger and older then him. He was feeling the adrenaline of the whole ordeal mixed with the fear of total embarrassment if he messes up.

"I will also use a spell I learned to clean your shop and fix anything damaged in here may if been broken or messed up in the mad rush for whatever product you seem to be selling like hotcakes. Which is these clocks am aright?" Seihai had figured it out when he looked around the room, it was a mess, but there was one whole big shelve that was completely empty of anything and she seems to be wanting to sell these clocks really badly for some reason. "So to say I am greedy would be untrue! I was thinking of others and my famliy. I would never dishonor the great Mēkā o tsudzuru. I'm a future spell maker, I can't act with greedy intentions."

Seihai seem to be feeling better about himself. He seem to be able to have gotten across what he wanted to say and was sure the shopkeeper would lean to him a little more now. It was true that came only with the plan to find the sound, but something about these clocks and that filly. She had looked down on him before, he could see it in her eyes. She must think he was a thought one could pass by, just another face in the crowd. He wouldn't allow anyone treat him like that. He would show the famliy members who had disappointed of him, he would make his grandcolt proud and would figure out what he wanted to know. He was sure that this offer he made would at the very least keep in the game.

The colt was still trying this course of action? Elegance almost broke out in anger. Almost. Who was he, a mere student with barely an achievement to his name, to slight her like that? She did not give a toss about his family or situation, this was simply a matter of transaction! Why did he resort to feeble attempts of sob stories in a thinly veiled attempt of selfishness and greed? It irked her so very, very much. Any insult to her was against all that she stood for. It was time...for politics. And that meant fighting dirty.

"Oh? And you think your grandfather would approve of this conduct? Effectively forcing your way to get what you want at the expense of others? If you want to send a gift, then I repeat my last statement; one each should suffice. Do you even have the sufficient funds to make the purchase? Would such wealth be not better spent on, say, your education?"

Elegance raised a hoof to point at Seihai and emphasise her point. It was shaking with barely restrained anger, and her look of disapproval had turned into a full strength glare.

"You are right in only one aspect. These clocks may never see the light of a store shelf ever again. So what you are effectively doing is restricting my right to purchase them. As somepony who says they think of others, you seem to be wholly ignorant of my point of view. Am I just a speck of dirt to be simply tossed aside and ignored? Am I, somehow, of lesser worth than you so that you can simply claim ownership? Do you think I, Elegance of the noble Design family, would dare to waste such an achievement of mechanical genius? And if a meka oh... a future spell maker truly cannot act with intentions of greed, then you are a work of shame. To your profession, your family, and most important of all, yourself!"

With a great emphasis on that last word, Elegance put her hoof down, and breathed deeply. She looked at True Sight apologetically. "I'm sorry," she said in a far softer tone than before, "I am deeply sorry for causing a scene in your store. I just want to buy something nice after a horrible, horrible day. It has not been helped by certain-" She looked over at the colt before turning back. "-matters. It seems like you have had an extremely eventful day as well, so I don't want to cause any more trouble than I already have."

She levitated a wallet out of one of her pockets, shifting her cape to reveal the intricate Memorial Monument that was her cutie mark. A hundred-bit note was placed on the counter. "Don't bother with the change. And-" She bit her lip, considering what she was going to do next. Was it really necessary? Maybe not, but still...

"By the way," she added, holding out a hoof, "My name, as you may have guessed, is Elegance Design. I haven't seen you before, but you seem like a nice mare. You should come to tea sometime."

Why was she doing this? A few reasons. One, establishing a relation with the shopkeeper meant that further meddlings from the colt would be quashed. Two, adding another pony to her circle of aquaintances is never a bad thing. And three, the thought of tea after today was refreshing.

True Sight looked back and forth between her two patrons. She might have had a mad dash today of ponies wanted to buy a clock, but she had not yet had any ponies fight over one clock, and she wasn't about to let that happen. This was her shop, and her reputation, and she wanted to keep both as pristine and pleasant as possible.

"I'm sorry Seihai I believe you said your name was, but I cannot sell you both. Every other customer has only received one, so I can only sell you one." she told the colt. She heard his comments about wanting one to send home, and that it was unlikely that she would get anymore clocks, but she was unaffected by both. The former really meant nothing to her, though she could understand wanting to impress one's family. The latter may be true and may not. As soon as the store closed, she would go to the back room and use her magic to do a reading with the cards, and find out if there were anymore clocks anywhere. This was why her Antique shop was so successful and unique, her special talent gave her a one up on other buyers for other shops.

True Sight then looked to the filly, who had already gave her money. True Sight nodded in appreciation, as she wrapped and boxed the clock, and then gave a slight gasp of surprise. Of course she knew of the Design family. What unicorn worth her magic didn't? The Design family were well known and quite powerful in the Canterlot court. True Sights mother had made her memorize all the well to do families of the Court at a young age. True Sight's family was rather far down on that list, but that matter very little to her, but still there were certain ponies you wanted to have a good rapport with, and the Design family was high on that list.

"Well, you probably guessed it, I'm True Sight. Antique shop owner and Tarot reader" True Sight informed Elegance Design, quite sure that one so vaulted had probably never heard of her. "I would love to join you for tea sometime"

True Sight usually tried to steer clear of the noble ponies, but just this once it might be fun. And besides, her mother would go galloping mad once she found out that one of her daughters actually had tea with someone of the Design family.

Elegance had a distinct feeling of being ignored by the colt, but in the end she got her clock. And wasn't that the most important thing? Well, maybe. Priorities shifted a lot and Elegance's pride was a precious thing. Damned if she was just going to be brushed off like that. But then again, wasn't reacting to the slight letting the slighter have the satisfaction of slighting you? Or something like that? No, she was overthinking things. Tea. That was required.

"Thank you very much for the clock, True Sight," Elegance said graciously, "You are welcome any time for tea at my house, besides today I am afraid. I need to rest up for a little bit. Who knows, I might drop by sometime in the near future. Fare well for now."

For the colt, Elegance simply gave a nod of recognition (probably more than he deserved), before taking her clock and heading off. For now, it would be on the tea table with a suitable tablecloth and teaset to fit, of course.

As she walked onto the street, she looked back at the store and imprinted the location in her brain. Tarot and antiques, huh? Well, she hardly had time for fortune telling, but she knew a couple of ponies who would be interested. Oh, well.

Tea~