"Hmmm, hmm, hmmm, hmm, hm, hmm"

"Hmmm, hm, hmmm, hmm, hmmm"

A figure hummed to themself as they steadily trotted through the halls, letting the sound of Behooven's Lunar Sonata playing through the P.A. system fully consume their senses as they let out a relaxed sigh.

"Almost time now, yes almost time" the figure said in low yet soft & raspy voice using their magic to levitate their pocket watch to them as they slowly but surely made their way down the stairs. Making it to the final step and trotting to the center of the main plaza just as the clock in the lobby jumped to life.

DING!

"One"

DONG!

"Two"

DING!

"Three"

DONG!

"Four"

DING!

"Five"

DONG!

"Six!"

DING

"Seven. Yes so close!"

DOMPHHHPHH

"Ahh, No! The eighth one is still off!"

The unicorn stallion looked up from his pocket watch with a rather disgruntled curl of the lip.

"I know it is just still early September and you are not yet fully awake my dear, but a foul chime like that simply won't do. Please do try better in the morning."

He waited for awhile in the center of the lobby hoping for a reply, but of course none ever came. After five minutes or so he trotted over to the front desk and used his key to unlock his office door behind it.

Gold Key sighed and stepped into the office, closing the door behind him. Looking around the old familiar room he chuckled. In truth the room was more a study than an office. A desk full of old parchment, quills, ink, and pens strewn about. Shelf after shelf of books, Magazines, & Magical/Alchemic/Scientific Periodicals, most very old, though a small few quite new. The room dimly light with old candles powered by magical silver flames and to his left his mirror. Looking at himself in the mirror he let out a soft chuckle. He did look like quite the gentlecolt if he did say so himself. A dark tan coat with a short but well groomed black mane and a shiny gold skeleton key cutie mark on his flank all well accented by his uniform. Red and white trim, bronze buttons and a nice big pocket on his left side for his pocket watch to rest in. And finally a pith black skeleton key dangling from the thread around his neck.

He smiled and said to himself.
"Truly no pony is more suited to run the Le Trot than I. Wouldn't you agree dear?" He asked moving his gaze to the old grandmare clock in the middle of the room.

Slowly he moved closer. The old clock was a sight to see. A polished black wood exterior with a silver pendulum and weights inside. Bronze hands complimenting a solid gold back with blood red ruby numbers etched in.

Gold Key levitated the black key up to the clock, inserted it into the socket, and began to twist it as he spoke.

"Hello again my love. Are you feeling well? I know you are sad nopony came to visit us during the summer. But I can feel you waking up now that the autumn moon draws near. And I bet I know why. You feel it too, that chill in the air. It will be getting cooler soon, and the days will get shorter. As the leafs fall the ponies of Equestria will require a suitable rustic yet beautiful retreat for themselves. And that of course is where we excel." He cooed as he finished winding up the clock.

"Infact my dear. I have good news. We will have two new guests coming to stay very soon." Gold Key said with a subtle yet devious smile on his face.

"Two very special guests."

Author's Note

Sort of a short prolouge chapter. Starlight & Trixie come in next time. And plenty of scares & cuddles to come!

Please enjoy and any constructive criticism is more then welcome!