Chasing Stars

After fighting through the crowds he found himself standing outside Beryl’s shop. He held his bag close and stepped through the door, a dainty *ding* was heard as he entered. Upon hearing the entry bell, a tall white pony with an elegant green mane stepped forward. “May I help you?” She asked. She was unlike any pony Seyfert had ever seen before. Her coat with thick, horn slightly curved back, and her hooves were cloven.

“Yes I’m looking for a Beryl Evershine?” Seyfert answered. “I’m here about possibly commissioning her to make some jewelry.” He stepped up to counter and set his bag gingerly atop it. “I have the gems, I just need them to be cut and set.”

The white mare came closer and looked at the dark blue stallion. “May I see the gems please?” She asked.

Seyfert, nervous about all the gems pulled his bag away. “I would really prefer to speak with Beryl if that’s ok.” He stated. This elicited a brief titter from the tall white mare, who proceeded to point to a picture on the wall. I was a picture of her and underneath it was a small golden plaque that read “Beryl Evershine, Owner and Proprietor”. Seyfert felt like a foal for making such a stupid mistake. “Sorry, these gems are very valuable to me.” He set his bag back on the counter and slowly opened it, carefully placing the gems out on the counter one by one.

Beryl was somewhat shocked at all the gems. “Where did you get these?’ She inquired as she lifted the ruby up and peered at it through her jewers lens. “This is a pure ruby, and is this…” She stopped, her attention caught by the massive diamond.

“My marefriend and I won these at a fair.” Seyfert responded. “I was hoping to get an engagement necklace and a wedding bracelet made with these gems. Specifically the larger ones.” He explained.

“That won’t be a problem at all.” Beryl replied. “Just tell me what you’d like done.”

Seyfert proceeded to explain what he had in mind, pointing first at two blue topaz stones. “I’d like these two to be cut into stars, set in silver. The ruby I would also like set silver, cut into an oval.” He paused a moment, taking a deep breath. “That diamond should also be cut into an oval shape, set with a sapphire to either side of it for a wedding band.” Beryl simply nodded, retrieving an abbicus, parchment, and quill. She jotted down a few numbers, showing Seyfert his total price.

“All I require today is a down payment equal to ten percent of the final price.” She simply stated.

Seyfert nodded, placing a bag of bits on the counter.“If you can, I would like the first necklace done within a couple of days. I will pay extra if you need.” Seyfert said.

Beryl just smiled, “That won’t be necessary.” She replied. “I can have it done for you later tomorrow.”

“Thank you so much!” Seyfert exclaimed. “I need to run past the Archives tomorrow. I will be back before I leave town to pick up the necklace.”

Beryl smiled at Seyfert’s energy. “It will be waiting for you.” She said, “I will set to work right away.” And with that she levitated the gems with her magic and headed out of sight to the back of her shop to begin.

Seyfert rearranged his bag and exited the shop, a sack full of gems lighter.

The rest if his trip was fairly uneventful, staying once more at Benton’s inn, he was able to catch up with his old friend. After dark though, the excitement of seeing the necklace led to a restless night’s sleep.

The next day Seyfert awoke early and paid the archives a visit, retrieving the information he needed to resume his work in Saddleworth. He spent the better part of the afternoon walking around the market, stopping for lunch and just looking at the assortment of goods that ponies were selling, until it was time to pick up the necklace.

As he walked through the doors to Beryl’s shop, with the signature *ding* announcing his arrival, Beryl walked into the front room, hovering a small black box. She set it on the counter and used her magic to open the box revealing the engagement necklace he had ordered. The gems glistened brilliantly, the entire piece looking even better than Seyfert had imagined. “Wow… you certainly delivered!” He said in excitement.

Beryl just giggled, “Why thank you, I take it you are satisfied?” She asked.

“Oh yes.” Seyfert replied. “This is amazing.” He was so busy looking at the necklace he nearly forgot he had a deadline. “This is absolutely amazing, I can’t wait to see what you do with the other pieces! Unfortunately I have a train to catch, so it will have to wait for a few weeks.” He stated as he placed another bag of bits on the counter, “That should cover this necklace, plus a little extra for your hard work.” He smiled.

“Thank you for your business, and good luck.” She was referring to the purpose of the necklace. “She is one lucky mare.” She winked.

With one last thanks, Seyfert tucked the necklace away and waved goodbye as he left the shop. He couldn’t wait to see Dusty’s face when she saw it. ‘In due time Seyfert, in due time’ He thought to himself as he made his way to the train station, head held high.

Later that night, as he often did, Seyfert spent some quality time with his beautiful marefriend.

“So, did you remember to get those gems appraised, dear?” Dusty asked coyly. Seyfert blushed a little, his ears setting flat against his head before he spoke. “I’m afraid I lost most of them on the trip, I had a hole in my satchel and I didn’t realize it until I arrived at the jeweler.” Dusty frowned. “What about the ruby and the diamond?” to which Seyfert replied with a shake of his head. “Even those were lost on the train ride. Even if I could have gone back to check the train, I’m sure they’d have been long gone…” He hid his face underneath a hoof, hoping like mad his little fib would be worth it in the long run.

Obviously dissapointed, Stardust let out a sigh but after a moment turned to smile at Seyfert. “You know, they were probably duds anyhow.” She moved in to give Sey a kiss on the cheek. “Besides, I can’t be mad; not at you anyway. I find it impossible to keep a straight face when I look at you.”

Seyfert gave her a sheepish grin as he embraced her, showering her with kisses.

(Featuring Beryl Evershine, character belonging to CountReglay-LordPent on Deviantart.)