[PRP-FIN] Window Shopping (Rhinestone x Aurelius)

[belloblossom]

Rhinestone Glamour didn't often leave the spring sector, but today she could be found in Harvest Town. She'd been offered a modeling gig for a recently opened boutique. Since she'd started expanding her modeling portfolio with Creamsicle Fluff's help, she was getting more offers. So what if she had to travel to work? This pony was not only offering her a gig, but to be one of the first to try on their clothing in a brand new area. Naturally she'd taken the first train out.
It wasn't her first time in Harvest Town. She'd been there once before when she'd been examining places to live. She still required the aid of a few helpful locals to the boutique in question and got there just before her set up appointment. The gig itself didn't take too long and soon enough she was back out on the town, her saddle bags a little heavier with added bits and a new scarf around her shoulders and neck. It was light enough that it didn't feel like it was dragging her down, but it didn't quite keep the natural chilly breeze of the fall sector out either. She shivered as she passed by a stall selling hot apple cider. After an exchange of bit and cup, she levitated the cup near her as she looked at the scene before her, she reflected on the stores and stalls here.
"It's not often I get into Harvest Town." She reflected. "And since I've just worked so hard, I ought to treat myself to a bit of window shopping before I go home, right?" With her reasoning coming off as solid to her, she started down the path, eyeing the shops around her with an appraising eye. What wonders could Rhinestone find here, that she couldn't find in Drizzletown?
I suppose I'll have to find out. ​

 

[I--LiveWire--I]

​

Aurelius had always loved Harvest Town. It was always bustling with business and smelled of fresh crops. He loved dealing with these ponies and profits where nice. Though he could find himself content to just find a nice spot and spend the afternoon listening to the bustle and magical clink of Bits trading hooves.
He had been coming here openly and casually interacting with all manner of pones for a while now. Though he still garnered a number of stares and the occasional gasp, he paid it no mind. The history of his kind wasn't something he allowed to weigh on him or stop him from pursuing profits. Besides, by now he had proven himself harmless to most the locals. Even if he had gained a reputation as a haggler and driving a hard bargain.
Today, however, he had caught wind of a little boutique opening up. It seemed they were having a modest grand opening to draw in the customers. Dress up wasn't really his cup of tea, he did love a good accessory. He was more interested in the ponies that such events tended to bring in. New faces meant new opportunities for business. Or just to pony watch.
So he had found himself a prime corner that was out of the way but offered a good view of the Harvest Town market and sat down. His hair pooling around him as he did so. Sitting there with a regal posture he looked out across the stall for any unfamiliar or uninteresting ponies while enjoying the general sights, sounds, and smells of the market.

 

[belloblossom]

Rhinestone was taking her time looking at each of the stalls and stores that presented themselves to her on the main road. She had stopped to look over a small jewelry vendor with a quizzical eye. Nothing that popped out to her per say and if she was being honest, this pony didn't really have much potential as a jeweler. Still, not one to insult the passion of another, she offered a smile and went on her way.

As she turned down a corner, continuing to sip her cider, she caught the chatter of a couple of mares down the path coming towards her. Something about elegant features and bejeweled fur. Assuming they were speaking about her, she straightened and shook her mane a bit, smiling at them, but they didn't seem to notice her as they passed. With a frown, she flicked her ears. Well then. She turned her gaze from the ungrateful ponies back front and then stopped.

It was a rather large stallion, with brilliant blue fur. It was a ghoulie, as was made apparent by his tail, that had not one, but two heads! Taking in a breath, she continued forward, noting that indeed, he seemed to have jewels in his mane and tails. His posture was one that she mirrored at formal gatherings: the picture of wealth and aristocracy. Suffice to say, he'd caught her eye, though she wasn't quite sure how to approach him. Even for an heiress, he seemed to have such a presence in the marketplace that she felt a small barrier between them.

At least, she did until a gust of wind blew through the trees, causing her scarf to billow out and off her shoulders. With a gasp of surprise, she dropped her cider (the cup was nearly empty at any rate) and took after it! It made such a lovely rippling starry pattern in the sky, but she wanted it back! The wind couldn't have it!

"Someone, please!" She called to passersby. "My scarf-help!" It was just out of reach for her magic to catch it. So focused on catching her runaway scarf, she didn't realize which direction she was galloping towards... or who she was due to run into if she didn't stop soon.

 

[I--LiveWire--I]

Aurelius didn't even acknowledge the looks and muttering of other ponies. He was seeing many new faces, however, most looked to be more flocking shopper types than potential moneymakers or investors.

Then as a gust of crisp autumn air ruffled his fur his attention was drawn to a dark mare with a starry coat as she cried out for assistance with her wind stolen scarf. With her purple mane whirling about as she ran and she almost appeared to be a piece of the night sky in motion.

He noted that she was bound to run headlong into him if she continued her chase on this current course. A fate that he wished on neither of them. After all, he didn't need any hassles that would likely come with such a tangled meeting.

He turned his head slightly to give Fravashi a calm, knowing look. "Vash." He simply said with a soft cool voice before he rose gracefully. His tail that had begun to curl protectively around Aurelius stopped and pulled back slightly with a snort, teeth scraping lightly against the glass orb.

Aurelius then moved with a grace and precision that was a bit surprising for one of his statures. Stepping slightly to the side to avoid a body slam style collision he then reared up over the top of her and plucked the fluttering cloth from the air. Having freed the scarf from the wind, Vash lashed backward allowing the ghoulie to balance before neatly placing his front paws back on the ground with the spangled scarf held gently in his mouth. His expression remaining cool, almost indifferent throughout the whole process.

"It seems you have lost this miss." He spoke as he casually draped the scarf back around her neck where it just seemed to belong.

 

[belloblossom]

Rhinestone had realized who she was headed toward just in time to skid to a stop. His rearing up surprised her and she crouched down to avoid being hit by one of those large paws. She watched him pluck the scarf out of the air and then land back gracefully on all fours. She stood as he placed her scarf around her neck, a look of awe on her face.

"O-Oh, thank you very much." She told him as she centered herself. "I recently received this scarf from a partner of mine-a business partner-so it would have been very unfortunate if I were to lose or damage it so early on." Her horn glowing, she wrapped the scarf a little more securely around her neck this time. "You were very kind to fetch it for me." For a moment, she thought of his large paws, but then she swallowed any nervousness and held out her hoof. "I am Rhinestone Glamour, of the Glamour House. If you fancy yourself a jeweler or a patron of the art," She looked at the orbs in his mane and along his tails for a moment, before returning her gaze to his eyes. "Then you may have heard of us. Is there any way I can repay you for your kindness today, Sir...?" She asked him, leaving the ending a question, so that he could fill in the name himself.

 

[I--LiveWire--I]

Upon finishing the wrapping of the scarf he had taken a step back to give her a respectful amount of space between them and listened to her speak. His four eyes giving her a closer appraisal as she spoke, seeming as if disinterested in what she was saying. Though he has clearly listened as he nodded in your welcome manner as she thanked him for his interference in the matter.

Her nervousness didn't phase him but was duly noted. Such reactions were only natural purely based on the obvious physical supercity he possessed. As she extended a hoof he casually raised a paw to meet it mainly on instinct. Especially after her introduction, it was clear that she was from money and it would be supremely rude to not at least greet a lady properly.

As she glanced over him admiring his collection of bits and assorted precious metals and gems that managed to collect in his fur and mane no matter what he did, Vash began to protectively curl around Aurelius's again. Though the orb wielding tail had no eyes and made no sound it seems fairly clear that it didn't much like her so close.

Aurelius simply ignored his tail and introduced himself after returning his paw back to the ground. "Aurelius." He replied, business-like, with a respectful head bow. He didn't know specifically of the family but he would rectify this at his earliest convenience.

"As repayment, I'd love to simply have a chat, if you don't terribly mind. I'd love to hear more about your family's business" He offered a small smile that, despite being filled with large sharp teeth, didn't seem threatening.

 

[belloblossom]

Aurelius. What a mouthful, but one that harbored the feeling of royalty. Rhinestone's ears twitched in quiet amusement and she smiled, glancing down at the tail that had started to creep closer. She'd forgotten that ghoulie's tails were sentient too, but she did not spook when it moved of its own accord. This time, anyway.

Perking her ears at his notion of repayment, she smiled as he revealed it. To speak about her family and business? Why, she could certainly do that.
"It would be a pleasure. I'm always happy to discuss such matters with interested parties." She informed him. She stepped around him to ensure a distance between him and the tails, indicating with her hoof, she eyed a small cafe, that had an outside patio. The smells that wafted out of it were heavy with pumpkin spice and cinnamon. It had tables and chairs, but how would a ghoulie sit with tales as large as that? Eventually, she walked settled down on the ground, easing off her saddlebags and waiting for him to join her. Surely this would be more to his liking? Or to the liking of the protective tail of his, at any rate. "So, what did you wish to know?" She asked, her tone pleasant as was usual for her when interacting with an interested party.

 

[I--LiveWire--I]

Aurelius was pleased, but not entirely surprised that she had happily accepted his repayment plan. I mead what self-respecting business pony turned down an opportunity to sell themselves and/or their wares. "Delightful." His eyes glimmered briefly as if trying to make up for the distinct lack of giddiness in his tone.

As she rose and began to move Vash coiled tighter to Aurelius's chest and neck, focused completely on her every move. The other tail had yet to twitch and just continued to droop and lay where it had ended up after that flurry of motion earlier.

"Perfect Idea." He commented, noting her gaze clearly inviting him to the cafe for conversation. A place much more suited to business talk than a corner of the harvest market streets. He followed behind her, the tight wrap of his massive tail not seeming to impede him. Though honestly, the lifeless seeming second tail's dead weight seemed like it would be more cumbersome.

He sat on the ground opposite her at the table, completely ignoring the chair's existence. Such things weren't particularly practical for him. By this point, he basically had a tail for a scarf but didn't so skip a beat.

"Everything you wish to tell me, though more specifically interested in any business ventures they are currently pursuing. I fancy myself an investor and love to hear what others are working to share with the world." He then flagged down a waiter before she had a chance to give a reply. And order a pumpkin spice tea with cream before gesturing for her to order before they continued conversing.

 

[belloblossom]

Rhinestone was relieved when he accepted her quiet invitation and when he went over to sit opposite her, she watched him carefully. She couldn't imagine having living tails of her own, but found herself fascinated (if a bit frightened) by his. As he'd ordered, she considered what he had asked about and contemplated her reply.

Quickly ordering a pumpkin chai blend, she turned her gaze back to Aurelius and began.
"My parents started their business in Spring Rain, using gems from that area, commonly found in Echo Gorge, but their fortune started when they were able to freeze our area's Crying Gems. Once they were able to freeze and solidify those gems, their business expanded. Their most recent venture has taken them into the Glimmerstone Mines out in Winter's Breath, for their translucent gems. While we do harvest gems, the primary task we do is creating elaborate pieces of jewelry, ones that will make anypony stand out of a crowd." She smiled and from her saddlebags pulled a crystal brooch, with white and blue gems. "Pin this to your outfit and you'll get looks from everyone in town, it's a Glamour guarantee." She told him confidently, laying it on the table between them. "This is one of the prototypes that my parents sent me. It contains the gems we're experimenting with from the Mines. Even though I've gone off to make my own name for myself in the fashion industry, my family isn't about to say no to free advertising when they can. So I tend to wear pieces like this during my photo shoots."

Rolling her shoulders back, she went on.
"I'm happy to pass on any further inquiries to the right ponies within the company, or I could get you an audience with my father, if you are interested in investing. I'm sure he'd be pleased to meet you. However, I am fated to return to my own career in modeling. I love what my parents are doing, but it was their passion project originally. I should like to see my own take off in such a manner and for that I must work towards it." She flicked her ears, a little embarrassed. "My apologies, I've seemed to digress. Do you have any further questions?"

 

[I--LiveWire--I]

He listened to her every word with great interest as she explained her family business and it was quite an impressive-sounding resume. There was a lot of potential profits in the gem and jewelry business. Those sparkly chucks of minerals never went out of style.

However, he remained collected, refusing to let his excitement at the possibilities get away from him. He would wait to see their product before gauging the usefulness of this contact. It was frankly surprising how many pony folk thought more highly of their product than it really was.

His expression changed little and he simply nodded at times that felt appropriate. She then reached for her bag and he couldn't help but feel a flutter of curious excitement. This action though caused Vash to growl softly around the orb in his mouth, but Aurelius was too intrigued to care.

He gave a light, short chuckle at the mention of standing out in a crowd. Something he definitely didn't need more help with. His eyes glimmered in a greedy sort of awe as he looked down at the piece. It was quite stunning, definitely something to be proud of. His keen eye picked up a few imperfections, however, the piece's beauty wasn't unduly harmed by them.

He continued to listen to her as he inspected the piece. Ah, so this was a prototype, that made perfect sense. He gently picked up the piece for a closer look in his large paw, gently hooking a ring with a claw to hold it steady so he wouldn't crush it by accident.

At this point, he seemed to lose interest in her as she spoke of her passions, though he definitely heard her every word. Unfortunately, fashion wasn't something he really knew much about so didn't garner his immediate attention when he was observing something shiny and planning how he could profit from it.

He suddenly realized she had asked him a question and at the same time that he had gotten a bit too overcome in his own thoughts and obsessions and had actually been quite rude.

Setting the piece back down gently on the table between them and finally used a paw to peel his protective, fuzzy, scarf from his neck as he didn't seem to understand choking Aurelius was counterproductive.

Clearing his throat he spoke calmly, not revealing his inner thoughts. "I would definitely be interested in meeting your father or company as a potential investor. This piece shows much promise with its exquisite beauty." He paused to give a stern look to Vash who contented himself to curl around his legs and use the other sleeping tail as a pillow with a miffed sound.

"I wish you luck in your fashion based career. Unfortunately, I know little of that field so I apologize if I seemed dismissive. It is clearly something you are passionate about, I meant not to disregard it." He gave a low bow of his head before he returned to his regal, business-like posture.

 

[belloblossom]

Rhinestone was pleased to have such an attentive listener to her parents enterprise. Sure, it may not be of her own interests that he was listening, but she was still proud to carry the prospects of her parents further. She watched him inspect the prototype she'd laid out. It didn't take her long to realize how absorbed he was in examining it and she let her eyes wander to his tails. She swished her own, non-sentient tail gently. She was grateful she didn't have to worry about such matters herself. The scarf she wore was light and pleasant around her neck. She couldn't imagine wearing something as heavy or as smothering as a live tail.

Bringing her eyes back to the stallion in front of her, she smiled as he revealed that he would be interested in meeting with her father. She was certain she could contact her father to set up the interview herself, or at least put in a good word to him. If her father was away on business, she was certain a high up company representative could meet with the stallion.
"Excellent. I'm happy to pass on your interests to the company and help set up a meeting. What is your preferred form of contact when we reach out for the set-up of the meeting?" She inquired, procuring a small notebook and pen from her saddlebags, levitating them with bright blue magic.

It was at this moment that their drinks arrived. She smiled at the waitstaff and thanked the pony as they set down their drinks, before she turned back to Aurelius. She let her chai cool as her pen was still hovering above the small notebook. At the mention of her own interests, she gave a small smile. She was no stranger to ponies having no interests in her modeling. She'd had to fight a small battle just to get her parents on board with the idea. In exchange for promising to learn more about the business and not completely abandoning her family's legacy (as they revealed that she was intended to be the mare to take over, to continue keeping it a family enterprise) she was allowed to take a few years to work on her modeling career. Still, the lack of personal interest in her household seemed to mirror the stallion's disinterest as she spoke about it. She was used to such matters at this point; business ponies seemed to be focused all on business. She knew better than to get miffed enough to spoil a good business venture for her parents.

"I appreciate the well wishes. One day I may begin to model my parents own jewelry. For the time being, I have yet to make a name for myself. Though I only have a finite amount of time before I'm due to assume control of the company myself." She smiled at Aurelius. "Should your meeting go well and an arrangement be made in that time, perhaps in a couple of years it will be the two of us, meeting again to discuss the matter of jewelry." Rhinestone suggested, putting the pen down for a moment to take a sip of her pumpkin chai.

 

[I--LiveWire--I]

Aurelius smiled, well it seemed that he had remained collected enough to not let this chance slip through his paws. He had succeeded in finding someone and something interesting on this outing and was very pleased. Though he didn't let his near childlike excitement show in his pleasant, business-like expressions.

Their drinks arrived before he got the chance to respond to her inquiry. He nodded as the waiter as Rhinestone thanked them and carefully took a long sip from the cup as he then listened to her speak of her plight in the pursuit of her own passions.

She didn't speak all that long, just a few lines, but his sharp senses told him that there was a note of something deeper behind her nice smile and pleasant words. A business mask of sorts, much like his own. He gently set his mostly empty glass back on the table and simply stared at her for a moment with his pale eyes. Then he mirrored her smile and continued on with the conversation as if nothing had happened.

"By, phone would be the best way to reliably contact me as I do tend to be out and about." He then casually rattled off his digits for her to note with her readied pad. "I do ever so hope that things go well and we can form a mutually beneficial connection. I will look forward to being able to have the pleasure to work with you as well someday. It would be an honor to support a stunning lady, such as yourself, in any way I can. Be it now or in the future." He beamed and raised his cup to finish the last of his drink.

Part of him was curious about her and her dreams, but he was able to push it down as to not be rude and drag personal matters into business arrangements.

 

[belloblossom]

Rhinestone Glamour wasn't sure what to make of the long stare that the stallion gave her, but she didn't shy away from it. She merely smiled at him, used to being watched and photographed. It was her job, after all. Yet, something told her he wasn't eyeing her on account of her evident beauty. What on earth could he be thinking of? T

Then he smiled and it was over. Brushed off as though the intensity she'd felt was imagined. She straightened in her spot, hoping that whatever he had seen, was something that he liked, rather than the alternative. She jotted down his number and as she was putting her pencil down she smiled brightly at him, pleased by the compliment.
"Indeed, though hopefully next time there won't be a need for my accessories to be rescued." She remarked with a twinkle in her eye, her magic wrapping her scarf a little more firmly around her neck. "Well then, I ought to be off, before I miss my train home."

She paused and then she reached into her bag and procured a black card that sparkled in the light. The font was white and listed upon it was "Rhinestone Glamour, Model" and her own contact information written below it. "If you ever find yourself in need of a model, I hope you might think of me." She said and with the card came the bits required to pay for the drinks on the table. "I wish you a pleasant day, Aurelius. I'm pleased to have met you." She informed him and she got up from the table. Adjusting her belongings, she offered him a wave, glancing at the tails to ensure that her waving wouldn't lose her a hoof in the process and then she set off. Surely it wasn't a criminal offense to put herself out there, right? Even if he didn't find himself in need of a model, perhaps he might reach out if he had any further questions about the company.

I hope so. She thought as she headed towards the train station.

 

[I--LiveWire--I]

Aurelius chuckled brightly at her comment rescuing accessories. A nice genuine sound that surprised himself ever so slightly. It was likely due to is own imaginings of them meeting only after the rescue of various runaway accessories.

"Well, we can't have you miss that train." He replied as his eyes were drawn to the card as she pulled it out. He gently took it with his large paw and quickly scanned the details there before looking back up smiling at her. "You will be the first I think of if my need arises." He assured her casually tucking the slick card into his blue fur as it it was a bag.

He about said something about how a man should always pay for a lady's drink, but something made him stop. It just seemed unprofessional he supposed. "And you a safe trip miss Rhinestone." He went with instead as she stood.

Vash stirred as Rhinestone rose and turned as if to stare at her suspiciously as she waved goodbye to Aurelius. The ghoulie himself remained seated but offered a pleasant wave in return watching her depart.

Once she was out of sight he remained at the table for a while as he tried to organize his thoughts. This venture was definitely a success. There was no guarantee about the results of the meeting he just procured with a big up and coming project that was sure to be profitable, he felt confident about it.
This wasn't really what was on his mind though. He would surely celebrate later when not in public, but there was that nagging feeling that had appeared and remained after she left and he couldn't put his finger on what it was.

He eyed the bits she left behind. Was it that he wanted to see her again? What point would that serve? He wondered as he neatly stacked his own payment and a tip on the table. Then rose and took his leave.