The Clockwork Blackbird

The ribbon in Brier's hair suddenly came loose, and she ran to the railing, hoping to catch it before it drifted away.  Just as her fingers touched the end, however, a small clockwork bird darted past, taking the edge of the ribbon into his bronze beak.  Brier stepped back, fingers following the trajectory of the bird as she watched in awe.  

She supposed that the price of a ribbon was not much to pay for such a display.