//------------------------------// // Illness Pt 1 // Story: Marjoram // by Nekiyha //------------------------------// Twilight was outside in one of the palaces many courtyards, soaking up the sun and enjoying her book about magical plants. It had been two weeks since her first lesson with Marjoram, and she now held less suspicions about the stallion than she'd had previously. However, the unicorn had been so busy in the morgue, that he'd sent her out to read the first few chapters of the book. Twilight was relieved: she didn't like the harsh smells of the chemicals Marjoram had to use, and she certainly wasn't interested in the autopsies Marjoram was performing. Looking up at Celestia's sun, Twilight was horrified to notice the sun was beginning to dip west-ward. She was late going back to Marjoram, and she didn't want to face his sharp tongue or scathing remarks. Picking up the book with her magic, Twilight ran as fast as her legs could carry her, back into rooms Marjoram used as his lab. When she entered, she half-expected Marjoram to be waiting for her, writing or reading as he usually did when he wasn't busy. However, this wasn't the case. He was in his office, hunched over, coughing harshly, clearly struggling to breathe, his thin torso heaving for every breath. Just as Twilight was about to ask if she could help, blood splattered onto the floor, and Marjoram's legs folded underneath him. Twilight felt her magic waver on the book, hearing it clatter to the floor. Panic overwhelmed Twilight, and she didn't know what to do- A yellow/gold flash of light temporarily blinded Twilight, and when she opened them, Celestia was already kneeling beside Marjoram, magic flowing from her horn into him. Soon, the coughs settled, leaving Marjoram laying on his side, breathing nosily. A pillow appeared under his head, and he shut his eyes. Celestia rose to her full height, shaking her head sadly. She saw Twilight, and her eyes widened, “Twilight! I didn't realize you were here.” Twilight felt tears welling in her eyes, the panic turning into fear, “Is-is he okay?” “He will be, Twilight,” Celestia nuzzled Twilight, trying to comfort the young filly, “He's just sick.” “He coughed up blood.” “And I'm sorry you had to witness it,” Celestia intoned, “Marjoram suffers from an illness that causes him to cough blood.” “Oh..,” Twilight looked over at Marjoram, who seemed more alert, his golden eyes open and watching, “That's sad.” “It's...life,” Marjoram wheezed, “I'll...be...okay.” Twilight's wide eyes turned to Celestia, “C-can I stay here for a while?” Celestia had to clamp down on the urge to smile, “Of course you may.” There was a sigh from Marjoram, but he either lacked the breath or strength to argue. Twilight smiled at Celestia, and carefully made her way to Marjoram, who was now trying to make himself more comfortable. “You don't mind if I stay, do you?” Twilight asked. Another, long suffering sigh, “If you...must.” Celestia conjured some more cushions, setting them up under, and near, Marjoram so both he and Twilight could be comfortable. Marjoram looked grateful, but all he offered was a curt nod. His eyelids drifted shut once more, and Twilight watched uncertainly as Marjoram's breathing slowed and evened out. “He'll sleep for a while, Twilight. Read some more of your book. If he isn't up by dinnertime, make sure he gets something to eat when he wakes up, alright?” Twilight nodded, “Of course, Princess!” Celestia smiled, “I'll be back as soon as my jobs for today are done, alright? Don't hesitate to get help if he needs it.” Twilight looked back to Marjoram, “Is this why he doesn't like other ponies? Is it because he doesn't want their pity?” Celestia's eyes widened, “No, Twilight. Marjoram has simply had a hard time interacting with other ponies. He will tell you his tale in time, Twilight. Don't rush him. Enjoy your book.” Twilight nodded absentmindedly, levitating the book over to the cushions beside Marjoram, who was still fast asleep. Twilight made herself comfortable, sinking into the soft pillows like she'd done it her entire life. Celestia shut the heavy door behind her, and teleported herself back to the throne room. This disturbance was sure to have worried her court greatly. Not that Celestia particularly cared; there were no crisis going on in Equestria right now. Celestia could make time for her students when they were in need, for they were always making time for her. (LINE BREAK) Marjoram woke slowly, enjoying a warmth pressed into his side. He could hear someone reading, and he blearily wondered if Carnation was reading her herbalism books again- Then, memories of pain, ostracization, death. Followed by change and joy, finding contentment because this is what I'm meant to do. Then, the pain of a twin lost- Marjoram drove the memories away. He froze when he realized he wasn't imagining the presence curled up beside him, reading steadily from the book about rare magical plants and their properties. Marjoram opened one eye, to find Twilight curled up next to him, horn lit so she could see the book pressed into her face, and following along with her hoof. The image reminded Marjoram so much of his twin sister that he stumbled to his feet, Twilight falling over from the sudden lack of support. Marjoram's legs almost gave out, but he made them stay strong. He would not falter. “Marjoram!” Twilight called, “You're awake! Thank Celestia, I was getting worried-” Marjoram struggled to clear his head, legs shaking, and breath wheezing in his chest, “Quiet!” Marjoram internally winced, he hadn't meant to sound that harsh- Twilight leveled him a deadpan glare, but quieted. Marjoram used the quiet to center himself. After a few minutes, he straightened to his full height. “Dream?” Twilight asked cautiously. “Nightmare,” Marjoram replied steadily, “I'm fine now. You should leave, get some sleep-” “It's only eight o'clock.” “You're a child. You go to bed early.” “I'm nine years old, not five!” Marjoram smirked, “Really? I would never have guessed you were so old after you shrieked at that bug.” Twilight's cheeks blushed scarlet, “Sorry.” Marjoram shrugged, “Honestly, Twilight. Go. I'm fine.” “Celestia wants me to stay here. She wants you to eat something.” Marjoram rolled his eyes, “Of course she does. Are you-” Twilight's stomach rumbled. She looked sheepish, and smiled, “I was really focused.” Marjoram sighed, “Let's go to the kitchens. We'll find something there, I'm sure.” Twilight nodded, “Okay. C'mon!” Marjoram picked up his cloak from his chair, slinging it over his thin body before he followed Twilight into the dark hallways. They went up one floor, finding the brightly lit kitchen quickly. The main cook, Sea Shores, had met both unicorns before, and happily served them some dinner: hearty stew, some bread, and some juice. Twilight dug into her food with enthusiasm, while Marjoram picked at his slowly. A few minutes in, and Twilight's bowl was empty, and she was using the bread to mop up the remains of her dinner. A look of confusion crossed her features, “Aren't you hungry?” Marjoram looked down at his overflowing bowl, and shook his head, “Rarely am. The illness I have limits the appetite severely. The first day I met you was a good day.” Twilight nodded, returning to her meal. A few minutes later, she was done. A huge yawn made her jaw crack, and she smiled sheepishly, “Sorry.” Marjoram shrugged, twisting his neck so a series of pops were heard, “Don't apologize, Twilight. Most ponies can crack their joints. Go to bed.” Twilight shook her head, “No. I'm going to make sure you go to bed first.” “I'm an adult.” “You're sick!” “I've been sick for a long time, and that fact is unlikely to change!” “You should still take care of yourself!” “I do!” “You do not! This is the most I've seen you eaten since we met! You always look tired, and you're skinnier then I am!” Marjoram stared at the defiant look on Twilight's face, and began to laugh. It was choked, rusty laughter, like he hadn't laughed in some time. It soon turned into a coughing fit, which wiped the mirth from Marjoram's face. He stared at Twilight for a moment, then nodded reluctantly, “Fine. I expect you to go right to your room after, alright? You need your beauty sleep.” “What's that supposed to mean?” Twilight demanded. Marjoram said nothing, instead smirking at the irritation on Twilight's face. He slid off the chair, and walked toward the door. Twilight hurried after him, thanking Sea Shores as she went. As the pair walked, Twilight wondered what Marjoram's rooms looked like. Did he have one room with an adjoining bathroom, like herself? Or did he have more than one, like Celestia? Or did he have a set of rooms Twilight hadn't seen yet? The possibilities were almost limitless. It was also possible to learn quite a lot from the unicorn by how he decorated his room. Twilight was excited, her stride bouncing with renewed vigor as she walked. The pair walked to the hallway where Twilight's own room was, walked by it, and turned around the corner. There, was a dead-end hallway that Twilight had explored during her first days. She had found the door locked, and now knew why: the room was occupied. Marjoram opened the door with magic, stepping inside, leaving the door open for Twilight to follow. The room was unlike Twilight's; it was larger for one, and was very plain. There was the base Canterlot flair, but little else beyond. Bookshelves lined one wall, filled to bursting with books. The bed was a large, four-poster bed, and carpets lined the stone floor. Otherwise, there seemed to be little decor, little little personality contained within. Marjoram looked at Twilight with his unsettling eyes, “Are you surprised? I live for my work.” Twilight didn't know what to say. She looked around once more, and noticed a picture frame on the wooden desk located near the fireplace. She trotted over as Marjoram hung up his cloak. The picture was old, clearly folded over and kept like that before some time before it was unfolded and put into the frame. It depicted a family of five; three earth ponies, and two unicorns. One parent was a unicorn, while the other was an earth pony. The oldest of the children, a stallion, looked very different from the other men in the photo, but shared resemblances to the other children and the mother. The younger siblings looked to be the same age, but looked very different. The colt, who Twilight could tell was Marjoram himself, was slight but tall. Even then, he looked tired and sickly, and resembled his mother. The filly resembled the father, and was well built and healthy. “Are these your family?” “Yes,” Marjoram walked over, “My parents, my older half brother, and my twin sister.” “What were their names?” “My mother was named Rosebush, my father was Globeflower, my brother was Kafir, and my twin was Carnation.” Twilight nodded, “You look like your mom.” Marjoram stared, “I haven't been told that in a long time.” Twilight smiled, “Have a good night.” Marjoram nodded, closing the door behind Twilight. He flopped into bed, allowing the weariness he felt almost all the time wash over him, and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.