//------------------------------// // Arriving in Ponyville // Story: Marjoram // by Nekiyha //------------------------------// Marjoram lay on Twilight's couch, half asleep as Twilight and Spike ran around the room, trying to find the book they were looking for. The walk over, more of a brisk run with how excited Twilight was, had taken more out of him then he was willing to admit. Twilight had insisted he take the couch, which he was secretly grateful for. Suddenly, the activity stopped, books falling to the floor when Twilight cut her magic to them, “FOUND IT!” Marjoram jerked awake, blinking slowly at Twilight. Twilight was using her magic to frantically flip through the pages, her brow furrowed in concentration. “Mare in the Moon?” Twilight muttered, flipping towards the back of the book, “A myth from olden times, a pony that wanted to rule Equestria. She was defeated by the Elements of Harmony, and imprisoned on the moon. Legend says that on the longest day of the 1000th year, that the stars will aid in her escape, and she'll bring about nighttime eternal! Spike, do you know what this means!?” Spike, who had been attempting to put some of the books away, looked over his shoulder, “No.” “Take a note please, to the Princess.” “But, Twilight! This is just an old pony's tale. And with the Summer Sun Celebration-” “That's why we have to tell her now! Next week is when this prophecy is supposed to come true! C'mon, Spike! Celestia will be more than willing to help!” Marjoram sighed, “Twilight, she's very busy. I doubt she'll even get to your letter right away, even if it's extremely urgent.” “Well, I've got to warn her anyway. Spike, get ready.” Spike unrolled a scroll of parchment, dipped his quill in ink, and looked at Twilight, “Ready.” “My Dearest Teacher, My continued studies about magic have led me to the prophecy of the Mare in the Moon! We are on the brink of disaster! On the day of the Summer Sun Celebration, Nightmare Moon will return and will try to bring about eternal nighttime. Something has to be done to ensure that this horrible prophecy doesn't come true! I await your quick response, Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” Spike finished the letter, tying it off with a red ribbon. He breathed fire into the air, and tossed the scroll into it, where it would be transported to the Princess herself. Marjoram levered himself to his feet, “Twilight, I wouldn't hold your breath, Celestia is exceedingly busy this year.” “C'mon, she trusts me completely! In all my years as a student, she's never doubted me!” Spike clapped a claw over his muzzle, looking faintly nauseous. Then, he burped, green fire sparking, and a scroll appeared, Twilight catching it with her magic, “See! Told you!” “Yeah. That was quick,” Spike remarked, slightly impressed. Twilight unfurled the scroll, eye moving quickly across the page as she read, “My Dearest, Most Faithful Student, Twilight. You know I value your diligence, and that I trust you completely. But you have to stop reading those dusty books-” Twilight cut herself off, gasping in surprise, “What?” Marjoram smirked, “Told you, kid. C'mon, read the rest. Parchments too long for just that.” “My dear Twilight, I know Marjoram is with you, so in this section, I'm addressing you both. There is more to life than just studying and work, and while I admire the strong bonds between the both of you, it is imperative that you both learn something that I have been unable to teach you: friendship. I'm sending you both to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location, Ponyville. While there, there is a very important task I'd like you to complete: make some friends.” Twilight cut herself off again, sharing a look of surprise on her face with Marjoram. Spike fell to the ground, laughing raucously. Once Spike quieted, she continued, “I know you both will not be pleased with this request, but even if you fail with your secondary objective, I believe the time away from Canterlot will be beneficial. The clean country air may help Marjoram's lungs, and the peace and quiet may allow you to relax, Twilight. Think of it like a vacation. Transport will be sent tomorrow morning, at 10 o'clock sharp. Be ready with your bags.” Twilight sighed, setting the letter down, and looking at Marjoram, “I suppose we better get packed.” Marjoram stared sullenly at the piece of parchment, “Sure we can't burn it and pretend Spike sneezed?” “That was once, and I had a cold!” Twilight shook her head, “Afraid not. I'll see you later? For dinner?” Marjoram shrugged, plodding quietly toward the door, “Dunno. Make sure I'm actually awake in the morning, Twilight. I'd really not like to be late because I slept in.” “Of course. I hope you get some rest.” Marjoram smiled weakly, before shutting the door quietly behind him. Twilight sighed, and looked at Spike, “How many books do you think I should bring?” (LINE BREAK) Marjoram leaned against the side of the golden, gilded carriage, trying not to puke all over the lovely countryside. Twilight was sitting on her haunches, watching as her friend and mentor was fighting motion sickness. Spike was asleep, stuck between Twilight and the carriage. “Is this why you said no when I invited you to the fair when I was ten?” A pitiful sound between a cough and a whimper was her only reply. Twilight rolled her eyes and conjured a bucket, forcing Marjoram into a sitting position with the bucket between his legs. Marjoram rested his head against the edge, his golden eyes glassed over. “We're almost there,” Pike, one of the fliers, announced, “Ponyville is just ahead. A few minutes and we'll be on the ground.” “Oh, thank Celestia,” Marjoram murmured, gagging into the bucket, “I felt fine before this. Why couldn't we just take the train?” “This is faster,” Twilight deadpanned, shaking her head slightly. “I know! It was rhetorical!” Spike jolted into wakefulness, scratching his scales as he looked around, “Are we there yet?” “Almost,” Twilight replied miserably. “C'mon, Twilight! Lighten up! There might be some interesting ponies in Ponyville!” The carriage began to descend, prompting Marjoram to look up from the bucket, and treat Twilight with one of his rare smiles, “Sweet, sweet ground!” Twilight snorted, “C'mon. Just another minute or two, and you can get off this thing.” When the pegasi set the carriage down, they were so gentle that Twilight wondered if they were still afloat. Marjoram jumping from the carriage, and stumbling to his knees on the packed dirt path proved otherwise, making Twilight herself scramble off the comfortable seat to make sure he wasn't hurt. Marjoram picked himself off the ground, straightening up, “Thank you gentlemen,” his magic picked up the trunks from the carriage, “Have a good trip home.” The stallions nodded, and took off, soaring back toward Canterlot at top speed. Marjoram set the suitcases down, and looked around at the pastel buildings of Ponyville. “This is gonna suck,” Twilight muttered under her breath. “We're in a library,” Marjoram offered helpfully. “C'mon! You two are supposed to be making friends! At least try?” Spike asked, making his eyes larger and his bottom lip tremble minutely. Marjoram and Twilight shared a look, “Damnit! He's got us!” “Not the look!” Twillght internally cursed, but luckily, a bright pink young mare was bouncing (literally bouncing) down to road toward them, “Hi, I'm-” The mare came to a stop, taking in the sight of the newcomers before springing into the air, with a loud, melodramatic gasp. She then ran down the street without another word, and Twilight shot Spike a look that said I told you so. Marjoram sighed, “C'mon. Let's get our stuff to the library. I want my tea.” Twilight levitated her bag, standing close to her mentor so they could walk together. Spike climbed up Twilight so he could sit on her back, looking around excitedly at the new town. I want my tea was a code the pair had devised to use in public when Marjoram wasn't feeling at all well, exclusively used when they were out in public. Twilight nodded, “Yeah. C'mon, we shouldn't be too far away. It's a treehouse, isn't it, Spike?” “Yeah. Golden Oak Library.” “That's ironic,” Marjoram remarked, “A library in a bloody tree.” Twilight snorted, “C'mon. Let's go get your tea.” Marjoram nodded, and began to follow Twilight through the streets of Ponyville. They earned some odd looks, but nopony came to them, or interrupted their walk. Twilight kept half an eye on Marjoram, seeing his magic wavering on his suitcase a few times as his energy began to decline. Once they entered the library, Marjoram's magic gave out at the same moment his legs did. He collapsed onto the wooden floor, coughing harshly. Spike ran, his little legs pumping, into the kitchen, “I'll get the kettle started!” Twilight set her bag down, and aided Marjoram to his feet. He leaned on her, still coughing harshly, blood flecking his lips. He collapsed onto a couch, and allowed Twilight to prop his head up so he could breathe a little easier. “Where's the teabags?” “Suitcase...in-” blood splattered to the ground, panic rose in Marjoram's chest as his chest constricted. Twilight tore the suitcase open, finding the canister of pre-made teabags resting on top. She ran into the kitchen. Marjoram's vision began to fade as his lungs cried out for air. Oh Celestia- A cup was brought to his lips, and Marjoram inhaled as much steam as he could. It unclouded the cobweb like feeling in his chest, and allowed him to breathe enough that he could drink. A few moments later, the medicine in the tea began to work its magic: soothing the ever present pain in Marjoram's lungs and removing the feeling he was breathing through cobwebs. “Thank you, Twilight,” Marjoram breathed, sipping the hot beverage. Twilight offered a shaky smile, “It's no problem. Why didn't you tell me you felt this bad?” Marjoram shrugged his thin shoulders, “I feel bad...all the time, Twilight.” “I know,” Twilight's voice softened, “I just worry.” Marjoram offered a small smile, “I know,” he began to drink the tea a little quicker, reveling in its warmth, “I don't suppose...we can stay...here today?” “We have a whole week,” Twilight smiled, “We'll check on everything tomorrow. I want to take a look at this library. Should be fun!” Marjoram nodded, “Yes, I suppose it... would be, Twilight. Go on…I'll rest here...for a while.” “Call if you need something,” Twilight intoned, trotting briskly out of Marjoram's line of sight, “I mean it. I don't care if its for something little.” Marjoram said nothing, downing the last of his tea and setting the cup on a nearby table. In spite of himself, Marjoram's eyes slid shut, and he soon found himself asleep. (LINE BREAK) Spike, curled up with one of the new comic books he'd brought from Canterlot, watched at Twilight busily reorganized the library, cleaning and humming as she did so. It was a familiar sight, one that Spike was accustomed to. However, it never ceased to amaze him on how much Twilight could get done in such a relatively short amount of time. Marjoram was still sleeping on the couch he'd claimed earlier, though his face and body were more relaxed than Spike remembered seeing for quite some time. Spike hoped this was a good sign that meant Marjoram would be up to eating dinner. The unicorn was too skinny already without missing what meals he did eat regularly. Almost as if by magic, Spike's stomach rumbled loudly enough for Twilight to hear over her cleaning. She paused in her work, quickly finding the clock that rested in between two bookshelves. “Oh dear! Let me finish this row, Spike, then we'll go get a late lunch. Would you mind waking Marjoram?” Spike hopped off of his chair, setting his comic book down carefully. He walked over to the sleeping unicorn, and gently prodded at Marjoram's shoulder, careful not to slice open the skin by accident. Marjoram mumbled something unintelligible before cracking one golden eye open to stare at the young dragon, “Yes?” “Twilight and I are going to get lunch soon,” Spike informed Marjoram. “So?” “You need to eat something,” Spike retorted, crossing his arms over his chest, “You didn't eat breakfast this morning, and Sea Shores told me you didn't get dinner yesterday either.” Marjoram muttered a curse, “Damn that mare!” Marjoram reluctantly got to his hooves, slowly stretching out the aches and pains that had developed because he slept on a couch. “Watch your language!” Twilight called playfully, shelving the last of the books that were meant to go on that particular shelf, “he's still a baby!” Marjoram rolled his eyes, “Maybe physically, but not mentally. This dragon is much more mature than most ponies his age.” Spike offered Marjoram a wide smile, earning a crooked grin in return. “So, do we know where we're eating?” Marjoram asked, fetching his cloak from where Spike had hung it beside the door. “Nope,” Twilight smiled nervously, “We'll find something. I hear there's a good bakery here that sells a lot of different stuff. Maybe there?” Marjoram shrugged, “Why not. Are we ready?” Spike's stomach growled again, and Spike patted it soothingly, “I'm more than ready!” Twilight stifled a laugh, “Me too. Let's go.” It took a few minutes to find the bakery, called Sugar Cube Corner. Thankfully, the restaurant wasn't busy, so they didn't need to wait in line. Twilight and Spike ordered first, leaving Marjoram to order last and pay for the food. They found a table in a corner of the bakery, and sat down, eagerly awaiting their food. A few minutes later, and a short mare with a pink mane came to the table, balancing trays on her back. Using her mouth, she slid two platters and three plates onto the table. “What would you like to drink?” “Water for us,” Twilight gestured to Spike and herself. “Coffee, please,” Marjoram replied, trying not to stare wide-eyed at the veritable feast in front of him. “I'm Mrs. Cake,” The mare said, “I'll be right back with your drinks, and don't be afraid to yell if you need something!” Twilight nodded, and turned her attention to the food laid out before her, “Wow.” “What in Celestia's name did you order?” “Two sampler trays,” Spike said, already picking up several goodies from the platter closest to him, “Twilight wanted to try a bit of everything.” “You did, too,” Twilight retorted, magically picking up a few different items from both platters. Marjoram stared down at the plate in front of him, which held the two cheese croissants he ordered. He suppressed a sigh, and cautiously took a bite. I'll have to tell Sea Shores her croissant game has to step up, holy hell. Twilight gestured to the trays, “If you're hungry, take whatever you want. There's a lot here.” “Considering I paid, I better have free reign of those,” Marjoram muttered darkly. Twilight offered a shy smile, “Sorry.” “Don't be,” Marjoram replied, “We'll have enough to take back with us, I'm sure.” Twilight eyed Spike with a disbelieving look, “Don't be too sure about that.” Spike looked up from the plate he'd overloaded with food, “What?” He asked around a mouthful of tart. Twilight rolled her eyes, and gave Marjoram a pointed look, “How're the croissants?” Marjoram popped the last bite of the first one into his mouth, then raised his eyebrows. Twilight knew the only foods he could regularly keep down were relatively limited, so he tended to take his time when eating anything new or from somewhere new. The speed in which he ate the first croissant clearly told Twilight his answer. Twilight's grin grew, “That's good.” Mrs. Cake came back, and gently slid the two glasses of cold water onto the table, then slid the hot coffee toward Marjoram, gently placing a little tray that held cream and sugar beside the cup, “There we are. Enjoy!” “Thank you!” Spike said, offering Mrs. Cake a dazzling smile. Mrs. Cake smiled back, then left, disappearing behind the counter, and into the kitchen. The three friends ate, mostly in silence, for a few minutes. Spike practically demolished his plate of various tarts, pastries, and other assorted baked goods. Twilight ate slowly, watching with awe as Spike plowed through his food. Marjoram finished his second croissant, and picked out a butter tart that he nibbled on until Spike and Twilight finished. Twilight called Mrs. Cake over, who packaged up the leftover baked goods as the group finished their drinks. Then, Mrs. Cake handed them the box with a brilliant smile, “Have a good day, you three!” “Thank you, you too!” Spike waved, carrying the box with eager talons. Marjoram, Twilight, and Spike stood at the side of the road, watching as the ponies around them went about their day. “Now what?” Twilight asked. Marjoram shrugged, “Up to you two, I suppose. Though, I suggest we put the leftovers in the fridge in the library. We don't want to have Spike carrying that all day.” Twilight nodded in agreement, “Let's go do that now. We can figure out-what's wrong? Do you need your tea?” Marjoram had froze in place, staring at a tall, strapping stallion across the street, “I'm fine,” Marjoram mumbled, “I-I could swear-” At that moment, the stallion turned, showing off his Cutie Mark (a shield that seemed to have several gold bits inlaid into it), and his face. To Twilight, he looked very familiar, though she couldn't peg why. The stallion was tall, an inch or two taller than Marjoram, with a thick, black mane and tail. His coat shone a brown/red, and he looked alarmingly like- “Kafir?” Marjoram breathed. Without a word, Marjoram strode over to the stallion, who half turned to face the movement of a pony coming towards him. Kafir's face transformed into a cool, crooked grin, “Oh-” With a speed Twilight didn't know Marjoram possessed, the unicorn spun and bucked Kafir in the chest, sending the larger stallion to the cobblestones. “After all this time, and you don't even have anything to say!?” Marjoram snarled, his eyes narrowed and glinting with a rage Twilight had never seen, “Where the hell were you!?” Kafir picked himself up off the ground, brushing off his chest with his foreleg, “First thing you do when you see your brother is to kick him? Wow, little brother, you've really go to work on your manners,” Thankfully, the smirk was gone, replaced by a look that was hard to read, “I thought Carnation would ha-” Twilight felt the magic present in all of Equestria shift, something she'd only ever heard described when a unicorn of incredible magical talent lost control. Twilight had felt it in herself on the day she'd taken her entrance exam for Celestia's school, though she wasn't aware of it at the time, and thus wasn't able to articulate what had happened, even years later. Twilight shielded Spike from the chaos that occurred. Windows shattered, street lamps bent, tables and chairs that were outside were tipped over. Twilight saw clothes hanging up on clotheslines outside change into fruit, saw a bunny turn into a tea kettle. Ponies ran into the nearest buildings, scrambling and helping each other along the way. Soon enough, the street was empty except for Kafir, Marjoram, Twilight, and Spike. Twilight felt her mouth dry, and her heart rate increase. This is not good. Marjoram's eyes were wide open, glowing and pulsing with the golden energy that was his magic. His horn was alight as well, shining brighter than Twilight had ever seen. Kafir's eyes went wide, his face draining of colour, and he tried to back away. However, Marjoram's magic held Kafir in place. Marjoram leaned close to his brother, anger and grief written clearly on his face. “Don't you know? I sent you letters, Princess Celestia sent you letters, and you don't know?!” “About the illness you guys had?” Kafir said, “I-I thought you were fine-” “Carnation is dead!” Marjoram spat, “and you didn't come! All she wanted was to see you one more time, and I had to keep lying and telling her you were there!” Marjoram's voice cracked, but the magic held firm, “I had to tell her that she kept sleeping through your visits, that you would be back, that she would see you soon!” “Marjoram-” “I was there while she died! Where were you?!” “I-” Twilight felt the magic shift again, but she heard the coughing before magic settled back into place. No more damage had been done, but Kafir and Marjoram were both on the ground. Marjoram was on his knees, coughing blood over the cobblestones. Kafir was on his side, stunned from the force of magic that had held him, staring wide-eyed at his younger sibling. Twilight motioned for Spike to stay where he was, and galloped over to Marjoram, “Hey-” “C'lestia,” Marjoram choked out. “Spike!” Twilight called, who was already running over. “What?” Twilight pulled on her magic, summoning a quill, sheet of parchment, and a bottle of ink. Writing quickly, Twilight penned a note, then handed it to Spike who sent it off in a burst of green flames. “What's going on?” Kafir asked, eyes wide, clearly trying to remain calm. Twilight offered no answer, instead turning her attention to Marjoram, who was fighting for each bit of oxygen he could get. Twilight moved the discarded cloak away, knowing that the stallion viewed it as one of his few prized possessions and that Marjoram wouldn't want it stained with his own blood. A bright, yellow light flashed, and Celestia was there, pouring her magic into Marjoram, concern written on her features. She saw Kafir, and her face was filled with disappointment, and a little anger, before she turned her full attention to Marjoram. Soon enough, the coughing slowed, then stopped, leaving Marjoram panting on the cobblestones, clearly fighting to stay awake. “It's alright,” Celestia intoned. She shut her eyes, and a wave of bright magic flowed from her and into the surrounding area, undoing the damage Marjoram's magic had done. Marjoram lost consciousness the second the magic reached him, his breathing evening out and deepening. Kafir blinked up at the Princess, “What was that about?” “It's not my tale to tell,” Celestia replied, her voice...flatter than usual, less gentle, “You'll have to ask Marjoram when he wakes.” Kafir nodded, picked himself up off the ground, and stared down at his brother. Twilight used her magic to pick her mentor up, gently ensuring his head was kept steady, “I'll bring him to the library. Would you like some tea, Princess?” “Yes please, Twilight. I should stay nearby for a while, just in case,” Celestia replied, “Come on, Spike. Kafir, you too.” The group of ponies trudged into the library, where Twilight set Marjoram on the couch, cushioning his head with a pillow, and Spike draped a blanket over him. Twilight hung to cloak up, and retreated to the kitchen, where Kafir and Celestia were waiting. “I'm sorry, Princess. He said he needed you-” “It's not a problem, Twilight. Before I leave, I'll teach you that spell. I can't believe you haven't asked.” Twilight dug around the kitchen for a moment, finding the kettle, tea, and cups, “I thought only you could do it.” “Oh no,” Celestia smiled weakly, “I learned it from Megan, the mortician before Marjoram.” “He's a mortician?” Kafir asked incredulously, “Seriously?” “He has been since before he turned eighteen,” Celestia returned, “He started learning the second he met Megan.” Kafir nodded, “I-I remember he mentioned...but I never thought...A mortician? How many of those are left in Equestria?” “Too few,” Twilight and Celestia replied in unison. Celestia shot a slight smile in Twilight's direction, “Less than three hundred.” “For all of Equestria?” “He's one of two in Canterlot,” Twilight stated proudly, “Between himself and the other pony, they take on Canterlot, Ponyville, and many of the surrounding small villages. Most funeral parlours just have a doctor make an educated guess if the cause of death isn't outright plain to see.” Kafir nodded slowly, accepting the tea cup Twilight shoved in his direction. When the kettle boiled, Twilight put two teabags into the pot, and the three waited in uncomfortable silence while the tea steeped. “How long will he be out?” Kafir ventured. “A while yet, I'd imagine,” Celestia replied, “I felt his magic from Canterlot, and was about to send a letter through Spike when you wrote me.” Kafir nodded, staring down at his cup, “Carnation's really dead, isn't she?” “Yes,” Celestia replied, “almost two months after you would have received your first letter.” Twilight used her magic to pour tea into the teacups, setting the kettle back on the stove when she was done. The three drank their tea in silence. All they could really do was wait.