Marjoram

by Nekiyha

Visit to Canterlot

Marjoram triple-checked his luggage, then did the same for Spike's small suitcase. Looking at the lists Twilight had made, he noted that everything had been packed. Marjoram gathered the two bags, and set them by the front door.

“Spike, if you don't hurry we're going to miss the train!” Marjoram called.

Spike ran down the stairs, clutching a package of comics in his claws, “Sorry! I wanted to grab the newest set!”

“It's alright. We'll see you later, Twilight. Remember that nasty storm starts this afternoon, so make sure that lighting rod is ready.”

“I will. Do you have enough of your potions? Did you take the anti-motion sickness ones?”

“Of course I did,” Marjoram replied, “and yes, I have enough for three days at my current doses, just in case. I've got everything on the list, and so does Spike. We'll see you tomorrow, or maybe the day after if the storm wrecks the train lines.”

“Have fun! Tell Sea Shores and the Princesses I say hi!”

“I'll let Donut Joe you say hi, too,” Spike interrupted, “Now, let's go! I can't wait to get back!”

Twilight smiled, “Of course. Have fun!”

Marjoram and Spike left the library, trotting to the train station. Boarding the train, they found the emptiest train car and sat down, putting their luggage under their seats. Spike began to read the newest issues of his favourite comics, as Marjoram began to doodle with his sketchbook.

Marjoram had only drawn parts of pony anatomy, wound marks, and the like since he was a colt. As such, he found himself very skilled at drawing ponies. He also found himself better at drawing with a reference at hoof, rather than trying to draw something without anything to base it off of.

In the weeks since Twilight had bought the materials for him, he'd drawn quite a bit. From drawing Spike and Twilight, to the library, to the fountain in Town Square, he had drawn quite a bit, even if the drawings themselves weren't complete. Part of why he wanted to go to Canterlot was to pick up some more supplies, of higher quality, and to draw parts of Canterlot and some of the ponies the city housed.

When the train began to move, Marjoram couldn't help but convulsively swallow. Even though he wasn't nauseous, he still didn't feel comfortable on the train. Marjoram sighed, and began to concentrate harder on his drawings.

About halfway through the trip, Spike looked up from his third comic book, “So, what's the plan?”

“Visiting, shopping, then coming back to Ponyville,” Marjoram stated simply.

There was a pause, then Spike asked: “Why haven't you called Ponyville 'home' yet? We have been living there for a while now.”

Marjoram set his sketchbook down for a moment, “Do you know which ponies I consider part of my family?”

“Well,” Spike tapped a claw against his chin, “There's Sea Shores! And Princess Celestia,” Spike's face flushed red, “And Twilight and I? Right?”

Marjoram nodded, “Yes. That's correct. You and Twilight live in Ponyville, and for as long as you'll need me, I'll stay there. However, Celestia and Sea Shores are in Canterlot. Carnation is buried there, as is my other teacher. Canterlot will always be my home, Spike, even when we're not there. Do you understand?”

“I think so,” Spike replied, picking up his comic book again. He suddenly smiled, and giggled to himself.

Marjoram ignored it, assuming the reaction was from Spike's comic book. Marjoram returned to his drawings, trying to figure out the exact shape of the hat the pony a few seats away was wearing.

(LINE BREAK)

Looking upon Canterlot for the first time in almost two months, made Marjoram feel more at home than he'd been since he'd left. Levitating his suitcase, and Spike's, the pair made their way to the palace.

“I'm so excited to be back!” Spike exclaimed, looking around at the grandiose buildings and fancy ponies, “it's been forever!”

“I'm happy to be back, too,” Marjoram replied, trying to keep his breathing steady. He smiled at the sight of the palace, “We should-”

“Marjoram! Spike!” Sea Shores flew over to the pair, appearing from nowhere, her wings flapping hard. She skidded to a halt, throwing her forelegs around Marjoram in a tight hug, “Oh! I've missed you so much!”

“I've missed you too,” Marjoram muttered into Sea Shores' neck.

Sea Shores pulled away, and hugged Spike tightly, her wings fluttering with excitement, “When you told me you two were coming back, I was so happy! I've made your favourite foods, and I've got some food that you can take back for Twilight, too-”

“Shores!” Marjoram interrupted, “Talk while walking. I'm sure Spike would like to hear all about this while eating.”

“You'd better eat, too,” Sea Shores stated, folding her wings against her sides, “I've just been so excited-”

“It's fine,” Marjoram smiled, “Really. I appreciate it.”

Shores returned the smile, “Thanks. Anyway, I've got a few new employees to tell you about...”

(LINE BREAK)

Marjoram stared at the loaded plate Shores had just put in front of him. She really wasn't kidding about making my favourites. Cheese croissants, pasta, and a piece of garlic bread took up the majority of the plate space. Steamed carrots took up the rest, and even though Marjoram hadn't thought himself hungry, his stomach rumbled.

Spike's plate was similarly loaded down, and Marjoram couldn't help but wonder if the young dragon would eat everything on his plate. Shores sat beside Marjoram, her own plate piled high with food.

Taking a moment to look at the mare that had practically raised him, Marjoram was pleased to note Shores looked mostly unchanged. Her light blue coat was clean, and her short light purple mane and tail looked as well-kept as ever, even if they seemed to be streaked with more grey than Marjoram remembered.

“I like what you did with your tail,” Shores offered.

Marjoram smiled, beginning to pick at his plate, “You look good, too.”

Shores laughed, “You're just saying that.”

“I mean it. And your cooking has only gotten better.”

Spike nodded vigorously, giving Shores a thumbs up, as his mouth was full.

“You two spoil me. What are your plans for the rest of the afternoon?”

“We're gonna go see the Princesses,” Spike said, taking a break, and drinking some of the juice Shores had set out, “Then we were gonna go shopping.”

Marjoram nodded in agreement, unable to reply because of a full mouth. Shores smiled and nodded, “That will be fun.”

Swallowing hard, Marjoram nearly choked himself trying to say, “You can come with us if you'd like.”

Shores giggled, “Sorry, darlings. I'd love too, but I still have a job to do. I'll see you both at dinner, though, right?”

Marjoram and Spike shared a look before nodding in unison, “Of course!” Spike exclaimed.

The rest of the meal passed in relative silence, only broken when Shores had to talk to one of her employees. When they were done, and Marjoram felt a fair amount of pride at the fact he'd eaten almost half of what he'd been given, Spike and Marjoram waved goodbye. They gathered their luggage, and dropped it off in the room that had been Marjoram's since he was a young colt.

That done, the pair made their way to the throne room, where Celestia and Luna were likely to be. Luckily for Marjoram and Spike, the sisters didn't seem to be too busy when they entered.

Celestia stood, a warm smile gracing her features, “Marjoram, Spike! I hoped your train hadn't been delayed, did Sea Shores keep you?”

Marjoram nodded, “She fed us.”

“It's the same thing, really,” Spike scratched the top of his head, mindlessly realigning some of his spines.

Celestia chuckled, “Well, I'm glad you two could make it back. How are you two? Twilight doesn't say much in her friendship letters.”

Spike shrugged, “I can't complain.”

“I'm fine.”

Princess Luna stood up herself, clearing her throat, “We would like to welcome you back to Canterlot.”

“Thank you,” Marjoram replied, “It's nice to see you again.”

Luna offered a hesitant smile, “My sister has been filling us in on the goings on of Equestria since we were banished. She told us that you are one of only two morticians in this area.”

Marjoram nodded, “It's true.”

“That is good, such a profession is highly useful, in any time.”

Celestia smiled down at Luna, then turned her attention back to Spike and Marjoram, “I assume you're coming back for dinner. We can all chat afterwords if you'd like. I'm sure you and Spike have plans for the rest of the afternoon.”

“We do. We can catch up more after dinner. Come on, Spike. We've got some shopping to do.”

Marjoram and Spike left the throne room, once again leaving the two princesses alone.

(LINE BREAK)

Marjoram put the last of his new art supplies into his saddle-bags, and looked around to see if Spike had finished looking at the little hand-painted figurines the art shop sold. Finding Spike standing near the door, Marjoram ushered him outside.

“Alright, so we've been to the comic store, the bookstore, and the art store. We can stop at Donut Joe's on the way back to Ponyville. Anything else?”

“I can't think of anything- oh wait. Do you know when we'll be back in Canterlot?” Spike asked, his eyes suddenly bright.

“I'm not sure. We'll probably be back in time for Hearth's Warming, why?”

“Um, I want to get your birthday present here, if its okay,” Spike said slowly, “But you've got to stay here while I go get it.”

Marjoram blinked, “But, my birthday isn't until December-”

“But it's before Hearth's Warming!” Spike protested, “Please?”

Marjoram nodded, “Alright. If you're not back in twenty minutes, I'm going to go searching for you.”

“I'll be right back! I know exactly what I'm getting for you!” Spike took off, weaving expertly through the crowds of ponies.

Marjoram moved away to sit on the ledge of the nearest fountain, and breathed in the scents of Canterlot: fragrant flowers, scented water, and baked goods, all with an undertone of the stone that the entire city was made of.

Marjoram watched as the crowds went about their business. I can't believe I missed the hustle and bustle. A few minutes later, Spike came back, carrying a thick, blank, canvas bag, “You're not allowed to know!”

Marjoram chuckled, “I won't.”

“Promise?” Spike pushed.

“I promise.”

“Good,” Spike immediately brightened, “Are we ready to go back to the castle, then?”

“Unless you have something else to go get, I'm good,” Marjoram stood up, wincing at his body's not-so-subtle protests at the movement, “We can chat with the Princesses and Shores some more.”

Spike clutched the canvas bag close to his chest as the pair walked slowly back to the castle.

(LINE BREAK)

Marjoram wasn't surprised that Sea Shores had basically gotten the kitchen to make an entire feast for five ponies, but he did find himself surprised at the variety. Marjoram didn't recognize some of the food, but both Luna and Celestia clearly did, navigating the table and the items on it without a problem.

Spike looked confused as well, but he took it in stride, adding a little of each dish to his plate. Marjoram sent a quick mental prayer to the Creators, and did the same.

“How was town?” Shores ventured, sipping from her crystal goblet.

“The same,” Spike replied, clumsily handling a crystal goblet of his own.

Marjoram nodded in agreement, poking at a purple blob on his plate before picking something that didn't jiggle. Is it just me, or does Celestia look...amused at this? Marjoram couldn't help but feel he and Spike were being teased and tested at the same time. Marjoram wasn't sure if he liked this feeling.

Sea Shores seemed to ignore the awkward mood that covered the dinner like a shroud, talking loudly about the experimental recipes she'd made, antics in the kitchen, and teasing Marjoram and Spike alike, and occasionally poking fun at Celestia, all while trying to drag Luna into the conversation.

Marjoram made a mental note to ask Celestia to award Shores with some type of medal for being able to carry a conversation with two alicorns, a baby dragon, and himself. Soon enough, everypony was done eating, and while Sea Shores cleared the table, the rest of the group retired to Celestia's private study.

Luna looked beyond uncomfortable, and seemed happy to bury her nose in a book. Marjoram couldn't help but feel the same, moving to scan Celestia's bookshelves, trying to find something he could read.

“Marjoram,” Celestia sat on her elegant couch, “Would you mind if we just talked?”

“Not at all,” Marjoram sat beside Celestia, making himself as comfortable as he could.

“How is Twilight? She hasn't said much in her letters. She's adjusting well to Ponyville, isn't she?”

Marjoram sighed, “She's about as good as she can get. She's adjusting well, surprisingly. I'd thought she would be having more problems than she's having.”

“And Spike?” Celestia gestured to the dragon who had moved to sit near Luna, and was cautiously asking her about the book she had picked out.

“More adjusted than Twilight. He's young.”

Celestia chuckled, “And you? You seem better than you have been in years.”

Marjoram grimaced, feeling a fleeting phantom sensation of the pain flaring throughout his body, “Sort of? Twilight has me on this regime of potions, trying to fortify me for winter, I suppose. It's starting to effect my magic now, Twilight says. She's got me on this supplement until she figures something else out.”

Celestia nodded, “Let her know I'm willing to help her research. I was hoping your illness would never effect your magic.”

Marjoram shrugged, “I think we both know it was only a matter of time. As long as I take the potion I'm alright. I'm having a good time of it, for now anyway, and I want to enjoy it.”

“Completely understandable,” Celestia smiled, “You go back to Ponyville tomorrow, correct?”

“Yes. Spike and I were planning on leaving here after breakfast, then stop on the way to Donut Joe's before we go onto the train. We'll be back before dinner time that way,” Marjoram sighed, “If you don't mind, I'd like to go see Carnation. I don't think I'll have time in the morning.”

“Of course,” Celestia gently nudged Marjoram off of the couch, “I'll make sure Spike goes to bed on time, so you don't have to rush.”

Marjoram nodded in thanks, and made his way to the graveyard.

(LINE BREAK)

When Marjoram entered the graveyard, he was surprised to see somepony standing in front of Carnation's grave. Moving cautiously, Marjoram realized it was Kafir. Marjoram's brother was dressed in his armour, his sword and saddle-bags tied tightly around his barrel, both in easily accessible places for an Earth Pony.

Marjoram cleared his throat, causing the usually calm warrior to jump. Kafir spun around, and his eyes widened at the sight of Marjoram, “Oh! I-I-”

“Where are you going?” Marjoram asked softly.

“Up north,” Kafir replied, “I wanted to say goodbye, to her, and let her know how sorry I am. And to give her this,” Kafir pointed to something at the base of Carnation's gravestone.

It was a small replica of a military badge, very similar to the one Carnation had lost in the fire that had nearly killed her and the rest of the family. It shone brightly in the moonlight, and Marjoram couldn't help but feel it was fitting.

Marjoram nodded in approval, “She would have liked it.”

Kafir reached into his saddle-bag, and pulled out a small box, “I got these a long time ago for you two, and I figured I could give them to you whenever I saw you again. I-I never thought that she would...die like that,” cautiously, almost unsure, Kafir handed the box to Marjoram, who took it with his magic.

“Thank you,” Marjoram murmured through numb lips, unsure of what to say.

Kafir offered his crooked smile. He turned his gaze back to Carnation's grave, and his smile slipped from his face, “Thank you for taking care of her,” he said slowly, “I don't know if you'll ever want to see me again, but I thought I should try to find you before I go, to tell you that.”

Marjoram's lips twitched, “Well, you know where I am now, in Ponyville,” Marjoram restlessly pawed at the ground, the grass feeling cool and damp under his hoof, “I guess you could come over when you're done. We should try to be polite to each other after all, for her.”

“I agree,” Kafir bent down and picked up his helm, putting it on with a practiced movement, “I should go. I have a train to catch. See you later, little brother.”

Marjoram watched as Kafir left, and continued to stare long after Kafir had disappeared from sight, and the sounds of the train could be heard leaving Canterlot. Marjoram sat in front of Carnation's grave and sighed, “What do you think is in here?”

Unsure of what to expect, Marjoram carefully opened the box. Inside, was nestled several stones, all rare and supposed to have magical properties. Marjoram's lips twitched into a smile, thinking back to when he would have given up a limb to possess a complete set of magical rocks, as was, it was still very valuable.

Looking closer, Marjoram began to identify them: agate, sapphire, garnet, moonstone, and jade, as well as several more. Marjoram couldn't help but laugh loudly, because all of the gems, crystals, and rocks, in some small way or another, symbolized good health.

Author's Note:

I enjoy parts of this chapter, and I'm not a huge fan of other parts.
This chapter takes place during Look Before You Sleep.

I really enjoy getting comments and constructive criticism from you guys, so please don't be shy in telling me what you think.