#145
Spring. Day 161. Evening. Ginseng's Royal Room of Regard.

Almost a full day now and I'm already feeling good as new, aside from my wings and larger cuts. My new piece of jewelry is a small cylinder through the back edge of my ear. I can feel it draining the magic a bit. Saw one of the wisps get sucked into it this morning whilst looking over my wings in the grand mirror they dragged in here. Taller and wider than me and grandiose framework flourished with gilded gold on copper.

This room is the same they had me sleeping in before, where I woke up yesterday. I had expected a different one but no. I am still grateful though and it seems that board Bolt had used was something he had brought with him. I kind of wanted to play with the thing. It also appears that this room is reserved for the highest regarded of guest too. Not even the mayors of the other cities are allowed in here. Awful lot you can hear at the dining table if you're willing to eavesdrop. Still feeling a bit exhausted after all of those quick introductions of each mayor and noble that Ginseng kept in his court.

If this were another life, I might find myself comfortable here. However, I find that it would not be the same circumstances that led me here. For one, I probably would never had met Ginger and everyone else. I would probably sit here and rot away, achieving nothing despite whatever status of nobility I might have. Still I'd choose my old life over this one.

Aside from life ramblings, I find myself thinking about what the ceremony could possible be about. My gut tells me it's something major. Ginger hasn't quite gone over the details with me about it yet, so my curiosity about it seems boundless. It's gone from being accepted into the family to just receiving a medal for bravery. Either way, I'm not sure how things will turn out.

The ceremony is tomorrow and they've prepared special clothes for the occasion. Red and gold trimmed robes thin and light. Purple dotting the red and on the back of it all, black stitching portraying the head of an eagle. Yet another status symbol that put me at the same level as Ginger. Mere coincidence that I have a pet eagle to match.

I suppose a good nights sleep is in order upon writing this. I can feel the pain welling up, succeeding the painkillers the good doctor gave me. It is making me rather weary. I would like for it to go away. Which reminds me, mother used to kiss our bruises saying, “Pain go on your way, come back some other day.” Perhaps she kissed too much away.

#146
Spring. Day 162. Evening. Room of Regard.

Well, the ceremony went well enough and I was in more of a surprise than I thought. Took place in the old throne room, a large long hall without much in aside from dusty banners and lines of pillars edging the long red rug. The rug itself ran up a short flight of steps to a small podium. Behind that, a couple of chairs for Ginseng and Ginger. Two more empty for the Queen and the son. Ginger looked ravishing in her dress, white and laced ends and her face veiled. Ginseng held the royal look so well that mountains moved at his command and trees would part with a stare. I bowed at the bottom of the stairs.

“Cree. Come forward.” A small nimble pony of old square as brick wearing a feathered hat and puffed sleeves came from the side. Took his place behind the podium and readied himself. “Letter, you may rise.” I did. Ginseng tapped his chair arm, an echo flowed through the hall.

“By royal decree of King Ginseng Snow the Eighteenth and Princess Ginger Snow grant you, Sir Letter Bee, Royal Courier of Equestria and now Hestan, would first like to thank you for saving both their lives and eradicating the oppressing Prince Nutmeg. Secondly, by royal decree grant you full citizenship of Hestan and it's outerlying cities as a royal. As such, you, Letter Bee, will be granted the status of Duke and given your own land and home on which you will live should you return. You will receive the family's royal emblem as proof of this. It will be maintained regardless of your presence. Upon receiving the emblem, it must not be sold for profit, doing so will forfeit all status and land given to you and banishment for a set amount of years.

“Secondly, as demonstrated by your profound understanding of the Designer's Script, we ask that you offer your knowledge on the subject. Should you choose to decline, we will respect your wishes and not press the matter. Should you accept, all we require are what notes you provide to translate the scripture. If you mislead us, then we will enforce the aforementioned punishment.

“I started hearing the scratching of a quill then, “Lastly, as part of your new dukedom status, you will be provided with money from the royal coffers. With which, you can purchase whatever you may, so long as can be bought in the local currency. Said currency can be exchanged at the proper locations for its equivalent and is only to be withdrawn from the Royal Holdings and certified banks. Duplication of currency will also be met with the aforementioned punishment.” Cree closed the scroll and placed it upon the podium. For a stallion his age, he certainly spoke volumes. “Do you hereby accept these terms?”

“I accept the terms.”

He smiled. “It will be nice to have a kinder gentlecolt in the house.” He collected his papers and turned turned to Ginseng. “My lord, you may have stage.”

Ginseng cleared his throat and rose from his chair, “Thank you, Cree. Take your leave and rest, I'll need your assistance later.” They traded and Ginseng pulled a small book a pocket of his cloak. “Quill Stroke! Out from the pillar and take your leave, I want no record of this for now. You can leave your supplies.” A thump followed by the busy collection of papers hurried out the door behind me. I looked back to catch a glimpse, but saw nothing of the pony, only the closed doors. I swore I heard them trip at least once too.

“Ginger, take your place.” To my surprise it was beside me. “By the power invested in me, King Ginseng Snow the Eighteenth and the Hestan Kingdom, I hereby declare Letter Bee as Duke of Hestan. Similarly, I decree the union between the two before me: Letter Bee, who saved us while risking his own life. And Ginger Snow, who returned in a time of need. Ginger.” Ginseng waved his hoof.

Ginger proceeded to dress my new robe in petals. Plucked from flowers like the ones at my uncle's. They were placed precisely over my shoulders and specific spots on the spine. A single sky blue petal placed on my forehead. She slipped the stem of the flower into a pocket of the robe. I was baffled. Before pulling away, Ginger whispered, “There are two bangles in the opposite pocket, put those on my front hooves when he says your name.” Before I could speak, she shushed me with a silencing gesture.

“Letter.” I proceeded slowly. Reaching for the bangles, feeling their weight shift and the small bells ring. I pulled out the gold ringed things, etched with the family crest and a silver flourish of something like rosemary. The bells hung by copper-toned hoops melded into the sides. I slid the bangles on, one at a time.

“And now the veil.” This part felt natural. I lifted the thin white lace away from her face. Having it rest on top of her head and then I kissed her yet once more. She smelled of snow and ginger. “With that the ceremony is complete.” He stepped down and passed us by and through the doors, calling for Quick Stroke once more.

“Ginger, what just happened?” I asked perplexed.

“We've become an item.” She answered calmly.

“Like marriage?”

“Something like that.”

“I thought this was just a ceremony!” I said exasperated.

“Marriages are ceremonies, you oaf!” She rebuked. “Now, to the Room of Regard.”

I did so, leading her through a winding hall of vaulted pillars and paintings peering past us. Suddenly I began to feel like we were two lovers, running from home for reasons unknown. It was exciting and inviting and yet I know that I'll be leaving here for Clackerton, to be with Apricot again. My mind unwound the thoughts of home and the latest memory brought me to locking the doors and stripping her out of the dress. Carefully and cautiously. I cast aside the robe and we brought ourselves to the bed. What ensued was pleasure and joy, coursing through an intimate hour. Followed by a warm and quiet sleep.