Muzzle Full of Thorns

by sarcasticdragon

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Drama, Original Character
Length: 1558

Star Thistle is very successful at what he does, but not everypony approves of his choice of work. Especially not his family. A unicorn in a high class Canterlot society has many options in front of them. Why did he half to choose this?

Star Thistle is an up and coming apothecary, born into a family of wizards and not everyone is ok with that. His Father especially has some hard feelings towards his son's line of work. This doesn't stop Thistle though and he aims to improve his craft through hard work and research. His greenhouse and store are doing very well, and he's been holding up much better than most of Canterlot's elite would have expected. What could go wrong?

As promised this is a story about my OC and a glimpse into his character. His bio can be found on both the Equestrian Amino as well as DA. But I'm really glad I had the time to showcase his personality in full swing.

Published 2018-01-28 10:50:06 UTC
Last updated 2018-01-28 10:50:06 UTC

A Pain in the Neck

“Stop!” Star Thistle rushed towards the part-timer “Those leaves can only be harvested by magic!” The poor pegasus yanked his hoof back and stared in shock at the frenzied stallion. After the initial surprise, a look of confusion crossed over the pegasus’s face.

“Wait…the list said this plant was for a salve, why wouldn’t it be safe?” Star Thistle rolled his eyes and sighed, he has forgotten how hard it was to train new employees.

“First of all, always check the label stick before you touch any of the merchandise,” he growled and gestured towards the red stick jutting out of the soil.

“I thought red meant hooves only,” the orange pegasus whined nervously.

“Yellow is hooves only!” Thistle snapped “We’ve been over this so many times, I…” Thistle raised his head out of his hooves and looked at the trembling pegasus. He took a deep breath and started over. “I know you’re new here and it takes some time to get used to things, but the labels are there for your own safety,” he paused “It’s very important that you learn their meanings.”

“Okay…” the pegasus still seemed unsatisfied “but why is this plant red?”

“This species has many medical properties but is poisonous if it’s ingested. However, you can't harvest it by hoof either. Those small dots on the stem have miniscule pins in them that pop out if disturbed. They will sting for weeks if you aren’t careful. That’s why we use magic, it’s the safest way and makes sure that the plant remains healthy,” he finished with a flick of his tail. The new hire stared down at his hoof and winced at his unscathed hoof.

“I’ll be more careful next time, sir”

“Good. But this wasn’t entirely your fault. That would be my list you’re holding. Apparently Misty gave you mine by accident when she was handing out assignments,” Thistle levitated a small piece of paper out of his basket. “This one is yours. Cloud Flare was it? Do your best.”

“I..I will sir, thank you!” The young pegasus flew off to finish his actual assignment. Star Thistle looked over the list the recruit left behind. In all fairness, he had gotten much further than Thistle would have expected, though that wasn’t saying much really. Now that that was over Thistle turned his attention back to the task at hoof, he had an appointment very soon and he had no intention to reschedule.

Despite previous events, Thistle found the trot back through Canterlot to be rather pleasant. He stopped by a nearby cafe and glanced at his reflection in the window. Star Thistle smoothed back the frayed edges of his meticulously maintained mane and straighten his bow tie, a smug smirk slipped onto his face as he admired himself. Thistle shook his head and tore himself away from the glass, heading back towards the road.

Once again he walked at a leisurely pace, a confident peak at his pocket watch told him that he had plenty of time to spare. His store sign hung proudly above his shop door, but under it was an unwelcome sight. A middle-aged, dusky blue unicorn was stooped on his doorstep. The wide-brimmed hat covered his eyes as the older stallion checked a brilliant, silver pocket watch impatiently. Star Thistle could see the intricate star designs carved into its surface, a sight he had seen so many times as a foal. Indeed the watch was terribly similar to his own that hung from his saddle bag. Thistle slumped his shoulders and slowed down, letting out a low groan despite himself. His father had decided to stop by for a surprise visit...how lovely...

Author's Note

This is my first attempt at writing fiction in the mlp universe. I ended up doing a poll on the Equestria Amino and a good couple people seemed interested in a story about Star Thistle so I finally got around to it.

If you want any more info on my OC you can check me out on the Equestria amino as valravn
or on DA: ValravnKnight

"A Quick Visit"

Star Thistle gathered himself and forced a happy smile on his face. “Father! What a pleasant surprise…” he galloped over towards Rowan Rune “You should have told me you were coming! I would have made some cocoa. What can I do for you today?” Rowan Rune glanced up at his son and put his watch away. The older stallion forced himself onto his legs and calmly approached Thistle.

“Star Thistle… you seem to be doing well,” Rowan looked him over briefly. “I hope it’s no trouble that I’ve stopped by.” Thistle could feel his eye twitch and unconsciously clenched his jaw.

“Of course not!” he vehemently protested “Though I will admit your timing could have been better, I’m afraid I’m meeting with a colleague very soon.” Thistle quickly checked his watch hoping his father would take the hint.

“This will not take long,” Rowan Rune held up a hoof as if to silence any objections then gestured at the door “but I believe it would be best if we could speak in private.” Before Star Thistle could respond Rowan Rune had already entered the shop and Thistle reluctantly followed. The small gold bell chimed as he pushed the door shut behind him. He made a mental note to apologize to Professor Ivory when he finally got to see her. None of his father’s “quick visits” were short after all.The pair of unicorns were greeted by a short, pink earth pony behind the counter.

“Mr. Thistle, great timing. The new potion vials you ordered came in, do you want me to put them into the storage room or will you take them into your office?”

“Please put them in the storage room for now Hazelnut. I’ll grab them at the end of the day. If Professor Ivory arrives before we finish ask her to wait in my workroom please.”

“You got it boss,” Hazelnut took a note “It’s a pleasure to see your again Mr.Rune.” Rowan Rune nodded sternly in acknowledgment and continued into Star Thistle’s office. “Good luck sir,” Hazelnut quietly giggled than walked over to a rose display.

“Thanks..” Thistle sighed and approached the office door “I’m gonna need it,” he muttered to himself.

Rowan Rune inspected a globe on the edge of Star Thistle’s desk. His office was slightly cluttered. A pile of letters sat ignored in a pile on one side of the desk, scrapped potion ideas were scattered around a wastebasket, and a few dirty mugs sat on the windowsill reminding him of his all-nighters. Thistle shut the door and walked further into the small room.

“You seem to be taking this rather seriously,” Rowan Rune glanced at the large bookshelf crammed with reference books.

“Of course, it is my livelihood after all, though I do wish it left more time for my own research,” Thistle straightened up the letters and placed them in the bottom drawer.

“Yes, yes…” Rowan trailed off. For the first time in a long time, Rowan’s amber eyes met Star Thistle's. “My visit might be more important then I had originally let on…” he started.

“O..kay?” Thistle tilted his head in confusion.

“The wizard’s council has decided to hold an exhibition on different methods of magic,” Rowan paused to let his words sink in “I want you to act as a representative for potions and botanical based magic.” For a second the world froze. Star Thistle could only hear the vibrations of his own heart beating in his chest.

“You...you want me?” Thistle finally managed to stammer out. He was drowning as a wave of emotions rushed over him: joy, amazement, relief, and...anger. Thistle steadied himself against the desk. “I’m flattered, truly flattered, but I need some time to think it over.” He stared at the floor.

“You have time,” Rowan nodded, not showing any hint of emotion “There is no pressure. I will return in a week to hear your answer,” Rowan Rune started for the door. Thistle swallowed at looked up.

“Thank you for the opportunity… Dad,” Star Thistle added that last part so quietly he was afraid his father didn’t hear him. For the first time since he arrived Rowan’s poker face softened and he glanced back at his son.

“You’re welcome Thistle.” Rowan Rune left the office, seconds later the muted chime of a bell rang and then everything fell silent. Star Thistle sat behind his desk and dropped his aching head onto the desk. He couldn’t quite comprehend what had just happened, after months of ignoring him Rowan Rune strode back into his life and dropped that piece of news in his lap. Thistle sat in silence. After a few moments, there was a quiet knock at his door. Hazelnut’s head popped through the doorway.

“Professor Ivory Gleam is waiting for you boss.”

“Tell her I’ll be with her in a moment.” Thistle got up and gave his mane a quick comb through. He took a deep breath, held his head up high, and walked through the door.

Author's Note

I hope you enjoy this chapter, it was pretty fun to write honestly. If I have the time I might end up drawing Hazelnut and Rowan Rune on DA.