“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...