Some thought it strange, an earth pony learning from an unicorn how to make various medicines, strange potions and other things that resembled magic to others, but in the end, magic wasn't a thing that was limited to unicorns anyway, and alchemy certainly wasn't the kind of magic you would need an horn for.
Up in the far north, in a shady, secluded town, a young earth pony is inducted into the secrets of Alchemy. One day, he's been sent by his mentor to deliver a healing potion to a town a few days of hiking away. After for the first time getting to know the world outside his hometown, he pleades his mentor to allow him for another trip. He complies, sending him to retrieve a legendary ingredient from far away. After rejoicing at first, the young apprentice soon has to realize that this second trip is going to be much harder and more dangerous than the first one.
Set in a medieval setting before Luna's banishment, using mostly original locations and characters, except for Starswirl the Bearded and possibly the two princesses.
Inspired by this piece of music
First chapter edited by CloppleJack.