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1-2. One of the main events that kickstarts Juniper's destiny is when her (adoptive) Aunt Princess Twilight Sparkle visits a few days before her seventh birthday. Because she has an important meeting in Canterlot during little Juniper's birthday, she decides to give her her present now. The near-completely blind filly is incredibly confused when she's gifted a bookcase filled top to bottom in books. Being born with only the ability to see blurred, dark shapes and colors, Juniper's schooling was therefore a little different than her classmate's. She was taught spelling and Ponish, but couldn't partake in her friends' adoration of Harry Trotter for obvious reasons. Therefore, a near-library makes poor June a little bewildered, especially since her mother Applejack seems rather enthusiastic about this.

That is, until Twilight takes a book off the shelf, then lets June feel the cover. There are tiny little bumps in correlating patterns there. Twilight then explains the concept of braille to Juniper, and tells her that not only does she get a bookcase of customized books, all for Juniper to delve into and explore — after she learns to read said braille, in which retired teacher Ms. Cheerilee offers bi-weekly lessons to accomplish this. An incredibly enthusiastic Juniper Berry pours her heart into learning to read — and it doesn't take too terribly long for her to catch up with her friends. She loves everything from fiction, fantasy, and textbooks. One of her favorites just happens to be Supernaturals: Natural Remedies and Cure-Alls that are Simply Super…



3-4. While she tries to live her life as normally as any other pony, there are still a few disadvantages Juniper ends up having to deal with. Her friends make special efforts to include Juniper in all of their games and adventures, though she rarely needs assistance. Being an Apple, she holds that strength within her and has worked to improve her balance and dexterity so she would never drag down her loved ones — even from an early age. So she loves joining in games of chase and tag, or going on hikes, or helping her friends with near whatever they need. However, sometimes it does happen that she runs right into a friend and knocks them both to the ground (though they usually laugh off her apologies), or talks to a pole that she mistakes for Mr. Troubleshoes and has to be gently reminded the pole is not alive. Nor Mr. Troubleshoes.



5-6. Of course, one of Juniper's closest relationships is with her mother, Applejack. AJ, and husband Ash Bark are delighted to be bringing a foal into the world. However, not all things go according to plan. June comes into the world early, small, and delicate. Not to mention nearly blind. Applejack and Ash both worked hard to raise June to where she felt like a "normal" filly. Since Ash was often called away on duty, Juniper spent quite a bit of time with AJ. The farm mare always tells her daughter she's proud of her and is the absolute best thing that's ever happened to her. She encourages June's strength's, but knows that the filly is just as stubborn as she is.

Some days, Juniper comes home after a rough day at school, and all she wants to do is spend a few quiet hours with her Mama in the meadow. However, their respective determination is on par with one another, and these two can get into some pretty vicious arguments. There are times Juniper feels her mother is far too restrictive and protective, attempting to take away her independence. Applejack, of course, is just trying to protect her in the best way she knows how. Sometimes its just hard to communicate that properly sometimes.



7-8. Despite her disadvantages, Juniper doesn't let that slow her down when it comes to her hobby, passion, and contribution to her family's farm: creating healing tonics, potions, and brews from flowers, herbs, and other natural ingredients (with possibly a little big of magic thrown in, of course). After being inspired by Supernaturals, she begins to teach herself the ins and outs of tonic-making. Because she doesn't have a very good visual reference for her ingredients, Juniper has worked to train her senses of smell, taste, and even touch (most things she can identify by smell alone nowadays!). Her talents picked up the attention of none other than Zecora, who has taken Juniper in as part-time apprentice. However, despite all of this, there are still times when she thinks she's chewing a nice mint leaf, and it turns out to be an extremely Bitter Bronsil leaf.

Upvotes at import: 19 | Stars at import: 14
Posted previously at: 2020-01-06T19:30:19 | Posted previously by: Mildgyth