Borromean thistle

The thistle, the symbol of the Sarl, has three phases in its life.

In the first phase, the plant becomes tall, hard, and covered with long, sharp spines like miniature swords.

In the second, the plant develops large, soft, round flowers of bright lavender, red, or blue. During this time, the beautiful blooms attracted the few pollinating insects that could survive the cold, harsh Carrick summer.

The thistles with the loveliest flowers and sweetest scents would produce the healthiest, hardiest, and most abundant seeds, and pass those traits on, strengthening the species.

In the final phase, after the flowers had given up their seeds, their leaves wrinkled, and they stood like sentinels over the sleeping buds developing under the snow. The stalks bend and harden, becoming nearly stone-like. The faded, torn, and withered flowers give off pungent odors that drive away animals searching for food in the deadly Carrick winter.

This entry is from the works of Nancy S. and Steven R. Brandt.