Hiya folks! Old Man here.
This here's a little break section I'm taking to answer any burning questions the readers have as I wind down for a spell and clear my head for the next story arc. Pretty straightforward, isn't it?
Also, to assist me in answering such questions, I've decided to pull Mender out for a bit to help me if for some reason I'm not the appropriate one to answer. Say hi, Mender!
"I hate you so much."
Wonderful, that means we're ready to get started! Now then let's just see how many questions I've got here...
"You have one."
One question?
...Just one?
"Yep."
No questions about the blatant loose threads I've left hanging? Nothing about Discord, the prophecy...anything?
"I guess these folk trust you enough to resolve all those loose threads when it's time. This is for more immediate loose threads, remember?"
*sigh*...I guess you're right. What's the one question, then?
"It's about Redheart not saying anything after learning about my pet changeling as the Princesses and I interrogated Point."
OH! Well, that's an easy one.
"Well then, do explain. I sorta expected an outburst from her. She tends to yell at me a ton as is for my injuries anyway, and hanging around a changeling would certainly be cause for alarm."
Fair point. In that case, let me ask you this: Would you interrupt an interrogation involving an assassin, his would-be victim, and two Princesses for the sole purpose of learning about a pet?
"It's a pet changeling. Fairly certain it's still a good question to ask, even in that setting."
I accept that that's true, but was it need to know at that very moment? Surely she noticed how the Princesses were unfazed by your casual remark about it...and a bit of your boasting concerning it.
"What, are you saying Nurse Redheart didn't ask about it at that moment because the Princesses weren't shocked by it?"
Sounds reasonable, doesn't it? If the Princesses weren't showing concern, why should she? Also, she had to keep her focus on that assassin as well, what with having to sedate him should he get unruly and all.
"I...guess that makes sense."
Damn well it should. In any case, more pressing questions were being asked at that time, as I'm sure you remember.
"Yeah yeah, learning about who's out to get me and who Point worked for. I get it, those were more important to learn about."
I do imagine she'll ask you about it later once you wake up from that nasty little spell that took hold of you at the end there, though. I hope you're prepared for that.
"Aren't I always?"
...Sometimes I wonder if you are.
"...hay, speaking of that spell, what in Tartarus was that about?"
Hm? Your little possession? Ah, well, that was a warding measure I took to protect the door. I was certain that refusal of a direct order from the Princess regarding that little secret wouldn't make you look good in anypony's eyes.
"So you saved my ass from a bind by causing a little scare?"
Basically. It worked, didn't it?
"I wouldn't know."
Wouldn't kno-oh right, you were unconscious as soon as the spell left. Well, don't worry, the Princesses bought into the prophecy. Hook, line, and sinker. Plus, it wouldn't do to have them ruin the fun I've got planned.
"Fun?"
In due time, Mender. Can't spoil everything here, else it would ruin the surprises in store for you!
"...great. I'll be looking forward to those, I guess. Actually, I have another question to ask you."
Do you now? Well, I guess I have time for one more before I need to sleep.
"You only answered two questions! How are you tired already?"
...you ARE aware of my name, correct?
"Stupid question, got it. But anyway, back to my real question. Why am I suffering so much in Ponyville, physically AND mentally?"
Stress relief.
"...Seriously?"
Eeyup.
"No other reason?"
Well, for fun of course! Stress relief is a bonus that I happen to enjoy the most, though.
"You're terrible."
I'll take that as a compliment. Anyway, that's the end of this first intermission! Oh, and Mender, one last thing before you return to your tale of wonder and adventure.
"You're hamming this up way too much."
I'm taking my moments as they come. Still, you should know something very important.
"And what in Equestria would that be?"
You'll forget this entire conversation ever happened. Oh, but you'll still hate me, as I'm sure you know from how this started.
"...fine, but before I go, I just want to let you know that I'm always going to hate you."
Keep on hating, Mender. Just makes the story all the more interesting to write for you.