Author's Notes:

I didn't really want to write an Interlude this time, but I have to keep the pace the way it's been since the beginning. Really this is a little nod in Silvadel's direction, and though it would be the perfect way to somewhat "interact" with the audience.

It'd be pretty cool to answer questions that people ask (as long as they don't break the narrative) in the Interludes. That would certainly help fill out the cast of ponies that are in the crowd, and be a fun way to make Interludes more interesting. In all honesty, unless I think of more things to do with the ponies in the crowd, the Interludes are becoming very boring for me to write, and I really just want to get back on track with the next chapter.

“So there was only one voice?” one of the ponies at the back of my storytelling group asked.

I shook my head, “No… well, yes. It’s hard to explain without ruining more of the story, so you’ll just have to wait for the next part.” I told them.

“So… when did you get your wings?” another asked, “It’s starting to sound like you never get them, but… I mean, it’s obvious that you did.”

I laughed. It was strange, but until I’d actually started looking back on my own life, I hadn’t realized how long it would take to tell the tale.

“Well Silver Bell, all in good time.” I offered, “It’s the journey that’s interesting, not the destination, as ponies often say.”

There was still plenty of time until the next meal, and I didn’t feel like answering too many questions, so I decided that I should let everypony take a small break, go use the restroom and do whatever else they decided that they should need to do before calling them back in.

“Be back in this spot in about fifteen minutes.” I commanded, “Until then, dismissed.”

Not much happened in those fifteen minutes, and I didn’t feel like going anywhere so I settled in the place I had been standing and reflected back on the events of the past year. Fray was gone, Aurora was gone. Everypony was gone that I’d known, with the exception of Scootaloo and Featherweight, but they were off doing their own thing so they might as well have been.

My thoughts turned to Fray. So many times had the little creature sacrificed something for my well being. So many times. If it weren’t for the border wars in the west… I’d have been off searching for my lost companion. And if Aurora were…

“Sir…” a small voice called out from a few feet away.

I opened my eyes from where I’d been laying in the grass.

“Hm…? What is it?” I asked the intruder on my reflection.

It was none other than Lemon Stand, and she had brought a cup of water with her and was then offering it to me. I took it and thanked her.

“You look bothered.” Lemon Stand stated, taking a sip from her own cup, “Is something the matter?”

I grunted, “I suppose… but when is there not always something the matter?” I asked, shifting in place to scratch an itch on my back against the rocky ground, “Tell me, do you think they’re enjoying the story?”

“Smooth change of subject, Sir.” Lemon Stand grinned, nodding, “But yes… I think everypony here is enjoying the story. We’re all interested to know how you became who you are.”

“It’s not something I’d wish on anypony… but I get the feeling that there will be a lot more out there like me before the year’s end.” I mused, sitting up to take a large swallow from the cup, “Can you get some more for me?”

Lemon Stand nodded and once again I was alone with my thoughts and it stayed that way until everypony returned to the spot in front of where I stood.

“Everyone here?” I asked, looking around to see if anyone else was doing the same, thereby giving away who might not be there, “Good. I’ll continue then.”