“That’s true I suppose,” he agreed with a small bob of his head. “Still though, I maintain the opinion you’re far better than me. Growing up with it or not, I doubt I’d remain as good and kind as you are.” Again, it was difficult to know if it was actually Psychedelic talking or if this was just pointless drivel he made up on the spot to make Bob seem kinder and more empathetic. Somewhere inside he had to have these thoughts and feelings himself, didn’t he? The longer he adopted this persona and lived inside it, the more he couldn’t keep straight what was himself and what was the kind, middle-aged stallion living in the Forest, keeping a close eye on his daughter.

“Do you think this is where you’re always going to be?” He asked, broaching the topic rather suddenly. He cracked an apologetic smile and shook his head. “Sorry, I’ve just lived a full life and I’ve… I’ve seen it all, done it all, I’m not made for leading a herd, and so I’m content here, living every day like this…”

What a big, fat lie. One of about a million you’ve told since you met this girl.

As he was now very accustomed to doing, Psychedelic merely ignored the dry voice that crawled through his head. “You’re young… still have plenty of adventures to live. Find a nice band stallion maybe, settle down and have a couple kids of your own...”

To Psychedelic, it sounded like such a boring life. He remembered, suddenly, speaking to Raniyah when they’d first met, when he’d been convinced she was about to be swept away by some band stallion eager to add her to his little collection of treasures. Still, while Psychedelic would have liked nothing more than to taunt Aurora for having the same fate, Bob just wasn’t that way. Bob looked to his friend, this young, sweet mare, and asked her genuinely about what her plans for her future were.