<TIAMAT> *Gilbert is down by the stables, instructing one of his other students on how to tame and call cockatrices.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert: No, Xylo, the call is higher-pitched, like this. *he makes a loud, high-pitch screeching whistle sound, and the bird squawks at him from its perch some several yards away.

<TIAMAT> *Xylo is practicing the call, not getting it quite right. Gilbert sighs.

<JETMODE> *There's a roar of laughter. "You know, I never could quite get that one myself."

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert, without turning around. "Now, I'd know that laugh from a mile off. *he half turns, a grin spreading across his face. "Dorian Oanesdale, you old codswalloper!

<JETMODE> *Dorian grins in return. "I see you're still alive, old man -- and still putting trainees through hell!"

<JETMODE> *Kender slips unobtrusively over to start work, hiding a small grin. Cinno follows him, grumbling to himself.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert hmphs loudly (Xylo, spotting Kender, goes after him, asking about the cockatrice call). "Old man yourself! You should take a good look in the mirror!

<JETMODE> *Dorian preens. "I'm still younger than you -- and a damn sight more handsome."

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert: And still far too talkative for your own good, I see.

<JETMODE> <Dorian> *easy shrug* I have to keep some vices -- I don't get many as a respectable family man.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert strokes his beard. "Respectable family indeed! Well, woe betide your poor wife if she thinks you're handsome! I have to admit, though, you've got a fine son there. *nods to Kender working a ways off.

<JETMODE> <Dorian> *beam* Did well by him. Johan hasn't quite got his gift, but he'll do fine at the ranch.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert: Ranch, eh? What kinda beasts you keep?

<JETMODE> <Dorian> *glancing over the animals in the corral wistfully* Nothing special, I'm afraid -- mayor's a little bit paranoid. Mostly horses, packbeasts. *he grins* I do have a gryphon and a hippogriff he doesn't know about, though.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert chuckles at this. "Oh, now, that sounds like the Dorian that I know! Always breaking the rules, getting into trouble, eh yeah?

<JETMODE> *Dorian coughs, then grins broadly. "Well, I haven't gotten into trouble yet -- Rinnie sends him plenty of her cooking so he'll keep quiet.

<JETMODE> *He laughs again.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert invites Dorian to walk with him around the stables. "So how come ye never came back, boy? Everyone expected you to take my place until we heard you ran off and got yourself a pretty girl!

<JETMODE> *Dorian follows him, eyeing the animals as he goes. "I intended to, Gil, I really did -- we were on our way, in fact. *shrugs* The unexpected happens sometimes. And then we had the kids ...

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert: There are folks who raise families here. 'smater 'o fact, one of your son's friends was born and raised here! Know her parents well, I do. But I can understand. Families do change things, they do.

<JETMODE> <Dorian> I won't argue with that -- but we settled in fine where we were. *shakes head* I don't regret it. Besides, you've got Kender to pick on now.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert laughs. "Haha, that I do! Ah, but he's got a way with the animals that you don't see much anymore. You did him well -- and even better sending him off to find me. *he grins a little smugly*

<JETMODE> <Dorian> *snort* Well, I'll admit you're still the best, old man. He probably would have found his way to you eventually anyhow -- ranch life isn't his style.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert: Mm, no, I can see that. But if we don't watch out, he's going to be like you -- run off and get his silly self married before he finishes his training! *he hrumphs slightly.

<JETMODE> *Doran roars with laughter. "I don't think you need to worry about that quite yet. He wouldn't give up the trade -- it's practically a part of him. And if that girl's as taken with him as Rinnie thinks she is, then she'll understand."

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert: Hah, I suppose you're right. After all, she participates here too. Who knows, maybe they'll stick around and Kender can take my place when it's time. Not that I'm ready to go quite yet, mind you, but these bones are getting weary.

<JETMODE> <Dorian> And here I thought you were going to live forever. *leans lazily against a stall* Maybe he will.

<TIAMAT> *Rex the dog wanders over to Dorian and sniffs at his feet, wagging a bit.

<JETMODE> *Dorian crouches down to pat the dog on the head. "New one? Still calling them all Rex?" He grins.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert: Hmph! Rex was my first partner and he'll be my last, till my dying day!

<TIAMAT> *Rex wags more and slurps Dorian's face.

<JETMODE> *Dorian laughs, enduring the doggy kiss with more grace than a few characters I know would have. "I don't see how Kender stands that Cinno. The cat's vicious-natured."

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert wags a finger at Dorian as Rex pants happily. "That cat's Kender's partner -- and you know how a Beast Master and his partner have special bonds. I seem to recall a certain moody unicorn that would only answer to you when you were here.

<JETMODE> *Dorian hrmphs. "He wasn't that bad. Loyal to the end, at that."

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert: Loyal to you! Just like that cat's loyal to Kender.

<JETMODE> *Dorian grins. "Most of the time."