Jonathan sighed. He didn't want to derail the young man's enthusiasm for helping in the stables, but a routine was already established. Seeing Logan stabling Ghost, he almost sighed again. He would have to deal with the issues cropping up here and forego his plans with the other man for now.

Jonathan was almost relieved to hear Logan say, "I don't think our plans are gonna work out today, Doc. I'll take a rain check if ya' don't mind. Looks like you got plenty o' company... plenty to focus on this mornin'. I'll catch ya' another time."

"I'm sorry. It does look as if I will have to deal with the children this morning. I certainly don't want to try flying Cymbrogi in all this commotion. Perhaps day after tomorrow if you're free? That's my designated free time for counseling and since school is not yet in session, I can use the time as I like." Jonathan's deep, pleasant voice clearly indicated his regret at having his morning's plans dashed. He nodded gently at Logan as he turned to deal with everything else, hoping the other man would take him up on the second invitation.

---

Jonathan caught up with Mez, smiling, "Thank you for your offer of help. But, until you are evaluated with the animals, it is best left for the students who are on the stable duty roster. You are also welcome to join in the ride, but again, we need to choose a mount and get your riding skills evaluated first. I can do that for you and Karika at the same time. I'll assume you are at least at intermediate level, and you can choose a mount based on that. The plaques on the stall doors will say Xavier's if the horse belongs to the school and there will be a small 'B', 'I', or 'E' next to the horse's name. Choose one with an 'I', the animal's tack will be labeled in the tack room."

---

Leaving Mez and turning to Karika, he smiled, "She's a good choice." Indicating the small mare with a nod of his head. Her name was not Baby, but he decided to let that be for now. Taking a small carry-all down from a nearby shelf; he handed it to Karika. "Please brush her coat out, then we'll find her saddle and bridle. I will be back as soon as I put the eagle back in his habitat."

Jonathan exited the area and walked back to the paddock where Dragon still waited patiently, "Soon, old friend." He murmured to the big bay. With a quiet command to the Sea Eagle, he took the bird and the shotgun back to the mews securing both thoroughly.

---

Tags: None

OOC: Okay...I'm taking a few days off, probably until the weekend. I will make another post for Jonathan once Marina replies in the Main Floors forum, getting her officially instated at the school.

As for the remainder of this Rimshot, you may assume Jonathan checked both Karika and Mez out for their riding ability and accompanied them and Kitty on a short ride around the estate's trails. Please do not attribute overt dialog or action to Jonathan. He would, however, put his foot down on any continued antagonistic behavior between X-23 and Mez by simply ending the ride...so keep this in mind. I am giving myself a break from posting but will be checking in and if Jonathan has to pull rank as faculty and end the outing, rest assured that he will.