The Ancient One

“Oh, one of those kinds of childhoods.” He patted Junior’s knee, “It’s alright, grandson, no need to tell, though a copy of the album would be nice.” He poured him a cup of tea and pushed the bread rolls towards him. “Eat, growing boys need food! So no childhood stories, current then! Tell me, do you have a girlfriend? Or boyfriend? Platonic lifefriend?”

“Aaah, I see!” He paused and said, “My stubborn student didn’t tell me his other self reproduced. I still feel cheated. Call me grandpappy anyway! Come, come, sit, tell me aaaallll about your childhood so I can tell everybody about my grandson!” Grinning cheerfully, he summons a plate of bread rolls and a pot of tea. “Do you have baby pictures?”

“My stubborn student reproduced and didn’t tell me? I feel cheated. You can call me gandpappy if you like! I’ve always wanted to be called that.”

“Everyone likes herbs!” He clicks his tongue, “You know all are welcome in Kamar-Taj. If they don’t pick fights. And don’t litter.” He gives Mordo a pointed look. “Trash remains in the trash.”

“Couldn’t find the good herbs anywhere else, eh? You could just say you missed me, my dear former student.” He gave out a chuckle.

“Stephen! What do you need from your old teacher? Aid? Spells? Advice on your love life? On second thought, best not ask me for that last one. Not even the Vishanti can help with that.”  

“Mordo, my former disciple, what brings you back to Kamar-Taj? Did you forget your toothbrush?”

“Another doctor? My, I seem to be collecting many of them this decade. I do hope you don’t have as much of an ego as my student. I don’t think Kamar-Taj has the room.”

“Ah, my stubborn son appears! So wonderful of you to visit me! Did you bring some Taco Bell?”