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sweetpinkpixie · 03-17-2025, 05:43 AM

Nyle barely breathed as Waterwings considered him, the weight and majesty of the hippogriff’s gaze making him feel both incredibly small and incredibly seen simultaneously - which was incredibly overwhelming. The moment stretched impossibly long, the world narrowing to the space between them, the earth beneath his feet feeling suddenly insubstantial. And then, graceful as a river bending to the pull of the earth, Waterwings lowered his head... long legs folding ever so smoothly into a bow.

Nyle's heart practically stopped. He bowed. He actually bowed.

The rush of exhilaration left him dizzy, lightheaded, a little bit enchanted and a little bit ridiculous. If Waterwings had miraculously rumbled out his name just then, maybe something vaguely resembling Niles instead of Nyle, he wouldn’t have minded in the slightest. In fact, he might have kept it and rebranded himself entirely. f that's what this magnificent creature deemed him to be, then who was the Hufflepuff to argue!

Honestly? Not a bad trade-off for the single greatest moment of his life. Well, currently rank as the single greatest moment of Nyle’s life ... but there are a few experiences that could one day surpass even this - such as the discovery of a new plant species, or cultivating an extinct species back into existence, or seeing a rare bloom like the celestial bramble which only releases its glowing ethereal spores into the night sky once every century under the right lunar alignment.

The bow meant that the second year had permission to touch the creature, but Nyle lacked the confidence to do so just yet - even with gentle coaxing by the professor to perform some basic grooming essentials. Instead, Nyle listened carefully to Professor Paton's words, the gentle breeze around him carrying the earthy scent of the pastures. He took a moment to observe Waterwings and his regal air, finding that he couldn’t help but notice the subtle changes in the hippogriff’s posture, how his feathers seemed slightly more ruffled, the glimmer of wisdom in his deep eyes. He was aging, the second year supposed, but in the most dignified way, as if time had only enhanced his strength and grace. It reminded Nyle plants he admired, those that grew stronger with age, their features becoming more intricate and fascinating as they matured. Like the Adansonia that grow more striking as they age, developing deep, twisting bark and an almost otherworldly appearance and more storied in appearance OR the Paphiopedilum that grow and produce larger, more elaborate flowers as time goes on for the most whimsical display of natural artistry.

Nyle glanced at Waterwings again, taking in the slight shifting of the hippogriff's talons, the way his head tilted slightly as if contemplating his own age, his own changes over time - or perhaps the Hufflepuff was projecting again...something he was becoming rather notorious for doing. "I imagine with these creatures, we’d need to be more patient with them," Nyle offered thoughtfully. "Just like with plants - and, er, people - and of course creatures like hippogriffs... everything needs different care as they get older. When they're young, they might have more energy, so they can handle a bit more excitement and exercise..maybe faster metabolisms so they require more frequent feedings and stuff.... But as they age, they start to slow down, and their needs change. That's just, well, that's natural and ought to be expected. Some older plants sometimes become more delicate and need a bit more attention, like less sunlight or a softer touch when you handle them. It’s the same with Waterwings here, I would reckon. He might not like being rushed as much as the younger hippogriffs do or brushed as vigorously or maybe he will like longer brushings. He knows his own pace and appreciates a little more time to adjust. Mum often talks about how everyone needs different kinds of care as they heal. Sometimes it's about being gentle and knowing when to give them space or when they're ready for something more. It’s all about listening and understanding their needs."

As Professor Paton elaborated and revealed the path ahead for a majority of the hippogriff herd, Nyle’s thoughts drifted through a mixture of understanding and internal conflict. He wasn’t particularly saddened by the announcement of the older hippogriffs moving on to the Atreyu-Rehman Hippogriff Reserve. It made sense, really, and felt like part of the natural cycle of things and not all that different from seventh years graduating and moving on to the next progression. His gaze shifted to the new hippogriffs that had just become visible. They were young, fresh, their movements energetic, almost electric in comparison to the steady grace of Waterwings and some of the others. A small, guilty pang struck his chest. He couldn’t help but be drawn to the idea of getting to know these new arrivals. They were like fresh seeds, untested, waiting to grow into something special. They'd need care, too, but in a different way. Yet, as he turned back to Waterwing, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of responsibility to the older hippogriff. It felt almost disrespectful to turn away from him now, just because someone younger had appeared. Waterwings had his own rhythms, his own needs, and Nyle had been honored to build a connection with him today so he certainly wasn't about to waste this opportunity - especially with the potential of it being the last! It was like deciding to ignore a well-cultivated plant in favor of something fresh and new seeds, without considering the time and care already invested. It would be like leaving a plant half-repotted, abandoning its roots simply because something shinier had come along.

But then another thought nagged at him: what if it was cruel to ignore the younger hippogriffs entirely? His mind scrambled between two choices, neither of which seemed perfect. If he stuck with Waterwings, was he disregarding the needs of the newcomers? If he moved away from the older hippogriff to greet the younger ones, was he doing a disservice to Waterwings, who had already shown him trust and respect? Professor Paton, of course, had made it clear that they were free to approach either group, but for Nyle, the decision was herculean to make. It felt like one of those delicate moments, like trying to prune a plant but unsure of how much to cut back. Too little attention to the young ones might seem cold and dismissive and he never earn their trust due to a poor first impression.

The choices felt impossibly cruel in their own way.

With a sigh, Nyle glanced over at Waterwings with a smile, feeling a deep, unwavering respect for the hippogriff’s dignity. "I think," he whispered softly, "I'll stay with you for now, Waterwings. I won’t forget about the others, though, but you deserve some pampering so I hope it would be alright if I gave your feathers a brush."　The blonde picked up a brush, his fingers hesitating as he turned it over in his hand, inspecting it with a quiet curiosity. He gently rubbed it against his palm, testing the bristles, feeling the softness and the way they moved. He tried a few more, each with a little scrubbing motion, until he finally found the one that felt just right - a perfect balance of gentle and effective - and turned back to the hippogriff with gentle strides towards his flank to begin grooming.

03-17-2025, 05:43 AM	#21 (permalink)
sweetpinkpixie Wizarding World RPG Admin Minister for Magic Alley Proprietor Leprechaun Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: The Paths Posts: 40,105 Hogwarts RPG Name: Briallen Ashburry-Hawthorne Gryffindor First Year Hogwarts RPG Name: Nyle Harden Hufflepuff Second Year Hogwarts RPG Name: Iris Harden Ravenclaw Second Year Hogwarts RPG Name: Calliope Barrington Slytherin First Year Hogwarts RPG Name: Diamond Marchbanks Gryffindor Sixth Year Ministry Department Head: Charles Hollingberry Minister's Office Ministry Department Head: Airey Flamsteed Mysteries Diagon Alley Proprietor: Zachaël Lufkin Owl Post x12 x12	graduating elementary school soon, work, PTA ... coming up for air at last! #ketchup astronomizzle ♧ gryffinDORK \| & the rest is drag ♣ #badluckDerf Nyle barely breathed as Waterwings considered him, the weight and majesty of the hippogriff’s gaze making him feel both incredibly small and incredibly seen simultaneously - which was incredibly overwhelming. The moment stretched impossibly long, the world narrowing to the space between them, the earth beneath his feet feeling suddenly insubstantial. And then, graceful as a river bending to the pull of the earth, Waterwings lowered his head... long legs folding ever so smoothly into a bow. Nyle's heart practically stopped. He bowed. He actually bowed. The rush of exhilaration left him dizzy, lightheaded, a little bit enchanted and a little bit ridiculous. If Waterwings had miraculously rumbled out his name just then, maybe something vaguely resembling Niles instead of Nyle, he wouldn’t have minded in the slightest. In fact, he might have kept it and rebranded himself entirely. f that's what this magnificent creature deemed him to be, then who was the Hufflepuff to argue! Honestly? Not a bad trade-off for the single greatest moment of his life. Well, currently rank as the single greatest moment of Nyle’s life ... but there are a few experiences that could one day surpass even this - such as the discovery of a new plant species, or cultivating an extinct species back into existence, or seeing a rare bloom like the celestial bramble which only releases its glowing ethereal spores into the night sky once every century under the right lunar alignment. The bow meant that the second year had permission to touch the creature, but Nyle lacked the confidence to do so just yet - even with gentle coaxing by the professor to perform some basic grooming essentials. Instead, Nyle listened carefully to Professor Paton's words, the gentle breeze around him carrying the earthy scent of the pastures. He took a moment to observe Waterwings and his regal air, finding that he couldn’t help but notice the subtle changes in the hippogriff’s posture, how his feathers seemed slightly more ruffled, the glimmer of wisdom in his deep eyes. He was aging, the second year supposed, but in the most dignified way, as if time had only enhanced his strength and grace. It reminded Nyle plants he admired, those that grew stronger with age, their features becoming more intricate and fascinating as they matured. Like the Adansonia that grow more striking as they age, developing deep, twisting bark and an almost otherworldly appearance and more storied in appearance OR the Paphiopedilum that grow and produce larger, more elaborate flowers as time goes on for the most whimsical display of natural artistry. Nyle glanced at Waterwings again, taking in the slight shifting of the hippogriff's talons, the way his head tilted slightly as if contemplating his own age, his own changes over time - or perhaps the Hufflepuff was projecting again...something he was becoming rather notorious for doing. "I imagine with these creatures, we’d need to be more patient with them," Nyle offered thoughtfully. "Just like with plants - and, er, people - and of course creatures like hippogriffs... everything needs different care as they get older. When they're young, they might have more energy, so they can handle a bit more excitement and exercise..maybe faster metabolisms so they require more frequent feedings and stuff.... But as they age, they start to slow down, and their needs change. That's just, well, that's natural and ought to be expected. Some older plants sometimes become more delicate and need a bit more attention, like less sunlight or a softer touch when you handle them. It’s the same with Waterwings here, I would reckon. He might not like being rushed as much as the younger hippogriffs do or brushed as vigorously or maybe he will like longer brushings. He knows his own pace and appreciates a little more time to adjust. Mum often talks about how everyone needs different kinds of care as they heal. Sometimes it's about being gentle and knowing when to give them space or when they're ready for something more. It’s all about listening and understanding their needs." As Professor Paton elaborated and revealed the path ahead for a majority of the hippogriff herd, Nyle’s thoughts drifted through a mixture of understanding and internal conflict. He wasn’t particularly saddened by the announcement of the older hippogriffs moving on to the Atreyu-Rehman Hippogriff Reserve. It made sense, really, and felt like part of the natural cycle of things and not all that different from seventh years graduating and moving on to the next progression. His gaze shifted to the new hippogriffs that had just become visible. They were young, fresh, their movements energetic, almost electric in comparison to the steady grace of Waterwings and some of the others. A small, guilty pang struck his chest. He couldn’t help but be drawn to the idea of getting to know these new arrivals. They were like fresh seeds, untested, waiting to grow into something special. They'd need care, too, but in a different way. Yet, as he turned back to Waterwing, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of responsibility to the older hippogriff. It felt almost disrespectful to turn away from him now, just because someone younger had appeared. Waterwings had his own rhythms, his own needs, and Nyle had been honored to build a connection with him today so he certainly wasn't about to waste this opportunity - especially with the potential of it being the last! It was like deciding to ignore a well-cultivated plant in favor of something fresh and new seeds, without considering the time and care already invested. It would be like leaving a plant half-repotted, abandoning its roots simply because something shinier had come along. But then another thought nagged at him: what if it was cruel to ignore the younger hippogriffs entirely? His mind scrambled between two choices, neither of which seemed perfect. If he stuck with Waterwings, was he disregarding the needs of the newcomers? If he moved away from the older hippogriff to greet the younger ones, was he doing a disservice to Waterwings, who had already shown him trust and respect? Professor Paton, of course, had made it clear that they were free to approach either group, but for Nyle, the decision was herculean to make. It felt like one of those delicate moments, like trying to prune a plant but unsure of how much to cut back. Too little attention to the young ones might seem cold and dismissive and he never earn their trust due to a poor first impression. The choices felt impossibly cruel in their own way. With a sigh, Nyle glanced over at Waterwings with a smile, feeling a deep, unwavering respect for the hippogriff’s dignity. "I think," he whispered softly, "I'll stay with you for now, Waterwings. I won’t forget about the others, though, but you deserve some pampering so I hope it would be alright if I gave your feathers a brush."　The blonde picked up a brush, his fingers hesitating as he turned it over in his hand, inspecting it with a quiet curiosity. He gently rubbed it against his palm, testing the bristles, feeling the softness and the way they moved. He tried a few more, each with a little scrubbing motion, until he finally found the one that felt just right - a perfect balance of gentle and effective - and turned back to the hippogriff with gentle strides towards his flank to begin grooming. __________________ When you're stuck in a moment and your spark has been stolen .................................................. ........... this is our time to own it, so own it..................................... baby we were born with fire and gold in our eyes