"Cool!" Charlotte responded cheerfully, meaning it. "You're in the same year as my brother, Callum. He's a Gryffindor like me." And the BEST person in the world, for the record.

But they had something to do now. Charlotte nodded.

"Okay, lets go with Icarus." Charlotte stepped closer to the Aethonan, confident but calm. "Hello, Icarus. Its nice to meet you." She crooned softly, in the kind of voice that tended to soothe rather than spook creatures. "Aren't you a beautiful handsome boy? Is it alright if we ride you? I think you'd like a chance to stretch your wings, wouldn't you?" She stroked his nose and ears and then added, "Lets see how well trained you are."

A glance at Cassie, she added, "If he's well trained, we can get him to kneel down for us, so that its easier to mount. We just have to stroke between his eyes like this." Charlotte demonstrated, tracing her finger between Icarus's eyes and along his nose. The Aethonan snorted and tossed his head then gave a sleepy looking blink and sure enough knelt down for them.

"There! Want to mount him first? Be careful of his wings." She would keep stroking him.

Post 1
 

Azura smiled up at the older girl as she introduced herself. "It's nice to meet you Nat. " She said with a warm smile before shaking her dark head. "I haven't actually which is why I'm kinda glad we get to pair up with an older student. " Because her alone on a winged horse? Well that would be disastrous!

Az nodded as the instructions as she took the treats from the older girl and held them out to the horse. "Here you go Apollo. " She said as she held her hand flat, one hand gently reached out to stroke the soft velvety nose and head that bowed towards her to take the treat.

She was a little scared, but she kept calm and kept petting it. "You are very pretty Apollo, Thank you in advance for letting me ride you. " She said softly.

After Paige fixed Genny's position, the Thestral started nudging her hand with the meat slice. To be able to feel them without seeing them made their existence so real, goosebumps sprang all over Genny's body. Her mouth was stretched in so big a grin she was sure it looked ugly to the onlooker. When his/her tongue and lips tickled her, Genny sprang into chirping tiny giggles. "This is so fun!" She whispered eagerly mainly to Sam who was around with a bucket of meat.

The professor called for their attention before anything else could happen, and the Gryffindor stood readily waiting for him to allow them to ride those horses. "Yes!" They were allowed to ride them. "Noooooooo," they needed older students to accompany them. Ugh. Good thing they had Paige.... but Piage was only one person. And Paige was asking the professor an unnecessary question? "But Paige, flying is the fun part. Dad showed me how before, it feels great up in the air with nothing under your feet." She was being helpful and supportive, look at her radiating face and you'll know. Genny was determined on riding this Thestral she fed, too. It'd be SO cool riding air! She rode horses, brooms, carpets, so this would be a new experience. Yes!!!

1. Petting/Stroking
2. Mounting
3. Finding balance and positioning your legs
4. Holding the bridle/rein
5. Signaling them to take off by squeezing them with your legs
6. Pulling of the bridle/rein gently to land
7. Dismounting.

Sam & Hattie, you guys are still with us if you want <333
 

A smile, that was a good thing right? He must have believed her lie! Good, good! Oh did he now expect her to know something about muggle horses? Eh… “No, I haven’t but I’ve seen them a few times” spoke she slowly, choosing her words carefully. Still with her hand touching the animal she needed to confess that the winged horse seemed to behave itself but she still didn’t liked those animals!

Why was he still thinking that she was afraid? That was not supposed to happen! She was a Slytherin and she couldn’t afford it to show weakness! “Alright” nodded Leesha while taking some of the food what had been prepared for the students to give the animals and she walked back, trying very hard to show that she really was brave and she outstretched her hand with the food on top of it toward the winged horse, prying in secret that the animal wouldn’t bite of her hand. Buuuut, the winged horse seemed to be in a good mood and it just took the food from her hand without biting her and THAT was a good sign!

Taking a deep breath she looked at the Philipe for further directions.

"Arigatou.." the seventh year returned back softly with a gentle smile adding seconds later. "Did I say that right?" She wasn't entirely good with many other languages but a word here and there she could pick up without to much trouble. She watched Jace feed Sinatra with a look of pure amazement on his face. This is what she liked most besides helping those in need. Being there when someone got to experience something brand new for the first time. "Oh, I'm sure he would but with all the others around he'll get plenty to eat." So there wasn't any need to keep feeding him.

Hadleigh nodded at the younger boy. "I would think so. He hasn't walked away yet so I'd say at the very least that Sinatra is content." Smiles for them both. If the Thestral wasn't harming them or walking off then they were doing something right.

Oh. My. Gosh!

Who said this kid could be so dang cute?! Hady grinned at him. "Sure," she replied taking his hand into hers. "We'll start at his head and work down. Does that sound good to you?" Easier to work from top to bottom with animals. With that said she slowly walked forward, still holding Jace's hand and set it on Sinatra's head (or as close to it depending on how tall he is?). "This is his head here." She then moved his hand down along it's smooth neck and along his back before very carefully helping him to feel it's wings. She was making sure to pay attention to both the large winged horse before them and Jace. She wanted them both to remain happy and content.

With their hands still lightly stroking the smooth skin of Sinatra the girls attention was caught by their professor speaking up once more. Woot! They were getting to ride them today! She grinned down at Jace about to ask him if he would like to ride with her, why not seeing as he was right there, yes? Before she could though he had asked her instead. "Definitely. How about that one there?" she nodded her head towards one of the closer ones that was standing alone. That one there looked nice and strong.

"Bye Sinatra, thank you for letting us feed and pet you. I'll stop by and see you again soon." Yep, she was talking to him. Nothing new for her. With a last smile to her new friend she gestured for Jace to follow her over to the Abraxan. "Can you get up there on your own?" They did have the blocks they could use as well if he couldn't...chances were she would need the stepping block as well.

Wait, why is she saying thanks to him again?

Oh. Ooooh! Jace nodded enthusiastically and gave Hady two thumbs up. Not everyone can pronounce Japanese words correctly and with the right intonation, but the Head Girl seem to be good at foreign languages. She and Professor Newton should learn Japanese together, and he would gladly help the both of them.

It was a bit disorienting to feel something smooth and alive when his eyes can’t see anything. While Hady helped him trace Sinatra’s head and wings, Jace can’t help but smile at the sensation. After seeing the picture that was held up by Professor Hernandez, it wasn’t too hard for Jace to visualize what was in front of him. “I can tell he’s very different...but beautiful nonetheless.” The Ravenclaw always has this thing for unique things. To him, being unique is brilliant. Why settle for the mundane, right? Jace couldn’t erase the genuine smile on his face after scoring something as precious as that experience. Sure, not everyone can see a Thestral but to have it right in front of him and actually feel it made his scholarly mind very pleased.

Jace took a deep breath after he was done feeling the Thestral and bowed in front of the Creature. “Thank you, Sinatra-san.” Turning, he too inclined his head towards Hady, “Arigatou gozaimasu, Hady-san.” Jace beamed at the Head Girl, obviously grateful for the experience. She had been very accommodating and genuinely warm to quench his curiosity.

Jace then followed Hady to one of the available Abraxans. “Can I visit Sinatra with you some time? I’d like to feel him again...if that’s alright?” the Head Boy won’t mind, right? Jace stood next to Hady and had to crane his neck a bit to look at the humongous horse. “He’s really huge.” Jace remarked absent-mindendly. “With the size of its wings, we’d be off the ground by at least 5 meters on the get go...” he continued, and shook his head to stop his thoughts from saying unnecessary observations. “I’m too short to mount the creature...” he trailed off as he got the blocks ready for them to step on. “You can go first so I can spot you...” Juuuust in case she loses her balance, Jace would be on the ground to catch her. As he waited for Hady to mount, Jace took the time to pat the Abraxan’s side. The nuzzle is too high for him to reach. Ahem.

1. Petting/Stroking
2. Mounting
3. Finding balance and positioning your legs
4. Holding the bridle/rein
5. Signaling them to take off by squeezing them with your legs
6. Pulling of the bridle/rein gently to land
7. Dismounting.

Woot!

Hady grinned at the double thumbs up. In noway shape of form was this her language but there was a clear happiness in her that she had gotten in on her first try. She wouldn't go adding Japanese to her list of languages just yet though. Knowing one word really didn't count for much in her book.

She wasn't sure what Jace might be feeling but she hoped he was indeed taking something away from the experience. "He is indeed very beautiful, if in only his own way." Everyone saw beauty differently. "I'm sure it's strange interacting with something you can't actually see isn't it?" As nice as Sinatra was and as much as she was going to take from this encounter and any future ones she hoped not to many of her peers could see him. Just the fact that knowing they had to experience a death first hand to do so was tough. If they never got to see a Thestral they should feel lucky.

Stepping back she watched the younger boy thank Sinatra just as she had but only with a bow. He then went on to thank her as well...or at least that's what she thought he said. "What does that mean?" she asked softly giving him a warm smile. His culture and language was interesting, she couldn't help but be curious.

Moving on to the one they could ride she glanced over her shoulder at Jace and smiled nodding at his question. "Of course. We could go to the barns one weekend when you're free, how's that?" She would gladly invite him to meet her there in the morning but did the young boy really get up and five or six am? Probably not. "He is, isn't he?" she replied lifting her head to fully look the Abraxans in the face. Hady grinned at him as he went on talking finding his excitement fun. At least he wasn't afraid! At the suggestion that she mount first she agreed with a nod. "Sure thing." Stepping up onto the mounting block she used her hands and pushed herself up and onto the winged animal. Taking a brief moment to get situated and in place she held her hand out to Jace to help him. "Come on up."

#1
 

AN OLDER SOMEONE!

Telling him to calm down. It took Matt A LOT to not roll his eyes because WHY DID PEOPLE KEEP TELLING HIM TO CALM DOWN? Sheesh kebabs, that was getting ooolldd. "It'd take a lot more to scare such a big animal, don'tcha think?" Matt said matter-of-factly. He believed that 100%. Look at the SIZE OF THOSE THINGS. As if some kid yelling would scare them. Pshhhhhh. "I'm Matt!" He said right after she introduced herself. A Slytherin? Yeah, Matt could work with that.

OH. WAS SHE TESTING HIM?? Muehehehehehe. "No." Matt said, keeping a deadpan face for as long as he could before giving her a cheeky grin. HEHEHE. "I want to ride that Abraxan, if that's alright." The boy said, going towards one of the MASSIVE creatures before waiting for the girl's reply. MAN, LOOK AT THAT! Amaziiinngggg. It was so big Matt could barely reach its head, so he chose to pet the horse's side. Also, he was going nowhere NEAR the rear of the animals because Matt was a Gryffindor but he wasn't that stupid.

Post 1
 

Fifth year was good. He supposed. A girl would have been better; horses liked them more or something like that, no? Or was that just with unicorns? Eh.

The Slytherin's mouth curled up into a half smirk, green eyes gleaming mischievously. "Yep. Took one for a test drive once." The adults had almost about died. LOL.

This time, the boy slowly and very cautiously inched his hand towards the horse. It was too busy eating that it didn't seem to mind Cornelius' approach, and he pet it. One, two, three strokes. He was done. "I'm done petting it. You wanna go ahead?" Get familiar with it or whatever.

Could they mount already?

“Beings and things are more beautiful if you know their story. I mean...appreciation is somewhat a product of curiosity, isn’t it?” Jace wasn’t sure if he even made sense, thought to him; it is his way to categorize something as amazing and beautiful. He may not have the same taste as Hady, but if he understood why it is beautiful to her, then he can go as far as appreciating it too. “Mm, it is. Although...I don’t think I am ready to see one...” Of course he knew the requirement to see one. And since Hady CAN see with her own eyes, Jace became more curious but not enough to ask her as to whose death she had witnessed. That’s just...rude, yeah? “Aren’t you...comforted though? That you can see one?” he asked softly, obviously testing the waters with the Head Girl. “It’s curious how such event can alter your magic to be able to see one...” Jace wanted answers but he had to stop himself already because...really, you don’t talk about death in such setting.

The Ravenclaw bounced on his feet a little as he kept on patting the Abraxan. He can sense Hady’s interest in the language! “Oh, the phrase means ‘thank you’ as well, but it’s in the formal form.” There is another form to say thanks, but Jace would keep that information for now since they are not yet over with the activity.

Sometime during the weekend? “I’m up for it! I can accompany you after my morning exercise.” he said raising his hand all excited. He’s usually up at half past four in the morning so no need to cut his kata practise short. “Just let me know when exactly...” he said beaming at the Head Girl and then went on to appreciate the Abraxan even more as Hady settled in nicely.

Merlin, this creature can at least sit three more students!

Jace stood on top of the block, and took Hady’s hand as he got on the winged horse. “Whoa...” they were really up high from the ground...and they haven’t even took off yet! The Ravenclaw adjusted himself in the saddle, making sure that his legs were at right angles and his feet securely in the stirrups. “Right...uhm... this is my first time riding a horse. Would you like to take the reins?” he asked offering the leather to Hady who sat behind him. He felt like he should at least guide the winged horse but...he’d rather pass the responsibility to someone who is older and more experienced.

1. Petting/Stroking
2. Mounting
3. Finding balance and positioning your legs
4. Holding the bridle/rein
5. Signaling them to take off by squeezing them with your legs
6. Pulling of the bridle/rein gently to land
7. Dismounting.

someone younger pls. VM me :D
 

sorry for the late response, Kath XD
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie (Post 12041597) And here she was with two third years and a second. All of whom required a riding partner. "Professor...is there a signal to...um...just make them canter and trot? Sans flight?" She threw the three girls standing near her apologetic looks. Betting on the wrong older student, ladies. Apologies.

So far there was no problem with the horse riding activity. There was a question from Paige Skeeter and Jordan couldn't help but raised an eyebrow. Ah, it looked like this Hufflepuff girl had a phobia of height/flying. "There is, but it's a little bit difficult to teach a winged horse to just canter and trot around since winged horse tend to fly more than walk." Because they're winged horse and they obviously fly more. "If you don't feel like you're comfortable to ride them, that's okay. I am not forcing you to do that." And that applies to the other students too. But then, it seemed like Miss Tate had asked her to ride with her together. That's good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelsheen (Post 12041604) There was a creeping sense of panic and despair that he might not be allowed to ride this fantastic beast. He had to talk to the Prof, convince him that he can handle it like he's always had. "Professor Hernandez....may I have a word Sir?" the leonine lad started gently "Uhm.... my family supports a sanctuary with different Equine creatures, Abraxans being one of them...." he nudged his head at the winged horses surrounded by students "And my Mom well, she's been taking me to care for these creatures in Germany even before we had the sanctuary, like way back, since I was like.... 5." so his exuberance wasnt just innate interest in these horses, he was started really young. "I've ridden them before, both on the ground and flying, so I was wondering....... can I ride the Abraxan alone? IknowwhattodohonestIdo" he added earnestly. Pretty please?

And of course that not many students approved of riding the horses with another person, just like the Salander junior over here. Jordan knew about his family supporting the winged horse sanctuary kind of thing. Would he allow him to ride alone? "I'm sorry, Mr. Salander. But my answer is no." The CoMC professor said firmly, because if he's letting the Gryffindor guy, the other students would think that he's unfair. "Why don't you ride with other student who has no experience of winged horse riding before? You can teach him/her." He suggested it.

Jordan observed around the yard, watching the students enjoying the riding. Some of them seemed enjoy it, although he did watch a few of them didn't want to try the riding at all. That's fine, he would not force them to ride it because it's not gonna be good for the horses too. Grabbing a carrot, Jordan continued looking around and munch it.

OOC: You guys still have approximately 25 hours more ^^ If you the younger student couldn't find the older student to ride with, let me know so Jordan and I will offer you another solution.

mention of the professor..
 

Natalia always was surprised when she hadn't met someone at this school yet, but it was a big school and there were so many students. "Azura is a pretty name." She smiled at the younger girl when she said she had never ridden on a horse and thought of Vince and Alex when she took them for a fly last term. "It is great fun you are going to have a blast. The first thing you want to do is to get Apollo to trust you. So if you want to feed him a few treats and pet him a bit, that will help him keep calm and trust that you aren't here to hurt him." She had a few treats in her hands if Azura didn't.

While Azura was petting and getting to know Apollo Nat decided to go and get a mounting stool. Walking towards the professor she gave a small smile and actually made eye contact. "This is a great lesson professor. If you need any help with them after I could always stick around to help." She was in the stables a lot so she knew her way around.

Moving back to Azura she smiled, "Ready to learn how to mount Apollo?" She set down the stool and pet him a few more times. "When you want to mount the winged horse you want to be careful of the wings. Stand on the stool like this and grab the reins. You will put your foot in the stirrup and then swing your other leg over pulling yourself up onto the saddle." As she said this Natalia pulled herself up onto Apollo and pet him once she was up there. Sliding back down she grinned to the third year.

"Your turn."


1. Petting/Stroking
2. Mounting
3. Finding balance and positioning your legs
4. Holding the bridle/rein
5. Signaling them to take off by squeezing them with your legs
6. Pulling of the bridle/rein gently to land
7. Dismounting.

For Emjay.. :D
 

As much as Henry liked to brush and feed the winged horses, it was something he did on at least an occasional basis and was rather accustomed to it. What he really wanted to do was ride them... and that was exactly what they were going to do! The fourteen year old could hardly contain his excitement and could barely focus on the professor's instructions as he told they what all they should do.

So they could ride with someone. But did the older ones - which was him, btw - have to ride with one of the younger ones? He could think of someone his own age he wouldn't mind riding a winged horse with and he took a look around the group of students. It seemed that she already paired off with a younger one and he figured he should probably do the same to help someone out. It was the right thing to do anyway.

Taking a look around, Henry was about to make the offer that he heard a few of the other older ones make when Miranda approach him. Yep, she was totally younger and he gave her a smile. "Hey, Miranda.. sure, we can work together. Have you ever ridden a winged horse before?" He hadn't, but it was what he most wanted to do at this very moment. Plus he was an expert broom flier and knew he'd have no trouble. "Which horse did you want to ride?" He had his preference of course, but wanted to see what she thought too.

Post 1
 

No way. That was coooool!

And Lance was jealous.

"Maybe you should take the reins then?" Even if, you know, Lance wanted to do the steering. Carefully stepping up to the horse, he managed to reach out and give a gentle pet or two once it was his turn. Softer than he expected. Good thing with the eating, eh? Except it looked like it just swallowed and was done and his hand was still on it's FACE. WELP. He took his hand back before that could be food too.

"I'm good. You good?"

Mirand smiled as Henry said that he'd pair off with her..
thank Merlin she wouldn't have to try and ride one of the massive beasts by herself..she thought of Nat and how she must be bursting inside... Excitement oozing out ..But still she needed to pay attention to her surroundings.. And then Henry asked which of the Winged horses she thought best for the pair of them....
she looked to each of the remaining animals... watching them as they reacted to her...
Hmmm.. the palamino was a nice specimen to look at, but it was a bit stand offish.. Perhaps the beautiful chestnut would be a decent horse for them... As she approached the chestnut lowered his head looking into her eyes... Yup.. this was the one she perferred to work with...

" Oy... Henry... this one'll do.. He's got a sweet disposition I think.." Randa smiled as she stroked the horses cheek...

The disappointment on the Gryffindor Ace is very apparent. Something he has been doing since he was 5, he cant do simply because he wasnt old enough. It just boggled the mind. He had just taken another breath to wrestle his case with the Creatures man when he heard--


--that magic phrase. OLDER STUDENT. And without further ado he bolted for the Hufflpuff even before the boy-- who looked like he could be in the graduating class so CLEARLY he is OLDER-- could finish his sentence "Hey there! Imma 3rd year expert on Abraxans. Wanna fly with me??" He could explain what expert means if and when the other boy agrees. He needed to secure a partner now. Life story can come later.

And now the main activity! I NEED AN OLDER STUDENT *hollers*
 

Henry watched as Miranda moved towards one of the Aethonians. He would have preferred to ride one of the Granians himself, but they were quite a bit faster and perhaps were not the right choice for the younger, beginner students. The fact that she did not answer his question did not go unnoticed, but he took that as a no, she did not have any experience. Besides, he figured she was just as excited as he was.

And that was why he did not oppose her idea of riding the horse she chose. The fourteen year old was really excited to ride any of them, even if he had his sights on a certain grey one. He stepped closer to the Aethonian. "Hello," he smiled, placing his hand in front of the horse's nose to get him acquainted with his scent. Then he gently stroked his nose several times. "I'm Henry and this is Miranda. We're going to be your riders today."

Glancing at Miranda, he said, "Do you want me to get on first? Then you can get on behind me." That's how it usually worked, right? But maybe not so much if she needed him to help her get on.

Post 2
 

Azura smiled warmly as she looked up at the older girl. "Thank you so much." She said with a nod as the older girl instructed her and she paid close attention to her. it seemed she had done this many times before and so Az was going to trust her and do exactly what she said.She kept stroking the horse and petting him gently and even whispering to him as Nat moved around and got things ready for them to mount the horse.

This part had her a bit worried, big Apollo, Small Azura.. but perhaps standing on the stood would make up some height difference. Az pulled herself to her full 4'8" height and nodded.

"Yes, I'm ready." She said with a bit of a nervous smile as she listened to her instructions..

Be careful of the wings, stand on the stool, grab the reigns, put her foot in the stirrup and swing her leg over..

Got it.. Mostly. She watched Nat mount the horse carefully, before she took a deep breath.

"All right, here I go." She said with a small smile as she took a step up on the stool and then, after taking careful note of where the wings were, grabbed onto the reigns, put her left foot in the stirrup and swung herself over and onto the horse!

She had done it!!!!

And whoa.. they were high up!

1. Petting/Stroking
2. Mounting
3. Finding balance and positioning your legs
4. Holding the bridle/rein
5. Signaling them to take off by squeezing them with your legs
6. Pulling of the bridle/rein gently to land
7. Dismounting.

Miranda saw him follow along.. she could tell he had wanted to ride the biggger horse... Hmmm... she thought on it for a minute.. Nope she couldn't ride that big one... she was quite scared to begin with.... He introduced himself to their horse and looked up at him.

She looked at both the winged horse and Henry... " Ummm. Yeah, alright... I think that'd be the right way for us to ride him , yeah? "

Merlin she was a nervous as could be.. she was NOT a good flier at all... chances were he'd need to strap her down behind him , else she'd fall off it's rear...