The Way It Used to Be pv Rosalyn

Date: July 20, 2026
Location: Aelwyd Vale, Swansea, Wales
Word Count: 735
#982abc - Younger sister’s speech
#4e7a27 - Zephyr’s speech
Tag: @Rosalyn Willows

They have nice weather that day, so Zephyr couldn't be bothered staying indoors. The sky was clear with only a few clouds drifting lazily and warm breeze moving through the valley. It carried the smell of grass and earth from the open fields. It was the kind that'll make anyone sleepy and lazy. He spent most of the afternoon down by the creek because Clover discovered the water and decided it was the greatest thing he had ever seen. The Crup had been splashing through the shallows part for a few minutes now. "You're going to get yourself soaked..." He warned him only for the crup to jump straight into the water. After some time, his trousers were rolled up and his hair was dripping. It was exhausting playing and going after Clover but he was also enjoying his time with him.

It didn't take long for the crup to run out of energy. They settled on the grassy part, with him lying down and staring at the clear blue skies, just letting the summer breeze dry him which he didn't mind. The sun was warm that he would be dry soon. Clover curled beside him but his eyes were on the creek as if still considering another swim. "Don't even think about it." He muttered when he noticed where the crup was looking at. Its ears twitched as he turned to him. "Nope, that's enough for the day Clover." The crup huffed but followed nonetheless, just resting his head down again. "Good boy." Once he was almost dry, he sat up and reached for his sketchbook from the bag which he left beside a tree. He liked sketching the view. Nature was usually his favorite subject, not really worried about perfection.

Once in a while, he would stop to look at what he drew, liking the peaceful feeling as he did it. His school break has been good. Before leaving school, he wondered what he was going to do with an entire summer at home. He almost forgot there's always something to do at Aelwyd Vale. He spent time wishing to return home when he's overwhelmed, but now that he was actually here, there were moments when he catch himself wondering what everyone was doing. He was curious if his friends were enjoying their holidays, what his classes would be like next year, and if the castle would feel different when he returned. There were also moments his mind would go back to what his father told him about the Aldertons. Noting his mind was drifting again, he closed his sketchbook and sighed deeply. He had enough thinking for one afternoon.

Clover lifted his head when he stood. "Come on." He walked back to the old tree near the edge of the creek, the same one he climbed countless of times as a child. Its lower branches were still there to support him, even though he had grown taller over the years. At the bottom of the trunk, there was a carving of a bird he started several days ago. It's not finished yet, but the shape was already there. Zephyr pulled the small carving knife from his pocket and brushed away a piece of bark so he could continue where he left off. He' started shaping the wings. He was worried that being away from Hogwarts would make him restless, but instead, being home reminded him why he loved Aelwyd Vale so much.

"ZEPHY!"

He looked up from what he was doing and saw his little sister again. "What is it, Zaria?" She was running that she almost tripped over her own feet but caught herself right away. "You have a visitor!" His brow furrowed, "A visitor? Who is it?" Looking behind her, that was when he noticed someone was walking toward their direction. Clover's ears perked up, and the crup looked at the new person from afar. He wiped the wood shavings from his trousers and hid the carving knife to his pocket. He was not expecting anyone. As the person came into view, his surprise turned into a smile. Zaria bid them good bye, "I'll leave you two be. Rose please stay until dinner, we'll catch up later. Enjoy!" "Bubbles, what are you doing here?" Clover moved closer, its tails waggling, curious about the newcomer. "Meet my new pet, Clover. Clover, this is my best friend, Bubbles, well, Rose for you."