[Mayflower]

Originally Posted by mab

“oh, um.” honeycomb hadn’t expected their arrival, especially considering the amount of time it had taken for the small feline to arrive. “i do believe i brought you here for battle training. there’s no--” here, she coughed rather politely, ducking her head to excuse herself. “no good reason to be here when the weather’s good outside, other than the specialised training you’ll get in these caves, of course.”

honeycomb could say she loved kittens and apprentices alike, but the truth of the matter was that they oft simply didn’t understand her futile attempts to explain all her thoughts and advice, especially when they were in excruciating detail. her only reason for this whole endeavor was the advice of an old friend coming back somewhat late, but no matter. simply letting the cavewater settle into her pelt, she nodded, almost as if the tricolour enby had asked another unheard question.

“for starters, there’s no reason to call me ma’am. i’d say i’m not that much older than you, but we both know that’s a barefaced lie. while i remain your mentor, i’d like to say that i may be a teacher, but i have no semblance of true power over you. i’m no big authority figure, sablepaw. in fact, i’d prefer you simply call me honey. no discomfort, alright?” getting up onto all fours, she stretched leisurely, before plodding around the calico, olive-green eyes searching her apprentice for any signs of strength.

“i can tell you don’t like it here. i don’t either, but this is the way things are. would you care to strike a single blow, just for the sake of warming up?”

Sablepaw nodded sagely, their eyes watching Honeycomb intently. "Yes Ma'- Honeycomb." Their eyes, though usually soft and knowledgeable, held a sharp glint that was unusual to the cat themselves. They weren't prone to fighting, much preferring to keep to themselves, but when they had to the fighting was taken very seriously. Therefore, she was focused, prepared, calculating. With a quick and fluid movement, Sablepaw slunk closer to Honeycomb and struck at her back legs.