Quote:
Originally Posted by BEAR.
He hadn't anticipated such an emotional response. He could almost taste the salty tears that threatened to spill over in her eyes, and Wolfhive pursed his muzzle thoughtfully. "That's actually a good spot to be in, even if you haven't been able to practice it much. Nothing to be ashamed of!"
In fact, Wolfhive could sympathize - he had struggled to get his hunting portion done to the point where his first catch happened shortly before he got his full name. "I know getting training done can be frustrating and difficult. I had issues getting cats to show me how to hunt.. and those lessons never went into actually stalking something." Once he learned the crouch, he figured that'd been good enough and focused on something he felt was more important: fighting. Wolfhive was still far from a good hunter to this day, though going out with apprentices was beginning to enhance his skill.
As far as he was concerned, Mallowpaw had no judgement on his end. "Do you feel comfortable enough to try to catch something right now, or do you want to practice the crouch some more first?" Either way, he fully intended on seeing that she left this session with prey. Or at least trying to - effort was what mattered.
[ @ kittycatburmise ] |
Mallowpaw
46/100
Wolfhive's words were meant to bolster her spirits, but Mallowpaw knew they were ones of pity. She didn't want him to pity her. She wanted him to be proud. "Thanks," she muttered, but her voice was flat.
At least it was good to know Wolfhive had been in the same position as her. His mentor had failed him too. And he was a
Hornet. Not only that, but Bumblestar's son. The words cheered her a little; she wasn't alone in being frustrated. She wasn't alone in feeling upset and distressed over her lack of training. Over her mentor disappearing without a trace, leaving her to get her training done without his guidance. Her family too, walking out of her life when she still needed them. But there were cats who were reliable, who wouldn't go missing and leave her behind. Mallowpaw gave Wolfhive a small smile, and it was genuine.
Thinking over his question, she answered, "I want to practise my crouch a bit more. It's... been a while since I've done it. With someone watching, anyway."