[|+sari+|]

Originally Posted by Ryder

The taller male simply nodded to his student’s words, blinking down at her for a second or two. “We can only hope this peaceful weather and excess of prey will make everyone feel more at ease,” He agreed with Sparrowpaw, silently hoping things could go back to a similar, less stressful time for the clans, “However, it should not let us ease our guard down in the process.” Flintheart had never been one that could relax easily and was almost always on alert or uneasy - so this was not a problem. His student, young Sparrowpaw, was a different situation though. He hoped that in the future, he would learn her personality more and learn both her weaknesses and her strengths so that she could overcome both and become better in their training. The mentor wondered if it was a mistake on his part to bring up the apprentice moons he had endured with his mentor and father - both abusive and left him the coldhearted cat that he was to this day. Flintheart felt the younger shecat rest her tail on his for only a moment, which surprised him, not used to being shown any comfort - not since his mother in the nursery long ago. A small smile came to his expression. “It is alright, Sparrowpaw, you have a warm heart and a strong soul - you will be a fine warrior someday.” He remarked as they moved on with their lesson. The dark tomcat was relieved when she explained her situation about eating more clearly, knowing that it most likely had just been a misunderstanding on his part in the first place. “I am happy to hear that, everyone should be able to have a good hearty meal now and then to motivate themselves.” Flintheart said with a gentle nod, listening to her now speak about the codes that he had told her. The warrior wasn’t surprised that she knew them already, but it was still nice to refresh the memory now and then. He smiled proudly though, impressed that she knew exactly of the tradition that he was hinting at. “Exactly correct,” The male purred, “Wonderful job, but yes, that is the sixth code of warriors. Newly appointed warriors will keep a silent vigil for one night after receiving their warrior name, to be specific.” This was going well so far, which was rather nice considering the stress that he had been enduring earlier that exact day. He joined her as she turned her gaze to the sky, probably lost in thought as many youthful cats were, especially as apprentices. He was always so serious and tense, so he never really had daydreams often. Well, maybe he did and Flintheart just did not wish to admit such things. “The seventh code is: A cat cannot be made deputy without having mentored at least one apprentice, which is understandable when you think about it - a future leader must have experience with ordering around and guiding someone.” The warrior softly murmured, giving a light yawn before continuing on with these many codes, “The eighth code is another common sense one. The deputy will become Clan leader when the leader dies, retires or is exiled. I do hope I am not going to fast with these for you.” He added that last part with casting a gentle glance at the female, his ears twitching silently to the sounds around.

Sparrowpaw gazed down at her paws, listening closely before giving a nod. "Yes, I understand. Letting down my guard could end in disaster. " She glanced up at her mentor at his next words, her hazel eyes wide. " I... Thank you. I still have a lot to learn, though. " she then shuffled her paws nervously. "However, I am sure you can train me to be the best warrior I possibly can. I may become a fine warrior, but, I don't know how having a warm heart and strong soul will determine how good a warrior I will become." she gave a small smile. " But, if you say so, it must be true. " she then gave a light mrrow of laughter. " Oh, I know. A good, juicy rabbit or squirrel would always be nice after a hard, long day of work. I am sure I will eat when I am supposed to." she then held up her chin proudly as Flintheart told her she was correct. She let out a soft purr, feeling proud that she had known something that most, or, at least a lot, of the apprentices most likely did not know. She then listened silently as the grey tom spoke the next parts of the Code. She nodded. "I understand. Being deputy takes a lot of experience and work, and tons of skill. If a cat has already trained an apprentice successfully, they have more experience, so they are seen as capable enough to possibly be chosen as deputy. " the young she-cat shook her head at his comment. " No, you're not going too fast. I am keeping up. I just want to learn more about the code." Sparrowpaw locked her hazel gaze on a large beetle that scurried past in the grass below them. She smiled, admiring the pretty colours on the insect's shell. It was quite pretty. She then brought her tail around her, resting it lightly over her paws, looking up at her mentor, perking her ears expectantly. She knew there was more to be learned, and she was ready for what he planned to teach her next. The young she-cat groomed a paw, then drew it over her ears, before setting her paw down, her whiskers flicking. Her tail tip flicked as she awaited what Flintheart would tell her next.