[taillow]

Redhawk - ThunderClan Hornet
She/they | 31 moons | The Ultimate Predator, The Collector, Kitty Softpaws

Stepping back to watch the apprentices with prideful yellow-green eyes, Redhawk nodded as both Wisppaw and Echopaw seemed to get the hang of it this time, hooking their claws and climbing the trees. The cheer from Sunpaw had the hornet's whiskers twitching in approval as a grin spread across her maw. Timberpaw was doing excellent too, and as the young she-cat landed the hornet gave a trill. "Well done! You even corrected to catch your original t-target; that would've definitely given you an advantage in a real b-battle."

Copperpaw's tumble wasn't unnoticed and concern flooded Red's chest as she took a couple paw steps forward. But they seemed to be okay, if anything just a little taken aback by the sudden shock of landing. "It might make your paws a bit sore until you get used t-to what it feels like landing from t-the jump," she offered with an encouraging smile to both Copper and Oatpaw. Which speaking of, as the latter made it up to the tree Redhawk beamed. "I knew you could do it, Oatpaw!"

Next to try was Mallowpaw, and though she hit the ground hard and Redhawk hurried over, she didn't appear to be super injured. "I'm proud of you for t-tackling your fear. It's not easy jumping for t-the first time, but you'll get t-the hang of it!" Her tail swished behind her as she smiled soft down at the young paw.

Woodpaw attempted the move which the hornet watched with inquisitive eyes. Not the most fluid but Red wasn't expecting mastery here with their first attempts. "All it t-takes is practice - soon you'll be able to sss-swing down from the t-trees no problem!" Trotting over towards the them, her eyes sparkled with a softness. "If you don't have time to bat t-the air," the hornet started, holding one paw out straight, "you can t-try to pin your t-target to the ground by keeping your claws out a-and straight ahead; sometimes the sss-shock will be enough to force t-them down!"

It seemed Copper and Oat were trying again, and as both of them landed Redhawk looked up with a delighted purr. "Excellent you t-two!" Heading over to Oatpaw, knowing that the young tom would likely benefit from more encouragement, the hornet added, "you did it, Oatpaw! See, the t-trees aren't all t-that sss-scary."

Swanpaw seemed to be taking her time in getting back up so Redhawk kept a careful eye on her, but had her main gaze focused on her apprentice. Pride tingled her paws as she watched his little tongue poke out in concentration. His tumble looked tough and Red worried for a split second about needing to break his fall. He seemed alright though albeit a little damp from the snow, to which Red chuckled a bit. Hurrying over to intercept him, the hornet immediately started to attempt to dry and warm him up a bit. "It'll t-take practice, but that was a great first go!" she chirped as she peered at him.

Looking up now at everyone gathered, Redhawk gave a nod. "I'm very proud of you all - t-tree climbing and attacking isn't the easiest t-thing in the world, but you all have tackled your fears. Let's try one other battle move, if everyone is ready?"

---

This one would be a bit different. Redhawk gave one final swipe of her tongue across Elkpaw's head before standing and moving to face a tree. She then charged at it, leaping at the last moment to hit the bark. But instead of climbing she sprung off the tree, twisting and turning back to where she'd come from with her claws extended. "Your opponent will think you're fleeing, and drop t-their guard. Using the t-tree as a sss-springboard will get you t-the upper paw!" And with that the hornet gave a small nod. "Make sss-sure when you hit the t-tree you push back off with your hind legs, keeping your f-front claws outstretched!"

[ @Blazing @SeonghwasBunnyEars @Tiabirb @nyx @Hestia! @dino. @CrimsonOak @Starphobia @kittycatburmise @Katiethewolfchild @vellichor @Eden @Dark @BEAR. ]

[ mentioning every apprentice that first showed up incase they still want to attempt the move - if not, no need to reply to this! ]