Vinesmoke
12 Moons
He/Him
Vinesmoke padded out of camp showing the way through the territory he would do what Dustbunny had done for him when he was a fresh apprentice he decided on the first place she had taken him Windy hills “Okay so first in our territory tour is windy hills its a good place to hunt though be careful hawks like to hang around here,you can find cobwebs and marigold here aswel”he turned to see if Coldpaw had any questions
Coldpaw
[ 5 moon | She / Her | Wc Tunneller Apprentice | Heightened Perception: Touch ]
She wouldn't want to admit it, but she was struggling a little in keeping up, paws often tripping over obstacles she couldn't see and fur catching on the branches of bushes she bumped into. She was rushing after Vinesmoke, not wanting to be left behind (or at least, feeling like she was rushing) and not paying proper attention to her surroundings. All the same, she made it to Windy Hills alongside him (which was quite a windy set of hills), and listened to his explanation. "Hawks are big birds, are they? They fly? What do the plants you mentioned do?"
Vinesmoke flicked an ear at her question, glancing over at her with a thoughtful expression. "Cow webs—cobwebs—are used to stop bleeding. They help seal wounds so they don’t get worse," he explained. "And marigold fights infection. If a hawk’s claws cut deep, those scratches could fester if they’re not treated."
He studied her for a moment, noting the way she seemed a bit off-balance, fur still slightly ruffled from brushing against unseen obstacles. He didn’t comment on it, though. Instead, he turned his gaze back toward the open hills, scanning for any signs of hawks. "They are big birds, yeah. Sharp eyes, sharper talons. If they spot prey, they dive fast. That’s why we have to be careful out here."
Vinesmoke kept his pace steady, ears twitching as he listened to his apprentice’s pawsteps behind him. He made subtle adjustments, making sure she wasn’t falling too far behind. He knew she was trying to keep up, but the uneven terrain made it difficult.
As they stepped into the open, the wind pressed against their fur. "This is Sky Glade," he announced, slowing slightly so she could take in her surroundings. "It’s wide and open—no trees here, just rolling hills covered in thick, soft heather. The wind is always strong, constantly tugging at your fur. When you step, the ground feels springy because of all the plants growing here. The air is fresh, but if you take a deep breath, you’ll probably catch the scent of rabbits." He let her take it in before continuing. "There’s one tree in the middle—Lone Pine. It’s tall and rough to the touch, with bark that peels easily. Underneath it, there’s a network of tunnels from an abandoned warren. Some are stable, others aren’t. They go deep into the earth, and the scent of rabbits is strongest there.Ive expanded the tunnels for hunting aswell This place is good for hunting, but there’s danger above too—hawks and vultures fly high, watching for movement. You can hear their cries if you listen closely."
After some time, the sound of rushing water grew louder. The air turned damp and cool, and mist clung to their fur. "We’re at Twilight Falls now it was named after Miss Twilightstar ," Vinesmoke said. "The ground is uneven here—rocky and covered in thick moss that feels soft but can be slippery. The waterfall is massive. It crashes down from the cliffs into a pond below, where fish swim in the currents." He paused, flicking his tail toward the falls. "Behind the water, there’s a cave hidden in the rock. The air inside is cold and damp, and the stone is smooth, worn away by years of water running over it. I’ve been working to turn this place into a backup camp. The cliffs provide shelter, and the caves could be a stronghold if we ever need one. There are strange symbols carved into the stone back there—no cat knows exactly what they mean, but some believe this place has an old, sacred history."
Finally, the climb grew steep, the terrain rough beneath their paws. The wind picked up again, but this time it carried the scent of flowers. "We’ve reached Starry Meadow," Vinesmoke said, his voice softer now. "The ground is smoother here, covered in thick grass and flowers thousands of them, all kinds, spreading as far as the wind can carry their seeds.." He took a breath, letting the quiet settle. "This is where we honor our fallen Clanmates. It’s peaceful. The stars seem closer here, like you could reach out and touch them."sighing he thought back to all his friends he had to bury here the encounter with Redface the nightmares with Owlpaw her lifeless body when he buried here deadmoons sharp but true word he pushed it all away putting it in a bottle. He let the silence linger for a moment before turning to her. "So, what do you think?"
@Estelle (I tried having vine explain the surroundings to Coldpaw since she was blind let me know if you’d prefer that in the future or not figured to knock out most of the territory in this post)
Coldpaw
[ 6 moon | She / Her | Wc Tunneller Apprentice | Heightened Perception: Touch ]
"What do they feel like? Do they have a smell?"
Her ear flicked with interest hearing about the plants and birds, paws slipping slightly on the moist ground. She walked along all the same, doing her best to keep up with her mentor throughout the territory, listening to his words. "How do I know a hawk is nearby? I can't see them up above."
She commented curiously, trying to trot a little faster to come walk next to Vinesmoke. She tripped in the process, soiling her chest which she quickly patted off before trying to keep up again.
She listened silently, taking in the air and the feel of the ground as he described it. She could feel he was right about the ground being springy, and she tapped her paw on the ground, some areas felt hollow underneath. She walked on besides him, listening as the water came into earshot. "Mumma? Does she like it? Will we explore the tunnels you mentioned before? Will I help with the back-up camp? I'd like to help."
Coldpaw asked before they moved on again.
She began to struggle more when the climb grew steep again, but the young apprentice persisted. Her paws tapped the ground, allowing her to feel the stones surrounding her paws and trying to place them upon sturdy rocks. She smelled the floral scent in the air, the wind ruffling her fur and blowing out any soil remainders from her fall earlier. Coldpaw carefully walked around, touching some of the flowers. "It sounds pretty."
She says wistfully. "What do they look like, the stars?"
Vinesmoke had described everything so far... She liked that.
Vinesmoke
15 Moons
He/Him
Vinesmoke walked steadily, making sure Coldpaw could follow him through the forest. The familiar scents of damp earth and wildflowers filled the air, and the sounds of the forest wrapped around them. He could feel Coldpaw’s curiosity growing with every step. She was taking in everything, her senses sharp as ever, even though her eyes couldn’t see the world around her. When she asked about hawks, Vinesmoke flicked his tail thoughtfully. "Hawks are tricky to spot from the ground," he said. "But you’ll learn to feel when they’re near. The small birds get nervous when a hawk is around. They start calling out, sounding alarmed. The whole forest quiets down, like everything knows something’s wrong. If you listen closely, you might even hear the soft whoosh of their wings. Hawks don’t have a strong scent, so you’ll have to rely on the sounds and the way the air shifts." Vinesmoke continued walking, but when Coldpaw tripped, he slowed, letting her catch up. He could hear her brushing off the dirt and adjusting, a small smile tugging at his mouth. She didn’t let something like a fall stop her.
As they kept walking, Coldpaw asked about the back-up camp, and Vinesmoke’s expression grew serious. He knew how important this part of their work was. "The back-up camp is vital, Coldpaw," he began. "It’s not like the main camp at all. We’re digging a network of tunnels behind a waterfall. This is a place we’ll use if things ever get dangerous, a way to escape quickly and safely. We need a secure, hidden place where we can retreat if we’re forced to leave the main camp." He glanced down at her, gauging her response. "You’ll help with this. As a tunneler, you’ll be part of the team that digs and maintains the tunnels. It’s hard work, but it’s necessary. You’ll learn how to dig properly, reinforce the walls so they stay strong, and make sure the passages are safe. It’s a big responsibility, and we all have to do our part."
Vinesmoke paused for a moment, allowing Coldpaw to take it all in. "This is about survival, Coldpaw. The back-up camp could be the Clan’s only way out if we’re ever in danger. That’s why it’s so important. And I know you’re ready to help with it." He smiled at her, proud of her quiet determination, and then gestured to the clearing ahead. "We’re almost there," he said, his voice softening. "I want to show you something special." As they neared the clearing, the trees started to grow Vinesmoke paused at the edge of the clearing, allowing Coldpaw to take in the sounds and smells of Sunset Grove. "This is Sunset Grove," he said, his tone quiet and peaceful. "It’s a calm place, a place where the Clan can rest. I wanted to show it to you because, one day, you’ll help protect places like this too."
The grove was open, the ground soft underpaw. The air was filled with the scent of herbs—mint, lavender, and thyme. Birds fluttered high above, calling from their nests in the tall trees. Vinesmoke’s voice softened further as he spoke. "Sunset Grove is important to the Clan. It’s a good hunting spot where herbs can be found. But it’s not just about protecting the land for the Clan’s sake—it’s about balance. We need to protect places like this, where life thrives, just as much as we need to protect our future with the back-up camp." He stepped back, allowing Coldpaw to take it all in. "Take your time here, Coldpaw. The work we do digging tunnels is important, but so is understanding why we do it. It’s about protecting the Clan and the land. Both are vital." Vinesmoke watched Coldpaw closely, proud of how she was starting to understand the balance between the work they did and the purpose behind it all. "This place is worth protecting. Just like the tunnels will be, when they’re finished."
Coldpaw
[ 7 moon | She / Her | Wc Tunneller Apprentice | Heightened Perception: Touch ]
His words strung something within her chest; a quiet pressure to perform and perform well, to not mess this up. It was daunting, she was afraid. She wasn't as skilled or learned as easily as some of her siblings; she was slow to pick up on skills, and even her own orientation was still bad. But she wanted to do good. She wanted to perform well. She wanted to believe Vinesmoke's words that she was ready, and nodded solemnly along. "I understand."
She mew, hesitating a moment before opening her maw and speaking again. "..Thank you for teaching me."
She added after a heartbeat.
A few moments later, Coldpaw stood within Sunset Grove. Her ears picked up on Vinesmoke's words, her heart hammering in her chest. She could hear the bird chirping, smell the sweet scent within the air; feel the soft ground beneath her paws. Her tail swayed, and she took a tentative few steps forth. The land felt almost sacred... It was sacred, and Coldpaw could feel it. It was both pressure and acceptance, a determination growing to protect this land and this clan. Coldpaw's ears flicked and her lips pressed together. "I'll do everything I can to protect it."
Coldpaw decided, her voice determined, her pace set. "I promise."
She turned with an ear, then her head towards Vinesmoke.
Vinesmoke watched Coldpaw closely, his blue eyes softening as he noticed the hesitation in her posture, the quiet pressure she was placing on herself. He could feel the weight of her desire to prove herself, and it tugged at something inside him—his belief in her was unwavering, but he also understood how daunting it must be for her. “I know,” he began, his voice calm but filled with quiet conviction. “It’s not easy. But I’m proud of you, Coldpaw. And I don’t see your blindness as a weakness. Not at all.” He stepped closer, his tail flicking thoughtfully, his gaze unwavering as he looked into her eyes. “If anything, it makes you more resourceful. You hear things others can’t, you can feel vibrations others miss. Those are advantages, Coldpaw. And I want to help you turn them into strength.” He paused, giving her a moment to process his words before continuing, his voice lower and more focused now. “We won’t be checking the borders tonight. But if you’re ready, I’d like to do some battle training. I want to teach you to fight without relying on sight. We’ll focus on your other senses—how to read the world around you without your eyes.” He moved a few paces away, then stopped, his voice steady as he began to explain the first part of his plan.
“Imagine this: an opponent moves toward you. Instead of looking for their body, listen. Feel the air shift when they move, listen to the rustling of the leaves beneath their paws. Can you hear the rhythm of their breathing? The weight of their steps on the ground?” He gave her a small, encouraging glance, his blue eyes gleaming with pride “You have the advantage of being able to sense things that others don’t. You can hear the subtlest changes in the air, feel the tremor of movement through the earth. Instead of focusing on what you can’t see, we’ll use that. You’ll anticipate your opponent’s moves before they even take them.” Vinesmoke paced back toward her, his expression full of quiet trust. “We’ll take this one step at a time. But I know you can do it. Your strength is in how you adapt, how you feel the world around you. You’re more capable than you realize.” He paused, his blue eyes fixed on hers, voice softer now. “I’ll be right here, guiding you through every move. We’ll figure it out together.”
@Estelle /moving on to battle training this may be challenging to rp lol but we will persevere
[Vinesmoke
16 Moons
He/Him
Vinesmoke padded from the warriors den yawning his blue eyes flicking around the camp. It had been so long since he saw wildfire and the hope that his best friend would return was slowly fading..he had talked to Owlpaw but she still was advised to stay away anyways time to focus on the task of today hunting! He eventually spotted Coldpaw and padded over to her making his presence known “Hello Coldpaw I was hoping you’d want tj go out hunting with me about time we got more practice in”
Vinesmoke watched Coldpaw closely, his blue eyes softening as he noticed the hesitation in her posture, the quiet pressure she was placing on herself. He could feel the weight of her desire to prove herself, and it tugged at something inside him—his belief in her was unwavering, but he also understood how daunting it must be for her. “I know,” he began, his voice calm but filled with quiet conviction. “It’s not easy. But I’m proud of you, Coldpaw. And I don’t see your blindness as a weakness. Not at all.” He stepped closer, his tail flicking thoughtfully, his gaze unwavering as he looked into her eyes. “If anything, it makes you more resourceful. You hear things others can’t, you can feel vibrations others miss. Those are advantages, Coldpaw. And I want to help you turn them into strength.” He paused, giving her a moment to process his words before continuing, his voice lower and more focused now. “We won’t be checking the borders tonight. But if you’re ready, I’d like to do some battle training. I want to teach you to fight without relying on sight. We’ll focus on your other senses—how to read the world around you without your eyes.” He moved a few paces away, then stopped, his voice steady as he began to explain the first part of his plan.
“Imagine this: an opponent moves toward you. Instead of looking for their body, listen. Feel the air shift when they move, listen to the rustling of the leaves beneath their paws. Can you hear the rhythm of their breathing? The weight of their steps on the ground?” He gave her a small, encouraging glance, his blue eyes gleaming with pride “You have the advantage of being able to sense things that others don’t. You can hear the subtlest changes in the air, feel the tremor of movement through the earth. Instead of focusing on what you can’t see, we’ll use that. You’ll anticipate your opponent’s moves before they even take them.” Vinesmoke paced back toward her, his expression full of quiet trust. “We’ll take this one step at a time. But I know you can do it. Your strength is in how you adapt, how you feel the world around you. You’re more capable than you realize.” He paused, his blue eyes fixed on hers, voice softer now. “I’ll be right here, guiding you through every move. We’ll figure it out together.”
@Estelle /moving on to battle training this may be challenging to rp lol but we will persevere
Coldpaw
[ 7 moon | She / Her | Wc Tunneller Apprentice | Heightened Perception: Touch ]
Sometimes, it was as if he could look right through. See her every insecurity that ate away at her mind and confidence, and every time he knew precisely what to say to chase her demons away. Coldpaw listened, ears perked and head hanging low, to his encouraging words. He described her blindness in such a way that it almost seemed like it didn't impede her learning, or augment her struggles. Born without eyes, many took pity on the poor child that would never see the world. She expected her mentor to do the same, and yet he always spoke so confidently of her skills. Somewhere, she wanted to do him proud.
So as he spoke, she shifted her paws. She tried to listen to her surroundings, tried to pick up when he moved through the tremors that were sent through the ground, try to pin point his position by the sound of his voice steadily leaving his maw. Vinesmoke was young, but wise. Somewhere, somehow, his words reminded her of someone... Someone she was meant to know, someone she was close to. But she couldn't pin point who. The feeling was fleeting and vague, escaping her grasp. She lifted her head as if trying to chase after the thought, but came face-to-face with her mentor instead. She startled, stepping back and almost tripping, but caught herself before her body could fall to the ground. "...You are sure?"
She asked, a hint of hesitation in her voice. "I want to learn... I want to be big and strong, like Leechscar. And confident like Rainpaw."
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Sleepysunrise is ShadowClan's current Medicine Cat.
She has a Semi-Closed den policy.
Coldpaw training
