Berrypaw's hunting lesson

[Poprock]

@Katulaura
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The large molly felt horrible for how she neglected her apprentice for so long. She'd lost so many friends and family... even Berrypaw's own mother figure Skyleaf was gone for moons before miraculously returning. Unfortunately, no one else seemed to have the same kind of luck. Peachfrost had been so scared of losing more loved ones that she had neglected training her own apprentice. Berrypaw didn't even know how to catch her own food yet... and it was because of her failure of a mentor. How do I expect to give her a fighting chance if I don't even teach her the basics?

"Berrypaw. Would you like to go hunting with me?" She approached her kin with a slightly awkward air, unsure how the apprentice felt about her mentor. "I've been... a bit distant lately and I want to change that."

[Rose]

Berrypaw
Post Count: 59/100

Berrypaw had been sitting in a corner of the clearing with her paws carefully tucked beneath her, and her bushy tail wrapped around herself. A few would call it huddling for warmth, since the air had tended to become rather biting and frosty. So sitting there, lost in thought, Berrypaw was quite taken by surprise when a voice suddenly spoke her name. Heterochromatic gaze darting upward with mild bewilderment, Berrypaw was momentarily stunned upon seeing which feline was standing infront of her. Oh. Peachfrost. It was her mentor. Pushing herself to her paws so that she was in a more appropriate position to greet her mentor, Berrypaw offered the other she-cat an anxious smile, her mind fretting slightly.

"Y-yeah." She said after a few moments of staring, shifting hesitantly on her paws. "I haven't been taught how to hunt yet." She murmured quietly, gaze locked on the ground before realizing what she'd unknowingly implied. "I mean- I'm not complaining." Berrypaw said hurriedly. "I've learned a lot of, um, other things! Like fighting and how to mark a border and... I even made a friend!" Here, another look was cast in Peachfrost's direction, as if looking for approval from her foster mother's sister. Shrinking slightly into herself, Berrypaw realized belatedly that perhaps Peachfrost did not want an account of what she'd been doing these past few moons, but nonetheless bit down on an apology.

[ @Poprock - Peachfrost ]

[Poprock]

@Kat
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Green gaze softened at her apprentice. The way Berrypaw pushed herself into a more respectable position was incredibly endearing... but wasn't necessary. "You have a right to complain if you want to. I haven't been the best mentor to you anyways." She glanced down at her paws in shame, anger at herself swirling around in her stomach. How long was she going to go without knowing such a basic skill before you finally stepped up?

Luckily her self depreicating thoughts didn't last long, immediately forgotten as the smaller molly went on to talk about her previous lessons. Her eyes shone with amazement at all that Berrypaw had managed to accomplish.

"I want to hear about all of it, every juicy detail. My first fighting lesson ended me up in the medicine cat's den with a bump on my noggin, I hope yours was a little better." She giggled, gesturing with her fluffy tail for the spotted apprentice to rise to her paws. If they didn't get going now, Peachfrost was sure she would keeping talking until the sun went down. Berrypaw's excitement was infectious. Could you blame her?

"And I want to hear about this new friend of yours while we head out to the hunting grounds." With that, she led the two off with perked ears and a little extra pep in her step.

[Rose]

Berrypaw
Post Count: 63/100

Smiling happily with quiet delight as Peachfrost seemed to genuinely take interest in what she'd been up to these past few moons, Berrypaw hurried after her mentor, gait rather unsteady because of how excited she was. Her mentor! She was finally going hunting with her mentor! The anxiousness was still there, yes, but Berrypaw couldn't express in words how happy she was with this turn of events. She'd started the day by thinking that all she'd get to do was sit around, but now Peachfrost was here! ...And Peachfrost seemed like a really nice cat. It eased Berrypaw's previous worries that she wouldn't get along with her mentor.

Round, tufted ears perked as they passed through WindClan's exit and Berrypaw mentally went over the older molly's queries. "I... I may have tripped over my own tail attempting one of the moves." The speckled she-cat admitted, feeling her fur heat up with embarassment. "Fallownose was teaching me and Firepaw and, um, Sunpaw." She added hurriedly to avert attention from the humiliated blush still evident on her face.

Tail wriggling back and forth with palpable parts curiousity and excitement, Berrypaw's expression practically lit up as she moved on to the next topic. "Oh, um, yeah. His name is Snowypaw, I don't know if you've seen him before, but he's..." For a moment, the smaller-than-average damsel hesitated, struggling to find the right word for her friend. Snowypaw was kind, he was thoughtful, he was appreciative, smart, friendly... "He's... nice." She stated lamely, and then shook her head, disappointed with her own lack of brain in this matter. How did one describe someone so wonderful? Berrypaw had been quite terrified of making friends after the disappearance of Tawnypaw, afraid that she was the reason all her loved ones were drifting away. But Snowypaw was still here, was he not?

As if in afterthought, the spotted, fluffy apprentice realized that she hadn't answered Peachfrost's initial statement, and her ears lowered slightly. "Oh, I'm so sorry! B-but it's okay. Really, I bet you're an amazing mentor!"

[ @Poprock - Peachfrost | So, uh, the fighting training hasn't been finished yet so yep. Wasn't able to add more details on that lool ]

[Poprock]

@Kat
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A mrrow of laughter left Peachfrost at her apprentice's stories. Tripping over your own tail was quite a feat for a cat to achieve! I wish I was there to see that... I know I wouldn't have been able to keep myself from laughing. She sent a silent thank you to Fallownose for getting her through such a cute blunder. "Sounds like an eventful training session!"

The next part of her story brought an even larger smile to her face. "I remember Snowypaw. I think I've been on a patrol or too with him. Good kid." And judging the flustered explanation, he was more than good. Berrypaw had clearly taken a liking to Snowypaw. Cuuuuute!! A small purr rumbled within her large body. I'll be keeping an eye on him though, one wrong move with my little Berrypaw and he's done for!

Finally they arrived at their destination, Peachfrost turning towards Berrypaw with a more serious air. "Ok, first lesson in hunting is knowing your body. For example I am a big cat with a lot of power behind my punches, but I'm not very fast." She swung around a sheathed front paw for emphasis, before motioning for Berrypaw to do the same. "You need to figure out if you're more of a hard hitter or a speedster." Judging my her small size, Peachfrost guessed that Berrypaw was quicker than she was strong. A perfect skill set for chasing rabbits in the moor. It would also help in battle!

They took a moment for Berrypaw to get a feel of her own strengths and weaknesses before the molly moved on and crouched in the classic hunters crouch. "When we stalk our prey and want to remain unseen, we get in this pose. Keep your balance even on all four paws, tail low, and senses focused." Green eyes looked over at the speckled apprentice to judge her own stance.

[Rose]

Berrypaw
Post Count: 76/100

Hurrying after Peachfrost as her mentor picked up the pace, the small speckled apprentice couldn't help but feel her heart warm with affection. Peachfrost wasn't scary after all! Twilightstar just really put thought into mentors, perhaps, since Berrypaw knew her friend Snowypaw valued the time spent with his own. Speaking of Snowypaw... Her rounded ears swiveled in the peach-furred warrior's direction as she brought up Berrypaw's own denmate. And of what she thought of him. Feeling her face heat up with a blush for practically no reason (seriously, where had all the butterflies come from?), Berrypaw at least found some relief in the fact that her mentor approved in her choice of friends.

Blessedly, all these fluttery confusing thoughts drifted away as they paused in a small clearing, and her mentor swung around to address her about their first lesson. Berrypaw still couldn't believe she was going to learn hunting! It made her feel giddy with happiness. Regardless of this, the expression on her face shifted a tad bit with worry when Peachfrost explained the difference between speedsters and strong-suits. "I'm... I'm not very strong." She admitted softly, concerned that perhaps this would somehow set her back.

"I can probably be faster." She murmured hopefully, and the glanced up to focus on Peachfrost's position. She watched mutely for a few moments, and then slowly got into a hunter's crouch of her own. "Like this?" The spotted she-cat asked, bushy tail swishing against the ground.

[ @Poprock - Peachfrost | Apologies in advance if I repeat anything in my posts lol, I tend to forget what I type. ]

[Poprock]

Originally Posted by Kat

Berrypaw
Post Count: 76/100

Hurrying after Peachfrost as her mentor picked up the pace, the small speckled apprentice couldn't help but feel her heart warm with affection. Peachfrost wasn't scary after all! Twilightstar just really put thought into mentors, perhaps, since Berrypaw knew her friend Snowypaw valued the time spent with his own. Speaking of Snowypaw... Her rounded ears swiveled in the peach-furred warrior's direction as she brought up Berrypaw's own denmate. And of what she thought of him. Feeling her face heat up with a blush for practically no reason (seriously, where had all the butterflies come from?), Berrypaw at least found some relief in the fact that her mentor approved in her choice of friends.

Blessedly, all these fluttery confusing thoughts drifted away as they paused in a small clearing, and her mentor swung around to address her about their first lesson. Berrypaw still couldn't believe she was going to learn hunting! It made her feel giddy with happiness. Regardless of this, the expression on her face shifted a tad bit with worry when Peachfrost explained the difference between speedsters and strong-suits. "I'm... I'm not very strong." She admitted softly, concerned that perhaps this would somehow set her back.

"I can probably be faster." She murmured hopefully, and the glanced up to focus on Peachfrost's position. She watched mutely for a few moments, and then slowly got into a hunter's crouch of her own. "Like this?" The spotted she-cat asked, bushy tail swishing against the ground.

[ @Poprock - Peachfrost | Apologies in advance if I repeat anything in my posts lol, I tend to forget what I type. ]

"You don't have to be strong, you just have to be smart. Use your strengths to your advantage, and keep your disadvantages from becoming a problem. If you're speedy, you'll want to attack using rapid attacks and quick escapes. Run towards them with the speed only Windclan possesses, slash at their side and keep running. They can't hit you that way." She explained, once again miming a paw slash in the air. A fuzzy image of a dark striped molly with an evil gleam in her eyes appeared within the former medicine cat's eyes. What I wouldn't do to just... wait, we're this is a hunting lesson... not a battle lesson. Focus Peachfrost! "You know... if you ever find yourself up against a particularly feisty rabbit or something."
Anyways... back to Berrpaw's form.

"Good! You're a natural at this kitto. Just make sure to keep your tail from brushing against the ground, or else you could give yourself away. Or trip." She sent a teasing smile the apprentice's way as she scanned her body for any other mistakes. Berrypaw seemed to be a natural at this. So much like Skyleaf. "Now, I want you to use your senses and locate some prey. Can you hear them rustling in the heathers? Do you smell their scent nearby? Maybe you can feel the faint vibrations of their little paws in the ground. A good hunter uses all of their senses to locate their prey, all while remaining hidden." She stopped for a moment to locate prey herself, opening her mouth and allowing nature to do the rest. There's a rabbit nearby... so close I'm surprised it hasn't heard us and bolted. I wonder if Berrypaw realizes that too.

[Rose]

Berrypaw
Post Count: 91/100

Rounded ears swiveling in the direction of Peachfrost as the larger she-cat began speaking, Berrypaw made an effort not to let herself zone out. She needed to keep her mind on the task at paw. Interest and a mild hint of gratitude sparked in the molly's gaze when Peachfrost assured her that brawn was not needed. At least that was that. Next came... 'Wait, are we hunting or figh-' The thought barely formed in her mind when her mentor diverted the topic back to killing prey. Oh, so Peachfrost was teaching her hunting. With a small smile at her mentor's words about feisty rabbits, Berrypaw attempted to copy the swipe as well, slashing at the air. That would be handy for later, she could do this.

Her expression brightened at Peachfrost's praise, and beaming, the spotted molly lifted her tail and held it a few inches off the ground so that it wouldn't brush against the grass. Oh, that made sense. If she was so loud, no prey would be caught.

Parting her maw on Peachfrost's command for any sign of prey, Berrypaw's almond eyes darted suddenly to a nearby bush. She could tell that there was nothing in it.. But from beyond it came the scent she recognized. Rabbit. Heterochromatic eyes flicked to Peachfrost, as if asking for permission. When the much larger molly said nothing, Berrypaw took it as assent and started creeping forward, pupils dilating with excitement.

The next thing that happened was a tad bit embarrassing, if Berrypaw could admit. Lunging blindly from behind the bush to where Berrypaw was certain the rabbit sat, she realized her mistake too late. She hadn't made sure where she was going, or for that matter, where the prey was.

Bursting out from behind the bush, Berrypaw let out a squeal of surprised when she noticed how close the rabbit was, and then another when she tackled headfirst into it. It took a few moments of surprise before her instinct kicked in, and Berrypaw sank her claws into the creatures neck.

Sure, she'd caught the prey. By fluke. "Oopsie daisy?" The speckled molly asked sheepishly when she'd managed to rise to her paws and turn around to face her mentor.

[ @Poprock - Peachfrost ]

[Poprock]

@Kat
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A hearty laugh erupted from the large molly as she watched the apprentice successfully - albeit clumsily - catch the rabbit. It was definitely thanks to luck rather than skill; something Peachfrost could tell with her eyes closed. Berrypaw not only squealed in surprise upon encountering her prey, but scuffled with it a bit before finally killing it. If there was any other food lurking around they were surely scared off by the ruckus. Oh well, a win is a win. We just need to... polish some things up.

"That was quite the catch!" She purred, smiling down at the spotted apprentice. It was clear that Berrypaw had recognized her mistakes almost immediately, so there was no need for Peachfrost to reprimand her for basically tossing all of the previous advice to the wind. She just needs a few reminders is all.

"You definitely used your speed to your advantage... maybe a little too much. You got lucky this time, but what happens next time when you aren't positive of your preys location? You could wind up hurt or even worse: hungry." The molly opened her maw once more to locate another chance for Berrypaw, taking a moment to run her fluffy tail over the apprentice's back. A comforting brush to let her know not to beat herself up.

When the scent of a rodent reached her senses, the cream molly nodded at Berrypaw to try again. "Nice and slow this time, and you'll be the greatest hunter Windclan's ever seen."

[Rose]

Berrypaw
Post Count: 102/100

An infinitely grateful smile crept onto Berrypaw's face at Peachfrost's response. The speckled molly had been terrified she'd get reprimanded for scaring away all the prey in a mile radius, or even worse, get yelled at. But apparently not. All Peachfrost had for her was advice, and Berrypaw felt like she could tear up with gratitude.

Skies, she was so, so happy Twilightstar had assigned this specific she-cat as her mentor! Her own aunt! Well, technically they weren't related at all, but Berrypaw could let herself dream. ...Perhaps. Perhaps Peachfrost too saw her as a niece, or maybe even more? The peppered she-cat's heart yearned for family, and now it was becoming easier and easier to replace Peachfrost as the mother figure in Berrypaw's happy-perfect-life fantasies. Her face fell suddenly, and Berrypaw was hit by another bout of grief. She missed her mother. She missed Shiningmoon so much. And then her foster mother, Skyleaf had disappeared too.

Swallowing the lump that'd seemed to form in her throat out of nowhere, Berrypaw tried to refocus her thoughts on the lesson as she felt Peachfrost's comforting tail brush against her flank. Right, she was supposed to be learning hunting. "I- I'll try." She whispered softly, parting her mouth to single out the scents of prey. This time, instead of rabbit, Berrypaw recognized mouse.

Rounded, tufted ears flicking hesitantly, she dropped into a slightly clumsy hunting crouch, correcting herself before slinking forward. This time around, she made sure to let herself spot the mammal, and then when she'd inched her way close enough, pounced, nipping at it's neck to end its lifeforce. For a few moments, Berrypaw only crouched in place over the dead rodent, mismatched eyes wide and disbelieving. "I caught it." She tried to say, but instead the words came out a surprised whisper.

[ @Poprock - Peachfrost ]