Taking Flight [Finchpaw Training][P]

[bugonenine]

Borders [0/1]
Land and Water Hunting [0/1]
Battle Training [0/1]
Swimming [0/1]
Lesson 4 [0/1]
Lesson 5 [0/1]

[bugonenine]

ʚ Finchpaw ɞ

Finchpaw didn’t necessarily want to do anything today, but his lack of training had been bugging him since his talk with Kitepaw. If he wanted to ever be a warrior, he had to do something! How embarrassing would it be if he was an apprentice for a long time? He didn’t want to know.

Shaking pieces from his nest out of his fur, Finchpaw bounded out of the den to find Spiraltail. Maybe they could go see the borders, or Spiraltail could teach him how to hunt. Either way, something needed to be done.

@Tallstar

[Tallstar]

Spiraltail
28 Moons
He/Him
Spiraltail had been sitting just outside the warriors’ den, enjoying the quiet of the early morning. The sun hadn’t fully crested the treetops yet, and the air still had a coolness to it, perfect for clearing his thoughts. He was lost in a brief moment of peace when he heard the familiar padding of paws approaching—quick, hesitant, but determined.

He looked up and saw Finchpaw, his fur a little ruffled from his nest, but his eyes bright with purpose. It was clear the young apprentice had something on his mind. Spiraltail straightened up, sensing the shift in the apprentice’s mood.

“Up and at ‘em, Finchpaw?” Spiraltail called out, flicking his tail in greeting. “Something on your mind this morning?”

@bugonenine

[bugonenine]

ʚ Finchpaw ɞ

Ah! Finchpaw spotted his mentor outside the warriors’ den. He trotted up to Spiraltail, steps light with excitement and muscles tight with nerves. On one paw, he was so ready to start training. But no amount of eager energy could drown out the thoughts playing just underneath. What if I mess up today? What if Spiraltail thinks I’m not fit to be a warrior? What if I’m bad?

Spiraltail’s greeting soothed him a little. He returned the tail flick quickly, then got right to the point: “I’m ready to start training.” Despite his nerves, a big smile broke out on his face. There was so much to learn! Where would they even start? “What are we starting with?” he asked, echoing the thought. He hadn’t seen the borders yet; that would be a good start. Or hunting! Hunting sounded fun.

@Tallstar

[Tallstar]

Spiraltail’s amber eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and pride as he took in Finchpaw’s eagerness. He knew the apprentice’s nerves were bubbling just under the surface, but that fire in his gaze was something Spiraltail admired. “You’re ready, huh?” Spiraltail’s voice rumbled with a gentle teasing. “Well then, let’s start with hunting. It’s the most important skill you’ll learn. Without prey, you can’t protect the Clan. And besides,” he added with a chuckle, “I know you’ve been itching to try it.” He flicked his tail toward the forest, just beyond the clearing. “Follow me, and keep your ears open. Hunting requires patience—more patience than you might expect. It’s about moving slowly and listening, feeling the forest around you. Are you ready to give it a try?”

@ bugonenine