[P/T] a deer learns to climb

[Luna16]

Deerpaw was…anxious. She could hardly keep down her breakfast. Today, Flytail graciously agreed to show her how to climb trees. The spotted she-cat never thought she’d been good for something like that, but as she grew up and her claws were sharper, she could see herself being useful in the trees. For surveillance or ambushing. So now it began…late in the game but…hopefully better late than never. Now, little Deerpaw was going to begin finding her place in the clan.

She walked outside the den and over to sit near the camp entrance. Sitting crouched into a small ball with her skinny tail around her paws. Making her as tiny as possible while she waited for Flytail.

@Tallstar - Flytail

[Tallstar]

Flytail
48 Moons
He/Him

Flytail watched Deerpaw closely, his blue eyes never leaving her as she stood by the tree. He could see the tension in her, but his expression remained neutral, focused. “Alright, Deerpaw, first things first,” he said, his voice steady and instructive. “You want to start by getting a solid grip. Place your claws in the bark and dig them in. Don’t be gentle. You need to hold your weight there.” He demonstrated on the tree in front of them, his claws sinking into the rough bark with precision. “Like this,” he continued. “Your back legs should be pushing you up, while your front paws hold the tree. Keep your body close to the trunk to stay balanced.”He dropped down a few fox-lengths and looked at her again. “Now, when you’re ready, reach up with your front paws and dig your claws in, then push with your back legs. Take it slow at first—don’t rush it.” He waited for her to move, his gaze firm but patient. “Don’t think about the height, just focus on getting that first step right.”

@Luna16

[Luna16]

When the lesson began it was…not what she expected. But in a good way. Flytail was a lot less scary than she thought he’d be, and she felt herself relax a bit. She watched and listened closely, nodding timidly as she turned to face her tree. Taking a deep breath, Deerpaw lifted herself onto her back legs, swaying for a moment as she tried to catch her balance. She wasn’t used to being this tall! After a couple heartbeats, Deerpaw grabbed the trunk of her tree, hooking her leg claws into its bark. She tested the grip, trying to rake her claws downward, but they moved too easily.

Deerpaw, now intently focused on her task, tried again without waiting for Flytail to instruct her to do so. This time, when she tried to pull her claws downward, it was much harder to do so. Satisfied that she had a good grip, she looked at Flytail, waiting for him to tell her what to do next. Embarrassed that she didn’t already know, since he kinda showed her already…but she wanted to make sure! Falling from a tree could be…bad.

@Tallstar - Flytail

[Tallstar]

Flytail
48 Moons
He/Him
Purrks:Shadow fiend

Flytail watched Deerpaw with a careful eye, noting her effort and the way she adjusted without being told. His tail twitched, just slightly—a sign of approval, if one knew how to read it. "Good," he said gruffly, though his tone had softened from earlier. "You’re thinking, not just copying. That’s better than most on their first climb." He padded a few steps closer, angling himself so he could see her claws in the bark. "Grip looks fine. Remember, it’s not about strength—it’s about control. Keep your weight low, push with your hind legs, not your front. Don’t try to haul yourself up like a badger dragging a kill." He flicked his tail toward the branches overhead. "When you’re ready, go slow. Feel the tree. It’s not going anywhere." His whiskers twitched with faint amusement. "And don’t worry about falling. If you do, I’ll laugh first and catch you second."

@Luna16