GROUSEPAW THE TRAILBLAZER
⋆˖ The Fool ˖⋆ SILVER TONGUE - JUST A SCRATCH - BURN, BABY, BURN
"either or, it doesn't really matter. neither really phase me, it's war and war is madness."
honestly, grousepaw just wanted out of camp. was that such a selfish thing to want? out of camp, if even for just a moment. he had dragged batpaw along for the express reason that the fellow apprentice was interesting, and grouse wanted to figure out his deal. plus, he had a place to earn in this clan (much to his eternal dismay) and he needed to set a good example, so dragging another apprentice out on a training excursion and bringing back some prey and plants wasn't a horrible idea.
but mostly, he just wanted to enjoy the forest. where the pines grew sparse and trailed into cypress and oaks that dominated thunderclan's sprawling forests. he parted his jaws to scent the fresh air, enjoying the warm sunlight on his pelt.
"you know what he's talkin' about, big-man?" grouse asked bemusedly to batpaw, listening to burning'night's aimless rambling. something something evil fate twisters and thunderclan. probably pointless propaganda.
"anyway," he shrugged, only partially listening to burning'night as he focused on the other apprentice, tail flicking idly as he reveled in the nature around them. "i just wanted to stretch my legs a bit, an' you seem cool. figured i'd have you tag along. you seen the borders yet? i ain't." cooler than midnightpath, for sure. he wasn't sure what thorn she had stepped on that made her dislike him so much, but oh well.
As annoying as his underlings were, at least he was being taken from the dull thrum of camp life. Even if it was to stare at some land and gather some plants for... Something. Why had he been dragged along again? He had forgotten amongst the inane rambling of the warrior that was leading the party into the wilderness. The Bat had half a mind to shut him up and leave him sniveling the rest of the outing but in a way he figures that would be even more annoying. So he tunes it out, orange eye watching as the foliage slowly changes as they approach Thunderclan territory.
It takes a moment but his attention turns to the healer at his side when he also begins his rambling, much to the Lord's dismay, so he can offer an irritated expression and a slow blink of his eyes. Curse his luck, having him paired up with these idiots... Perhaps he should have badgered Midleaf before the little spunky one had the chance to get to him first.
"I don't think even he knows what he speaks of." He scoffs, scrutinizing stare falling heavily upon the warrior's back. "Poor creature is a victim of delusion not even I could bestow upon a weary soul. Pity... Hopefully it gets him sooner rather than later."
A grin weasels it's way onto his features when the thought of Burningnight up and dying suddenly becomes a possibility. One day worries such as those would make his heart stop. How funny would it be for it to happen while out near Thunderclan territory? Could blame it on the tree-hugging nuisances.
"These lands I have not visited, no. I don't understand the point in simply staring at them. Seems like a waste of my valuable time. Oi, feeble one!" He calls out to Burningnight from behind, withholding laughter. "Stop your blathering and do something useful, would you? Teach us something or find something to bring back before the Queen herself shreds your pelt from your flesh."
Sleepysunrise was only mildly aware of the conversation (or chatter) going on behind her, unable to fully follow as only Quillpaw's voice rung out. Vibrant eyes remained trained on her younger siblings, always looking, shifting focus not on their shared words but to the action they copied just as they finished marking the border, a subtle nod coming from the young enforcer. "Good."
She praised after a short delay, turning on her paws and - after an obvious gesture - intending to head back with the two.
[Sparrowpelt]
ThunderClan Warrior
Beefed Up T3 | Just A Scratch | Hulk SMASH
[ OPTIONAL PROMPT: A squirrel chucks an acorn at you! What a jerk! ]
Alrighty. It was time to lead a patrol it appeared. The large tom would glance from Wolfhive, back down to his apprentice with a grin. "Guess you'll get a quick tour of Herondive Hollow and a crash course on hunting, eh?" Sparrowpelt mused, looking over at Acornfall and gesturing for the group to follow him out into the territory.
...
Once at the location assigned, Sparrowpelt would glance over at Acornfall. "I'm going to give Snowpaw here a quick lesson in hunting so take your time hunting. We'll meet back up here in a bit, got it? Make sure not to go past the ravine like Wolfhive said," Sparrowpelt instructed, making sure the warrior heard him.
Then, his attention turned on Snowpaw. "So, this is Herondive Hollow. It's our border with ShadowClan. Can you tell me what you smell? Also, familiarize yourself with ShadowClan's scent. Very important to know." Sparrowpelt instructed, parting his mouth to inhale the scents around them. He could pick up on a few mice and squirrels in the immediate area.
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Re: Herondive Hollow
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuspiciousMindz
[Sparrowpelt]
ThunderClan Warrior
Beefed Up T3 | Just A Scratch | Hulk SMASH
[ OPTIONAL PROMPT: A squirrel chucks an acorn at you! What a jerk! ]
Alrighty. It was time to lead a patrol it appeared. The large tom would glance from Wolfhive, back down to his apprentice with a grin. "Guess you'll get a quick tour of Herondive Hollow and a crash course on hunting, eh?" Sparrowpelt mused, looking over at Acornfall and gesturing for the group to follow him out into the territory.
...
Once at the location assigned, Sparrowpelt would glance over at Acornfall. "I'm going to give Snowpaw here a quick lesson in hunting so take your time hunting. We'll meet back up here in a bit, got it? Make sure not to go past the ravine like Wolfhive said," Sparrowpelt instructed, making sure the warrior heard him.
Then, his attention turned on Snowpaw. "So, this is Herondive Hollow. It's our border with ShadowClan. Can you tell me what you smell? Also, familiarize yourself with ShadowClan's scent. Very important to know." Sparrowpelt instructed, parting his mouth to inhale the scents around them. He could pick up on a few mice and squirrels in the immediate area.
Snowpaw Pure white pelt; light mackerel tabby markings; Icy blue eyes
She/her || 5 moons || ThunderClan
---
Snowpaw followed her mentor, bounding on ahead. She would gaze around the forest in wonder, occasionally stopping to check something out, talking nonstop almost the whole way there. "This is my first time out of camp! I can't wait to see EVERYTHING! What are we gonna do when we get there? Oh yeah! Hunting! I'm gonna learn how to HUNT! That's soo cool! I can't wait to show Peachpaw when we're done! Whoa, what was that? Oh, it was just a leaf falling..." etc, etc.
Finally they arrived at their destination. "Okay!!" Snowpaw responded enthusiastically. This is so cool!! She copied what Sparrowpelt did, taking in the scents. An unfamiliar scent hit her mouth. "Ew!" she exclaimed, wrinkling her nose. "Is that Shadowclan?" After Sparrowpelt responded, she tried again, this time ignoring the Shadowclan stench. "Plants and... OH! Prey!" she said instantly, beaming at Sparrowpelt.
---
__________________
❝ Spooky, scary skeletons
Send shivers down your spine
Shrieking skulls will shock your soul
Seal your doom tonight ❞
My characters and me are separate beings. Whatever my characters say or do, it is not a reflection of how I feel. Character Bios + Trackers +Pixelgif Shop
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Last edited by snowflake.; August 13th, 2024 at 11:11 PM.
Acornfall trotted after Sparrowpelt and Snowpaw, happily taking up the rear of the patrol as they went on to ensure his clanmates' safety. He was a little disappointed his own apprentice was confined to camp this time around, but in the meantime he was taking his duties keeping the others safe very seriously. However, he couldn't help purring in amusement at Snowpaw's enthusiasm. "Just make sure to listen closely to your mentor, Snowpaw!" He reminded her. "And stick close!"
He knew that Sparrowpelt was in charge of the patrol, so he hoped he wasn't overstepping any lines. But Acornfall was typically much more casual about lines of authority among his fellow warriors.
He stopped when Sparrowpelt stopped, and dipped his head in acknowledgement. "Will do!" He meowed cheerfully. "Holler if ya need me!" With that he flicked his tail and padded off into the undergrowth, giving the mentor and apprentice some space. He felt a faint pang of longing that he missed out on an opportunity with Hailpaw, but he wasn't going to make that their problem. Snowpaw deserved time with her mentor too.
He slowed when he felt he had put enough distance between them, opening his jaws to drink in the scents around him.
- rolled 18-
Right away, Acornfall found the scent trail of a squirrel. He crouched into his hunter's crouch, ensuring that his tail wasn't brushing the ground but also wasn't sticking way high in the air. He crept carefully forward until he could see his quarry. The squirrel hadn't noticed him yet, intently focused on eating its nut. Acornfall carefully prepped his hind legs and shifted his weight before launching himself at the squirrel.
- rolled 16-
Acornfall landed squarely on his target, delivering a swift bite to it's neck to silence its cries. The brown tabby tom quickly covered his catch with dirt to come back to it later, taking a few pawsteps away from the squirrel before sniffing at the undergrowth to see if he could pick up another trail.
- rolled 13-
Drat! Nothing. Acornfall carefully padded forward a little ways more, opening his jaws once again to drink in the scents around him. Trying to single out a prey trail.
- rolled 12-
Still nothing! Frustrated, Acornfall turned in a different direction and padded a ways there. Checking where he was carefully to ensure he wasn't straying too far from his catch or his patrolmates. Once again, he tasted the air to see if he could find prey-scent.
- rolled 20-
Success! Finally he caught a trail, and what a lucky trail at that! Immediately, Acornfall crouched down and stalked carefully forward. There, among the roots of the trees, were two mice searching for food. He wasn't sure if he could catch two mice at once, but it was worth a shot. He could feel his mouth watering in anticipation, and crept forward carefully until he thought he was a good distance away, checking the wind direction to ensure optimal parameters. Then, when he was certain he could at least catch one of them, he launched forward.
- rolled 15-
Acornfall landed squarely on one of the mice, biting it's neck instantly and silencing it's cries. He had tried to slam his other paw down on the second mouse, but it managed to squirm away from him. Crashing through the undergrowth squeaking in alarm. Mouse dung! Now the prey here would have hidden. He shrugged, at least he caught one! He trotted back to his squirrel and quickly buried his mouse near it. Then he made his way in the opposite direction, keeping his mouth open to taste for prey-scent.
- rolled 12-
He seemed to be striking out again, perhaps the squeaks of the mouse that escaped caused more harm than he thought. But he wanted to make one more catch before returning to his patrolmates!
- rolled 19-
Acornfall felt his chest swell with determination. StarClan was on his side! He caught the trail of yet another mouse, and immediately began to crouch forward towards it. He could spot it almost right away, he was closeby this time. Acornfall lifted his muzzle slightly to feel where the wind direction was, and everything seemed to still be in his favor. He crept forward a few more pawsteps, preparing himself to launch into another successful catch...
- rolled 14-
*Snap*
Foxdung! Acornfall froze where he stood, he stepped on a small twig that alerted the mouse.
- rolled 13-
Acornfall watched in frustration as the mouse darted off into the undergrowth, gone from site. He rose to his paws with a quiet hiss of frustration. He didn't want to scare off all of the prey in the forest, but right now he was very tempted to do some frustrated shouting. Acornfall took a deep breath to steady himself. Just one more catch... He padded a little ways farther from where he buried his previous catches, but checked his place again to ensure that he was not beyond where Wolfhive cautioned them to stay. Here he parted his jaws again, praying to StarClan for a scent trail to some prey.
- rolled 18-
There! His eyes lit up and crouched down before he was seen. StarClan had given him one last miracle, one last chance: a squirrel. Acornfall was close enough to his prey that he only had to stalk forward a little to put himself in a good position.
- rolled 19-
He launched at the squirrel and landed right on target, delivering the killing blow smoothly. He stood up with his catch, eyes gleaming with success, and returned to where he hide his mouse and other squirrel. Acornfall carefully lifting his catches before trotting over to rejoin Sparrowpelt and Snowpaw, his tail waving behind his joyfully. His favorite part of a successful hunt was knowing that somecat who needed this prey was going to eat it. Being able to serve his clan in this way always made him feel so fulfilled.
[Sparrowpelt]
ThunderClan Warrior
Killer Aptitude T3 | Just A Scratch | Hulk SMASH
"Alright, so crash course on hunting and we'll give it a good try today," Sparrowpelt spoke, gesturing for Snowpaw to come close and listen. "One important thing to remember is to stay quiet so you don't scare the prey arond us," he spoke, hinting to stay quiet for Acornfall to hunt properly. "Another thing to remember is to stay downwind of the prey. If the wind if blowing from behind you, they'll smell you. If the wind if blowing towards you, you'll smell the prey and they'll have a harder time smelling you. Makes sense?" He confirm Snowpaw understood before moving on.
"Next, we'll stay low to the ground in a crouch. Mimic this," Sparrowpelt spoke, getting into a hunting crouch. His legs were evenly spread to hold his weight up and his tail and fluffy belly fur was just off the ground. "Make sure to keep your fur off the ground so you don't drag leaves or sticks that make noise," Sparrowpelt spoke, then took a few steps forward. "And when you step, make sure it's steady and you watch where you step. You don't want to break any twigs or crunch leaves that'll give you away. Prey can hear you and run before they even see you," Sparrowpelt explained, before he'd pause and wait for Snowpaw to attempt this.
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Re: Herondive Hollow
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuspiciousMindz
[Sparrowpelt]
ThunderClan Warrior
Killer Aptitude T3 | Just A Scratch | Hulk SMASH
"Alright, so crash course on hunting and we'll give it a good try today," Sparrowpelt spoke, gesturing for Snowpaw to come close and listen. "One important thing to remember is to stay quiet so you don't scare the prey arond us," he spoke, hinting to stay quiet for Acornfall to hunt properly. "Another thing to remember is to stay downwind of the prey. If the wind if blowing from behind you, they'll smell you. If the wind if blowing towards you, you'll smell the prey and they'll have a harder time smelling you. Makes sense?" He confirm Snowpaw understood before moving on.
"Next, we'll stay low to the ground in a crouch. Mimic this," Sparrowpelt spoke, getting into a hunting crouch. His legs were evenly spread to hold his weight up and his tail and fluffy belly fur was just off the ground. "Make sure to keep your fur off the ground so you don't drag leaves or sticks that make noise," Sparrowpelt spoke, then took a few steps forward. "And when you step, make sure it's steady and you watch where you step. You don't want to break any twigs or crunch leaves that'll give you away. Prey can hear you and run before they even see you," Sparrowpelt explained, before he'd pause and wait for Snowpaw to attempt this.
Snowpaw Pure white pelt; light mackerel tabby markings; Icy blue eyes
She/her || 5 moons || ThunderClan
---
Snowpaw listened to her mentor. She nodded enthusiastically when Sparrowpelt asked if it made sense. Then Sparrowpelt showed her the hunting crouch, giving her tips. I'm learning how to hunt! she thought happily. She swiftly tried to copy Sparrowpelt, but in her eagerness she swooped down too fast, thumping on the ground. She immediately bounced back up and tried again, this time more slowly. Hunting is very important for the clan, she remembered. She needed to concentrate to succeed, and she was determined to do it right, even if not on her first try.
She tried to spread her weight as best as she could, and glanced at Sparrowpelt to make sure she was doing it right. She lifted her tail off the ground and took a slow step forward, which was hard, because she had so much excitement. She glanced at Sparrowpelt again for confirmation.
---
#2024snowbingo - gonna use this for the "learn a new skill" column!
__________________
❝ Spooky, scary skeletons
Send shivers down your spine
Shrieking skulls will shock your soul
Seal your doom tonight ❞
My characters and me are separate beings. Whatever my characters say or do, it is not a reflection of how I feel. Character Bios + Trackers +Pixelgif Shop
| WIP Character Website |
Last edited by snowflake.; August 19th, 2024 at 10:17 PM.
[Sparrowpelt]
ThunderClan Warrior
Killer Aptitude T3 | Just A Scratch | Hulk SMASH
Sparrowpelt watched as Snowpaw attempted the hunting techniques he'd went over quickly. With a small nod of approval, he allowed Snowpaw to try to prowl forward a few more moments before he'd stop her. "Alright, how 'bout we try it out on some rodents nearby. We can try birds at a later time, but we outta get something. Our clanmate will be waitin'," Sparrowpelt suggested, parting his mouth to bring the scents to him.
Fresh mouse scent was nearby, and the large warrior would gesture for the apprentice to follow him. He remained crouched, moving carefully, letting Snowpaw practice her crouching at the same time. Then, with a subtle gesture of his tail, he would halt them and point with his nose in the direction of the small furry creature. "There..." he whispered before another mouse came darting out of the undergrowth. "You try to take the one on the left and I'll take the right," he instructed before creeping forward. "Get as close as you can and when you think you can pounce on it, do it. Don't hesistate. A quick nip to the back of the neck will end it quickly."
With skilled movement, he waited for Snowpaw to move forward, coming up at her flank and waiting. She got the first move. When she was pouncing, Sparrowpelt would also get close enough to pounce, his claws would expertly land on the small creature. With a quick nip, the squealing stopped and he'd stand to glance at how Snowpaw did.
Bump Policy: PLEASE bump me after a week! I WILL FORGET!
Posts: 702
My Mood:
Re: Herondive Hollow
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuspiciousMindz
[Sparrowpelt]
ThunderClan Warrior
Killer Aptitude T3 | Just A Scratch | Hulk SMASH
Sparrowpelt watched as Snowpaw attempted the hunting techniques he'd went over quickly. With a small nod of approval, he allowed Snowpaw to try to prowl forward a few more moments before he'd stop her. "Alright, how 'bout we try it out on some rodents nearby. We can try birds at a later time, but we outta get something. Our clanmate will be waitin'," Sparrowpelt suggested, parting his mouth to bring the scents to him.
Fresh mouse scent was nearby, and the large warrior would gesture for the apprentice to follow him. He remained crouched, moving carefully, letting Snowpaw practice her crouching at the same time. Then, with a subtle gesture of his tail, he would halt them and point with his nose in the direction of the small furry creature. "There..." he whispered before another mouse came darting out of the undergrowth. "You try to take the one on the left and I'll take the right," he instructed before creeping forward. "Get as close as you can and when you think you can pounce on it, do it. Don't hesistate. A quick nip to the back of the neck will end it quickly."
With skilled movement, he waited for Snowpaw to move forward, coming up at her flank and waiting. She got the first move. When she was pouncing, Sparrowpelt would also get close enough to pounce, his claws would expertly land on the small creature. With a quick nip, the squealing stopped and he'd stand to glance at how Snowpaw did.
Snowpaw Pure white pelt; light mackerel tabby markings; Icy blue eyes
She/her || 5 moons || ThunderClan Profile • Bio
---
Snowpaw beamed in pride when she saw Sparrowpelt's approval. "Okay!" She'd manage to squeak out, before she noticed Sparrowpelt already moving. She followed quickly, watching him. She went into the crouch again, eyes trained on the mouse with an indication of Sparrowpelt.
She briefly sunk her claws in the dirt to still herself; She was trembling faintly. This was going to be her first catch! Glancing at Sparrowpelt, she inched forward. She froze as her tail brushed against the bracken; She had been swishing her tail nervously. The mouse looked up suspiciously, and-- Now! She awkwardly pounced, unsheathing her claws. She felt the warm body beneath her, wriggling out of her grasp, squealing. She quickly nipped the mouse just before it escaped.
"Whoa, that was a close one!" She exclaimed, but couldn't help the purr from escaping. "I did it! Did you see that?! I did it!!" Her eyes were shining; her first catch! She didn't mind that she had almost lost it, there was always time to practice!
---
[+1 mouse]
__________________
❝ Spooky, scary skeletons
Send shivers down your spine
Shrieking skulls will shock your soul
Seal your doom tonight ❞
My characters and me are separate beings. Whatever my characters say or do, it is not a reflection of how I feel. Character Bios + Trackers +Pixelgif Shop
| WIP Character Website |
Last edited by snowflake.; August 20th, 2024 at 05:33 PM.
[Sparrowpelt]
ThunderClan Warrior
Killer Aptitude T3 | Just A Scratch | Hulk SMASH
"Great job!" Sparrowpelt would cheer for the apprentice before going quiet again and signaling for drop her prey in the hole he quickly dug. "We'll keep them here for now and circle around to grab them later, okay?" He spoke, gesturing for her to follow close to him. "Alright, don't stray too far, but go track down another piece of prey and meet me back at our prey hole. We have to go find Acornfall afterwards," Sparrowpelt instructed quietly before stalking off into the underbrush. His ears would continuously flicker towards Snowpaw's direction in case she needed something and to make sure she's okay.
...
Sparrowpelt was quick to stalk down another mouse, followed swiftly by a vole. Both catches were quick and clean, his skilled paws working quickly to finish his hunt. He refused to come back with just a mere mouse, training Snowpaw or not.
When the large warrior circled back to where they buried their prey, his gaze swept the area for her. He made sure his figure wasn't hidden, and that he was easily seen in case she got a little lost. Her scent gave away that she was fairly close the whole time, which put his mind at ease.
"Acornfall, on me!" The warrior would call into the trees. Surely, the other warrior wasn't too far. Their initial meeting spot wasn't too far away, maybe a few trees.
Re: Herondive Hollow
