Territory Trek [p training]

[Akira]

Originally Posted by Katulaura

Berrypaw
Post Count: 23/100

Berrypaw, as expected, grew eager with a new burst of excitement as Pouncestone announced that they were in a new section of WindClan’s territory. Eyes as wide as saucers, Berrypaw’s heterochromatic gaze darted back and forth between almost every rock and pebble. As a fresh round of questions began blotting her thoughts and threatening to spill forth, Berrypaw pressed her lips into a firm, tight line, refusing to let in. Besides, even though questions would mean more answers, she still didn’t exactly have the energy to talk freely, and instead found herself thinking back to the collection of smooth stones and feathers she had lining her nest.

Pausing for a few seconds, the speckled apprentice lowered her head to unearth a particularly sharp black rock she noticed. Head bent to the ground, Berrypaw had barely heard Pouncestone’s warning when she spotted an adder hidden in the shadows between two boulders. She jerked away and back in reflex, eyes widening even more if that could be physically possible.

Belatedly, Berrypaw realized how naive and idiotic she was acting, because the snake had been so far away and Berrypaw had jumped so far backward as if it was right in front of her. But still… It was better to be safe than sorry… Right? Uncertainly, she turned her gaze upon Pouncestone, edging back to his side. “I’ve never seen a snake- an adder before.” Berrypaw whispered, tone both awed and afraid.

Pouncestone swore he heard something strange but, when he turned around, he only saw Berrypaw, her eyes wide as she approached him. Had something happened? Did she find an adder? Did it attack her?! No... She didn't seem to be injured, and she probably would've said something if she was and the warrior didn't notice it. Instead, she mentioned not seeing an adder, and the tone of her voice made Pouncestone frown slightly. Hm... He'd have to keep a closer eye on her, and stay close.

The dark gray tabby allowed Berrypaw to come close as he scanned the area, blue eyes alert for anything off. Thankfully, there seemed to be only rocks the place was known for: no snakes... At least, he hoped not. Still, Pouncestone was satisfied with that and decided to answer the apprentice's question, though he still remained alert.

"They look like a worm but... Much longer. And darker colors, like brown, gray, black, etcetera. Some have markings as well. Some are venomous, which makes you sick and can kill you with a bite in moments, but some aren't, and you can survive a bite if that's the case. However, I'd rather you not wander off again, alright? I don't want to test which snakes are venomous or not here."

[Rose]

Originally Posted by Ritsuka

Pouncestone swore he heard something strange but, when he turned around, he only saw Berrypaw, her eyes wide as she approached him. Had something happened? Did she find an adder? Did it attack her?! No... She didn't seem to be injured, and she probably would've said something if she was and the warrior didn't notice it. Instead, she mentioned not seeing an adder, and the tone of her voice made Pouncestone frown slightly. Hm... He'd have to keep a closer eye on her, and stay close.

The dark gray tabby allowed Berrypaw to come close as he scanned the area, blue eyes alert for anything off. Thankfully, there seemed to be only rocks the place was known for: no snakes... At least, he hoped not. Still, Pouncestone was satisfied with that and decided to answer the apprentice's question, though he still remained alert.

"They look like a worm but... Much longer. And darker colors, like brown, gray, black, etcetera. Some have markings as well. Some are venomous, which makes you sick and can kill you with a bite in moments, but some aren't, and you can survive a bite if that's the case. However, I'd rather you not wander off again, alright? I don't want to test which snakes are venomous or not here."

Berrypaw
Post Count: 25/100

Still shook from her brief encounter, Berrypaw timidly followed after Pouncestone. Thank the stars he hadn’t said anything about her blunder… Now that she thought of it, maybe he hadn’t seen at all. After all, Berrypaw recalled that the gray-furred WindClan warrior had not been looking at her until she’d stepped forward and spoken. Her chest rattled with a small, grateful exhale. Well, maybe StarClan was looking out for her future after all.

Thinking of StarClan, Berrypaw’s gaze traveled upward, wishing for almost the thousandth time that she could see her mother, feel her warmth, even merely hear her voice.

Shaking away these heart-wrenching thoughts and turning back to Pouncestone, Berrypaw flicked one of her rounded ears, soaking up his each and every word. Worm but much longer… Yeah, Berrypaw had established what an adder looked like, and she wished not to ever see one again. That was probably an unrealistic thought, as Berrypaw was probably bound to stumble upon another in her moons to come, but yet, she still hoped to avoid the creatures. She took a deep breath, and then nodded in agreement. She didn’t want to wander off anymore either.

“How much… How much more is there?” Berrypaw asked quietly, tone hesitant and slightly timid. The speckled apprentice didn’t want to make it seem like she didn’t like Pouncestone’s company, but Berrypaw was getting genuinely fatigued. More so with the talking to an almost complete stranger than because of the physical exertion.

[Akira]

Originally Posted by Katulaura

Berrypaw
Post Count: 25/100

Still shook from her brief encounter, Berrypaw timidly followed after Pouncestone. Thank the stars he hadn’t said anything about her blunder… Now that she thought of it, maybe he hadn’t seen at all. After all, Berrypaw recalled that the gray-furred WindClan warrior had not been looking at her until she’d stepped forward and spoken. Her chest rattled with a small, grateful exhale. Well, maybe StarClan was looking out for her future after all.

Thinking of StarClan, Berrypaw’s gaze traveled upward, wishing for almost the thousandth time that she could see her mother, feel her warmth, even merely hear her voice.

Shaking away these heart-wrenching thoughts and turning back to Pouncestone, Berrypaw flicked one of her rounded ears, soaking up his each and every word. Worm but much longer… Yeah, Berrypaw had established what an adder looked like, and she wished not to ever see one again. That was probably an unrealistic thought, as Berrypaw was probably bound to stumble upon another in her moons to come, but yet, she still hoped to avoid the creatures. She took a deep breath, and then nodded in agreement. She didn’t want to wander off anymore either.

“How much… How much more is there?” Berrypaw asked quietly, tone hesitant and slightly timid. The speckled apprentice didn’t want to make it seem like she didn’t like Pouncestone’s company, but Berrypaw was getting genuinely fatigued. More so with the talking to an almost complete stranger than because of the physical exertion.

Pouncestone noticably slowed slowed his pace so as to allow Berrypaw to walk alongside him, still wanting her as close as possible to keep her away from snakes. But at her quiet question, Pouncestone stopped and thought for a moment. They'd gone to the Sky Glade, Windy Hills, Adder Rocks... The only ones left were Juniper's Rest and Swooping Cliffs, along with the borders. However, if Berrypaw is exhausted, it wouldn't be the best to keep going until she collapsed: while the dark gray tom was sure he'd be able to carry her back, he didn't want to risk it.

"Swooping Cliffs and Juniper's Rest are left, along with the borders," Pouncestone meowed, his nose giving a minuscule twitch. "However, if you're tired now, we should head back: don't want to risk you collapsing and being unable to get back to camp, right?"

[Rose]

Originally Posted by Ritsuka

Pouncestone noticably slowed slowed his pace so as to allow Berrypaw to walk alongside him, still wanting her as close as possible to keep her away from snakes. But at her quiet question, Pouncestone stopped and thought for a moment. They'd gone to the Sky Glade, Windy Hills, Adder Rocks... The only ones left were Juniper's Rest and Swooping Cliffs, along with the borders. However, if Berrypaw is exhausted, it wouldn't be the best to keep going until she collapsed: while the dark gray tom was sure he'd be able to carry her back, he didn't want to risk it.

"Swooping Cliffs and Juniper's Rest are left, along with the borders," Pouncestone meowed, his nose giving a minuscule twitch. "However, if you're tired now, we should head back: don't want to risk you collapsing and being unable to get back to camp, right?"

Berrypaw
Post Count: 29/100

The speckled apprentice sped up her pace to trot alongside Pouncestone as the WindClan warrior slowed down for her. She wouldn’t leave his side now. Not even for shiny rocks. …No matter how tempting they looked. Besides, she did not want to slow Pouncestone down and further her burden on him.

When he suggested to turn around and return to camp, Berrypaw almost immediately declined, but decided better to listen to what the warrior had to say. Swooping Cliffs, Juniper’s Rest, and the borders were left. She could do that. …Probably. Taking a deep, cleansing breath, Berrypaw shook her head rather firmly. “No, I- I can manage it.” She murmured. So much for remaining silent. For some odd reason, Berrypaw kept finding herself speaking up despite the fact that she’d been tried to shut her trap. “It’s- It’s not a… physical tiredness.” She attempted to explain meekly, and then instantly regretted it. How was she ever going to explain the way her brain worked? All she would probably manage to do in the end is offend Pouncestone on accident.

(So sorry this wasn’t out sooner. I was stressing over a college deadline. )

[Akira]

Originally Posted by Katulaura

Berrypaw
Post Count: 29/100

The speckled apprentice sped up her pace to trot alongside Pouncestone as the WindClan warrior slowed down for her. She wouldn’t leave his side now. Not even for shiny rocks. …No matter how tempting they looked. Besides, she did not want to slow Pouncestone down and further her burden on him.

When he suggested to turn around and return to camp, Berrypaw almost immediately declined, but decided better to listen to what the warrior had to say. Swooping Cliffs, Juniper’s Rest, and the borders were left. She could do that. …Probably. Taking a deep, cleansing breath, Berrypaw shook her head rather firmly. “No, I- I can manage it.” She murmured. So much for remaining silent. For some odd reason, Berrypaw kept finding herself speaking up despite the fact that she’d been tried to shut her trap. “It’s- It’s not a… physical tiredness.” She attempted to explain meekly, and then instantly regretted it. How was she ever going to explain the way her brain worked? All she would probably manage to do in the end is offend Pouncestone on accident.

(So sorry this wasn’t out sooner. I was stressing over a college deadline. )

Pouncestone listened to the apprentice as she decided to continue. Berrypaw insisted that she wasn't tired, to which the warrior hummed doubtfully, obviously not believing her but refusing to pry any more. Yet despite that, following explanation puzzled him somewhat. Not physically tired? Huh? The dark gray tabby decided to ponder over her words, allowing his muscle memory and paws to lead him to Swooping Cliffs.

Not physically tired... Yet Berrypaw seemed exhausted, which Pouncestone could chalk up to it being how long they'd been walking. However, she'd been keeping up rather well with him, even now, so it couldn't be that... What was it, then?

"Mind explaining? I can't really help you if you don't tell me what's wrong, and I'd like to be able to. But since I don't know what it is, you'll need to explain," Pouncestone eventually said, gently prodding to see if Berrypaw would respond. Hopefully so: he'd feel awful not being of help since he didn't know what was going on. Then again, it was up to Berrypaw to decide so, for now, he was only going to gently prod. If she refused to speak, the gray tabby would be fine with that... Even if he preferred to know.

[Rose]

Originally Posted by Ritsuka

Pouncestone listened to the apprentice as she decided to continue. Berrypaw insisted that she wasn't tired, to which the warrior hummed doubtfully, obviously not believing her but refusing to pry any more. Yet despite that, following explanation puzzled him somewhat. Not physically tired? Huh? The dark gray tabby decided to ponder over her words, allowing his muscle memory and paws to lead him to Swooping Cliffs.

Not physically tired... Yet Berrypaw seemed exhausted, which Pouncestone could chalk up to it being how long they'd been walking. However, she'd been keeping up rather well with him, even now, so it couldn't be that... What was it, then?

"Mind explaining? I can't really help you if you don't tell me what's wrong, and I'd like to be able to. But since I don't know what it is, you'll need to explain," Pouncestone eventually said, gently prodding to see if Berrypaw would respond. Hopefully so: he'd feel awful not being of help since he didn't know what was going on. Then again, it was up to Berrypaw to decide so, for now, he was only going to gently prod. If she refused to speak, the gray tabby would be fine with that... Even if he preferred to know.

Berrypaw
Post Count: 30/100

Entirely embarrassed, Berrypaw bowed her head, looking only at her paws, which made sure to follow after Pouncestone. Great, she had roped this random(kind of) warrior into the mess that was her. Eyes solely focused on the ground, Berrypaw was still fumbling for a proper response when she suddenly thought about not responding entirely. Ultimately, she decided after a few seconds, that would just offend Pouncestone more than before. Voice wobbling slightly with hesitation, Berrypaw attempted to explain. “It’s just…” She began quietly. “I’m not used to talking so m-much with strangers. I h-hope you don’t take offense, my brain just gets tired if I talk to r-random cats for too long.” The apprentice looked up for a few seconds, trying to convey without words how bad she felt for speaking this, and then lowered her head again. “I’m sorry.” The words came out a small whisper. "You're okay, really. I just have to get used to... Talking..?"

[Akira]

Originally Posted by Katulaura

Berrypaw
Post Count: 30/100

Entirely embarrassed, Berrypaw bowed her head, looking only at her paws, which made sure to follow after Pouncestone. Great, she had roped this random(kind of) warrior into the mess that was her. Eyes solely focused on the ground, Berrypaw was still fumbling for a proper response when she suddenly thought about not responding entirely. Ultimately, she decided after a few seconds, that would just offend Pouncestone more than before. Voice wobbling slightly with hesitation, Berrypaw attempted to explain. “It’s just…” She began quietly. “I’m not used to talking so m-much with strangers. I h-hope you don’t take offense, my brain just gets tired if I talk to r-random cats for too long.” The apprentice looked up for a few seconds, trying to convey without words how bad she felt for speaking this, and then lowered her head again. “I’m sorry.” The words came out a small whisper. "You're okay, really. I just have to get used to... Talking..?"

Ah, that made sense. Pouncestone should've honestly seen this coming, given Berrypaw's anxious and quiet personality. He should've expected a nervous and normally secluded cat would become tired easily when speaking with another cat, especially for as long as he and Berrypaw had been doing so. A small frown appeared on the dark gray tom's face. He didn't like seeing others so down and exhausted like Berrypaw, especially if it had something to do with him. Perhaps just not talking all together would help?

"Ah, I see. Then, would you prefer we refrain from talking now? Would that help your brain rest a bit?" He asked. "If you're feeling any kind of tired, you should tell me. I won't get offended, and we still have a ways to go, so you need to conserve some energy."

[Rose]

Originally Posted by Ritsuka

Ah, that made sense. Pouncestone should've honestly seen this coming, given Berrypaw's anxious and quiet personality. He should've expected a nervous and normally secluded cat would become tired easily when speaking with another cat, especially for as long as he and Berrypaw had been doing so. A small frown appeared on the dark gray tom's face. He didn't like seeing others so down and exhausted like Berrypaw, especially if it had something to do with him. Perhaps just not talking all together would help?

"Ah, I see. Then, would you prefer we refrain from talking now? Would that help your brain rest a bit?" He asked. "If you're feeling any kind of tired, you should tell me. I won't get offended, and we still have a ways to go, so you need to conserve some energy."

Berrypaw
Post Count: 33/100

When Pouncestone had finished speaking, ending his talking without reprimanding her and instead... understanding?, Berrypaw couldn't find it in herself not to stare. She checked herself after a few moments, realizing belatedly that staring at someone like they'd just grown two heads was not the best form of showing appreciation.

“I’d appreciate that, thank you,” She mumbled meekly, for probably about the millionth time that day, despite the fact that Pouncestone had specifically instructed her not to thank him. Dash, she was really making a mess of things today. With an abrupt nod, Berrypaw picked up the pace, falling into a... comfortable(?) silence. She was unsure what Pouncestone thought. Berrypaw even found herself momentarily wondering if the WindClanner genuinely didn't mind her not speaking?

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Berrypaw looked up at her makeshift mentor after they'd covered a considerable amount of ground. "...Where are we now?" She asked tentatively, paws shuffling below her.

[Akira]

Originally Posted by Katulaura

Berrypaw
Post Count: 33/100

When Pouncestone had finished speaking, ending his talking without reprimanding her and instead... understanding?, Berrypaw couldn't find it in herself not to stare. She checked herself after a few moments, realizing belatedly that staring at someone like they'd just grown two heads was not the best form of showing appreciation.

“I’d appreciate that, thank you,” She mumbled meekly, for probably about the millionth time that day, despite the fact that Pouncestone had specifically instructed her not to thank him. Dash, she was really making a mess of things today. With an abrupt nod, Berrypaw picked up the pace, falling into a... comfortable(?) silence. She was unsure what Pouncestone thought. Berrypaw even found herself momentarily wondering if the WindClanner genuinely didn't mind her not speaking?

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Berrypaw looked up at her makeshift mentor after they'd covered a considerable amount of ground. "...Where are we now?" She asked tentatively, paws shuffling below her.

Berrypaw seemed to be thanking him a lot.... Had she had such an unpleasant experience with others that she feels the need to thank him for basic courtesy and kindness? Pouncestone scowled internally at the thought, though his face remained neutral. That certainly wasn't a pleasant thought... Berrypaw had mentioned being alone when it came to her family, and she rarely talked with others, but has really gotten to the point where a decent cat she sees is shocking and should be grateful?

Apparently, given the shocked stare he receifed from her. That thought left a sour taste in his mouth. Perhaps, after their little trek, he'd start checking on her every so often, just to make sure she was alright. It didn't sit well with him to see Berrypaw so thankful to him for having manners and being a decent warrior, so perhaps when he could check on her, they could talk, and maybe Berrypaw would start getting better at talking, and even make some more friends. That would be good... Though she'd have to be fine with it, no? He didn't want to annoy her, especially after mentally wearing her doan with his ramblings. But that would be a question for another time.

Pouncestone had been tossing these thoughts in his head as they walked in silence, and nearly ran into the juniper bushes that made up their next destination and was it's namesake. While he managed to stop himself from tumbling into the bushes and make a fool of himself, the leaves tickled his nose, and Pouncestone let out a small sneeze, shaking his head before answering Berrypaw's question.

"This is Juniper's Rest," Pouncestone said, pretending as if he hadn't almost crashed into the bushes before. "It's where we bury and honor our dead. We, uh... Are usually more careful and respectful when it comes to coming here..."


(Just learned that Swooping Cliffs isn't part of WindClan territory anymore, so we'll skip to Juniper's Rest! Sorry about that!)

[Rose]

Originally Posted by Ritsuka

Berrypaw seemed to be thanking him a lot.... Had she had such an unpleasant experience with others that she feels the need to thank him for basic courtesy and kindness? Pouncestone scowled internally at the thought, though his face remained neutral. That certainly wasn't a pleasant thought... Berrypaw had mentioned being alone when it came to her family, and she rarely talked with others, but has really gotten to the point where a decent cat she sees is shocking and should be grateful?

Apparently, given the shocked stare he receifed from her. That thought left a sour taste in his mouth. Perhaps, after their little trek, he'd start checking on her every so often, just to make sure she was alright. It didn't sit well with him to see Berrypaw so thankful to him for having manners and being a decent warrior, so perhaps when he could check on her, they could talk, and maybe Berrypaw would start getting better at talking, and even make some more friends. That would be good... Though she'd have to be fine with it, no? He didn't want to annoy her, especially after mentally wearing her doan with his ramblings. But that would be a question for another time.

Pouncestone had been tossing these thoughts in his head as they walked in silence, and nearly ran into the juniper bushes that made up their next destination and was it's namesake. While he managed to stop himself from tumbling into the bushes and make a fool of himself, the leaves tickled his nose, and Pouncestone let out a small sneeze, shaking his head before answering Berrypaw's question.

"This is Juniper's Rest," Pouncestone said, pretending as if he hadn't almost crashed into the bushes before. "It's where we bury and honor our dead. We, uh... Are usually more careful and respectful when it comes to coming here..."


(Just learned that Swooping Cliffs isn't part of WindClan territory anymore, so we'll skip to Juniper's Rest! Sorry about that!)

Berrypaw
Post Count: 38/100

After speaking her mind, Berrypaw had gone silent, wincing slightly at the prolonged silence that ensued. Sure, the speckled apprentice didn't mind the silence, but that didn't mean Pouncestone didn't either. ...She should probably stop fretting so much over something so little. It was just that Berrypaw had always striven to be someone who wasn't in the way, or someone who was a nuisance.

Her mind subtly noticed that the WindClanner in front of her came to a rather abrupt stop, Berrypaw inclined her head to the side with puzzlement, and then figured that Pouncestone had just wanted to stop. A sneeze proved otherwise, and Berrypaw curiously shot one of the bushes in question an odd look. A paw was extended forward, and Berrypaw found herself toying with leaves.

"Mmm," Berrypaw mused unconsciously under her breath, only so to let Pouncestone know that she was listening to his words while she was practically doing the opposite: worrying over little things and getting distracted by berry bushes. When at last, her brain registered what he'd said, her paws stopped short, limbs freezing in place.

'Bury the dead,' he'd said. Her brain cancelled out all other words besides those three, and the small she-cat's gaze roamed over the glade. But alas, her hope diminished. Because Shiningmoon would not have been buried here. No. Because she had been proclaimed dead, but she hadn't been found. The young apprentice swallowed back the lump in her throat at the recollection of her deceased mother, and then, upon clearing her throat, turned to Pouncestone with a pasted-on smile.

"That's... Nice to know." She murmured softly, lowering the paw that'd been hovering uncertainly in the air, indecisive in its decision to toy with juniper bush leaves or be put down to act like a proper apprentice.