WindClan Territory

[Undertaker]

@Moonraven - Twilightstar | @Fish - Elderberrymint | @isla - Fadingdawn

Leechscar sat at attention when Fadingdawn showed up asking to fetch Twilighttar. Before he could reply the she-cat herself showed up. She didn't seem all that mad or hostile, but certainly questioning. Leechscar glanced at Elderberrymint as she spoke for herself. He was more lost than he had been earlier, Elderberrymint didn't even recognize Twilightstar. Everyone recognized Twilightstar unless they had some serious head damage.

Leechscar didn't hide his irritation at Fadingdawn and began talking as if she hadn't just shown up here five seconds ago. He was not in the mood for this. The grumpy tom looked at his mother while ignoring the other two cats.

"I found her at Sedgewater Valley, she was over the border and looked quite confused. She smelt faintly of RiverClan, so I did try to run her off at first. But she referred to me as Beetlepaw and seemed to think I was one of her kits, even now I still think she does." Leechscar cocked his head and stared at Elderberrymint.

"She doesn't seem to understand where she's at exactly nor recognize our scent. However, she does know that she's from RiverClan. As for the kits, she said she had four of them with her, Leafkit, Mintkit, Sandkit, and Viperkit. I didn't smell extra cats with or around her, but she's insistent that she lost them in some field, although I didn't think to ask how long ago that was." He rolls his eyes.

"Since she seemed genuinely lost, you'd get upset if I fought her, and I'd like to save my ears a lecture on ignoring helpless kits, I figured it'd best to take her to you and make her your pro--- Er, I mean to see what you wanted to do." He told his leader with a lash of his tail.

"As for Fadingdawn, she just showed up a few moments ago. I don't know how she knows Elderberrymint." He did find that a little strange as recalling cats' names outside of the clans wasn't easy. Even leaders as old as Twilightstar had trouble with that unless the said cat was well-known or of high rank. He didn't fault them as the clans were quite large. It was easier to recall cats you saw every day. But maybe they met at the gathering or something.

"And you, I don't appreciate you showing up and acting like a know-it-all. It's not against the code to find lost kits nor is it a breach of loyalty to your clan. Quite pulling dung out of your ass." The grumpy tom hissed meanly at the Fadingdawn. He had enough of issues dealing with Elderberrymint, he didn't want Fadingdawn further confusing the elder or spread misinformation.

"You should make her take a lesson on the warrior code if she actually believes what she's saying," Leechscar added to Twilightstar. If Fadingdawn said something helpful he wouldn't have been so harsh, but he couldn't tolerate cats that randomly appear and throw out random stuff to sound smart or in charge. It pushed his buttons in the worst ways. Especially when it was stupid.

[Rani]

Crowtooth
Windclan Tunneler/Fury | He/him | 50 Moons

Power Card: Cold Gust

Heading out onto the territory a knot of tension eased from Crowtooths shoulders, the reassurance that he'd soon have lots of prey to feed the clan and Bravebird and the comfort of the dark to hide the stress in his face. This was his comfort zone, where he thrived and he could help here in a way he couldnt watching his friend fade knowing he knew no herbs or solutions to fix this.


Soon enough the cats were at the edge of the territory, the speckled mounds they were here for in view and the tom stopped, getting to work in teaching.


"Alrighty so, gophers! If ya've seen groundhogs these are the smaller more agile version while groundhogs are around senior apprentice size an' FAT, they got a mean bite though even if theyre slow at gittin' ya... I digress.


Gophers. They aint blind like voles or moles an' like ta poke up on the surface ta eat but are good at spottin' trouble an' boltin' below, makin' them a bit hard to catch. Not if yet a tunneler though.


What we're gonna do is yer gonna go below while theyre up here watchin' me an' lay in wait an' I am gonna scare 'em! Theyre gonna go runnin' down right inta yer grasp an' then we can track down the stragglers. Sound good? Any questions?"
Hopefully not it was very simple at this stage, as long as Crowtooth was up here as a big distracting predator but ignoring them they'd stay up to watch him. But once he moved they'd dart below to a false safety and eventually windclans bellies.


@Tallstar @phantom

[Tallstar]

[CENTER]Vinepaw
8 Moons
He,Him
Anxiuos,Kind

Vinepaw trailed behind Crowtooth, his excitement barely contained. The open expanse of WindClan territory, with its sprawling moorland and the distinctive mounds they were approaching, seemed to stretch endlessly before him. The recent days had been tough, but the prospect of learning and contributing to the clan’s needs was a welcome distraction.

As they reached the edge of the territory, Vinepaw’s gaze was drawn to the speckled mounds of the gopher burrows. Crowtooth, with his usual confidence, began explaining the plan. Vinepaw’s ears perked up, his focus entirely on the seasoned tunneler.

“Alrighty so, gophers!” Crowtooth began. “If ya’ve seen groundhogs, these are the smaller, more agile version. Groundhogs are big and fat, but gophers are quicker and have a mean bite.”

Vinepaw listened intently, his whiskers twitching with interest. The thought of facing off against such agile creatures was thrilling, but also a bit intimidating. He had heard stories of their swift movements and sharp teeth, and he was eager to prove himself.

“Gophers aren’t blind like voles or moles,” Crowtooth continued, “but they’re good at spotting trouble and darting underground. That’s where you come in.”

The plan Crowtooth laid out seemed both straightforward and strategic. Vinepaw felt a rush of anticipation at the thought of working underground, waiting for the right moment. The idea of working with Crowtooth and using the element of surprise was exhilarating.

“What we’re gonna do is,” Crowtooth said, “you’re gonna go below while they’re up here watchin’ me and lay in wait. I’m gonna scare ‘em, and they’ll come running straight into your paws. Then we track down the stragglers.”

Vinepaw’s tail flicked with eagerness. When Crowtooth asked if there were any questions, Vinepaw shook his head firmly. He was ready for this challenge.

With a deep breath, Vinepaw prepared himself to head underground. The cool, dark tunnels were where he felt most at home. As he took his place, his senses sharpened, and he mentally rehearsed the plan. The thrill of the hunt filled him with a sense of purpose, and he was determined to make the most of this opportunity.

As Crowtooth began his part of the plan, Vinepaw readied himself for the task ahead. He was excited to dive into the darkness and wait for the gophers to make their move. With the plan in mind and his determination set, Vinepaw was ready to contribute to WindClan’s success and prove his skills as a tunneler./CENTER]

@Rani
@phantom

[Rani]

Crowtooth
Windclan Tunneler/Fury | He/him | 50 Moons

Power Card: Cold Gust

The tunneler had a few moments to wait for Vinepaw to get into position, to find the tunnel exits form below that stunk the most of gopher and so where the locations the creatures would flee down soon. As he did he pondered.


A lot of cats had be interested in tunneling in a way they werent before he'd gone missing. Back then it was him and Dustbunny and briefly Maplebird and no one had really wanted to become a tunneler, but now there was so many eager to take the plunge into the dark. What'd changed he wondered, changed to entice Vinepaw Rabbitpaw and Vixenpaw to the fold (though the last seemed to be questionable in motivation).



Whatever it was Crowtooth was going to encourage and support this interest, he mused standing, starting with teaching Vinepaw to intentionally collapse tunnels once the hunting was done.

So he started this, lunging towards the suddenly alarmed rodents, who darted to their burrows with haste.


They went rushing towards Vinepaw he was sure, making it easy for the young tom to kill gopher after gopher (more then he could carry so Crowtooth, who would have less luck up here, could take some and bring them back too).
Eventually they got wise of course, creatures backing up and refusing to go further into the tunnel to Vinepaws waiting paws, but that only afforded Crowtooth the chance to snag and kill two as the chaos faded.


Two wouldnt be enough of course, but again the fury wasnt the proper gopher catcher this outing so he wasnt the one who'd catch more then they could carry, Crowtooths head poking into the tunnel and calling out.
"Vinepaw? Ya doin' well down there, that was a stampede o' gophers fer sure! How many did ya get? Also make room Im comin' down ta join ya."


Wiggling down into the dark the tom sniffed over the apprentice, settling down to let the two catch their breath and tally their catch before continuing the outing.


@Tallstar

[Tallstar]

Vinepaw
8 Moons
He him

Vinepaw crouched in the dim tunnel, his whiskers twitching as he listened to the frantic scurry of gophers above. The thrill of the hunt filled him with excitement, and his heart raced with the chaos of the chase. Crowtooth’s earlier instructions still echoed in his mind as he lunged at the rodents, sending them darting into their burrows. He managed to catch several, their warm bodies heavy in his grip.

As the commotion began to die down, Vinepaw heard Crowtooth’s voice call from the tunnel entrance. “Vinepaw? Ya doin’ well down there? That was a stampede o’ gophers fer sure! How many did ya get? Also, make room, I’m comin’ down ta join ya.”

Relief surged through Vinepaw at the sound of Crowtooth’s voice. “I’ve got a decent haul!” he called back, adjusting his grip on the gophers. “There are more than I can carry on my own.”

Moments later, Crowtooth squeezed into the tunnel, his presence a reassuring weight beside him. Vinepaw watched as Crowtooth helped him sort through the catch, feeling a mix of pride and curiosity.

He glanced at the pile of gophers and then back at Crowtooth. “It’s a bit different from what Dustbunny has taught me. This was a bit more chaotic.”

As Crowtooth settled in, Vinepaw’s mind buzzed with anticipation. The hunt had been intense, and he felt eager to learn more “What’s next?” he asked, ready for whatever came next.

With the catch gathered and the tunnel falling quiet, Vinepaw felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was excited for the challenges ahead and eager to put Crowtooth’s guidance into practice

@Rani

[Estelle]

"That is a start."
Silverrose nodded, taking a few steps back as she regarded the two apprentices.
"Battle training, however skill-based it is, remains largely intuitive as well. Your opponents will vary from skills to sizes and ages, and each need a different approach. You want to prioritize swift and quick attacks on a larger opponent, while brute force - although not my favoured technique - can work against smaller fiends, if you are capable of it."

Her eyes turned to Barleypaw.
"You may have experience with this already, but I believe you can roughly judge whether your opponent is large or not by the vibrations they emit when walking upon the ground, as well as the direction of their voice. However, that is merely my take, and do correct me if you've experienced otherwise."
She flicked her tail, taking a seat.

"Now; a battle crouch is much similar to that of a hunter's crouch. Almost identical, in my experience. I know both of you already know the hunter's crouch, so we shall move on to another topic for now. An important element of any battle is to always keep moving. It is harder to hit a moving target, and may confuse your enemy more quickly.

Lightninpaw, since you were already shown some moves, I want you to slowly try them on Barleypaw - make sure not to hurt her, and do not use your claws right. Barleypaw, I am aware this is our first time covering battle training. However, I believe this will serve well to practice your ability to sense an incoming attack and test you instincts and reflexes, do not hesitate to dodge or fight back, just be careful not to harm one another. I will be watching to correct any mistakes, and work of off what I see."

Silverrose blinked slowly.
"If you two would get into position opposite each other, you may begin."


[ @Madelaine @Lightningpaw666 ]

[Rani]

Crowtooth
Windclan Tunneler/Fury | He/him | 50 Moons

Power Card: Cold Gust

Now that was a decent haul, more then enough to replenish the prey pile even if the rest of the patrols were a massive failure. Which he was kinda worried might be the case considering some cats had been very disappointing even trying to get them to go out.


But that was for later, for now the tom chuffed and reached over to pat the apprentice on the head, pleased. "Now thats a catch Vinepaw! That'll be more then enough. An' I dont doubt my methods are a bit chaotic, Dustbunny is the calm one o' us." And his coworker certainly had made comments on the topic before, especially after his memory wiping incident that maybe mightve been avoided had he Dustbunny's demeanor. Though that was an active debate still, though the fact that Crowtooths experience and hot blooded nature made him a bit crazy was not.


"Alright bury those an' we're shiftin' a bit over but stayin' shallow 'cuz Im teachin' ya how intentionally collapse a tunnel. This is yer last resort when ya need it, when fleein' an' fightin' aint working or if ya cannot afford ta be followed but its risky as all hell still. And.... Its what I used ta wipe the mink off o' the map durin' that disaster."
Crowtooth was rather proud of that still, he'd killed his own share of the beasts that'd hurt windclan on the surface but the bulk of the creatures below had been rid off because of his crazy crackpot method and they hadnt come back.


That was proof enough of theory for him.


Padding to a shallow (so easily escapable area should Vinepaw get caught up in his own collapse) Crowtooth traced the sides with a whisker, noting the shallow root systems and crumbling parts. "So, how much do ya remember about what Dustbunny's said about weak spots. Yanno, the parts to shore up if yer diggin' out a tunnel or where ta be careful around. Give me the run down." It should be obvious how this was the base knowledge of the technique.



@Tallstar

[Lightningpaw666]

Lightningpaw- 10 moons old, He/Him, No Purrks, Windclan Apprentice.

Lightningpaw would go to the opposite side of Barleypaw though as he did he thought. 'This is Barleypaw's first battle training and she is blind maybe I should go easy on her...' Lightningpaw thought to himself before shaking himself. 'No I doubt she would want me to show her any handicap given her disability. Besides Barleypaw is a capable Apprentice of Windclan herself. No I will play it as if I was doing any other battle training.' Lightningpaw thought making up his mind. He doubted Barleypaw would want him to show her pity just for her disability. She didn't seem to pity herself as such he wouldn't either. Lightningpaw was a small lithe orange tabby with yellow eyes and a Lightningbolt scar on his flank. While he was 10 moons old he looked more like 7.5 moons old due to being a runt. This meant his paw steps were already pretty light but if he used a battle stance his paw steps would be even lighter. (So is this gonna be Lightningpaw showing moves to Barleypaw or more of a Spar?) @Madelaine @Estelle

[anika]

[ @Fish // @Moonraven // @Undertaker ]

Fadingdawn winced at Leechscar's harsh rebuke. Her tail bushed up, her ears flattening ever so slightly. Fury flashed in her green eyes.

''I'm sorry for trying to help, alright?'' She snapped at Leechscar. ''There's no point in getting your tail all up in a twist.''

[Moonraven]

[Sorry, I completely forgot about this.]
Twilightstar gave the elder a funny look when she mentioned missing kits. Elderberrymint, the name wasn't familiar to her, as were most warrior names outside her clan. Twilightstar glanced at Fadingdawn as she spoke and then scowled at the strange wording. How was it disloyal to look for kits? She did agree that there seemed to be something wrong with the she-cat.

Leechscar jumped in and had a more thorough explanation. So RiverClan lost their elder, a very confused elder with maybe kits? It sounded like the elder had some form of amnesia, as she remembered her clan, but failed to acknowledge WindClan... and couldn't even tell her kin apart from strangers... Twilightstar wasn't sure if she wanted to take this cat into her clan, even for a short time. She also did not see an elder, who could barely care for herself, making a journey with three or four extra kits.

As Leechscar snapped at Fadingdawn, Twilightstar barely restrained herself from rolling her eye. "Leechscar, how many times must I tell you to be kinder to your clanmates? Yes, Fadingdawn might have some things wrong, but you don't need to be so harsh she is trying to help." She reminded her son.

"Fadingdawn, if you don't know what's going on you should have waited for Leechscar to explain. If you run around talking as you do to other clan cats they'll think that WindClan's not training their warriors properly." She wasn't sure who taught Fadingdawn that aiding kits was against the code or disloyal or if it was something that she came up with herself. Regardless it made WindClan look bad.

"As for you, we'll give you some prey and I'll see if I can get my medicine cat out here to give you a quick check-up, but I'm going to have to insist that you try and make your way back to your clan." She told Elderberrymint kindly. "Leechscar can help aid you back, I'll see about finding one of the other seniors and send them with you, if you'd like Leechscar. You can take her to the border, but don't go beyond it." Probably Batglare or Dapplebreeze.

Even though the elder seemed rather harmless. Twilightstar didn't want to take a risk with RiverClan. If her memory was that bad that she forgot whole clans and scents, perhaps she might be better in a twoleg place, but that wasn't Twilightstar's call.
@Undertaker [Leechscar] @isla [Fadingdawn] @Fish [Elderberrymint]