Sprucepaw's Assessment [P]

***Alchemist Kitsune*** · #1 January 24th, 2024, 08:09 PM

| Sprucepaw |
Kitty Softpaws - Active | Ultimate Predator - Inactive

The Birman mix found himself conflicted of late. He wasn't old by apprentice standards, having been apprenticed at so young an age, but with very few exceptions, he was one of the cats that had been in the apprentices' den the longest. And if he were to be honest, it was boring. He'd thought having the easy life was fun. Just being stuck indoors all day while others worked away. If they wanted to spend all their energy taking care of others that didn't really care all that much about them, that seemed like a them problem. Fools, the lot of them. Or so had been his mentality when he'd first arrived to this horrendous place.

But then he'd grown. The months had passed him by, and Fudge found himself disliking this part of the clan's lifestyle. Why were apprentices not allowed to go out alone? He had been hunting out on patrols all by his lonesome ever since he was three months old! And no one had batted an eye then! Yowly had even said he could continue going out alone as long as he told someone he was going out! Of course, then Yowly seemingly vanished and he wasn't so sure about the validity of his word. For all he knew, Angry had eaten him when he'd let his guard down or something. This fact just made his paws even more itchy to go out and explore. To climb the vast canopy of the forest just outside these cursed walls. To have some level of freedom dictate his actions. To maybe surprise The Boulder with an awesome, fat squirrel he'd caught all by himself! But instead he was stuck in here until he was given this... assessment thing he had heard about?

The first shadow of an expression crossed the chocolate point as his nose wrinkled, clashing with his expressionless countenance. He hadn't been meaning to eavesdrop when he overheard, but it wasn't his fault some of the cats in this place spoke very, very loudly. It took some time to piece the information together from the bits he heard here and there, but a picture had finally started to form. One that challenged his original assumption that one day in every apprentices' life Angry suddenly decided that they had spent enough time in apprenticing hell and yelled out their new name. Turned out that Angry didn't just yell or kill all of life's problems away. Who knew? Guess you learned something new every day.

The problem was, that even with what he did know, he didn't totally understand how this whole assessment situation work. His first mentor never really trained him - not like he'd needed it, he could find his own training, thank you very much - and by the time Angry turned him over to The Boulder, the fact never came up. Although... he wasn't even sure if it would have been discussed by them? It seemed to be something that even kits knew about. Probably one of those had to be born here things. Maybe the mas were supposed to explain those things? Yeah well, he didn't have a ma! But you know what? He wasn't going to let that stop him! Because he had someone better! He had The Boulder! All he had to do was ask them about it now, right? The Boulder liked to speak and explain things! He was sure that they would be happy to explain everything if he asked.

With that decided, Fudge stood... only to be stopped by the clawing of hunger in his stomach. Alright... food first then. Or... better yet, food offering for The Boulder and questioning at the same time? That meant he could eat while getting a lesson! Maybe even sneak in some out time with his mentor too if he was extra focused and impressed them with his obviously amazing levels of genius.

A cat on a mission, the dark sienna tom padded over to the prey pile, only to find it relatively low. Emerald orbs narrowed slightly at the sight. You see? Right now he was pitiful. Having to rely on the scraps of others to survive. If he had this... assessment thing, he could go out and hunt all he wanted! Might even bring extras too. Couldn't have The Boulder not being fed, after all. Plus some of those kits... the lonely ones he kept finding in that not nursery den. Someone had to feed those too, he presumed. Still... maybe today's lesson could be joined up with a hunting one. That would take care of the near empty prey pile, now wouldn't it?

Dipping his head, Fudge quickly grabbed the mouse, only to drop it in an instant, realizing it was frozen rock solid. Oh good. His favorite was inedible right now. That left the two moles? Yep. The two moles. Hadn't one of those caused him pain, anguish, misery, and embarrassed him in front of the two herb cats during his last solo patrol excursion? Of course... he had been five moons old at the time - it had been a while since his last solo patrol, The Boulder was far too attentive for those - but old feuds ran deep, so with far more vindication than would probably be required, the tom grabbed the two morsels and was swiftly off on his quest to find The Boulder, hoping to find the answer he sought after.

@dino. [Bumblepaw] | @Rani [Mudhound]
| Planning on having Spruce ask Muddy about the assessment on his next post! And I know dino. wants to have Bumble attend this assessment, but I am not sure when you want Bumble to jump in, so mentioning you here and just letting you decide when to hop in? |

**Rani** · #2 January 28th, 2024, 12:02 AM

....... It should it be easier to catch this. Like yeah, the tripods tail was attached to their butt which meant no matter how fast they spun it'd be hard to catch BUT. They were a cat. Cats were bendy and twisty, even the chunky ones, and routinely contorted themselves into odd positions all the time..... Maybe if they- With a lunge Mudhound tried to catch their tail from where they were sitting only to fail as the jolting movement pulled the limb from reach and left the warrior face flat on the ground in failure.

That marked the 5th they'd had just in this tail catching session in the clearing alone. Hmmmmmmm. The maine coon mix pushed themself up with a frown, trying to puzzle this out when their apprentice approaching caught their attention instead, a grin forming as they waved, chirping out a "Heya Sprucy! Going for a mole lunch? Good choice and, awwww you brought one for me? Thank you!" They repositioned into a more comfortable sprawl, cocking their head. "You seem a little..... Grumpy? No- dissatisfied! Now thats a Sprucy word right there! Whats up my big little man? Something bothering you?" Mudhound would not believe a no, they knew their apprentice too well for that.

@Alchemist Kitsune (Sorry this is so short!)

***Alchemist Kitsune*** · #3 January 30th, 2024, 11:09 AM

| Sprucepaw |
Kitty Softpaws - Active | Ultimate Predator - Inactive | Agatha Kitty - Inactive

In the past, the former kittypet would have no doubt found The Boulder's actions strange. At this point, after so many months of having gotten to know his mentor, however, this was... about what he expected. Not only expected, but appreciated. As open as he was to the reality of life and its cruelties, it was always nice to have someone remind them that not everything was doom and gloom. If that someone just happened to be one of the the best cats he knew? Even better.

At the booming sound of the mountainous cat's voice calling out to him, Fudge offered a blink. It was one of his rarer, more affectionate gestures, but he believed The Boulder had more than earned his trust at this point. Especially after having learned that they were related to Angry! He'd had his moment of suspicions, of course, but had come to the realization that if they wanted him dead, he would have been dead long ago. No no. His mentor really did watch out for him. From shielding him from evil murdering cats to teaching him how to fight the cats and predators of the forest... skills that he would no doubt have use for once he was back in the city - a prospect that he... admittedly looked forward to less and less every day - they really had proven they had nothing but the best intentions at heart. The Havana Brown mix didn't know what he had done to earn the giant's affection and kindness, but it inspired him to care for them in turn. He worried that other, less benevolent felines would use their nature against them, and he found himself surprised to realize that he would actively trade blows... place himself in harm's way if he ever saw such a predicament.

Not that he would ever actively admit to such feelings out loud. He didn't really do the whole talking thing as it was, let alone to divulge such weaknesses. Instead, he dropped the biggest of the two moles before The Boulder prior to sitting before them, whiskers twitching with pride at the compliment. You see? This was what he meant about talking not being all that essential. He rarely did so himself, and yet his words were crafted thoughtfully enough for even his mentor to recognize their worth. If he had to be known for anything related to socializing, let it be for the meaning behind the paltry words he offered. Especially if the yellow eyed feline spoke of them as Sprucey words. It was a testament to his brilliance no doubt... and hopefully a clear sign that he was an apprentice worth having... and potentially assessing, whatever that meant.

And speaking of which? Aha! An opening! Once more, leave it to The Boulder to understand him and his conundrums. He wasn't so self centered that he believed the rest of the cats should be able to read him, tell what was on his mind without a word. Actually, he preferred for others to not be able to tell what was on his mind at all. It kept things simpler. Less socializing. Less weaknesses left in the open to exploit. Emotionlessness is what had enabled him to survive long enough to get out of the city and here, after all. But it didn't make it any less heartwarming. To know he could always approach them and without a word spoken already have the giant understand to some degree what brewed beneath the surface.

"Assessments," Fudge mewed without much spectacle, taking a bite of his mole before turning an attentive glance on his mentor, wishing to understand more of what it took to have Angry yell a new name at you.

@Rani [Mudhound]

**Rani** · #4 February 5th, 2024, 11:52 PM

Mmmmmmm vole~ Omnononon. Tucking into the vole Sprucepaw brought them while the tom settled in, Mudhound as typical stuffed their face with in with wild abandon, puffing their cheeks up with vole as they chewed. Chewed maybe a bit too loud buuuuut at least they werent eating with their mouth open.

Through the two's quiet pleasant eating eventually the word came, which brought a perked up cocked head seemingly unaware of their silly looking cheeks. It seemed to please Mudhound though, now that it was brought up and they quickly gulped down the mouthful to respond.

"Assessments? Well I'd say youre about ready for one if you feel ready for it, but no rush and pass or fail Im always proud of you. Or are you looking for some insider information on assessments to make a decision~ I can help with that!"
The cocked head would linger until the tripod got some form of a 'yes' and would go on to explain.

"Weeeeeelll take me with a grain of salt, Ive never had an assessment and went straight to warrior when I came back to the clan. BUT! Im chatty so heres what I know:"

The warrior coughed, putting on the lecture voice.
"So your assessment is the final thingie of an apprentices journey to warrior! It doesnt always need to happen to become warrior, if theres like, a big battle or something special where the apprentice shows they got what it takes sometimes a leader will skip it and just name them warrior. Buuuuuut for most its like a test to make sure they were trained right in all the clan stuff and can be a full warrior and dont need more lessons."

They tried to figure out how to explain it, humming as they thought before refocusing.

"Liiiiiiiike.... Warriors go out on their own, can hunt on their own and fight on their own and are on the front lines if the clan needs defending like when shadowclan invaded and took the creek? If the warrior wasnt taught right as an apprentice and couldnt fight they'd be in danger going out on their own. Nothing happens if you fail just means its not time, so dont worry, just more learning before you try again!"

Basic idea really and well founded. Untrained warriors died alone and fast.

Now to explain the assessment.
"Theyre generally run by the mentor but some like to request the deputy or leader to run it and sometimes if the leader thinks the apprentice is special" Or slacking but Mudhound wouldnt worry Sprucepaw with that "they'll watch to see their skills for themself! Its pretty simple, being followed by the assessor in the shadows the apprentice does some solo hunting, catching whatever they can! Messing up is ok, even warriors mess up a catch, what really matters is showing you can actually catch a couple of prey types. Once they think you have enough the mentor will appear and say so!

If youve not climbed in the hunting part they may ask you to climb a tree here to show you can then the special part! A spar.

The assessor and apprentice face off and spar, claws in for a bit. Generally the warrior tries not to hold back, it depends on if theyre a super good fighter way above normal level really. If theyre like Spiderthroat I bet they'd hold back or they'd squash the apprentice! Buuuuut they go as hard as an average warrior at least so the apprentice can show theyre capable against an enemy! Whats really cool is the apprentice doesnt even have to win apparently, just need to show they can fight!

Then if they've hunted and climbed and fought well theyre good and will be named warrior next meeting! Make sense?"

Lotta words there and Mudhound was kinda panting after they gave them with the speed of rambling and spunkyness of it, complete with lots of paw motions and excitement. It could be overwhelming though.

@Alchemist Kitsune

***Alchemist Kitsune*** · #5 February 12th, 2024, 10:41 PM

| Sprucepaw |
Kitty Softpaws - Active | Ultimate Predator - Inactive | Agatha Kitty - Inactive

Fudge blinked, relieved when once more The Boulder showed the obvious brilliance they hid behind their puffed up, prey filled cheeks. Tilting his head to the side without much change to his countenance, he awaited. Familiar as he was with the brown furred giant, he knew there would be more to come. While he did not generally appreciate cats who blabbed endlessly and for no reason, it was always welcomed when it was information he so obviously needed. The Birman mix wasn't certain how his mentor accomplished it. Just talking away so much for the sake of teaching. He was certain he wouldn't be able to imitate. Gratefully, as long as he kept well away from Angry's periphery, he was certain such a task would not be burdened on him. No cat would rightly consider him a good candidate to teach anyone anything, in any case, and he would just as rather have it stay that way.

The young tom's whiskers twitched a little at the mention of The Boulder never having had an assessment themselves which... fair. One look at them and you could tell that there was no need for any of that. The Boulder - or Muddog as the star worshippers called them - was obviously a powerful feline. Any cat who doubted that was an idiot. Of course, it seemed he himself could skip out on an assessment himself, but that involved placing himself in danger and fight a big battle? Yeah. How about no? For once, he'll skip the shortcut.

The whole ordeal made sense, he supposed. Hunting. Climbing. Could combine hunting with climbing, which honestly sounded like his kind of thing... and then the spar. That... did not bode well. Because... excuse?! Was he supposed to fight The Boulder? Had anyone looked at Fudge lately? True, he was much, much bigger than when he had started training, but The Boulder was huge. And they weren't going to hold back? Claws in for a little while? Well... that was it! He didn't need a name that bad. He could keep mooching for a little until it was time to leave. Because if it was between facing the cats out on the dark paths of the city or facing The Boulder in combat, the city cats sounded like his best bet at survival.

Not bothering to hide his incredulity much at the news, the young apprentice allowed himself to raise a brow, looking his mentor up and down - up, it was mostly up - pointedly. With purpose. He understood he was allowed to fail. But was he, really? Angry didn't seem like the patient type. What if... and hear him out... he was so good at the tree hunting thing they made that his thing and kept him out of the fighting parts of this whole Thunder Cat part of life? Seriously. The badger fight was starting to look like a positively bright, easy, fun time in comparison to what he had to do here to... what? Lose the paw? Oh... he was going to lose the paw alright. Along with a few teeth and his kidneys. It was all swell, of course, that he didn't have to win, but honestly just surviving seemed daunting enough as it was. Winning was no doubt out of the question.

"Intriguing..." he mewed finally after a pause, tilting his head left and right in thought as he emerald half moons stared at amber, a silent And you think I'm ready? in his motions.

@Rani [Mudhound]

**Rani** · #6 February 16th, 2024, 04:30 PM

Whoops! For all the tom said nothing Mudhound knew their apprentice well enough to see the apprehension about the combat part (perhaps they didnt explain it well). Quickly swallowing the vole meat they'd stuff their cheeks with the maine coon leaned down and nuzzled their apprentice, reassuring him with a "Aw Sprucey, listen I didnt say it well the combat part isnt that bad. As I said its claws in and both members wont be really trying to hurt eachother! And even if you're doing this with me, you know Id never hurt you! Or let anyone hurt you if I can help it.

And when I said the mentor doesnt really hold back its more of a..... They dont hold back as much kinda. Its mostly just a normal spar, the goal is to make sure an apprentice can fight decently to make sure they dont need more training to prepare them! You'll be fine I promise."

The maine coon would normally go for some ear licks to reassure but they had vole breath and so didnt, simply purring and giving an affectionate nose nudge.

As for his question..... Mudhound thought for a moment, giving this proper thought and not just their instinctive yes-manning, though not in a doubtful way. It was more of a 'Im taking this question seriously' think. Eventually though they grinned and spoke bluntly. "Im not really into pushing cats into being warriors before they feel ready. Some apprentices wanna be adults as soon as possible and thats fair, but others wanna take their time and as long as theyre still doing stuff thats not a bad thing!

However, if you wanna know if I think you could pass and are ready to be a warrior if you wanted to take your assessment now? Id say you are! You're a top hunter Sprucey, and dont think Ive not heard about your climbing skills from Redhawk, shes like my best friend yanno! And the fighting wont trip you up as much as you think either, youre really smart kiddo and I may be strong but a smart cat will put even me on my behind. Youve got that in you, I know it.

Whenever you wanna do your assessment just tell me and I believe in your abilities completely!"
A heartfelt speech and one meant to give Sprucepaw whatever time he needed to process and think if he wanted to take the next steps now or later. With any support he needed from Mudhound and a less stressful assessment environment so he didnt overthink like he tended to. Which is what wouldve happened had Bumblestar not been right in hearing range for the last part and a NOSY SIBLING!

Starclan help Sprucepaws blood pressure levels for what was to come.

@dino. @Alchemist Kitsune

***Alchemist Kitsune*** · #7 February 24th, 2024, 06:29 PM

| Sprucepaw |
Kitty Softpaws - Active | Ultimate Predator - Inactive | Agatha Kitty - Inactive

Brows furrowed thoughtfully as Fudge considered his mentor's words. He raised a dark limb, tapping his toes against his chin before giving a single nod. The idea that he could hurt The Boulder even by trying was comical, to say the least, but it was most certainly a bit of a boost in morale to know that at least it wasn't just him not going for the kill. In truth, he had a feeling that he could be going all out against the colossal feline while they were simply toying with him and that would still leave the battle stacked against him. He had no doubt he would survive, as in earnest the apprentice would realistically run away before his life was ever in any danger. The mere idea of putting his life on the line for a bunch of star worshiping cats who were just as likely to end him - they certainly seemed to kill a lot of their own clanmates, in any case - as his enemies was hilarious, because yeah, that wasn't happening. But he wasn't naive enough to believe that sort of thinking would certify him as a cat out of training. No. These cats wanted mindless cats who would die for them, not cats who thought outside the nest. That much he knew.

His mind brought out of its reverie as The Boulder continued speaking, the Havana Brown mix found himself blinking owlishly at the mention of his climbing skills. Who was this Redhawk who had tattled on him? He didn't climb much around others, certain enough of his skills once he had honed them that he kept them mostly to himself. The only exception of late that he could remember was... Oh. Chatty!

Fudge puffed up with pride, his silky brown fur fluffing up impressively. To have his mentor notice how he was always successful in his hunting patrols was enough of a ego booster, but to also have had the cat whom he'd equated to The Boulder be friendly enough with them to mention his hunting prowess? That was a two for one right there. Not only was his climbing evidently good enough to be talked about, but he was also no doubt growing better at understanding these felines. He had seen the resemblance to his own mentor, had he not? And here it turned out they were friends! Oh, his levels of genius impressed even himself sometimes.

"Presently," he drawled, his tail giving a small twitch of excitement as he brilliantly missed out on the context clues of The Boulder taking notice of the minute version of doom incarnate in the immediate vicinity.

@dino. [Bumblestar] | @Rani [Mudhound]

**dino.** · #8 February 24th, 2024, 06:49 PM

Nosy wasn't quite the word Bumblestar would use here. She was invested, and if her sibling wanted to talk about these kinds of things out loud where anyone could hear them, then it was their own fault if she caught on and came around.

Which was exactly what happened. Bumblestar's ears twitched and she glanced up from where she was inspecting the nursery walls for holes (no one wanted a repeat of the snake incident). It'd been a hot second since she'd heard of any actual assessment - ones outside of fights replacing it, that was.

"Yo," she called across the clearing, abandoning her current task to trot over to the pair. "Lemme in on this."

[ @Rani @Alchemist Kitsune ]

**Rani** · #9 February 28th, 2024, 05:35 PM

SURPRISE!!! INTERRUPTING BUMBLE!

As focused on their apprentice as they were, Mudhound was just as shocked as Sprucepaw by their sister suddenly butting in, fur fluffing and eyes wide as the call. It was Bumblestar so they soothed almost immediately but a golden eye flicked over to their apprentice worried, well aware how Sprucey was.... Odd around her.

"Oh hey Bumble-sis! Didnt know you were interested? Uuuuh was I wrong that leaders didnt have to go on assessments or something? Sorry about that, my mistake." They werent, and Bumblestar would soon inform them of that so the hornet moved on, trying to keep things right by chirping out a "Well cant refuse the leader! Welcome to the assessment Bumble-sis!"

Oooooook now for damage control with a probably internally panicking Sprucepaw. "Alright Sprucy this should change nothing, we just got a watcher for the assessment! Im still gonna be mostly running this and its the same deal. You do some hunting while we watch, show off those climbing skills Im excited to see, then the spar!

Even with Bumble-sis here there's no punishment ever for not passing or not doing well remember. An assessment isnt do or die and its mostly just us trying to see if youre ready for full warrior and theres no shame in needing more time! Nothing will happen if you fail and as I said not winning the spar isnt a fail."

A considering look crossed the tripods face, not knowing if Sprucepaw was just nervous around their sister or genuinely scared. "I suppose if you dont wanna spar me you can spar Bumble-sis? Youre more equal in size though its up to you." Honestly Sprucepaw may even be bigger then her, though there was no equality on skill levels with either battle it might just make him feel better.

"Your choice and you dont have to make it now, for now you ready to go?"

@Alchemist Kitsune @dino.

***Alchemist Kitsune*** · #10 February 29th, 2024, 08:01 PM

| Sprucepaw |
Kitty Softpaws - Active | Ultimate Predator - Inactive | Agatha Kitty - Active

The change was imperceptible. Living out on the streets, getting beat up for fun by bigger cats that just wanted to see him cry for his ma... it had taught him a few things. Like how to mask his expressions. True, he sometimes floundered. Silly things that let him push his walls down, if only a little. But he liked to believe that he was fairly good at hiding it. The way his muscles tensed as he heard Angry's voice. His eyes deadpanned, only his pupils turning to small slits for a moment telling on him. A quick release of air, however... and he was back to his regular, emotionless self. He wasn't about to show Angry that he had a healthy fear of her. He knew the repercussions of that. Death. And he would very much like to survive, thank you and goodbye.

The Boulder's words brought a small twitch from Fudge. An agreement to their words... albeit perhaps not in the same context. Because he was perfectly aware that no one said no to the head. Anyone who had a problem with the tiny killer would end up shredded at best. At this point in his life, he was actively surprised that the one cat Angry had considered useless had managed to get out of the clan with his life. The apprentice did not voice as much, however. It wasn't in his nature to speak, in any case. And voicing such thoughts would no doubt have him meet a fate much worse than exile. He wasn't clanborn, after all. Something told him that to these star worshipers that meant easier to dispose.

The suggestion to even consider sparring with the ThunderClan leader finally coaxing an emotion out of the tom, he gave his mentor a deadpanned, unamused glare. Perhaps... not the most different to his usual, expressionless, deadpanned stare, but most certainly there... at least to those most familiar with the chocolate point. True, he had no chance of defeating his mentor. The Boulder was too big. Too experienced. And most certainly too strong. But he could at least be certain that after they had given their word that they would not be trying to kill him, they would honor that. He gave no such trust to Angry. If he lost against that angry ball of undergrown fluff, it would be the last thing he did.

Getting up with a nod, the tom stretched himself, getting his long, gangly limbs ready for his favorite of pastimes. Climbing. And he got to hunt while climbing today? At least one silver lining, he supposed. One last, enjoyable act before his demise. After all, whatever Angry wanted, Angry got. And if he didn't impress the leader with his hunting? There was every chance that she would then decide to be the opponent, and he could kiss his life goodbye. Not even a chance to run from it, he was sure. In a way he guessed today would dictate in more ways than one if he had ever been meant to survive the wild.

"Commencing?" Fudge asked, emerald eyes on his mentor, keen on putting distance between himself and the camp for some air; clear his head before the looming threat of the spar.

@dino. [Bumblestar] | @Rani [Mudhound]