[CENTER]Darkwater Mire
Flytail emerged from the camp with a brisk, purposeful stride, his tail flicking with a touch of impatience. The forest’s familiar sights quickly faded as they left the relative safety of camp behind, and the ground began to change beneath their paws.
“Keep up, Palepaw,” Flytail snapped, not bothering to mask his gruff tone. “We’re heading into the wetland. The ground’s tricky here, so don’t lag behind.”
The forest canopy thinned, and the terrain grew increasingly marshy. Flytail’s paws sank slightly into the damp, spongy earth as he navigated the area with practiced ease. Palepaw, doing his best to follow Flytail’s lead, mirrored his careful steps.
“Look where you’re stepping,” Flytail grumbled, pointing with his tail at a patch of moss-covered rocks partly submerged in the bog. “This is where frogs and snakes like to hide. It’s easy to miss them if you’re not paying attention.”
The fog that hung over the wetland added an almost oppressive feeling to the air, muffling sounds and making the landscape look almost otherworldly. Flytail pressed on, his gaze scanning the area with a critical eye.
“Stay focused,” Flytail continued, his tone still sharp. “We’re getting to the berry bushes now. They’re important for us, but they also attract all kinds of small creatures. You need to be sharp to catch them, and even sharper to avoid the critters that might catch you off guard.”
They reached a cluster of dense berry bushes, their branches heavy with ripe fruit. Flytail gestured at them with a flick of his tail. “These bushes are a good source of food, especially when prey is scarce. But don’t get too comfortable. They can attract all kinds of animals, so you’ll need to be quick and smart.”
The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the bog. The first calls of the owls filled the air, adding a haunting undertone to the evening. Flytail turned to Palepaw, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Once it gets dark, the owls will start their calls. They can help you navigate, but they also cover up other sounds. You’ll need to stay alert and use your senses effectively.”[/CENTER]
@goodacacia
__________________
Vinepaw wishes you well
Specklepaw is the current medicine cat apprentice for Frostclan
Hyenaslash is the current medicine cat for Sunclan he has an open den policy
Palepaw had nodded whilst trying to keep up with the warrior. The little dilute calico had tried to keep his paws afloat as the terrain slowly changed and melded into a marshy environment. He hopped right behind Flytail, but his eyes was glued onto the trees that slowly thinned out, and low lying plants grew tall. Here the ground had became soft, and it melted under Palepaw's touch.
"There's snake? In the water?" he'd asked as he steered away from a mossy rock in the swamp. No snakes for him today. He'd rather not get bitten on his first outing as an apprentice. Palepaw followed closely and listened to all Flytail had to say. Berries... that attracted other animals? Curiously he padded up to them with a sniff. From Lostspark's lessons, he had noted these weren't deathberries nor were they nightshades. "What kind of berries are these? Can we...can we try one right now?"
He'd thought it would be most reasonable to ask before putting something random in his mouth. But got a little spooked by the owls as he scurried back to Flytail's side. All things notes, his pale gaze followed the sky searching for where the sound came from.
Flytail
39 Moons
He/Him
Flytail glanced back at Palepaw, his gaze firm but not unkind. "Yes, there are snakes in the water, but they're usually not a threat if you avoid them," he replied, his tone steady. "Just keep an eye out and be careful where you step."
As they approached the patch of blackberries, Flytail noted Palepaw’s curiosity. "Those are blackberries. They’re safe to eat, but it’s important to know what you’re picking. Not all berries are harmless," he added, emphasizing the point. "You can try one if you’d like, but always ask first before sampling anything. It’s better to be cautious."
Palepaw’s sudden retreat from the sound of owls didn’t escape Flytail’s notice. With a stern but reassuring look, he said, "There’s no need to be frightened. Owls aren’t interested in us. It’s good to be alert, but don’t let every noise startle you. You need to stay focused and calm."
Flytail’s expression softened slightly as he watched Palepaw’s reaction. "Remember, you’re doing well, but learning to manage your fear is as important as knowing what’s safe to eat. We’ll head back soon, but take your time with the blackberries. There’s no rush."
He stood by, allowing Palepaw to gather his composure and encouraging him to continue learning with patience and caution
@ goodacacia
__________________
Vinepaw wishes you well
Specklepaw is the current medicine cat apprentice for Frostclan
Hyenaslash is the current medicine cat for Sunclan he has an open den policy
"Oooh! I see." Palepaw nodded making sure to tread carefully. It was a little difficult to get used to at first, but soon, he had learned the arts of identifying what and what not to step on. And for one, stepping on moss covered rocks half submerged in the marshy waters was definitely a no go.
Another new thing he learned today was these blackish berries with weird bumps all over were called blackberries. How straight forward and easy to remember. Easier than deadly nightshade...though he was more surprised he remembered that. Perhaps when he head back to the apprentice den tonight, he'll recite the herbs he learned from Lostspark. Yeah. More practice is always good. He gave the blackberries one more sniff before...chomp. "Wow! It's sweet! It's actually really good!"
His eyes sparkled and his mouth craved for another, but some form of moral compass at the back of his mind tells him not to. The berries may be important to others creatures, and those creatures would in turn be important to him. Or something like that. Somedays Palepaw really wonder where this rush of knowledge comes from. "Okay! All good, ready to go~"
Pale shook up any outstanding mud on his white fur before padding after Flytail.
Flytail
39 Moons
He/Him
Flytail gave a nod and started of again he kept his pace steady he wanted to get most of this done “Alright next up we have the dawning woods you can find a lot of different types of prey because of all the moss that grows here but be aware where prey stays predators come so be cautious “he says while leading on the are was covered in trees but light was shining through everywhere he liked this area but not as much as the next place he would show “Any questions before we move on?”
@goodacacia (sorry this took so long I can speed run now)
__________________
Vinepaw wishes you well
Specklepaw is the current medicine cat apprentice for Frostclan
Hyenaslash is the current medicine cat for Sunclan he has an open den policy
Flytail
39 Moons
He/Him
Flytail gave a nod and started of again he kept his pace steady he wanted to get most of this done “Alright next up we have the dawning woods you can find a lot of different types of prey because of all the moss that grows here but be aware where prey stays predators come so be cautious “he says while leading on the are was covered in trees but light was shining through everywhere he liked this area but not as much as the next place he would show “Any questions before we move on?”
@goodacacia (sorry this took so long I can speed run now)
Palepaw ◆ ShadowClan | 7 moons | [48/100]
His mentor went quickly to the next location. Dawning Woods. He's back here again in the sunniest part of ShadowClan! He'd been here once when Briarspash attempted to teach him hunting. It took him many tries, but he did catch a mouse with the help of the Enforcer, of course. The pale calico kitten nodded and agreed with everything Flytail said. 'Yup! Definitely a lot of prey and lots of plants, too!' Once again, there was a reminder of some predator lurking in the shadows that got Palepaw's fur all riled up.
Okay. Focus. Back on track. Since, he'd already made his rounds in this area, Palepaw shook his head to and fro. "No questions! All good!"
Fly tail
39 Moons
He/Him
Flytail nodded and proceeded to the next location “Alright next up is Evergreen grotto..the soil here is thinner and you can certain herbs here I’m not exactly sure which ones are growing here now but once I found out I’ll let you know.”he says while walking slowly he hadn’t been out here much since his sister died though it was a nice area “Though the grottos not very deep in can be used as shelter there’s also a small stream over there he says while pointing his tail.
Fly tail
39 Moons
He/Him
Flytail nodded and proceeded to the next location “Alright next up is Evergreen grotto..the soil here is thinner and you can certain herbs here I’m not exactly sure which ones are growing here now but once I found out I’ll let you know.”he says while walking slowly he hadn’t been out here much since his sister died though it was a nice area “Though the grottos not very deep in can be used as shelter there’s also a small stream over there he says while pointing his tail.
The little kitten nodded along following the warrior into this new place. Evergreen grotto... "Does it stay forever green?"
His eyes glanced around curiously at the trees. 'I thought the leaves would turn red like those elder tales.' Perhaps it doesn't apply to these trees. Afterall this spring child has yet to learn the reality, both good and bad, of a harsh winter.
Palepaw ran forward into the evergreens, eyes gazing upwards at the tall trees surrounding him. And hopped along the stream side. He'd excitedly dipped his paws into the water and brrr...it so cold! His pale blue eyes shot back to Flytail. "How do RiverClan swim in such thing. It's freezing!"
Flytail
39 Moons
He/Him
Flytail pondered the apprentices question for a moment “I’m sure it’s not as cold for them as it is for us besides there slimy fish brains” he said he wasn’t quite fond of riverclan and he didn’t want to instill respect for them he padded forward leading to their next location The mourning ruins he felt a grim feeling wash over him many cats died none he knew personally but still they were his clan mates he sighed “Okay so this the Mourning ruins we used this place as shelter temporarily but it caught fire no one is quite sure how or why but it killed a few cats be respectful while your here”he said as his blue eyes scanned the area
Wow. RiverClan was certainly interesting, resistance to the cold? That was something new he'd learn today. The little calico kitten guessed they were a little different than ShadowClan was. No matter, the world might be cool and all but home is always the best. They had the best warriors, the best leader, and most important the super cool skill of blending into the shadows. Despite his confident thinking, he was still stuck at what Flytail had said, "Slimy fish brains?"
They made their way to the next location. Mourning Ruins. His pale blue eyes quivered and became wide with worry. "Fire? In ShadowClan, how?"
Palepaw couldn't imagine there being a fire, nor could he imagine what a fire looks like. He'd heard stories, of course. They are hot and they hurt, and they are painted like the colours of autumn leaves. He briskly made his way to catch up with Flytail, he was lagging behind in both thought and distance. "Have you seen fires before?"