[Justice]

The crisp morning air greeted him first thing as he exited his nest, and Silverfrost was glad for the late season cold. He had always loved leafbare, and even though it was now newleaf the cold gave him the briefest burst of joy. For a moment, if he closed his eyes and listened to the camp as it came alive for the day, he could pretend they were in the midst of leafbare still. But he only lingered a moment then started on his way, heading to the edge of camp to wait out his new apprentice. He didn't know much about Frogpaw, and he preferred it that way. He liked learning about those that came to him for training over the course of said training. It was nice, having someone that needed him to teach them, and a part of him liked to think he had the most well trained of apprentices.

His silvery white pelt stood out so much once the snow melted, but he made up for it. He was a decent hunter and strong fisher, which in RainClain helped out quite a bit. For now he would wait for his apprentice to come to him, settling his lean frame on a large rock where he'd be easily seen. And once they found each other he'd start the lesson; a patrol of the territory and explaining where their territory was. As well as its closest neighbors, borderlands, and most likely places a rival clan patrol could come.

@jet

[Deleted]

FrogpaW

12 Moons, Tom of RainClan

Frogpaw was up early. The day was cold and crisp with Rainclan's camp seemingly trapped in a nippy, grey haze, though Silverfrost's light pelt stood out like a rose in brambles. There was no mistaking the excitement which lit Frogpaw's hazel gaze. I bet we'll be doing some intense training of some sort! He thought cheerfully as he headed over to his new mentor, buzzing with liveliness and tireless energy. He had no intention of fooling around today; it was time to learn, and he had a great teacher. Silverfrost was exceptional at hunting, everyone knew, and that was a skill Frogpaw lacked incredibly. Frogpaw knew he wasn't the most patient cat in the clan, and in the back of his mind, he felt like he might always be rash and unsuccessful while his brother, Goldpaw, rubbed his face in the dirt. I'll show him one day. Frogpaw mused, gritting his teeth.

Just as the brown tabby branched off from the cats bustling around camp, he hesitated for a second, feeling all his confidence and exuberance fade. Just great. He thought, moving hastily toward the edge of camp where Silverfrost was still in waiting, hoping to get there before he had no courage left. When the brown tom reached the silver cat, it was almost like the morning chill hit him unexpectedly. Frogpaw became quite nervous. This was a cat he was not familiar with in the slightest, and one of the clan's best warriors. What was he thinking, strutting up to him like an entitled youth? Frogpaw glanced down at his paws.

"Hello Silverfrost!" The words tumbled out of his mouth, choppy and quick. "So, uh, what are we going to do today?"

I'm a birdbrain! I sound like I swallowed a pinecone! Frogpaw thought sheepishly, looking his mentor in the eyes.

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.

Photo ©Leotarda

Words
Tag
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[Justice]

He heard the apprentice before he saw him, mostly because of how his gait changed. Silver ears swiveled over towards him and he turned so that he met the other tom's gaze. His head tipped slightly more at the greeting he was given before he leaped from the rock he'd sat himself on, tail high and trotting to stand just before the younger tom with confidence and a high held head.

"Good morning. So you are an early riser too? That's good." He took a breath and gave the other a bit of a haughty look. "First off, we're going to have a short lesson on presentation." He sat down, circling his fabulously fluffy tail around his paws. "I don't expect you to be perfect, but I do expect your best. So, young tom, this is how I would like to proceed. If you want to spend time with me outside of training, walk aside me, not behind. You are my apprentice, be proud of yourself for getting this far. Hold your head up as you walk, tail high. Know that I am with you, that you are safe with me until you are ready to be a warrior and stand on your own paws without me at your side. I expect good things from you, Frogpaw. In exchange, you must tell me when you need further training, no matter how many times we have gone over something. I can't help you improve your skills if I don't know what you are lacking in. Practice without me, with other apprentices your own size, and most importantly." Here he paused, lifting his tail to brush it over the other's shoulder. "Relax. I'm not going to bite your head off."

He stood and turned, flicking his tail. "Now let's get started. First I want to show you the territory beyond the safety of the nursery. Mind your paws, lest you get stuck where the ground is still moist."

@jet

[Deleted]

FrogpaW

12 Moons, Tom of RainClan

Silverfrost's speech was comforting, yet also daunting. It was as if at that moment, Frogpaw realized how much work it was going to take to be the best warrior in Rainclan. Though what he shied away from wasn't work; what he didn't like is asking for help. I can handle anything by myself. Independence is an important part of being an adult. He thought to himself, eyes hardening with drive and determination. Though there was a voice in the back of his head that muttered, "So is communication."

Frogpaw nodded eagerly, though it seemed his mentor turned away before noticing Frogpaw's consent. Well, I don't think I'm in any position to argue anyways... Frogpaw thought to himself, letting loose a goofy grin. His first couple steps were more bouncy and kit-like than his usual strutting pace, but when he caught up to Silverfrost, he made sure to walk calmly beside him.

The day was turning warmer and humid, the dew still lingering on leaves and foliage glaring bright and sharp in the rising sunlight. Rainclan territory looked so rich and green. This is amazing! There are so many smells! Frogpaw thought, eyes and ears flicking in every direction, soaking in his environment like dry earth absorbing a long deserved rain.

"So where are we going? What border?" Frogpaw piped up, bouncing over a lone stone. This was turning into the most exciting day of his life. He was seeing a whole new world. Rainclan's whole world. His world.

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.

Photo ©Leotarda

Words:
Tag: Justice
Notes: xxx

[Justice]

Even the hourglass stops
Take my breath away
I was born to shine

He'd walked forward a little, but always looked to his apprentice after only a few steps even as he kept moving. He had longer legs than the youngster, and didn't want to outpace him so soon. They'd get to know each other eventually, how the other moved and how fast to pace themselves to keep from either being left behind or outpacing the other. It was a learning curve he remembered well from Gingerpelt, and one that he looked forward to returning to. Teaching was something he mostly enjoyed. Except when he was trying to court one of the she-cats. Thankfully, at the moment, he wasn't doing so. So all his focus could be on Frogpaw and getting him properly trained.

"We'll be heading towards the border we share with StoneClan today." Because he really wanted to make sure Frogpaw could swim very well before taking him towards the NightClan border. Too many water ways to cross to not be able to swim across them. But that would come when he brought him fishing for the first time.

As they headed away from camp Silverfrost kept a vigil on their surroundings. "Remain alert. The further away from camp we go the more alert we should become.  For our own safety."  But it was quiet and he didn't expect any trouble this early in the day.  He would also protect Frogpaw with his life if the need arose.

22 Moons - Tom - RainClan - Warrior

@@ ❄ @jet ❄ Sorry for the delay