|
|
Post by Hellion on Sept 26, 2018 6:31:33 GMT -5
the moments when you're in so deep FEELS EASIER TO JUST SWIM DOWN
"They should be arriving soon, Meowed Tallestrike, a tom who's tone had matured considerably in the recent moons. He was seated beside Firestar, his impressive height casting a shadow on the petite leader. She nodded in silent understanding, her amber gaze shifting to Wildcall. She studied her son for a moment, curious how he felt. It was the first time he was entrusted to carry such an important duty. With Redscar busy training Lynxpaw, Firestar thought it wise not to burden her deputy with testing the older apprentices. Deciding it was easier to have the senior warriors help out, Firestar selected Wildcall only second to Tallstrike. Robinflame came as a suggestion by her son and figuring it wouldn't hurt to have a third cat she asked the same of the she-cat.
Mother, I see them," Wildcall pointed out, shifting his head toward the direction of a few moving bodies. Firestar rose to her paws. Robinflame had been sent back to camp to gather the apprentices once the four of them had decided on where to test the future warriors. An area between the flooded grasses and the warrens was chosen, selected for the recent quail activity. Firestar whispered a tiny prayer to StarClan that all things would be well in the testing and no harm came to the gathered cats. Memories of the fox attack during the gathering still haunted her, but she couldn't let that show.
Firestar decided to meet the apprentices half way and with a flick of her shorter tail, she trotted toward them, coming to a halt just before them. "Hello, I'm glad Robinflame was able to find all of you," Her tone was formal, pausing after her greeting to dip her head a sign of mutual respect. "Today you will be tested on your hunting ability. Each of you will have a warrior assigned to you and they will follow you during the course of this test. The task is simple. Spread out and hunt as much fresh-kill as you can. You have from the moment I say go until sun-high," Her explanation was short and direct, Tallstrike took it upon himself to flick his tail in the various directions that they could venture off in.
"Any questions,?"
FIRESTAR NPC List: Wildcall, Tallstrike, Robinflame Lioness HuntTag: Taxx - Shadepaw & Lynxpaw mention neversky - Bluepaw @kahani - Ivypaw @poptart - Redscar mention Note - Main focus: Older apprentices, but others welcome to join. 10+ post required to count for hunting training for present apprentices. I will move the overall thread forward after all those interested post. Then I will post the order! |
|
|
|
Post by Taxx on Oct 14, 2018 18:29:56 GMT -5
Shadepaw Apprentice of LightningClan I don't Really care if nobody else believes Shadepaw could have done without the annoying little tagalong, who was almost walking on her heels, her green gaze so fixed it burned into her fur. She could almost hear Lynxpaw's mind working, wondering how the blind apprentice was getting around without constantly tripping and running into anyone, but at least she kept those thoughts to herself. Some small comfort, at least.
She was following Mudpelt, keeping her head just at his left hind leg so that each step of his brushed against her whiskers, guiding her without any need for sound as they made their way to where Firestar would be waiting. Wildcall's voice sounded a short distance ahead, and a flash of wind made Shadepaw hesitate just a second, but the sudden absence of the she-cat at her paws told her that Lynxpaw had darted ahead to greet her mother.
Shadepaw settled down, tail curling around her paws and ears pricked as her leader began, explaining the challenge to the apprentices present. It sounded easy enough- spread out and hunt. Mudpelt had given her instruction in that aspect, and she was quickly looking forward to proving herself- proving that the lack of sight did not make her any less capable than the others. She shook her head in answer, claws sliding free as Shadepaw kneaded the ground in anticipation of beginning the hunt. 'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2018 13:27:21 GMT -5
THE GREATEST REVENGE IS COMPASSION
______________________________________
SPARKPAW APPRENTICE | LIGHTNINGCLAN | 12 MOONSThe past few days had been quite dreary, rain dampening the pelts and spirits of most cats in Lightningclan, though one ginger and white apprentice didn't seem to mind. Sparkpaw had busied himself the past few days out in the weather. The young tom noticed that he was a much better hunter than if the days had been dry and bright. He was a surefooted cat, and he certainly used that to his advantage. He brought back more prey in the past few days than he had in a long time, his prized quarry being a large rabbit that ended up feeding all of the elders. That may have been my best catch yet. Sparkpaw thought smugly, paws settling step by step on cold, sticky earth as he made his way towards the fresh kill pile.
As of today, the rain had dissolved, and bright blue sky wicked away the clouds. The sun was strong and warm, but Sparkpaw felt an underlying chill. Leafbare was not far away. This sun was a charlatan, a lie, a taste of calm right before the storm. The sooner the clans were prepared for a real Leafbare and stopped hoping for a mild winter, the better.
Sparkpaw ripped himself out of his forward-thinking philosophies and poetics, finding himself standing in the middle of camp, staring at the entrance. On second thought, I'm not that hungry... He was concerned of course, for his kin and his clanmates.
I wonder what Tigerpaw is up to... The ginger and white tom started towards the medicine cat's den, attempted to distract himself. There really was no use stressing over things that have yet to come. Perhaps it will be a mild winter after all. Besides, Sparkpaw liked the medicine cat apprentice, and also enjoyed the company of Kindleflare, his kin. Before he had taken but a few strides, he heard Robinflame call to him.
She mentioned something like a mini assessment of hunting capabilities. Of all the apprentices' hunting skills so it seemed. At least, whoever was in camp idling. Honestly, he wasn't really paying attention to much after, "Follow me, we are meeting Firestar..."
He followed his sister and Lynxpaw quietly, like a ghost in the grasslands, slipping through the heather like a soundless wind. He was lucky that his pelt was hard to see through the thatch and stalks. That's probably the only reason why I'm even a moderately decent hunter. He thought to himself jokingly, legs carrying him silently, stride by stride behind his companions. He liked being at the back. It was easy to make sure everyone was headed in the right direction, or, if he didn't know where they were going, the same direction.
Am I a...control freak? Sparkpaw questioned sarcastically. Of course I am. Because I could survive in my family being one. I think mom and Ivypaw are controlling enough. Maybe I'm a passive control freak? The ginger and white tom just stared ahead, herding his clanmates with golden eyes.
Time seemed to jump forward like a fleeing hare, and within what had felt like moments, Firestar was approaching the group with gusto. She bled a calm confidence in both posture and pose, with her speech professional and precise. I'm going to be like her someday. Sparkpaw swore. His heart was pounding so hard he felt like the whole world could hear. Inspiration warmed his fur more than the sun ever had, and like his name entailed, Sparkpaw felt his body buzz with energy and determination.
"Any questions?" Firestar asked.
If one looked carefully, perhaps they would notice Sparkpaw's fur puff up slightly, and his posture straighten just so.
I'll do my best! He promised both to Firestar and himself.
Word Count: xxx | Tags: |
|
|
|
Post by Hellion on Nov 16, 2018 1:56:35 GMT -5
the moments when you're in so deep FEELS EASIER TO JUST SWIM DOWN
When no questions came, Firestar turned toward the warriors gathered. "Wildcall you will follow Sparkpaw, Tallstrike you will follow Shadepaw. Lynxpaw I would rather you sit this one out, I advise you to watch and learn from the older apprentices."
As much as she wanted to see how Lynxpaw's training had progressed, she felt it was important for Lynxpaw to wait. Wildcall heard his mother's request and quickly went to his younger sister's side. "She made me wait out my first sparring contest," He told her, a smirk lazily perched on his face. "It's a mom thing, you'll get used to it," He added, chuckling slightly to himself, using his shoulder to nudge his sister. Firestar glanced at them upon overhearing the exchange and didn't bother to hold back her smile. It was a small blessing to have Wildcall actively in her younger kit's lives. She hoped he would remain that way in all the moons to come, especially when the time came she would be gone. Pulling herself from her morbid thought, she turned her attention toward Mudpelt.
"Mudpelt, you can scout the edge make sure no one strays too far but beyond that please do not interfere with Shadepaw too much," Her words were gentle, a small smile given to the warrior than to his apprentice, not that she would notice.
Tender memories of her older half-brother Wildstripe came to her, putting Shadepaw in a special place. One where expectations were high but not unobtainable.
"Be aware of your surroundings and aware of each other. Stealing another cat's catch will result in consequences," She told them carefully before stepping back to make a direct line to the chosen hunting area.
"Go and may StarClan guide you," Her meow was endearing, a reminder that to them that she would always support them as long as they did their best.
FIRESTAR @jet Fawn - mudpelt mention |
|
|
|
Post by Taxx on Dec 8, 2018 10:45:39 GMT -5
Shadepaw Apprentice of LightningClan I don't Really care if nobody else believes Tail lifting in the surge of excitement at the hunting challenge beginning, Shadepaw turned her head toward Tallstrike, dipping her head to him and flicking her tail as he replied aloud. Firestar's ending wishes were nearly drowned out by the strident tones of the youngest apprentice present, who leaned away from her brother's attempt to console her, bouncing to her paws to complain.
"What do you mean, I can't join in? That's why I came! How am I supposed to learn if I have to just sit here and do nothing?"
"Why can't you just do as you're told for once?" Shadepaw half-muttered, unable to bite back the words but not really intending Lynxpaw to hear; the younger she-cat, however, puffed up as she shot a fierce glare at Shadepaw.
"Why don't you grow a working pair of eyes?" she snarled, and then squeaked as Tallstrike jabbed her in the flank with the tips of his claws, looming over her with flattened ears.
Stunned by the comment, Shadepaw stood frozen for a moment before starting to turn away to begin her hunt, tail bristled; she halted when Tallstrike's voice called to her to wait. "Apologize," the tom hissed, and after a moment of stubborn refusal, Lynxpaw dropped her gaze from the warrior's.
"Sorry," she muttered, and remained crouched after the tom had moved off, burning with resentment at the public rebuke.
Shadepaw padded away, shaking off the lingering irritation and turning her focus to the hunt. Her against Sparkpaw, her brother, and she called a cheery "Good luck!" to him before falling silent again and lifting her head to scent the breeze, a faint trace of rabbit drifting to her; mindful of her steps, she set off to track it. 'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2018 4:57:10 GMT -5
THE GREATEST REVENGE IS COMPASSION
______________________________________
SPARKPAW APPRENTICE | LIGHTNINGCLAN | 12 MOONSSparkpaw listened to the heated exchange between his sister and Lynxpaw on the sidelines, watching Wildcall attempt to comfort his younger sibling, though ultimately failing to do so. Lynxpaw's offhand comment made his fur fluff up and eyes harden to a chilling, empty gold, that usual spark of compassion lost in a vacuum of short-lived irritation.
The orange and white apprentice felt his legs carry him between Lynxpaw and Shadepaw uncontrollably. His body tensed, and perhaps if his elders weren't there he would have tackled the younger apprentice and made her take it back. Lynxpaw was a clanmate though, and after that brief moment of shattered composure, Sparkpaw regained control of himself and turned to Wildcall, nodding respectfully. It was time to start the hunt, not delay the mission and keep giving Lynxpaw undeserved spotlight. His gaze returned to normal, a flame of sympathy for his sister kindled in their depths, chasing out any remaining vexation from Lynxpaw's comment.
Perhaps there was even a little sympathy for Lynxpaw too. He really ought to have gotten used to her outbursts by now.
Lynxpaw wasn't just any clanmate: Lynxpaw was Firestar's daughter. She acts like it too. Sparkpaw thought, kneading the ground in anticipation of the hunt. Part of Sparkpaw liked the younger apprentice's vigor and self-confidence, though he never could understand why everything she said seemed egocentrically derived. Did she ever consider someone else's feelings? Sure, Shadepaw may have instigated the debate, but... Who would have thought someone would say something as cold-hearted as that to their own clanmate? Shadepaw's right though. Why does Lynxpaw always have to be annoyingly insistent and argumentative? She always manages to be the center of attention, without fail. Sparkpaw heard Lynxpaw mutter an apology, though he brushed it off just like her rebuke not but a moment prior.
It was hardly genuine. At least she said it. A little voice in his head made him blink uncomfortably.
Sparkpaw didn't know what to think about Lynxpaw, only that she was a clanmate.
"Well, now that that's over with..." Sparkpaw spoke impassively, his tail flicking Shadepaw's shoulder light-heartedly as she sent her well-wishes.
"Show them what you can really do." He mewed with a confident smile before taking off into the heather towards the Treeclan border at a jog. The ruckus that Lynxpaw and the gathering cats made was enough to scare away any prey from there to Starclan.
He always knew everyone underestimated Shadepaw, but she was a lot stronger and more skilled than one would expect from a blind cat. Sparkpaw hated to admit it, but even he himself didn't give her enough credit sometimes. Like just a moment ago. He thought uncomfortably, hoping Shadepaw wouldn't think that he assumed she couldn't stand up for herself. It's not that. Please don't think it's that! I just... As much as he denied it, Sparkpaw didn't quite know why he did what he did.
Maybe that's how Lynxpaw felt. His conscience whispered out of turn. She probably did act out of impulse, just like me. Sparkpaw felt guilty as his mind took hold. I'm such a hypocrite. I guess equanimity is something that we could both work on.
Shut up! Forget Lynxpaw! I'm hunting.
Whatever reprimands they gave Lynxpaw, or lack thereof, truly were none of his business. Lynxpaw was none of his business!
Sparkpaw pushed onward through Lightningclan territory. Many times there were not just rabbits and little critters along the way to the Treeclan Border, but squirrels and birds as well. I hope there's a juicy squirrel by the border, or even a hawk of some sort! Sparkpaw was intent on showing Wildcall his talents as a hunter. He wasn't the best at open range hunting, though when it came to forest prey, Sparkpaw was convinced no Lightningclan cat could hunt better than he!
Just you watch! I'll for sure bring back more prey than even Shadepaw. He mused, buzzing with energy and resolve. He loved his sisters, though perhaps it was them who were responsible for the deeply ingrained competitive streak that the orange tabby and white tom harnesses day to day.
Sparkpaw hardly ever won, but he never stopped trying either.
|
|
|
|
Post by Taxx on Dec 30, 2018 20:16:37 GMT -5
Shadepaw Apprentice of LightningClan I don't Really care if nobody else believes Sparkpaw's encouraging words eased the last bit of irritation from Shadepaw's shoulders, and she breathed a sigh, squared herself, and sent a purr after her brother. "Thanks, and you too!" she replied. Listening to him padding off, she waited just a moment before turning and heading off her own way. Toward the rabbit scent she had detected. She focused on it, even as she tried not to tune out everything else around her- but she knew Tallstrike was following and that he would warn her if danger threatened.
There was a disadvantage to not being able to see where the rabbit was, how close she was to it, any shelter that might be nearby for it to duck in to. She could sense it, though, through vibrations in her paws, and the breeze that swept toward her, from the rabbit, told her that she wasn't going to frighten it off with her scent. The sound of grass nipped by sharp front teeth, the thud of heavy paws as it hopped along, the faint rustle of the wind through its fur... Shadepaw lunged, and her claws just brushed through fur as the rabbit whipped around and fled.
A spray of earth spattered against her muzzle and the voice of the warrior who was watching was ignored as Shadepaw bolted after her prey. She careened off one side of the tunnel as she dove into it, adjusted, and crashed full into the rabbit who had stopped, believing itself safe underground. A short struggle followed, teeth biting into the side of a forepaw; Shadepaw squealed and struck out, clawing the creature across the face and scrabbling to pin it before she sank her own teeth into the back of its neck. Panting as the rabbit fell still, she took hold of it again and began to back out of the tunnel, limping on the throbbing paw but refusing to let go of her prey.
"That looks bad." Tallstrike's voice startled her as she emerged back into open air and she turned her head toward him. "Good catch, but we should probably have Kindleflare look at that bite. Wouldn't want it to get infected. Come on, and don't forget your rabbit." His tail flicked Shadepaw across her shoulder as she gathered her catch up again and followed, every breath of air pungent with rabbit scent increasing her pride. 'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me |
|
|
|
Post by Hellion on Jan 15, 2019 0:27:48 GMT -5
the moments when you're in so deep FEELS EASIER TO JUST SWIM DOWN
It was rare that her daughter disappointed her but Firestar couldn't stop the shame that filled her cheeks. The snarl and biting phrase from her daughter directed to Shadepaw had Firestar's ears flatten to her head. Her annoyance written clearly on her expression. When Tallstrike made her daughter apologize, she offered the senior warrior a grateful nod. Pleased that others were there to redirect her kit, but shame still linger. Was she to blame for her daughter's cruel attitude.
Deciding she owed the older apprentices her attention, Firestar made no comment to Lynxpaw. Instead, he watched them depart with Wildcall following Sparkpaw. Firestar picked along between the two apprentices, watching them and sharing quick commentary with each warrior following them and tracking their progress. She was tempted to make Lynxpaw follow her and make her watch Shadepaw's hunt in order for her daughter to reflect upon her words.
Shadepaw was shaping up to be a great warrior and one Firestar would be proud to name. Still carrying her frustrations about Lynxpaw's words, she barely heard Tallstrike's words. Perking her ears in his direction she headed toward him in time to see Shadepaw head toward camp.
Tallstrike explained what happened, Firestar nodded and thanked him for tending to Shadepaw with such compassion. Deciding it would only be fair that Sparkpaw ended his hunt as well, Firestar followed her son's scent and greeted him quietly.
"Bring Sparkpaw in, Shadepaw has a minor injury and it's only fair they get the same amount of time," Her words were quick, Wildcall nodded and headed for the direction of the apprentice in his care.
FIRESTAR @jet Taxx two more posts to reach 10 and both can count for hunting requirement. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2019 14:39:02 GMT -5
THE GREATEST REVENGE IS COMPASSION
______________________________________
SPARKPAW APPRENTICE | LIGHTNINGCLAN | 12 MOONSYes! Sparkpaw thought, as he pounced on a small mouse, nipping its neck quickly. It wasn't much time into the hunt and he had already found a relatively plump piece of prey for the fresh-kill pile. I wonder if Shadepaw's caught anything yet? The thought briefly crossed his mind. She probably has. He smirked. His sisters were always one step ahead of him. Sparkpaw carried the mouse with him to the border and buried it by a small, thin oak. Its branches were wiry and weak, the sapling drowning in the darkness of its siblings' canopies.
As he slunk around the sparsely forested border, he heard the patter of footprints, paws so small it must have been another mouse, and the strong wingbeats above warned him of a predator already on the hunt. Yes! Now's my chance to show them my real hunting skills! Sparkpaw thought, crouching lower, growing quieter. He saw the shadow fly down dangerously fast, talons stretching out and closing around the small, sorry creature in a heartbeat, though the small falcon didn't see the ginger and white tom lying in wait, and just as Sparkpaw had leaped, he heard a sharp yowl from behind.
"Times up!"
Sparkpaw swayed mid-leap, startled by the noise, and the falcon had swiped the mouse from the earth and returned to flight in the apprentice's hesitation. The young tom whipped around angrily just as his paws hit the ground, hackles raised, only to see Wildcall with a smirk on his face.
"It would have been a good catch, if you hadn't allowed yourself to be distracted." The warrior sneered, motioning for Sparkpaw to follow him. "Your sister was mildly injured, so Firestar sent me to fetch you. We didn't want you to get more time than her to complete the task. That wouldn't be fair, would it?"
"Why did you do that?" Sparkpaw hissed, seething. "I would have had that falcon if you didn't yell like that!"
"Like I had said. Times up. Let's go back to camp."
Wildcall herded Sparkpaw back through Lightningclan territory after the younger tom had retrieved his mouse. After just a few minutes of walking, Wildcall had already told him that Shadepaw had caught a massive rabbit, but explained how she had hurt her paw. The apprentice was originally irate, though it slowly cooled to a tense irritation. There was no point in sulking over it anymore, though he couldn't help but feel shorted by Wildcall's interruption, and the further away Sparkpaw walked from the scene, the more he realized that he had failed himself, again.
All Sparkpaw had to show for his hunt was a small mouse.
You won this time Shadepaw, but I'll beat you next time! He mused, swearing to himself that he'd try harder the next hunt. His heart warmed as he thought of his sister's success, quenching his jealousy as the warrior and apprentice waded through the golden grasses of Lightningclan, arriving back at camp after a comfortable stretch of silence.
Sparkpaw split off from Wildcall and dropped his mouse in the fresh-kill pile, eyes searching for his sister to offer her congratulations.
|
|
|
|
Post by Taxx on Feb 2, 2019 20:52:42 GMT -5
Shadepaw Apprentice of LightningClan I don't Really care if nobody else believes Her paw hurt, stinging with pain each time she set it down and put weight on it, but Shadepaw coped with no more than a light wince; pride surged through her as she hung on to the rabbit. Mudpelt’s tail guided her, and even past the heavy scent of the rabbit she could smell the strong odors of the camp ahead. It was the best catch she’d ever made; the others before having been tiny, lucky pounces of mice, and more times than she could count she’d missed others by a whisker, wildly flailing paws just brushing her prey as it slipped down a hole. A bite was a small price to pay.
She set it down in the fresh-kill pile, paused for a moment to lick her stinging paw, and then turned her steps toward the medicine cats’ den, calling out to Kindleflare or Tigerpaw to treat the bite as the rest of the cats who had gone out returned.
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me |
|
|
|
Post by Hellion on Feb 24, 2019 0:42:57 GMT -5
FIRESTAR leader of lightningclan Firestar caught up with Shadepaw and Mudpelt. "You did well Shadepaw, another step closer to your warrior ceremony," She praised watching as she headed toward the medicine cat den. She hoped that the young she-cat's injury was a simple fix. A little cobweb and good as new. Wildcall caught up with his mother and reported what Sparkpaw had caught. Pleased that the tested apprenetice had done so well, she asked Wildcall to let Sparkpaw know she was proud of him. Wildcall lingered a bit longer near his mother, almost as if to ask he something. Curious abot her eldest she waited for him to speak. He mentioned his sister Lynxpaw, and instantly Firestar frowned. Her youngest daughter's words toward Shadepaw had been cruel. Firestar had almost considered giving her a punishment. However, she feared it would strainn their already fragile relationship. Wildcall sensed his mother's unease and gently mentioned he'd talk to her. Grateful for her son, she gently touched her nose to his cheek, purring slightly.
She parted from him and asked Wildcall to send her praise Sparkpaw, her eyes traveling the expanse of the camp. Seeking her mate's fur in hopes of spending a rare moment of free time with him.
legacy. what is a legacy? it's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see |
|
