[Ghost the Undead Goddess]

Ebonypaw,

Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams

It was nearing mid-day as the young apprentice finished up clearing out the medical stores within the den she shared with her mentor. It had been her task, to pull out all the old and dying herbs while Sandblaze had gone out to find new ones to replace them.

It wasn't wise to let anything go low, the life within clans was always unpredictable.

However, the growing feline had finished her job and yet her mentor was still not back from his own task, leaving her alone within the den and rather bored. Not one to dwaddle when it came to duties, the black she-cat pulled herself to her large paws.

If Sandblaze was still busy then she'd learn another aspect of being a Medicine Cat.

Pale gaze looked around the clearing of Stoneclan's rather damp camp, small puddles formed here and there from the intensity of last night's heavy rainfall, though now the sun was bright and clear within the sky.

Spotting the pale coated deputy, Ebonypaw padded forwards lightly upon her paws despite her large stature. There was the slightest twitch of her nubbed tail as she remembered her manners taught to her from a young age.

"Smokestorm." Ebonypaw's tone was steady and respectful as she properly bowed her head for the older she-cat before lifting it to capture the dilute calico with a pale green gaze.

"Sandblaze is still busy at the moment, and I would rather spend the time learning rather than waiting." A proper explanation given before the question was prompted, "Would you have the time to teach me some defensive maneuvers?"

It was apart of her training to become a Medicine Cat, to learn to defend herself. Ebonypaw slightly believed that they should learn more than just defense actions but she held her tongue on that note. It wouldn't do to have her argue rules placed down long before her nine moons of living.

9 Moons StoneClan Medicine Cat Apprentice

Taxx || Made by Fawn || 340 Words

Newleaf 17 - Heavy rain overnight has left the ground muddy and filled with puddles as a bright and sunny day dawns, watch your paws as you step outside and careful on slopes.

[Taxx]

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

Ebonypaw's quiet voice pulled Smokestorm's attention to her and she turned, blinking over her shoulder at the medicine cat apprentice. Teach her? Couldn't Sandblaze do that? No, she remembered, the tom was currently out, taking advantage of the warm weather to stock up on the herbs they'd run low on in leafbare. "Sure, fine," she replied, and pushed herself up. "Come on, we'll head to the Meadow."

She called Rowanstripe to join them, just for added protection, and then headed off. It was a bright day, warmth sinking right into her bones, and she didn't bother softening the sigh at the feeling. Newleaf had to be her favorite season; the warm sun and earth, the growing abundance of prey- a time of plenty that always eased her stress about the Clan's survival.

On reaching the Meadow, Smokestorm sent Rowanstripe to hunt while she turned to Ebonypaw. "Do you remember the play fights you did in the nursery?" she asked. Most kits, by the time of their sixth moon, were already on their way to understanding the more basic moves- the hunting crouch, paw swipes, that sort of thing. Ebonypaw didn't have siblings, but there was no reason why she couldn't have played with the others she'd shared the nursery with. "Show me what you know, or remember, and we'll go from there."

Deputy of StoneClan

Ghost the Undead Goddess Notes

[Ghost the Undead Goddess]

Ebonypaw,

Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams

The young feline had been rather pleased with her deputy's response, and the black she-cat was well aware that she was taking time out of the older feline's busy schedule to teach her what perhaps any other warrior could teach.

However...

Smokestorm had been of relation to the previous medicine cat, and Ebonypaw hoped that because of the tender subject that the dilute calico might teach her more creative defensive maneuver, and even perhaps a few offensive ones. 

While young, Ebonypaw didn't believe it was very smart to leave the Medicine Cat rather defenseless when it came to protection. Just because one knows how to defend themselves doesn't mean that alone will save them. The young apprentice was aware that fighting and clan rivalries were prohibited for healers to be involved, and yet what was to happen if they were attacked by a cat who ignored those rules. 

Or perhaps something that didn't understand their code, like a fox. 

There was only the slightest flicker of Ebonypaw's ear as the fluffy she-cat followed after the older, dilute calico as they made their way towards the meadow. The younger she-cat still mulling over her silent feelings towards the depth and constriction of the code she had swore to take when holding the mantle of Medicine Cat Apprentice. Though Smokestorm's distinctive mew pulled Ebonypaw from her thoughts as they treaded onto the grasses of the meadow. 

Play fights. The growing apprentice wriggled her bobbed tail ever so slightly as she promptly remembered the lessons given to her by Rabbitfur, the senior warrior with the made to prepare her daughter for either the life of a warrior or medicine cat should one befall the once black kit. 

Even though they weren't very intensive moments, Ebonypaw could remember the crouches and paw swipes that her black and white mother had showed her while interacting with her in absence of a sibling. 

"I was taught a few basic things while 'playing'." Her response was proper and controlled though she added the softest of emphasis at the ending. Pale green pools watched Smokestorm across from her as she recalled what had been introduced to her young mind during her time in the nursery.

"How about going for an open area, catching another off-guard by attacking a leg or a tail, even perhaps the scruff." Though perhaps a proper attack when formed by a formidable warrior, Ebonypaw was sure that kit were practically born with the ability to do such to their parents and even some unlucky clanmates. "I was also taught the offensive maneuver of leaping and holding."

There was a pause as the large she-cat glanced down at her flat paws, to her flank before looking back at her deputy with that pale gaze. "Though, I seemed to be outgrowing the size of leaping effortlessly onto a large opponent." Where she training to be a warrior, Ebonypaw would be the large cat smaller ones leapt onto by the end of her apprenticeship.

9 Moons StoneClan Medicine Cat Apprentice

Taxx || Made by Fawn || 517 Words

[Taxx]

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

Smokestorm stared as Ebonypaw began to speak, and with an annoyed sigh she spoke. "No, I said show me," she repeated. "I'm not going to learn how much you already know by you telling me what you think you know!" Whatever 'playing' she had done as a kit was moons behind her, and medicine cats- though some could be rather tough- weren't known for strength. And Smokestorm wasn't going to go easy on this apprentice; she'd come for training and that was what she was gonna get.

"Here, like this. Dodge!" the deputy directed, and then darted straight at the black she-cat, one paw flashing out as she neared and grazing the tip of Ebonypaw's ear. She stood in front of the medicine cat apprentice, ignoring the fact that Ebonypaw was bigger and tipping her head back to stare the younger cat right in the eye for a moment before stepping backward. "Your turn. See if you can get the better of me now."

Deputy of StoneClan

Ghost the Undead Goddess Notes

[Ghost the Undead Goddess]

Ebonypaw,

Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams

The young feline had known that training with Smokestorm wasn't going to be easy, though that had also been part of the reason the apprentice had asked the deputy. She didn't want to be taught the basics of how to defend herself, as she was sure Sandblaze would teach her, but rather to be a proper fighter in case her life were in actual danger. 

She was a large cat, nearly fully grown and there was no reason why a she-cat with such a big frame and wide paws shouldn't be able to land a few defensive and offensive blows if needed. 

Though, Ebonypaw was not expecting to jump into the first training with such intensity. The blow that she managed to dodge, save for the tip of her ear being caught by Smokestorm's paw, caused a slight startle. Her pale green pools widened for a moment before narrowing and her heart jumped with adrenaline. 

My turn.

The black feline had given her deputy a small nod, showing that she heard and understood, though the attention of her gaze was focused more on the dilute calico as Ebonypaw took a few steps backwards to allow for space between the two of them. 

Mossy orbs flashed for a moment and after a second Ebonypaw launched her fluffy black form forwards with a burst of speed. Her intention was to knock the older she-cat off balance due to their size difference, and once unstable swipe out with a paw to her flank, shoulder or cheek. This of course depended on if she could actually land such a maneuver for her first time.

Claws sheathed as always, the younger she-cat twisted herself that that she aimed a shoulder towards Smokestorm's chest to attempt her unbalance. However, despite the determination and studious glint within her gaze, Ebonypaw forgot to mask her intentions as even the slightest glance could give away what she was thinking or planning. 

9 Moons StoneClan Medicine Cat Apprentice

Taxx || Made by Fawn || 341 Words

[Taxx]

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

Ebonypaw looked surprised at Smokestorm's attack, and it was hard not to break into laughter; the deputy's whiskers twitched for a moment before she calmed, still as she waited for the medicine cat apprentice's next move. Green eyes narrowed, and a heartbeat later she was hurling herself at Smokestorm. It was a decent attempt, but Smokestorm had been in too many fights to be bested by this young cat, and she sprang straight upward, the tips of her toes brushing Ebonypaw's thick pelt as the black she-cat charged past beneath her.

She hit the ground and spun, but relaxed, tail waving. "Good! Not a bad try, but too obvious. And your eyes gave away your plan. Winning a battle depends on anticipating your opponent's every move, on noticing the flicker of their eyes and sensing what they're going to do before they do it. You should never have to fight, but just in case... Bushing out your pelt will fool a cat. How much is fur, how much is size? With one like yours, anyway." Her short pelt wasn't going to confuse any cat. "Be intimidating. If you charge first, even if it's a bluff, you can fool them into thinking you know what you're doing."

She circled Ebonypaw, gently prodding her into a wider stance. "You don't want to go off balance, but a good posture protects your belly, which you should know is rather important. Ready to try again?" Backing off once more, Smokestorm laid back her ears, hissed, and then jumped forward and struck out with a paw- claws sheathed- at Ebonypaw.

Deputy of StoneClan

Ghost the Undead Goddess Notes

[Ghost the Undead Goddess]

Ebonypaw,

Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams

As always, when being taught to the black feline intently listened to every word. Knowledge was valuable, whether it had to do with herbs and healing or hunting and fighting. And she was always one to retain and remember, it was quite the proper thing to do when training.

The young healer didn't move as her dilute deputy spoke and moved around her to fix her positioning and stance. The ears atop her head swiveled to catch each word that fell from Smokestorm's maw.

Giving a nod, Ebonypaw motioned that she was heeding all that was just told to her. There were several things she had to remember when being on the offensive side and they were different than the things she had to remember for the defensive side.

But, it was what she wanted to learn. 

This time when Smokestorm darted forward to swipe at her, Ebonypaw was ready. Pale green pools locked onto her deputy before ducking underneath the outstretched limb as it whooshed the space where her head had once been. 

Bunched up below, Ebonypaw sprang forwards to launch herself into the smaller she-cat's chest in an attempt to knock her down or at the very least push her backwards before the black feline could regain her paws and think of her next manuever.



"My name is Ebonypaw."



This will scroll.

6 Moons StoneClan Medicine Cat Apprentice

Taxx || Made by Fawn || 244 Words

[Taxx]

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

Ebonypaw ducked this time, dropping to her belly to let Smokestorm's paw flash over her head, and then she sprang. Despite the fluff and soft muscles of an untrained cat, she was still larger than the deputy, and her larger form pushed Smokestorm backward. Thinking fast, the older she-cat let herself fall, rolling onto her back with Ebonypaw standing over her, but down did not mean beaten, and Smokestorm kicked her hind legs up into the black apprentice's belly while unsheathing both sets of front claws and baring her teeth in a vicious snarl.

Then she relaxed, rolling back over and regaining her feet while sliding out from under the younger cat. "Good, well done. You saw your chance and took it. You also learned that it's worth using your size against a smaller opponent; in close fighting, the heavier cat usually wins. That's enough for now; I could use some water and I need to assign the dusk patrol. If you'd ever feel like sparring again, let me know. It'd be good for you to brush up on your skills now and then, so you don't forget what you learn." With a nod, Smokestorm turned to head for the Sky Springs, intent on taking a short moment for a refreshing drink before returning again to the camp.

Deputy of StoneClan

Ghost the Undead Goddess Notes

[Ghost the Undead Goddess]

Ebonypaw,

Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams

Everything seemed to happen so quickly, but with a sharp mind such as hers the young feline found herself able to keep track of every moment going on between the two Stoneclanners. 

Fighting was not something normally done by healers of the clans, however defense was something that was needed in case they were in trouble. The black feline found herself disagreeing with that part of the code, she believed that despite being a Medicine Cat she should be well prepared to defend and protect herself. 

Not everything within the valley walls left healers alone like clan cats were suppose to do. 

That thought brought the smallest memory of Dawnblossom's scent within her first dream with Starclan flooding through her memories. She didn't know the former healer, nor had she met her within her meetings with their ancestors at Half Moon, but she had been brought down by hungry, vicious foxes.

Ebonypaw didn't plan to be an easy target for anything.

With quick movements, the young feline had managed to stand atop her smaller deputy, pale green eyes blazing with the faint light of determination to prove herself. She didn't like to fail, or be wrong, but it was all apart of learning and she would learn all she could. 

There was the slightest flicker of surprise when Smokestorm's hind legs pressed into her soft underbelly and her front claws flashed for just a moment. It was all for show though, as the dilute deputy quickly rolled and slipped from underneath Ebonypaw's larger stature, praise upon her tongue.

A wave of excitement washed over the younger she-cat as her nub wriggled ever so slightly behind her. She couldn't wait to tell both Sandblaze and Rabbitfur about her first training session. The young she-cat gave a dip of her head respectfully after her deputy finished speaking to her. 

"Thank you Smokestorm, I appreciate your wisdom and help today." It was the truth as it passed from her dark maw, lifting her head to let those pale green pools watch the calico she-cat near her. This might have been her first battle training, but it most definently wouldn't be her last. Ebonypaw was sure of that.


"I should go see if Sandblaze has returned from gathering herbs, I appreciate you offering future training. I will happily take advantage of any aid you can offer me." The proper feline gave another respectful dip of her head, opting out of a drink for the moment to return to camp, and her mentor. 

9 Moons StoneClan Medicine Cat Apprentice

Taxx || Made by Fawn || 438 Words || Thread Finished!