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Post by Insidious on Oct 13, 2012 14:32:42 GMT -5
The large black paws of the RainClan warrior maneuvered cautiously along the river's edge, gray-green eyes widened warily as he examined the water source for any aquatic meals swimming leisurely within the reach of his gripping claws. Pausing his onward progressing movements, Razorfang's hind limbs buckled closer to the grassy surface of terrain, his long, thin tail swishing rhythmically behind his muscular figure as he analyzed what appeared to be a fish-like body flowing freely with the river's smaller currents. Ears pulling forward, Razorfang's brightly coloured tongue swiftly exited his jaws to smoothly outline his light brown lips. Gingerly surfacing his front, right paw, he carefully calculated the fish's positioning before slicing through the air in a downward spiral to plunge into the cool liquid. Miss. The single word continued to pound through his head to much of his distaste as he watched the small fish quickly fly down the river to escape the prowling carnivore that took an unlucky strike.
Razorfang hissed mutely, his tail flicking rapidly to signal his agitation. Giving his head a reassuring shake, the ebony body of the RainClan tom allowed his hind limbs to fold into a seated stance before the river. In the water's reflection, his hazelnut face mask was clearly defined against his more abundant black features. Lowering his neck closer to the water's surface, Razorfang consumed a desired drink, deciding it would prove satisfactory if his bad stroke of luck continued with fishing.
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Post by Fawn on Oct 16, 2012 15:18:37 GMT -5
Watching from the safety of a clump of reeds, Russetpaw's emerald green eyes were gleaming, studying Razorfang's every move without the tom knowing it, the brand new apprentice determined to get a leg up by knowing a little more than he should. His mentor had not yet taken him out of camp to show him the territory borders, to teach him how to hunt fish, ex cetera, and with Russetpaw's numerous escapades past the safety of RainClan's camp, he didn't need to. Come on come on come on, he silently urged the older tom on, ears flattening when Razorfang failed to miss his mark. Russetpaw had no idea what a 'razor' was, but if it was attached to the suffix of fang, then wasn't his mentor supposed to be a great fisher?
Well, it could've just been a fluke. Maybe he's a great fisher 99% of the time, and Russetpaw just so happened to catch him at that 1%? Not wanting to add insult to injury by hopping out and confirming he'd been watching the whole thing, Russetpaw stayed where he was, making sure he was still downwind of his mentor. Once he catches something, I'll hop out like I just came over from camp.
Truth be told, he'd been tracking Razorfang ever since the hazel and black tom had left the camp, the russet tom hoping he'd be able to impress his mentor by not-so-subtly showing him everything he'd learned before his apprenticeship. It was a bit of an odd case with Russetpaw, Razorfang wouldn't have to work with an entirely blank slate, but rather, refine what was already there, and possibly correct any sloppiness or any amateur self-taught methods. Determined to impress, Russetpaw's tail lashed from side to side, paws kneading the damp earth between the reeds, the apprentice wanting nothing more than to jump out and say "here I am! What are we doing today?" but he didn't.
Perhaps the first thing he'd learned since becoming an apprentice was patience?
Though he had a long history of being a troublemaker, it looks as though RainClan's number one rascal is looking to become their number one warrior - with Razorfang's help, of course.
OOC: ^^ I hope you don't mind if I hop in! I'll code this properly later. :]
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Post by Insidious on Oct 16, 2012 18:14:45 GMT -5
As the parched ache within Razorfang's throat began to subside, he surfaced his mouth from the cold liquid, tongue outlining his hazelnut hued lips to be rid of lingering droplets that seemed determined to keep his fur wet. Arching his spinal chord in a stretching manner, the RainClan tom took a moment to scan the currents for a new target. His first attempt was surely not one to be proud of, though, no cat could doubt the fact that fish were slippery, therefore, even the slightest miscalculation with the swipe of your claws could easily result in failure.
Determination glistened within the depths of the tom's gray-green eyes, rising upon all fours' to carefully follow the river's rapids in search of prey perhaps farther down. Just as the large male took his first step, he felt the sensation of eyes upon his presence. Tension began increasingly forming within his bodily function, although, Razorfang kept his gaze firmly ahead. If the creature was an intruder from a rival clan, surely having a tussle within the nearby river would be an advantage for the tom. But, if it was simply a fellow RainClan warrior, or perhaps even prey, there wasn't anything to be particularly worried over. The only signal that could maybe hint Razorfang was wary of a lurking animal would be the backward swiveling of his ears. But, unless the creature was paying extra close attention, this subtle sign could very well float right over their head.
With a barely audible sigh, Razorfang's limbs began advancing forwardly, his observant eyes not once leaving the river as he searched for a desirable fish. With a few moments of consistent paced traveling, a target was captured through the corner of his vision. Abruptly halting, Razorfang's jaws immediately parted out of instinct when faced with tempting prey. Although, this particular prey required claws over teeth. Crouching lower to the ground, Razorfang gingerly crawled to the river's very edge. With widened eyes as to not miss any action, the RainClan warrior swiftly plunged his menacing paw into the river's depths. In a matter of seconds, a small, fish-like body was detected pressed against his underpad, likely hooked on one of his sharp claws. Attempting to establish a firmer grip before surfacing his paw, the tom pressed deeper into the shallow water before quickly flinging his limb out of the cold water source to violently slap upon the grassy terrain. The fish squirmed on the dry land; Razorfang taking a few stretched strides backward to assure the fish wouldn't be able to escape from his grip and manage to flop the few mouse-lengths back into the safety of the river. Lightly clamping his razor sharp fangs into the aquatic mammal's body; death soon arrived to collect what remained of the fish.
Satisfied with his successful hunt, the large tom was moments away from continuing to see how much longer luck would be on his side. But, an almost forgotten thought returned to his brain. Was he still being watched? Twisting his neck over his shoulders, Razorfang sent a challenging glance into the underbrush. Wrinkling his black nose to inhale a portion of the air: all he was able to confirm was that the cat was indeed RainClan. “If you're done observing, I suggest revealing yourself...” It was very well possible the cat had come and left in the time it took Razorfang to catch his fish. But, it was just as likely it still remained close. The mild swishing of his jet black tail tip created the light, brushing sound of swaying grass. Narrowing his cautious stare, the tom waited for the observer to reveal themselves before he would take the matter into his own paws and find them.
OOC: No problem! ;D. Razorfang will be less... hostile when he realizes its his apprentice. xD. Just at the moment he's somewhat agitated. Aha. It won't last. :3.
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Post by Fawn on Oct 16, 2012 18:45:01 GMT -5
Yes! Got one! Feeling a secondhand pride at seeing his mentor successfully catch the fish, Russetpaw was able to realize just how difficult it actually was. If a great warrior like Razorfang had only been successful after failing once, then it took a lot more skill than Russetpaw had ever seen to never miss. Those other Clan cats have got it easy then, they don't have to fight against water and slippery scales in order to catch their food. To a RainClan cat, timing was everything. Surprise registered on Russetpaw's face with a few twitches of his whiskers and the rotating of his ears to face forward, the tom picking up on Razorfang's cautious, almost hostile tone. He wouldn't really suspect the long-legged tom of being an enemy spy, did he?
Ah well, whatever Razorfang was thinking, Russetpaw was ready to confront him. Springing out of the bushes like a fox after a rabbit, he greeted his mentor with a pleasant mew and a high wave of his tail, the first words out of his mouth the complimentary, very eager kind; "Great catch! I haven't mastered how to do it yet, but y'know, it's not like I haven't tried." The kitten briefly recalled his experience with Tideripple, the brotherly cat having had to fish him out of the stream when he'd miscalculated and tumbled head-first after the fish he'd been trying to snag. Now that he was over the whole near-death-experience, Russetpaw's face burned with embarrassment. I swear to StarClan, no one's ever gonna have to fish me outta the river ever again.
"How come your name is Razorfang, by the way? I asked a couple elders, and they said a 'razor' is a type of plant or a rock or something, but that's probably not true." Relaxing into a sitting position, the ruddy tom eyed his hazel-and-black mentor with obvious interest, obviously undaunted by the hostility he'd been subjected to just moments before. Who had time to be upset with anyone when the world was such a wonderful, adventurous place? He didn't have time to feel offended by Razorfang's suspicions, not when he was too busy focusing on how to be the best apprentice RainClan had ever seen - oh and learning the truth behind this whole 'razor' mystery.
Russetpaw was, if anything, incredibly inquisitive.
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Post by Insidious on Oct 17, 2012 17:21:05 GMT -5
As Razorfang's cheerful apprentice bursted from the foliage, his stern expression only softened a fraction, if that. His pale gaze still held minor hostility, perhaps, toward the fact he was being watched? Razorfang had never been the type to respond well to those sorts of things, but on the flip side, Russetpaw was his apprentice; it was only natural there would be some curiousity present. As Russetpaw spoke about Razorfang's catch, the older tom simply nodded uninterestingly, more so focusing his trail of thought on perhaps squeezing in some training time. But, as Russetpaw continued passed this to speak about past attempts, it became apparent for the RainClan tom that there would be no training until a conversation was held with the apprentice. For a moment, Razorfang caught himself wondering who Russetpaw had previously tried fishing with. After all, he was Russetpaw's mentor, therefore, responsible for teaching him said skills. The flick of his left ear was not out of agitation nor jealousy, in fact, there was likely no emotion behind it all. At least, not a detectable one.
Russetpaw's next words were what truly captured Razorfang's attention with no intentions of release. He had asked the elders about his name's origin? Well, they were in fact wrong because 'razor' was far from being a plant or rock. Razorfang's thin furred, ebony tail swished impatiently across the terrain beneath his seated stance, an audible sigh departing from his lethal jaws to respond to one of Russetpaw's curious questions, this likely going to be the first of many. "It is indeed not true, because a razor is a Twoleg item, not a rock or plant." Razorfang put emphasis upon 'rock or plant' to clearly show his distaste to the lack of knowledge upon his identification, a brief pause taking place before he continued to address his waiting apprentice. "I won't go into too much detail about Twoleg items, but, what I will share with you, is that a razor can very easily slice through skin, or fur, if used by the foolish."[/ Razorfang hoped Russetpaw would be able to piece together the puzzle; putting this newly gathered information before the suffix 'fang'. He wasn't attempting to frighten Russetpaw, merely answering his question. But, he did spare a moment of his time to part his jaws and reveal rows of exceptionally pointed teeth.
"Now, since we're already near the river, this would be as good a time as ever to learn the ropes of a skilled fisher. If you're up for the challenge, and have the patience, we shall review some various tactics. Don't expect immediate success, nor aim to get it. Catching a fish isn't our goal, as of yet, anyway." Without waiting for the apprentice's response, Razorfang rose upon all fours', pivoted on his heels and approached the river's edge. The black tom met his gaze in the river's reflection, searching for the brown fur of Russetpaw to signal the apprentice was by his side as desired by the large tom.
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Post by Fawn on Oct 17, 2012 17:42:15 GMT -5
The apprentice's eyes grew round at the clipped method in which Razorfang spoke, his mentor explaining to him the function behind what a razor actually was. Something that pierces the skin and fur even better than normal teeth did, apparently. Regarding the hazel and black tom in a new light, Russetpaw's whiskers twitched with a light bout of humor. "Wow," he mewed, getting in his comments before Razorfang - all business and no play, apparently - switched to a lecturing tone. "Kind of like a beaver, right? They can bite through skin and fur. Though why anyone would want to be named after a beaver is StarClan's guess," realizing he may've accidentally compared his mentor to a beaver, Russetpaw bore a hasty grin. "Razor is definitely better."
Dodged a proverbial pawstrike there, didn't he?
Saying the words Russetpaw had wanted to hear for so long, the russet furred tom immediately sprang forward, barely able to contain his excitement as he stood next to his mentor, peering into the water as though he almost expected a fish to jump into his mouth right then and there. Finally I'm going to catch my own fish! When I can, I'll bring the leader and the deputy a fish, Roselight, mom and dad too... In a way, that would be Russetpaw's method of apology, to those he had brought trouble down upon because of his many many wanderings. Thoughts, for a split second, traveled all the way to LightningClan where Blazehawk was probably off doing something heroic or cool, and he considered bringing the LightningClan deputy a fish as well. He knew what Roselight would say though. You're giving food to a separate Clan, Russetpaw? Have you lost your mind? She would declare in that bossy tone of hers whenever she was peeved about something.
Russetpaw hid a snicker. She might not mind, now that her and Blazehawk are a thing. With heavy emphasis on 'thing', Russetpaw shook his head, whiskers twitching as he fixed his mentor with an intent stare, determined not to miss a single word the warrior said. Suddenly, Russetpaw frowned, a puzzling head-tilt following the shift in expression. "Catching a fish isn't our goal? huh? Then what IS? You're not gonna make me just stick my paws in water, are you?" Eying Razorfang reproachfully, the apprentice waited eagerly for the words that would reassure him that no, he wouldn't pointlessly be sticking his paws in the water.
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Post by Insidious on Oct 20, 2012 9:49:21 GMT -5
Kind of like a beaver, right? Razorfang simply blinked; his left ear swiveling in the apprentice's direction as those words echoed from his vocals. He saw no reason to react with hostility toward this, after all, Russetpaw was quick to catch any mistake he made, quickly countering with how 'Razor was much better'. A brief, cold chuckle of sorts escaped the tom's throat. Russetpaw could decide for himself if he figured his mentor had been amused, or was embarrassed for him.
In a moment's time, Russetpaw was upon Razorfang's flank, staring into the water source with wide, excited eyes. Just from the apprentice's expression, Razorfang was able to predict Russetpaw was more than ready to learn how to catch a fish right here, and right now. So, it was apparent Razorfang's approach to teaching one how to fish was currently questionable for Russetpaw, considering his words after Razorfang had stated their goal was to not currently be catching fish. Razorfang's strict gaze immediately fixated upon Russetpaw at his comment about sticking his paw in water, and doing nothing more. A snort, of sorts, departed from the black tom's rounded nose, clearly displeased Russetpaw didn't have faith in Razorfang's teaching methods. "I assure you, we will not be wasting time sticking our paws in water," Razorfang paused briefly, emphasis placed upon 'paws in water' to direct Russetpaw's attention to where Razorfang was most offended in the apprentice's lack of trust.
"I have yet to meet a cat who was able to listen to a few instructions, watch a successful fishing performance and then be able to mimic it to an exact point with the very same success rate. If you'd prefer to skip a lesson, in which was planned to be about the precision and calculations of fishing, then so be it. I'd be just as pleased to show you a demonstration, and see if you can do the exact same, without anything else being taught." It seemed Razorfang's rant had finally arrived at its end, for he exiled a rushed breath and narrowed his firm, gray-green eyes still implanted upon Russetpaw. It was possible Razorfang had used a more hostile approach than necessary, but if one was placed under a mentor such as Razorfang, they'd quickly learn that lack of faith would only lead to an increased amount of lectures. Now, simply questioning properly if slightly frustrated, or perhaps merely wishing to receive an explanation on the other paw, was okay. It was that hint of trust lacking, as small as it may have been, that caused a more threatening reflex from Razorfang to arise.[/center]
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Post by Fawn on Oct 20, 2012 12:05:06 GMT -5
The apprentice's ears folded against his skull like a house of cards, the wind having knocked the bottom out from under it. His green eyes gleamed, taken aback by the quickness Razorfang had been to offend. Apparently the beaver comment he could let go, but questioning his teaching methods? Definitely off-limits. Realizing he'd been unnecessarily rude, Russetpaw visibly swallowed his pride, dipping his head to his mentor in apology, aware that not doing so might mean a delay in this very important lesson he knew nothing about. "Sorry - I didn't mean it. I'm new, so..." The kitten trailed off, leaving his explanation open-ended, as though Razorfang would be more than capable of filling in the blanks.
Russetpaw had been allowed to do what he wanted for so long, that adhering to a mentor's rigid training program was difficult for him, and so was having to relearn - or in his case, learn properly in the first place - some of the things he'd taught himself through sheer observation and long practices alone. Despite his roughhewn skills, Russetpaw, at least, was quick on the draw. Resettling himself next to Razorfang, he politely let the older tom continue, not wanting his first time under his mentor to be unpleasant. There was a time and a place to needle your mentor - like at the gathering so that he could introduce you to all the important cats - but that would be much further down the road, after Russetpaw had gotten used to his mentor, and Razorfang had adjusted to Russetpaw's...unique personality. "Please continue." He mewed, lifting his muzzle to look into the brown and black face of the RainClan tom. I'll try and be respectful this time, really. So long as they weren't sticking their paws in the water, he'd be ready to take whatever Razorfang threw at him.
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Post by Insidious on Oct 20, 2012 22:55:48 GMT -5
As Russetpaw's ears folded flatly against his skull, the incredible harshness within Razorfang's gray-green eyes softened a fration. That alone was completely unusual for the RainClan tom with a heart of cold stone, but, simply seeing the small apprentice taken aback was enough to stop Razorfang in his critical tracks. The black furred tom cleared his throat with a mild coughing noise, turning his head away from Russetpaw before processing a firm nod to accept the apology his apprentice offered. "It would be my pleasure to continue," Razorfang stated solemly, a glance spared in Russetpaw's general direction before returning to the water, his powerful jaws parting to begin his first fishing lesson with his apprentice.
"You see, there is far more to fishing than simply slicing your paw through the water and hoping for the best. Often, the water can mirror an illusion with the smallest of currents. Your calculations must be precise, your movements quick and flawless." Razorfang paused, turning his neck at a side angle to see if Russetpaw was processing the information well, or perhaps needed something repeated. The brown furred apprentice seemed to be keeping up well; satisfaction briefly flashed through Razorfang's eyes before he cleared his throat to continue, attention returning to the water in search of a suitable target.
For a few moments, Razorfang's entire figure was frozen in place, widened eyes resolutely upon the current. From Russetpaw's perspective there was a chance it could seem as though Razorfang was at a loss of words, staring blankly into the cool liquid. But, at the sight of a petite, aquatic mammal, Razorfang immediately returned to action. His stance instantaneously lowered to the terrain, a sharp glance directed to Russetpaw so the apprentice knew to mimic the ebony tom. He gestured toward the water, hoping Russetpaw would be able to locate the fish's positioning without the need for Razorfang's words. After a few short seconds, he acknowledged his apprentice in a quiet tone of voice. "Once you've located the target, I'd like you to take a strike. Take as much time as you need to figure out any calculations you may believe are necessary; though, not enough that the fish is able to swim away without any interruption." Yes, Razorfang was more than aware he had yet to truly teach any of his methods to Russetpaw. But, before simply forcing his own ways' upon his apprentice, he desired to see where Russetpaw's fishing skills currently lay, then continue from there by correcting any noticed mistakes.
Razorfang's cold eyes flickered between Russetpaw and the target before fixating upon the brown furred apprentice. Normally, more upon the matter would have been addressed. But, after Russetpaw's previous questioning upon Razorfang's methods, he instead wished to see if the incident would repeat himself by his apprentice demanding he be taught before striking the water. There was always a purpouse behind Razorfang's madness, eventually, Russetpaw would be able to understand that; no matter how silly, or completly irrelevant it could very well seem in Russetpaw's eyes as of now.
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Post by Fawn on Oct 20, 2012 23:37:13 GMT -5
Too eager to try to contemplate the idea of questioning Razorfang further, Russetpaw stared fixedly at the water as though he were trying to ferment it into wine, his blazing green gaze unblinking, the stillness of his body startling for one always known for being on the move. If Russetpaw was one thing besides chatty, recklessly brave, a bit defiant and with a spirit that just wouldn't quit, it was fast. His reflexes were fast, his overall ground-coverage was fast, but never before had he lent his speed to a task such as this.
The apprentice's ears perked as the sight of a shimmery silver body beneath the bumbling waters. Lowering his long legs so that his body was closer to the stream, he instinctively backed up, not wanting his overbearing shadow to scare all the fish away. This is a lot more complicated than I thought, he found himself admitting, the tom recalling the time he'd tried to mimic Tideripple's speedy catch and had nearly drowned in the process. Though it made his ears burn at the thought, it also stirred the sinews and put the fire back into his blood. He WILL succeed this time! He WILL catch a fish! Even if it takes him a hundred tries!
Compared to his cold mentor with frosty eyes and a temperament to match, Russetpaw was like fire next to ice, burning with a bright and flaming spirit that was sure to shed light on all who surrounded him. It was time to channel that fervor into something productive to the Clan; eying the small fish like a hawk sighted it's prey, Russetpaw's body was stock-still, his eyes adjusting to the shimmery surface of the river as he waited, baited breath, body tensed. Now!
Like a rattlesnake, his paw darted forward, claws unsheathed to slice into the water and literally smack the fish out of the water rather than hooking it, the slippery body of the minnow proving difficult for him to grasp onto. It was by pure luck that he got it out of the river, and there was enough splashing to note the mark of a total amateur, even Russetpaw's whiskers twitching with surprise as he hurriedly pounced on the little fish to finish it off. Partially pleased, but weary of the feeling that his technique was off, Russetpaw narrowed his eyes at the minnow, staring at it as though it might tell him the secrets to catching bigger fish with more grace and less water strewn about. Flicking an ear in Razorfang's direction, the apprentice started as he realized he'd almost forgotten his mentor was even there! He was so deathly quiet...
"May I give this to the kits in the nursery?" asked Russetpaw, figuring the small minnow wouldn't be much of a meal for a warrior or an apprentice, but to kittens with kitten-sized bellies, it might be perfect for them. Now that the spark of glory over his very first catch was over, the tom was honestly feeling a bit disappointed in himself. Had he set his standards too high? Glancing to Razorfang, he silently looked to the warrior for his thoughts, green eyes trying hard to read grayer ones.
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Post by Insidious on Oct 21, 2012 0:02:20 GMT -5
Razorfang's unblinking gaze was firm upon Russetpaw, analyzing each correct move, and every flaw to assure that once the apprentice's successful, or completely disastrous hunt was over, he'd have some efficient to say. Only when the small minnow was out of the water and Russetpaw was flailing his figure frantically to end its life, did Razorfang's eyes grow increasingly widened out of shock. He was actually successful? The black furred tom was both pleased and annoyed by this: for there was a sensation of pride knowing his apprentice wasn't completely useless, but at the same time, how was he supposed to turn an overall success into a well learned lesson? Well, there was somewhere to start...
"Very good," Razorfang stated bleakly, blinking the shocked emotion out of his expression. "I must admit, I didn't expect such quick success. You've climbed over my set standards." If such a term as 'praise' existed for Razorfang, that would surely be it. He nodded approvingly, his tail flicking contently behind his towering figure out of clear satisfaction before he continued. "But, your technique requires some work. But I'm sure you know that already." Razorfang eyed the soaked grass around Russetpaw and himself, an amused smirk curving the corner of his mouth upward, returning to its usual cold state upon fixating his attention on his apprentice once again.
As Russetpaw asked if the minnow could be gifted to the RainClan kits, the pair of black ears atop his head pulled forward. "I don't see why not." His gray-green eyes flickered toward the minnow once before meeting Russetpaw's own directly. "In the future, I suspect you'll be prepared for larger targets, and hopefully more grace in your fishing tactics. Yes?" With all of Razorfang's praise came a point of criticism, this being that point. If the reddish brown apprentice still seemed willing to learn before calling it a day, Razorfang would offer another lesson; this one also involving the water, but no longer to participate in fishing. Swimming was natural for the usual RainClan cat. If Russetpaw was to get used to the art of elegant swimming, this could perhaps lead to more grace when involved with water and therefore, bringing an end to his sloppy catches.
Razorfang considered this thoughtfully; Russetpaw likely already knew how to swim. But, it couldn't hurt to ask how comfortable he was within the water to get a general idea as to what Russetpaw was willing to partake in. "Tell me, Russetpaw. Are you a good swimmer?" Razorfang tilted his head to the side, genuine curiousity highlighting the normal dullness of his gray-green eyes.
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Post by Fawn on Oct 21, 2012 0:32:12 GMT -5
Razorfang's praise meaning more to him than the fish, Russetpaw's chest expanded and he purred with pride, not having caught his mentor's state of shock as he'd been too busy contemplating his own faults. He immediately nodded in response to the RainClan warrior's almost rhetorical question; You bet! I'll be catchin' fish bigger than you before too long! Russetpaw wisely kept his exaggerated, signature enthusiasm to himself. Stepping over the newly slicked grass, the apprentice approached Razorfang's side, peering into the water with a cautious flick of his ears; "My parents taught me how to swim in the Camp Stream, but I haven't actually had to swim in the river before. It used to scare me a little as a kit, but now that I'm bigger - it doesn't seem too tough!" Words having started off calm and matter-of-fact, they soon trailed up into that determined flare he was known for, the apprentice glancing to Razorfang with brightness in his gaze. Razorfang was probably a champion swimmer. He was already a brilliant hunter, sure, so swimming must've been a breeze for a cat like that. "Can't be that hard, as long as I keep my head up and don't panic." He was more talking to himself than his mentor, and though they sounded like words meant to soothe the frayed nerves of a cat with a fear of the water, Russetpaw was taking it in strides, just as he did everything. He had nothing to fear but fear itself, after all! Unless the Dark Forest suddenly grabbed a hold of him and tried to drown him, he wouldn't have too much to worry about.
Briefly, Russetpaw envisioned shadowy warriors grabbing him by the back paws and sinking down to the bottom, Razorfang digging his ridiculously sharp teeth into his scruff to yank him back to the surface and the world of the living. Yikes. Let's NOT have that happen, kay? No shadowy warriors with menace in their hearts, no hoisting by Mr. Teeth over there. Shuffling to the side, Russetpaw's tail flicked from side to side, droplets of water from his first fishing experience glittering on the surface of his deep ruddy pelt.
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Post by Insidious on Oct 21, 2012 12:50:25 GMT -5
Razorfang's gray-green eyes were staring firmly into the water, attention locked upon his reflection that often rippled due to the small currents swaying through. Once Russetpaw's reddish brown fur was detected near Razorfang's side, his neck twisted in the apprentice's direction to spare a glance into his bright green eyes. He knew two key factors involved with swimming: these being not to panic, and to keep your head above the surface as to not face possible drowning. Razorfang nodded once Russetpaw finished speaking, gesturing toward the river's edge before parting his jaws to announce his current order. “I'm glad to hear no fear toward the river is present. Would you be so kind as to show me just how good of a swimmer you are?”
Razorfang phrased it as a question just in case Russetpaw had any doubts. And though the large tom's rounded eyes hinted that Russetpaw was allowed to deny this request, one way or another, Russetpaw would eventually be in the river. Razorfang had an idea formed within his intellect: a part of him was certain Russetpaw – though likely a talented swimmer – was sloppy with his movements in the water. His performance with catching the minnow had been successful, but, that process wasn't likely to continue having high success rates if he was to violently slap his paw toward the target each and every time. A larger fish would be more keen on escape; your claws had to hook, not slap. But, grace could easily be taught to Russetpaw if that was indeed where his problems lie. If he could get comfortable maneuvering through the water – or even land if it had to come to that – with slicing strides, it could very well perfect his fishing skills without him even knowing it.
Razorfang was quick to recognize the wandering glaze in Russetpaw's eyes. What was he thinking about? Razorfang tilted his head to the side with the briefest of notions, a small, barely audible cough arising from his throat to capture Russetpaw's attention if he was currently zoned into his own thoughts. He didn't repeat his first question, taking a moment to see if Russetpaw had heard it, instead. The black furred tom's soft tongue outlined the hazelnut pigmentation upon his jaw, blinking thoughtfully before dragging his predatory stare away. There was no reason to intrude upon Russetpaw's inner most thoughts, if he had something to share, he very well would. Why keep a newly appointed apprentice from his imagination? Razorfang had his cold-hearted moments, but ruining something so small was pointless, even for him.
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Post by Fawn on Oct 21, 2012 22:13:10 GMT -5
Coming back to the present, he recalled Razorfang's words instantly, and gave the expressionless tom a nod to show he understood accompanied with an audible grunt. Show him how I swim? Well I'm definitely no fish - but I'm no amateur either! It took all of the apprentice's control not to back up and cannonball into the water with a whoop of joy, the kittenish side of his personality grappling with the semi-obedient student that was thirsty for knowledge and desperate to prove himself. His maturity staving off the urge to jump like a fool, Russetpaw slid, front paws first, right into the water, feeling the wetness soak his pelt, but many moons of eating fish keeping the necessary oils in his coat to ward off any unwelcome chill.
He was truly a RainClan cat, having adapted well to water, but his swimming style was full of choppy moves, but he got to where he wanted to go, which was near the opposite bank, his long legs giving him the advantage of strong directional change and quicker movements, his neck stretched up to keep his chin above water level.
Not bad at all. Russetpaw's back foot brushed against the scummy rocks protruding from the river's surface, but he ignored the unpleasant feeling, instead paddling up stream, down stream, and to the opposite bank again, hoping that would satisfy his mentor. Hoisting himself gracelessly out of the water, the apprentice shook the liquid clinging to his pelt, spraying it like rain drops on all sides, a few droplets falling from his whiskers, shaken loose by the abrupt motion. "Good?" mewed Russetpaw, pale throat and dark muzzle moving as he spoke, fur plastered to his body, making his red pelt give off the appearance of being brownish-black instead. Both of them were testing the waters with each other, getting a feel for the preferences and behaviors of one another while still turning this into the first ever, totally-not-boring-lesson between Master and Apprentice. Taking the time to review Razorfang's character, the tom sat down, pensive.
He's definitely cold, but he seems like a good teacher. Fair, probably, though I wish he'd say more. It's kinda like talking to Dad, only worse.
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Post by Insidious on Oct 23, 2012 16:53:12 GMT -5
Razorfang was pleased that Russetpaw took immediate initiative to spring into the water and show off his swimming abilities. He kept a careful eye on his reddish brown apprentice, each stride performed by the small tom's long limbs being noted by the black furred mentor as a reference to prove his thoughts correct.
Russetpaw pulled himself from the water, his plastered fur soaked down to the bone as he turned to face Razorfang whom remained in his original placement from when Russetpaw descended into the water source; seated, his tail curled lightly atop his large paws and a strict gaze of gray-green pigmentation glued to each move Russetpaw made. Razorfang nodded slowly as a response to Russetpaw's desire for feedback, instead, deciding to acknowledge the one problem he detected. "It was just as I expected," Razorfang began, his large ears twitcting subtly before he applied direct eye contact into the bright green depths amongst the center of Russetpaw's facial features. "Grace is a weakness for you, Russetpaw. If we're able to work through any issues you have with it, I suspect we'll be seeing greater success." Razorfang's words were generally sharp and to the point. He never once choked on his words to spare another's feelings; Razorfang didn't believe his apprentice required a soothing tone, anyway. After all, he was where he was for one reason: he wished to become a warrior that was beneficial to RainClan. He didn't seem like the type to take easy offense, either. All the better for both of them.
Razorfang searched Russetpaw's expression for a hint of emotion; whether he agreed or disagreed, had comments or concerns, etc. While the towering tom waited, he took the time to consider just how one was able to teach grace to another. Suddenly, an idea clicked. A smirk, of sorts, briefly tugged the corner of Razorfang's hazelnut hued lips upward before the large tom rised upon all fours' and pivoted on his heels to begin maneuvering along the river to an area where this particular excercise would fit perfectly with the training Russetpaw required. Halting abruptly, Razorfing twisted his neck at a side angle to lock eyes with Russetpaw, his head jerking forward to gesture his following before her continued onward.
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