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Post by gingerluna on Jul 9, 2019 3:45:11 GMT -6
"Rabbits are bigger than forest prey. A single rabbit can feed many cats. Much of our territory is moor, and thus it makes sense to learn how to catch them. But we eat prey from all over the territory. You'll learn how to catch forest prey as well." He was grateful for the distraction, wanting to make Darkpaw feel more comfortable. He turned towards the trees as he spoke of them. "We can go there now, if you'd like."
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Post by theatricals on Jul 12, 2019 14:02:52 GMT -6
Darkpaw understood the logic of it, but just glancing at the open moor, he could see how unprotected it was. A rabbit could probably spot him from a tree-length away. He felt more comfortable under the pine trees, where he knew he was safe from both the weather and predators. "I think I can catch a mouse," he said, his confidence building as he thought about it. In fact, when he had managed to sneak out of camp a moon before he started apprenticeship, he had almost caught a mouse that had strayed a little too close to the camp. He hadn't caught it, but it was close enough for him to believe he had a chance.
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Post by gingerluna on Jul 12, 2019 16:00:00 GMT -6
Acorndrop brightened at the apprentice's statement. "Well, how about we try it?" he asked, turning quickly to head for the trees. He wanted Darkpaw to end the day feeling confident, and this seemed like something he was interested in. "I'll help you with your hunting crouch, and we can see how you do! I bet the elders would be delighted to eat whatever you catch." He picked up the rabbit and began to make his way to the trees, falling silent as he carried the prey.
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Post by theatricals on Jul 17, 2019 14:40:22 GMT -6
Darkpaw always liked spending time with the elders when he was a kit, but now he realized just how impressed they'd be if he managed to actually catch something. Not only that, but he could brag to his brothers on how he caught something on his very first day. His mind getting ahead of him, he almost tripped over a tree root entirely, but managed to recover quickly and his mind was set on the task once more. "Where can we start?" It was all forest to him, but he could tell that some places had less trees, more undergrowth, wetter ground...
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Post by gingerluna on Jul 19, 2019 17:15:45 GMT -6
As he stepped beneath the trees, Acorndrop scented the air, gaze flicking across the forest floor. He could tell he was going to like working with Darkpaw. He was enthusiastic about training, and that was all Acorndrop could ask for in an apprentice. "Something's over there," he murmured, lowering his body and gesturing towards the roots of a tree. He looked over at Darkpaw, flashing him a smile. "Why don't you try for it?"
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Post by theatricals on Jul 24, 2019 21:46:23 GMT -6
Darkpaw already had his body low to the ground out of habit, but when Acorndrop pointed out a possible catch, he was quick to quiet his twitching tail. Without needing much further prompting he shot out, taking the mouse by surprise but underestimating its speed. His jump had been timed wrong, and had given the mouse enough time to scurry out of the line of his claws, leaving him looking dumbfounded when a short chase brought him back empty-pawed, the mouse having disappeared into a hole in the ground.
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Post by gingerluna on Jul 25, 2019 8:16:05 GMT -6
Acorndrop watched Darkpaw carefully, not surprised the apprentice hadn't caught anything. It took quite a bit of practice, and to succeed at hunting, one had to fail time and time again. It wasn't leafbare yet. The Clan could afford a lost mouse or two for the sake of training a hunter. "You were very close," he praised, stepping over to the apprentice. "Mice are quicker than you'd think. We've had a wonderful day. If you'd like, we can head back to camp, and you can try again if we see something on the way?" He was giving the apprentice an out, as well as an option to stay out a bit longer, if he felt up to it.
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Post by theatricals on Aug 2, 2019 20:31:58 GMT -6
Darkpaw felt distracted, unable to accept that he hadn't caught anything. But the longer he stayed, the longer he felt pressured by the eyes of his mentor. Maybe he could go back to camp and come back out later by himself, where he wouldn't be watched and he could hunt with that knowledge. "We can go back to camp," he said, somewhat disappointed, but he felt a bit better knowing he could try again later.
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Post by gingerluna on Aug 3, 2019 21:17:59 GMT -6
“Alright,” Acorndrop replied, pressing his nose briefly against Darkpaw’s shoulder. He started trotting towards camp. “I’m excited to train you, Darkpaw. I can tell you’re going to be an incredible warrior.” He hoped the apprentice wasn’t disheartened. First days were always overwhelming. “When we get back into camp, check on the elders, and then get something to eat. I’ll help you with your chores. You must be exhausted.”
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Post by theatricals on Aug 10, 2019 12:25:41 GMT -6
Darkpaw gave Acorndrop a small smile, although faked somewhat. It was hard to feel excited when he had failed at both attempts to do well. He supposed it would get better soon, but he still didn't like the taste it left in his mouth. The thought of a meal was enough to perk him up a bit, but the idea of coming out later by himself was one of the better ideas that upped his spirits more.
(fin?)
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Post by gingerluna on Aug 10, 2019 17:40:28 GMT -6
(Fin)
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