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 Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 1:56 pm
(Moving here from the thread) Fea Line Thornpaw: 8T -licking at a clingy claw shell on her back toes that wont come off- Roserain Barkpelt: *Is crouching not far off, stalking his apprentice in the hopes of surprising her and working in a lesson about stealth. Pouring is weight and strength into his haunches, Bark sprung forward...* Fea Line
Thornpaw: -ears perk up and trills out but see's no one- .... 8T -goes back to tugging at the stubborn claw sheath, finally getting it off when suddenly.... CATATTACK- THUNDERCLAN INVASION! -hisses loudly, puffs up three times her side, paws and claws flying- DIE MOUSBR.... oh its you Barkpelt! -gives him a good bat upside the nose- >TRoserain Barkpelt: "BWAHAHAHA-" *Takes the swipe, but continues to grin at her.* "Your courage is commendable, but if this were a real attack you'd be in trouble, no? Perhaps more training is in order, little one." *He said this affectionately as he sat beside her, ears flicking in case cats came running from her frightened call.* "And what was it you were about to call old Barkpelt? Mousebrain perhaps? Tsk, no respect for your elders..." *He purred in amusement, quite the fan of rubbing his apprentice's fur the wrong way.* Fea Line Thornpaw: -huffs, letting her fur lay flat, giving it a few swipes in places to help it down further. She narrows her two toned eyes at him and flicks her long slender tail- You aren't an elder yet! -cheeky tone- Or are you going blind and deaf from my relentless attacks! -yowls playfully, leaping on him in hopes to pin him down- CoyoteSparrow Tinyshade: *comes streaking out of the brush, hissing and spitting at the call of invasion. When she only finds Barkpelt and that apprentice of his her, she relaxes but narrows her yellow eyes in a vivid glare at the apprentice* WHAT THE MOUSEBILE IS WRONG WITH YOU. YOWLING INVASION LIKE A SOFT LITTLE KITTYPET. *she hisses, glaring now at them both.
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 7:12 pm
Roserain Barkpelt: *Flicks his tail as her indignation only deepens his enjoyment. Grinning as she glares, he leaned in closer to her, his ear swiveling. "What was that, young one? I'm afraid I can't hear sass as well as I once d- Oh! A fight is it?" *Laughing as she lands on him, he rolls to dislodge her, springing back to his feet and beginning to circle. These playful antics had a very real purpose, every opportunity there was to teach and train he would take, all the better if he could disguise it as play.* "Size is not to your advantage here, yes? What is, little one? Be quick!" *Smirking, he raised a paw to feint to her left, hoping to see her move out of the path of the 'blow'. He didn't have time to see her reaction though, as his ears swiveled to catch a rustling. Whirling to face the direction of the noise, he arched his back and flattened his ears; all pretense of play gone as another cat broke from the cover. Barkpelt relaxed as he recognized the smaller she-warrior. He met her glare coolly, all liquid grace as he slunk towards her, purposefully blocking Tinyshade's view of Thornpaw.* "You have a right to be angry, yes. My training lesson caught my apprentice off-guard, which was the point, so hiss at me. No kittypet would've reacted so quickly to warn her clan and turn to attack, yes? Be grateful she is of the Clan, Tinyshade." Fea Line Thornpaw: -grins as she batters him with her paws, quickly rolling back upright once dislodged, dropping into a pounce position- Well c'mon then, Oldpelt! I'll show you what warriors are made of! So what if I'm small! -has speed, preps herself to use it and dodge his oncoming left attack, swinging out to the side with a headbutt to his flank... only to be knocked on her butt buy his sudden move to stand in front of her- Hey, what giv.... -ears instantly fall flat back against her head, fur raised as she's yelled at- Oh what in Starclan.... -mumbles to herself and peers out from behind Barkpelt at Tinyshade- 8T CoyoteSparrow Tinyshade: *her glare flattens as Barkpelt steps forward, whiteknighting all over the place. Still, she has more respect for him, as he's proven himself to the clan, but her expression seems no less irritated* WELL LA DE DAH FOR YOU, BARKPELT. Congratulations. You've very effectively taught her to yell for help. *at the last of his words, ' be greatful to have her in the clan ' her expression purses, almost forming a pout. Perhaps a very angry pout.* Now I never said anything like I wasn't greatful. Only that she's soft and a tad stupid. *gives Barkpelt a meaningful look* And you should know that I, better than most, know the slow learners are sometimes the best in the end. *gives her shoulder a small lick as her fur finally settles. Being stupid or slow wasn't a bad thing. It just meant it'd take more time teaching, and that was a resource the clan was short on. Hell, if not for a patient and persistent clan, a clan who had never given up on her, she would never have survived. * Roserain Barkpelt:*He flicks his tail at his apprentice, a silent request for her to keep still and quiet, but otherwise doesn't acknowledge her. To do so would draw Tinyshade's attention. His expression unchanging in the face of fellow warrior's rant, he wasn't inclined to get his tail twisted over her foul moods. The more she spoke though, the more it seemed this had nothing to do with Thornpaw and everything to do with a very tiny kitten from a long time ago.* "Ah yes, I must not forget that being young and having time for play is an unfortunate thing to suffer through. Best that all kits have a hard life to learn early that being a true warrior means never being happy, hm?" *He sat slowly, his tail draping over his paws and looking too calm for such topics as he lifted a paw to groom and run over an ear.* Fea Line Thornpaw: Stupid?! I'll show you stupid! Mousebrain, lemme at her! -hisses but catches Barkpelt's gestures and she shuts her trap, sitting down huffily, tail lashing the air, doing her best to suppress a growl. After a while of just sitting and watching Barkpelt clean his paws she lets out a huff- Boring. Elders are more fun than this.... CoyoteSparrow Tinyshade: *gradually bristles, yellow eyes turning cold on Barkpelt, her lips slowly tightening into a snarl. Just as she is about to reply, the apprentice starts her own little tirade and the warrior's small face pulls into a smile.* Looks to me like my point has been proven, Barkpelt. Best to keep that little kit of yours in check. Even a hard little thing like me takes no pleasure in dealing out beatings to yowling kits. *she stands, looming rather pleased with herself as she prepares to leave*
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 7:44 pm
He went right on grooming, though he didn't take his eyes off of Tinyshade. Warriors fighting within their own clan wasn't unheard of, especially with honor on the line, but it certainly showed a lack of control he didn't want to lower himself to. Still, his muscles began to tense as she glowered, though whatever she had to say never left her muzzle.
Barkpelt paused in mid tongue stroke, his tail fluffing slightly as his bold and loud apprentice made herself heard. His eyes widened ever so slightly, though the slight p***k of anger quickly dissolved into simple frustration. He had so much to teach her.
"I will handle her, she is my responsibility, no? I'm sure you'd much rather get back to whatever we interrupted. You will forgive the disturbance, I hope, yes? Happy hunting, Tinyshade."
He waited for her to finish gloating and make her exit before turning to look at Thornpaw. Stern and rigid wasn't his style, though if he didn't teach his apprentice when to hold her tongue, and soon, someone else would take the issue out of his paws.
"Little one, perhaps I have another lesson for you today, but you do not seem to respect me as your mentor, I wonder if it is worth speaking. If you do not trust me and be still when I ask, perhaps you need a different warrior to teach you; one you can respect more, perhaps?"
He looked at her thoughtfully, wondering briefly if she really would be better off with another warrior. The idea felt a lot like failure though, but his questions were more to drive a point home rather than fill them doubt. He knew she'd be a good warrior one day, there was just some growing to do between now and then.
"But this, at least, I will say. Never start a fight unless you are prepared to handle the outcome and know it's worth fighting for. Protecting the clan is a noble cause, no? Even if one dies? Worth fighting for. Trading swipes with Tinyshade, a warrior that could make your life much harder if she wants to, worth the fight? I think not."
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 7:53 pm
Thornpaw continued to glare at Tinyshade through half shut, two toned eyes. Her mouth moved in silent words as if she were imitating the other she cat, rather rudely at that. Rolling her eyes, she flicked her tail tip, huffing. When it seemed like she was finally leaving, the young apprentice perked up, eyes wide and excited to continue training.... that is... until Barkpelt scolded her.
The brown she cat's ears went flat against her head, her eyes wide. How could he be scolding her, that runface of a cat was the one who started it! "B-b-but Barkpelt! She's the one calling me names first! It's her fault!" she hissed, much like a child throwing a fit for being scolded.
Then he mentioned getting her a different warrior. Thornpaw's heart raced, then felt as if it had just dropped to the pit of her stomach. Would he... really.... give her up to someone else? "NO!" she screeched, pawing frantically at his chest. "I don't want another warrior, Barkpelt! I don't want her or someone else, I want... you." she mumbled the last part, staring down at her paws and letting out a sigh. She bit back her tongue, holding in her latter comment for the time being. Tinyshade didn't scare her none. Losing Barkpelt as her warrior.... that was another matter entirely.
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 8:28 pm
Her whole body language changed and he felt horrible for his lecture. It seemed his words still mattered though, and that meant he could get through to her. There was hope yet.
"She did indeed call you names. What is a name, my little one? Something you must earn, yes? From kit to paw, to your warrior name. Even star, perhaps someday. You work hard for those names, do not work so hard to earn the names she calls you, they are not worthy of you. Do not turn your head. Do not hear. Then they are not your names. Then she is just a mad cat yowling bad things that only she pays attention to."
He took the brunt of her assault with a light oomph, letting her wear out before pushing her back with his weight; enough that she would have to either fall backwards or stumble.
"I do not wish it either, Thornpaw, but if some day I signal for silence because I hear danger, and you do not trust me enough to keep quiet, then we are both in trouble."
Bark stood up and stretched out his long legs, arching his back pleasantly. He preferred to be on the move, this sitting around was not for him. The sun's light was creeping along, now that they were well into the afternoon.
"Come, let us speak no more of this, perhaps it is for the best. Though... if you are sure you want me to remain your mentor, I have a task for you. It is about time to take fresh-kill and share tongues. Take fresh kill to the elder Bramblestrike with me, but no matter what he says, you must not react. Perhaps think of it as a test, yes?"
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 8:42 pm
SIghing, Thornpaw lowered her head, ears still flat against her skull. Her tail had stopped moving and she couldn't bare to even look at him right now. He would think on it? Did he really not want her as his apprentice?! "Yes Barkpelt.. I am sorry..." she mewled. She both meant it and didn't fancy having to go clean the elder's den....
When the older brown tom cat spoke of feeding and sharing tongues, her first thought was not the punishment she had been previously thinking of avoiding. For a brief moment her eyes sparkled.... until he mentioned Bramblestrike. Anyone but Bramblestrike... oh Starclans, send Tinyshade back!! "Wha... No.. Barkpelt you can't be serious... him?! He's so... so.. grumpy!!" she mewled, giving the brown tom cat large wide pity kitty eyes.
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 9:48 pm
He purred in amusement, her kitten eyes having no effect on such a warrior that knew all these tricks too well.
"That he definitely is, young one. And was still, back when I was his apprentice. This is as much my challenge as yours. Perhaps if you can face Bramblestrike, quietly and patiently, for just one afternoon... perhaps then I will know you are serious about being my apprentice and will be able to stand up to Tinyshade's taunts, yes?"
He tilted his head to indicate where the elders were resting, in particular towards the patchy white tom.
"Now if I remember correctly, you can pick anything from the fresh-kill pile for him. He doesn't have a favorite that I've ever found; he just complains about them all equally. Maybe old age has softened him a bit."
He sighed, thinking this wasn't likely. It never hurt to brush up on skills himself, but this was going to be a trying event for all involved. Snatching a thin squirrel from the fresh-kill pile himself, he indicated Thornpaw should grab something as well to bring with her. With his tail high he turned towards the elders and approached Bramblestrike, his face already blank of emotion.
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 10:13 pm
Bramblestrike was fidgeting in the Elder's den. The bedding was wearing out and his joints were stiff and difficult to adjust and maneuver in it. He needed to stretch. Go for a run, or something. But he knew his old limbs would do little in aiding him escape from any predator that lurked beyond the Clan's sturdy walls.
The patched old Tom grumbled and clicked his teeth together, beginning to worry that one of the Clan had forgotten to feed him. Again.
He had half a mind to venture out to the fresh-kill pile himself. He was still spry... to some extent. He could still - for the most part - fend for himself. Especially when food was so easily provided for him.
Claws dug into the floor of the den and left small holes in their wake as the smell of fresh kill began wafting towards his nares. Aaaah... squirrel. Golden eyes drifted to the entrance to his den and soon met with an old ally of his. Barkpelt.
"Ah. Barkpelt. Guess you finally decided to move those little legs of yours to finally visit me, eh?" he only half sneered. "And I see you brought me a squirrel..." he then fully sneered, seeming to grumble out the last bits as he appeared to glare at the tasty morsel in disdain. His nose shifted upwards slightly as if to scoff, though no further words emitted...
... that is, until Thornpaw came slinking in behind him. "And what's this?! Babysittin' the kits now, are you?!" He emitted a bit of a cough... or was is a laugh? At this point, even his old lungs couldn't tell the difference.
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 10:23 pm
Groaning, Thornpaw shuffled over behind Barkpelt and picked out a finch from the pile, still warm in her mouth. The scent of it wafting over her scent glands was enough to make her drool, but she resisted as best as she could. If this old cat had been Barkpelt's previous mentor, then he had to be a real piece of work. Still she was curious.
Slinking in behind Barkpelt, Thornpaw dropped the finch and nosed it foward towards the old cat. Blinking at his words, she glanced over at the strong brown warrior, wondering how he'd take being spoken too in such a way. "Greetings Bramblestrike..." she mewed softly before the old cat's cackling couch sent her ears straight back atop her head.
Babysitting?! Was he calling her a baby?! Why she'd rip the fur from his old bones and roll in it! Her fur ruffled, standing fully on end as she choked back a spit. Not now Thornpaw.... remember what Barkpelt said... she mentally chided herself. This old fleabag could grumble and groan all he wanted... she had a warrior to keep and she'd be damned if she let the old badger make her lose that warrior... her warrior.
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Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 9:10 pm
Lowering his head as he pushed his way into the elder's den, he blinked slowly at Bramblestrike in a respectful greeting, not able to talk around the squirrel in his mouth... and knowing better than to try anyway. He sat in front of his old mentor and dropped the squirrel between them, within easy reach.
"Indeed I have, and it is good to see you again. Though if you don't want the squirrel, I could always take it back to the pile for another cat to claim."
His whiskers twitched in amusement, he'd bet his tail that Bramble would take the squirrel... and perhaps Thornpaw's offer too.
"This is Thornpaw, my apprentice, just as I was once yours, no? She's brought you a finch, in case you didn't feel like eating squirrel. Or perhaps you'd like both?"
His ear tilted and flicked as Thornpaw greeted him, turning his head towards her in time to see her ears flatten at the old cat's coughing. He leaned against her briefly to reassure her before focusing on the old warrior again.
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Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 9:59 pm
Bramblestrike practically sneered in sheer disgust at the sight of the fresh kill that was brought to him.
"Feh! Finch?!" he grumbled non-coherent words for a moment before a brown paw reached forward and claimed the squirrel. "Too many feathers. Their bones are too small and their meat is too stringy." He sniffed at the morsel he now held and flattened an ear. "Bleh... And squirrel is not much better. They always taste pretty nutty, if you ask me. I'd been happier if you brought me a nice fat mouse, but I guess the squirrel will have to do for today."
He bit into the squirrel and chewed it a moment. Upon swallowing, he eyed over Thornpaw and chuckled. "She's a quiet little kit, ain't she?" He chuckled a bit more before his gaze steeled. "Good. It's good for the youngin's to know their place."
"So she's your Apprentice, hmm?"
He turned his gaze back onto her form, seeming to analyze her. "Meh. Starting them younger and younger these days. She's still got a lot to learn, yet." He tilted his head to lean towards Thornpaw a bit more. "You have it easier now, you know. If I were still a Warrior, you'd be in here every night cleanin' dirt. Not just whenever your mentor needs someone to come along and hold his paw to visit his mentors."
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Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 10:01 am
thornpaw's fur bristled the more and more this cranky old badger talked. "If you!!" she started out but quickly bit her lip, lashed the air with her tail and huffed and puffed, remembering Barkpelt's words. He was more important. He was at stake here. If this were any other warrior, she would have risked everything to tell this old grump where to stick it. But she didn't. "If you'd like a mouse... I'll fetch you one." she said, through gritted fangs, trying her best to stay level headed.
It wasn't really working. He just ruffling her fur, as if he knew exactly what buttons to push to set her off big time. When he spoke to her directly about having an easy time, her face twisted into some sort of painful smile, mind thinking about other things. Things like training all day with Barkpelt, becoming a warrior, lazing in the sun, hunting with the brown tome cat.... like hell she'd clean that old foxdung's dirt, why she'd rip him a new hole if she could just get her paws on his filthy rotten bag of bonesljgshdjlgaafuhsodasdlaksfdohdiohfsfffffff.
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Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 2:31 pm
He entertained the thought of defending himself and his apprentice against the elder's barbs for a moment before letting it go with a flick of his tail. It seemed with every passing year his time as a warrior became more and more intense compared to nowadays. The snow was deeper, the training harder, the cats were fiercer, and prey tasted better.
He started to wash a paw to hide his whiskers twitching in amusement as Thornpaw caught herself. His chest rumbled briefly in appreciation of her constraint.
"Yes, she's mine. And older than six moons, just like every apprentice, yes?"
He ran his paw over his ear as he groomed, giving him something to focus on rather than getting his hackles up. With that task finished, he folded his legs and made himself comfortable in the dry moss of the den.
"Perhaps if she is to be punished I'll have her clear dirt, but she has been quick in her lessons so far; right Thornpaw? Though maybe I'll ask her to hold my paw, as you say, and come visit you more often. Now you have me curious, Bramblestrike, I can't say I ever remember you visiting with the elders when I was your apprentice."
Bark didn't know if this was true or not, but figured it would be a safe distraction while he 'enjoyed' his fresh-kill. Which reminded him oh his empty stomach.
"Thornpaw, would you like to share that finch since Bramblestrike doesn't seem hungry for it?"
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Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 2:59 pm
Bramblestrike grumbled further under his breath. There was no way that little kitten was older than six moons. Still, he didn't exactly follow the moons these days. And he definitely didn't want to fall into a debate with the kitten's mother were she to catch wind of his words.
He pawed at his squirrel a moment before his ears flicked towards Barkpelt. A low rumble gathered in his chest as his tail flailed. "Because MY mentor never made it to the Elder's den..." His tail swished in irritation behind him a moment before he grumbled and shook his head. "Though I guess you were too young to remember such a tragedy... In fact, I think you were still a kit in your mother's womb when she went to live with Starclan."
He took a few bites of his squirrel and swallowed. "I don't guess you'd want to be bothered by that story, though." he turned his gaze to Thornpaw, seemingly judging her to see if he gathered any interest from the young kit. Almost as if he was asking her on whether or not she wanted to hear the story. Even if the question was directed upon them both.
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Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 3:06 pm
Thornpaw had hunkered down, trying to squish herself to the floor in any and all attempts to keep her head calm. She had been lost in her own thoughts when Barkpelt's voice drifted across her ears. Did she want to share the finch? With him?! "Starclan's name, yes!" she mrrowed, not willing to admit she was starving... but to share something with him? The best warrior ever? Purring lightly, she pushed it towards him, so he could have the first bite.
Then Bramblestrike's gaze upon her made her turn her head slightly. His stare made her pelt prickle, his taunting gaze as if he almost dared her to ask. She knew warriors sometimes didn't make it out of battles, though that would never happen to her. She was too smart, and Barkpelt was super strong. Half of her wanted to just eat and ignore him, but she felt compelled. Besides, she'd rather listen to a story then clean dirt.
"What happened to your mentor, Bramblestrike?" she bit and gave it.
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