WC Border Patrol [Open training topic]

"Yes, you're right." Lightfoot said, nodding encouragingly. "They're pretty mean and stubborn when they want to be. You wouldn't believe how hostile they get at the very thought of ThunderClan. Anyway, if you ever pick a fight with one, stay away from the river. They'll drag you right in and before you know it you'll be on your way to StarClan." He added, lightly but also seriously. Lightfoot trotted on at a leisurely pace, occasionally marking as he went. The white tom stopped abruptly at the sight of the hard, black path that he remembered first seeing many moons ago. "That is the Thunderpath, and it's our border with ShadowClan. You'd better keep your distance from this as well. Monsters roam it and kill or maim cats that don't get out of the way fast enough. They usually stay on the path, but there have been exceptions so always be on your guard. As for ShadowClan, what can you tell me about them?"

Tanglepelt followed the patrol, and soaked up everything Lightfoot was doing. He seemed to be an excellent mentor, and that was what Tanglepelt aspired to be once she received an apprentice of her own.

Icestorm silently followed in the back of the group with a hint of jealousy.

Cobaltfire followed quietly, observing Lightfoot's mentoring. He was doing very well, but she would give him pointers if he needed any.

Slatepaw replied almost at once. "ShadowClan is hostile and unfriendly. They are said to be dark-hearted due to the cold winds of the North. ShadowClanners are skilled in fighting, as are we, and they use their territory as an advantage in combat.Their territory is crowded with pines." With the thought of not being exposed to the open air and wide-ranged territory, the grey tom shuddered. "ShadowClan territory is marshy and gross, and their scent is just as disgusting." he finished, throwing the ShadowClan territory a nasty look when he thought no cat was watching.

"Actually Slatepaw, not all of what you said is true." Icestorm said to the apprentice, somewhat annoyed.

Slatepaw resisted the urge to flatten his ears, growl, and lash his tail. He was trying to learn and tell what he thought was true about the Clans, and here this cat was, acting like he was his mentor! Instead he stiffly dipped his head. "Thank you for telling me, Icestorm. What part of what I said was untrue?" he asked, trying to sound curious and respectful, rather than extremely irritated. He slightly narrowed his eyes while waiting for an answer, stifling the need to lash his tail angrily.

"Well, when I visited them, they are not as hostile as you would think. Also, their camp is not totally gross and marshy. And every Clan use their territory as an advantage." he chuckled the last part. "Sorry Slatepaw, I just didn't want you putting the wrong thoughts into these cats heads." he said kindly.

Unlike Slatepaw, Lightfoot didn't try to hide his annoyance with the younger warrior. "You have bees in your brain, Icestorm. You know that all Clan kits are raised with the same stories of northern winds and darkened hearts, that's why I'm here to teach him reality." His white tail tip flicked as he continued slyly, "But since you're so close to the enemy, why don't you go ahead and teach my apprentice everything there is to know about the proper technique to trespassing?" Lightfoot looked at Slatepaw, some part of him suddenly desiring to protect the apprentice in any way. He was doing well, not snapping back at a higher ranking cat. I will tell Falconstar of Slatepaw's patience. And Icestorm's feelings of allegiance with ShadowClan, if he takes it too far...

OOC: thats my apprentice u jerk fite me irl //shot

Icestorm simply glared at Lightfoot in silence. Then said calmly "If you want to teach your apprentice your way, I won't stop you. I was simply adding on to what he said." Icestorm knew why Lightfoot was mad, but it wasn't like he was steeling Slatepaw, but instead, giving true facts.

Lightfoot glanced around at Cobaltfire and Tanglepelt to see if they had any input, but when no one else spoke up, he turned around stiffly and continued the patrol. "It is important to separate opinion from fact. They are, as you said, skilled fighters in their own territory. They also use the shadows to ambush, and since they are nocturnal, are most likely to attack at night. If we ever get in a major battle with them, chances are we'll strike during the daytime. You were correct in saying their territory was marshy, because it is. Perhaps their camp is in a dryer area, but I can't blame them for not wanting to sleep in puddles." Had he not been at the front of the patrol, someone probably would have seen him rolling his eyes. "Just like our territory is very windy, but we live in a dip that blocks out the worst of the wind. ThunderClan and SkyClan live among trees, but I can guess that they have camp clearings hidden somewhere in those trees. And there's no way RiverClan lives at the bottom of that StarClan-forsaken river!" Just the thought of it made him chuckle. "Anyway, ShadowClan scent is a combination of their diet and being surrounded by the Thunderpath, so they can't really help that." They were heading back in the direction of the camp. "Slatepaw," Lightfoot added in. "You've done well today. When we get to camp, see to the elders and then you can eat and rest. I'll tell Falconstar of your excellent progress." He said, a small smile curling his mouth.

OOC: I'd give you an assessment, but Slate's still a bit young so I'm waiting for another week. Also don't forget to go to the gathering if you haven't yet.

Icestorm sighed. Lightfoot would think he was a traitor if he told him that he had been to ShadowClan territory twice now. But it wasn't for fun, one time was telling Thrushstar about a dead cat, and the other was almost a dead cat.

Slatepaw dipped his head and smiled, staying quite silent.

OOC: Alright, thanks!