Spotted in Dusk [c]

Leaf-bare took a harsh turn over the clans. Prey hid carefully underneath thick layers of snow, their figures becoming scrawny and much harder to catch than before. The tom could only hope he'd be able to pose an example for the younger cat he was about to train, as his pelt especially stood out within the snow. Though, if he were to hide among the shadows of the bushes, the tom hoped he wouldn't become so noticeable.

Morphing from an ombre of orange, the sky shed itself to a coat of a dim, mystical blue. Faintest hints of yellow hid amongst the cloud, signaling the warrior that it was time to go. A dark-furred figure made his way towards the apprentices' den, green, emerald-like eyes gleaming as he looked into the den in search for Spottedpaw's figure. Orange-dappled spotted within the view, he smiled, glad to have known that she was in there. "Spottedpaw," He spoke, his voice kept light and warm, "I hope you remember about our training. I'll wait for you outside once you're ready." With that said, he backed out, standing outside the den in wait for the apprentice.

Spottedpaw opened her sleepy eyes as she saw Duskflight standing above her. She heard Duskflight mention that he hoped his apprentice remembered about her training today. Suddenly Spottedpaw became more awake as she remembered and then realized it must be starting now. She followed Duskflight outside of the apprentices' den and asked eagerly, "I remember. What are we doing today? Fighting? Hunting? Exploring?. She waited patiently for Duskflight's response.

"We'll start with hunting training today. However, don't blame yourself if you aren't able to catch prey right away. It's harder doing so during leaf-bare," He smiled at her. Once the apprentice stood beside him, he nodded, gesturing for her to follow as he made his way through the thorn tunnel and out to the marshland; occasionally looking back to make sure that she was still behind.

Once he made sure they have gone far enough from the camp, he stopped, scanning the area and making sure that it was safe for training. He hoped they wouldn't encounter such predators, seeing as how that didn't turn out so well, like in his previous experiences in fighting with them before. Serpents were still the most troublesome in all. "We'll start with the basics. A hunting crouch is one you must remember well, Spottedpaw," As he spoke, he lowered himself down to a well-known crouch. It has been ingrained in his mind ever since his first lessons with Emberleap, and he wished to be able to show it well. "Make sure to lower yourself so that you're not so easily spotted, though not so much that you're touching the ground. Prey would easily acknowledge that you're there that way. As you spot one, creep up to it just close enough, then quickly pounce towards it without being found."

A rustle from underneath the snow, his ears perked, immediately taking the moment to demonstrate the technique for the younger cat. With steps as light as a feather, Duskflight carefully made his way towards what he presumed to be prey. Launching himself forward, the sight of a small rodent caught his eye. However, he missed it just by an inch— with it scurrying off into the far distance. The warrior pushed himself up, exchanging the cat a somewhat awkward smile. "That's how it should be done. However, I missed it. You should still give it a go, though. I'm sure you'll be able to catch one soon."

Duskflight attempted to catch Rodent, using 7 stamina. It was unsuccessful!

Duskflight:
40/40 HP
93/100 SP (-7)

The member 'Arcana' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 7

Spottedpaw shivered a bit as a cold breeze blew through the forest. She listened and watched her mentor closely as he gave her instructions on things to master when she is hunting. Then she watched as Duskflight attempted to catch the rodent. It made her feel a little less confident seeing that her mentor failed to catch the prey, but she was happy to try anyway. Maybe she could have the first catch between the two of them today, she thought to herself.

Pushing her thoughts aside, she sniffed the cold air and caught the scent of another rodent. She treaded lightly with light paws and crouched down, with her tail held up. Her white base fur helped her to blend in with the snow, but her brightly colored spots made it to where she wasn't entirely invisible. As she got closer to the rodent, she jumped into the air and landed on the spot where the rodent was. She sighed as when she stood up the rodent wasn't there meaning she also failed to make a catch.

[b]Spottedpaw attempted to catch a rodent, and was unsuccessful.[b]
Spottedpaw stats

20/20hp
53/60sp

The member 'Legacy' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 7

(OOC: I can spawn in a predator if your next dice roll doesn't roll one in!)

Seeing the apprentice's disheartened state made him feel guilty, and so the tom brushed his tail against Spottedpaw's shoulder as a sign of comfort. Surely, he'll make sure that they'll return to camp with at least some prey dangling from their maws. 'We don't always succeed, though that's alright. Not everyone's perfect first try, yeah?" He offered her a warm grin. Wanting to try again, the tom lifted his muzzle, nose twitching as he quickly identified a scent of prey nearby. His shoulders relaxed, naturally dropping himself into a crouch once again as he approached the prey. His footsteps were nearly silent on the snow, a skill of stealth that he was so used to ever since he began training.

And so, the tom leaped at the creature in an attempt to swiftly catch it in his mouth. His teeth met the familiar texture of the skin from the prey and pulled back with a wide grin on his maw. He did it! Gently setting the frog down, he buried it under the thick coat of snow, showing how he was able to prove that it could be just as easy. "Now you try again. I'm sure you'll be able to do it!" He gave her an encouraging nod.

Duskflight attempted to catch Frog, using 7 stamina. It was a success!

Duskflight:
40/40 HP
86/100 SP (-7)

The member 'Arcana' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 1

(sure)

"Yeah I guess you're right" Spottedpaw responded, trying to be positive and confident. She watched Duskflight closely again as he stalked the frog, and then before she knew it Duskflight had successfully caught the frog. "Nice catch!, Spottedpaw commented to her mentor before taking her turn in, hopefully this time successfully catching her own piece of prey. She sniffed the air just as she had done before and caught the scent of a frog. She followed the frog's scent trail carefully with light and quiet paw steps so that the frog would not hear her coming.
Once she was in reach of the frog she pounced into the air. She sighed when she landed and once again saw that there was no frog laying limp beneath her.

[b]Spottedpaw attempted to catch a frog and was unsuccessful.




Spottedpaw stats:
20/20hp
53/60sp

The member 'Legacy' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 7

"Thanks, Spottedpaw." He smiled back at her, hoping that she'd also be able to capture prey. Though, it wasn't so much as he wished. Spottedpaw still had more to learn, and the warrior has already promised to himself how he won't fail his apprentice. Soon, as new-leaf comes, that's when the prey gets much more efficient and full. "We can try something else next time then, yeah? Not everyone's the master of hunting." He mewed, although he felt as if it did little to no encouragement at all. At least, he had something to offer her as to not give up. That's what he wished to be able to accomplish in training.

His ear flicked, and he swiveled it around, suddenly sensing movement from somewhere— Up there! A flapping of wings, and he already could realize the dangers that it bore. "Keep cautious, Spottedpaw! That's an owl," He spoke, eyes kept close to the predator's movements. "Aim for its wings if you can." It dove down, talons reared and ready to attack. However, he wasn't just going to let it attack him so easily. He leaped up with outstretched claws, bowling the creature over with his attack. It wasn't long until he could feel the pain it left on his ear, and though awkwardly- it flew back up to the sky, ready to strike once again.

Owl appeared! Owl used Talon Strike on Duskflight, dealing 7 damage and using 10 SP.
Duskflight used Jumping Strike on Owl, dealing 12 damage (8+3 for the first blow, +1 from Night Finesse) and using 7 SP.

Duskflight:
33/40 HP (-7)
93/100 SP (-7)

Spottedpaw:
20/20 HP
60/60 SP

Owl:
18/30 HP (-12)
80/90 SP (-10)

ooc: sorry been busy with school

ic: Spottedpaw gasped as she saw the big bird's appearance, and ducked as the talons reared. Spottedpaw ran over to help her mentor defeat the owl, unsheathing her claws and raking them across the owl's wings as Duskflight had instructed her to do (aim for the wings).

Spottedpaw used front paw strike dealing 6 damage and using 7 stamina.

Spottedpaw stats:
20/20hp
46/60sp

owl:
12/30hp
80/90sp

Swiftly, Spottedpaw followed, aiming for its wings just as he'd expect. A grin made its way onto his face, and cautiously, he waited until the owl couldn't find the strength to fly back up again. Her attack did do some damage alongside his, and he felt glad that the young molly was able to catch up quickly. While it fell from the snow, unable to have enough time to fly back up; he lunged for his attack. The tom purposely spun himself downwards, swiftly making himself slide just before the owl had hit the snow. Although failed, his attack wasn't all for nothing. The owl just managed to luckily dodge in time, though his claws still raked against it. "One more time, Spottedpaw! It's almost out of strength, we can do it!"

Duskflight used Belly Rake, dealing 5 (+1) damage and using 25 SP.

Duskflight:
33/40 HP
68/100 SP (-25)

Spottedpaw:
20/20 HP
46/60 SP

Owl:
6/30 HP (-6)
80/90 SP

The member 'Arcana' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Effect Dice' : 1

Spottedpaw stood side by side to Duskflight, defeating the owl alongside her mentor. She watched as Duskflight rake the belly of the owl. The owl was weak and running out of strength, but still attempted to make an attack towards the two cats. Spottedpaw lept forward and jumped onto the owl, almost as if she was trying to catch it as prey, and had it pinned to the ground.

Spottedpaw used leap and hold dealing 6 damage to the owl, and costing her 15 stamina points

Spottedpaw stats:
20/20hp
31/60sp

owl stats:
0/30hp
80/90sp