Pick on someone your own size! (c)

Since Jaystar was busy with the extra-tense Clan relations and other leader shenanigans, yet another duty fell to Perchfall: making sure his apprentices got enough training. It wasn't as if she already had enough to do, with her own two apprentices and organizing patrols and going on them herself. But how could she refuse assisting the leader of RiverClan? As deputy, it was her job. And so she would do it. Though, she had to admit, sparring was not her favorite activity. But apprentices had to learn somehow, and a controlled sparring environment was much safer than hunting down a predator or picking a fight across a border, neither of which she would condone. So it was that Perchfall took Aspenpaw to a secluded clearing in the territory, so that they could practice fighting together. He was a somewhat more experienced apprentice, so she wouldn't be teaching the basics, but would instead offer him a chance to practice what he had learned.

When they reached the clearing, the gray-and-white she-cat walked a few paces away from him and stood. Her expression was neutral as she looked at Aspenpaw, icy blue eyes assessing his somewhat muscular frame. He had obviously been training... but how much? "Go ahead and fight me. I'll fight back. No claws allowed," Perchfall said, voice clear and unemotional. "Begin when you are ready."

The tom had awoken exhausted, a weird dream lingering in the forefront of his mind as he slowly set about grooming his fire-esque pelt, feeling ragged and hungry as the sun settled weakly in the sky above. As Perchfall all but marched him out of the camp under the premise of refining his fighting skills, Aspenpaw had snapped back to existence a little more steady; the fog in his brain clearing and the strength gradually returning to his bones as clear air hit his muzzle. The chill of the harsh season was apparent as he followed the molly to a clearing, and he had followed along in silence, pelt bushed out against the cold.

Eventually she stopped and he followed suit, listening to her instructions and watching as her eyes travelled over him, bristling a little as he worried about her thinking of him being as weak as he felt internally. The apprentice's tail-tip twitched a minor amount, and he nodded, thinking of how best to swipe at the deputy. Pacing forward slowly, he rounded Perchfall a little, darting out a paw and catching her across the shoulder with a controlled blow, claws firmly sheathed.

Aspenpaw used Front Paw Blow, dealing 4 damage and using 5 stamina.

Aspenpaw:
20/20 HP
55/60 SP

Perchfall:
46/50 HP
120/120 SP

And the mock battle began. Perchfall was impressed by how the apprentice sized her up, thinking about strategy rather than just rushing in. However, the fact that he took so long to think let her see exactly where he was planning to strike. She took the blow on the shoulder, but then whirled around and lowered her head, running into him with just enough force to knock him down. She didn't want to actually hurt the tom, but there would be no point in the spar if she didn't put some effort in.

Perchfall used Headbutt, dealing 7 damage and costing 5 stamina.

Perchfall:
46/50 HP
115/120 SP

Aspenpaw:
13/20 HP
55/60 SP