Dawn training. (Closed)

Leafbare was almost over. Featherheart couldn't wait to see what newleaf would look like. The forest already seemed so different with the newly melted snow and patches of tender green grass that slowly crept through the spaces between the trees. He stored away the thoughts. He stood up slowly with a couple coughs. He had a job to do, a new duty in mentoring Boarpaw.

He padded through the camp, his fur felt warm in the sun as it blanketed the camp. Featherheart's head poked into the warm familiar apprentice's den.
"Boarpaw. It's time, meet me near the entrance." He mewed quietly, then padded out of the entrance to let Boarpaw follow when he woke up. He glanced at Wisteriapool with pride in his eyes when he spotted her leaving for the dawn patrol. Once he settled down by the entrance, he kept an eye out for his other siblings but made no motion towards them. He couldn't let himself be distracted.

Boarpaw once again failed to react to the new name instantly but, once he did, he stood up. Squinting against the sun past his mentor, he padded out of the den. The warm sun was so unfamiliar, he'd braced for bitter cold... But, it seemed that things were changing all around him. Glancing around, he made his way to the entrance and smiled sleepily. When had he last seen the dawn or been awake during a sunrise? He usually was dragged along to scare kittypets late in the day for food and then linger at night when twolegs were done walking their dogs. Flicking his tail about, the tom looked at Featherheart. He was smaller than the warrior by a mouse-length though, if he'd eaten properly, he'd be larger than him. How old was he anyway? Boarpaw supposed it didn't matter that much. "So, what's the plan for today?"

Featherheart led Boarpaw through the tunnel entrance, his eyes taking in the surroundings as he thought carefully. As a former rogue, he knew Boarpaw wouldn't know the code. He nodded solemnly to himself as he led the way to a small grassy patch near the sandy training hollow. Part of him wanted to simply race off and show off the territory, but his eyes took count of Boarpaw's injuries and he decided to make things a bit easier. If his injuries got aggravated, it was better to have that happen close to the camp and within easy reach of help.

"For today we'll go over the Warrior Code." He mewed calmly. He tucked his orange tail neatly around his paws as he settled in for the discussion. "Did my mother, Sharptooth, Did she explain any of it to you? Or Blizzardstar?" He asked curiously. He hadn't met the other cat when some of the clan had, but he had heard that then stranger had saved his mother. His gratitude for that was immeasurable.

Boarpaw settled down across from him, feeling young grass shoots between his paws. A thinner layer of sand could be seen through the bright grass but it wasn't enough to cause any trouble.
"No, none of the code." He meowed as he looked at the ginger tom. "It seems very important to your clan."

short]

He took a deep breath. Being raised with the code, it took him a moment to gather all of his thoughts. He smiled as memories filtered through him, Dustcloud's education as well as his mother's. He chuckled, then settled down for a long talk.

"Well, let's begin with what you need to know now." He began with a relaxed meow. "It is very important to us, it's our way of life. It brings us honour and strength both now and in StarClan." He glanced up towards the sky. "StarClan is where good warriors end up when we die." He explained. The idea brought comfort to him. That his father would always be watching down on him from the stars above, and so would his grandmother. Those were thoughts for another time. He turned his gaze back to Boarpaw, a more serious look to his gaze.

"We are at war with RiverClan, ShadowClan and SkyClan, so I'll tell you this now. One part of the warrior code is to defend the clan and its borders. If you see an enemy while on border patrol, or any patrol on our side of the territory, challenge them." Featherheart's eyes seemed to darken at the thought. The tom that struck out at him at the gathering sprang to mind. "It is another part of the code never to trespass or hunt on other clan's territories. Though it doesn't seem to stop some."

"Another important thing, is that during a battle, we never aim to kill." His tone was serious now as he regarded Boarpaw with friendly caution. He trusted this rogue, but at the same time, he didn't know what this rogue's life was like before. "If you kill, you'll be punished both by the clan and StarClan." He trembled at the thought. "You'll walk with the murderers in the Dark Forest." He couldn't restrain the shiver that ran through him at his own words. The Dark Forest sounded cruel and vicious. Though Specklefang had killed, he desperately hoped she wasn't there.

"The next part, is to feed the clan before yourself. You'll be expected to go on hunting patrols with both myself and your other clanmates. Sometimes in leafbare, there isn't enough to go around. The kits, the queens and elders need to eat first." His gaze grew less serious as he smiled in a jovial manner. "Luckily, It's so close to newleaf, most of the prey is scuttling out of their winter dens. There'll be plenty of prey about, so I'll be able to teach you some good hunting tomorrow."

"Now then, go ahead and repeat the rules to me." He suggested cheerfully. "Take your time to think about it if you need to, the sun feels great!" Featherheart moved in a sedate manner to lay down in the sun that was shining through the trees. The warmth of it was relaxing.