First day on the job [closed]

"Psst... Blazepaw, wake up. We're... we're gonna go train... okay?" Those were the hushed words Smallbean whispered into his sleeping apprentice's ear. The sun was just rising, and the small warrior wanted to get out of camp as soon as he could. He could use a distraction, and Blazepaw needed to learn how to hunt anyways. "I'll just... be waiting outside the den, okay? Just come when you're ready, and don't forget to grab some fresh-kill before we leave." He turned and hurried out of the apprentice den, making a dash for the camp entrance.

Being short with Blazepaw bothered him, but there would be time to talk after they left. He could hardly stand being in camp anymore, and even while he was out on the territory he couldn't shake the feeling of eyes watching his every movement. It was better to be out on the moors, it felt more freeing to be out there than in camp. He never thought he'd look at his home as a prison... again.

He sat and wrapped his tail around his paws as he waited for Blazepaw to join him, absentmindedly messing with a small tuft of grass growing through the sandy camp floor. Every few moments his eyes would flicker upwards to see if the young she-cat was walking his way yet.

Blazepaw woke up to her mentor whispering to her. She groggily raised her head, eyes blinking repeatedly. “Huh, what? Oh yeah, I’m awake.” She was not. “Training. Yeah. Wait, training?” Blazepaw’s head shot up and she bounded to her feet. The ginger she-cat raced to the fresh-kill pile and bolted down a quick breakfast. She licked her paw and ran it over her face a couple of times, only kind of straightening her messy fur, and scampered over to Smallbean. “I’m ready!”

The sight of Blazepaw's bright smile lifted Smallbeans spirits, just a little bit. "Alright, let's go then." He turned and led Blazepaw out of camp, but he couldn't help but feel like he was being watched. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't shake the paranoia. He turned to look behind him, partly to see if Blazepaw was following, but mostly to see if he could catch the gaze of a dark forest cat.

"Follow me, Blazepaw." His delicate paws led the way down a beaten path, guiding him to the rabbit warrens. "There should be more prey out now that it's warming up, so today I'm gonna teach you to catch rabbits." He said, over his shoulder. Anxiety still gnawed at his stomach so he quickened his pace to a dash and arrived near the warrens, making sure to not get too close. The warrior paused for a moment for the two to catch their breaths before speaking up. "See those small hills?" Smallbean gestured out onto the moors with his tail. "That's where the rabbit warrens are. This is the best place to find rabbits."

Smallbean straightened his posture and cleared his throat. "First and foremost, you need to learn the hunter's crawl..." His eyes darted around, trying to find a dummy to practice on. "Aha!" He guided Blazepaw over to a clump of weeds- he checked to make sure they weren't useful herbs before deciding to use them. "We're gonna use this clump of weeds to practice on. Watch me first, okay? Once you got the hang of it we can hunt on real rabbits." Smallbean backed away, keeping a generous distance away from it. He crouched down, creeping forward very slowly before darting forward and swiping at the clump of weeds with outstretched claws. "Just like that. Now you can try, okay- just pretend it's a rabbit. If you have any questions, just ask... okay?" He backed up and gave space for Blazepaw. "Oh, and don't feel bad if you don't get it on the first try. It takes some practice for some apprentices, but I'm sure you'll do okay."

Blazepaw nodded and crouched. Here form was pretty good, but she was fidgeting like crazy. Still, she did manage to get her claws into the plant, though it never would’ve worked had that been real prey.

"Good job, Blazepaw!!" Smallbean congratulated the apprentice on her first successful pounce, even if her form could use a few changes. "But when you kill real prey, try focusing your attacks onto a specific spot, like the neck." Smallbean raised his nose into the air, his senses being overwhelmed by the aroma of rabbit. "Now, if you feel like you're ready, you can try catching some real prey. I'm gonna catch a rabbit, if you want to you can watch." He began padding in the direction of the rabbit warrens, staying within earshot of Blazepaw. "Oh, and make sure to stay close by, okay?" He said wearily over his shoulder.

Already locking his gaze onto a rabbit, Smallbean lowered to the ground and crawled toward it, just as he had shown Blazepaw how to do a moments before. Suddenly, he launched himself and locked his jaws around the throat of the rabbit in a series of quick, practiced movements.


Smallbean successfully caught a rabbit, costing 3 SP

157/160 SP

The member 'cotton' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 5

Blazepaw watched Smallbean eagerly, admiring her mentor’s skilled hunting. After he caught his, Blazepaw began sniffing the air, scanning for the scent of prey. Suddenly, she noticed a funny little critter in the grass a tail-length away. Might that be good to eat? Might as well try.

Nope. The frog saw her coming and hopped away. Oh well. Better luck next time!

The member 'Nerd' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 5

Smallbean looked over just in time to see Blazepaw fail at catching a frog. He carefully hid the rabbit he caught and approached her. "It's not too often you see frogs around here. I can't say that I'm too good at catching them myself. That was a good attempt, though!" He tried to keep his tone cheery. "I'm sure you'll get it next time, I think your form is getting better." With that he walked off again, this time on the track of a hare. He kept low until it came into his sights, quickening his pace when he knew it wouldn't notice him. Taking the chance while he had it, he adjusted his crawl to a sprint, directing his outstretched claws to the rabbit's neck. Within a few swift swipes the rabbit was killed. "Hey uh, Blazepaw, how are you doing over there?" He called over his shoulder.

Smallbean successfully caught a hare, costing 3 SP

154/160 SP

The member 'cotton' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 6

How was Blazepaw doing? Well, she found a hare. That was good, it would certainly be more filling than a measly frog. She dropped into her crouch and began to creep towards the hare. When the moment felt right, she pounced.

Finally, success! Blazepaw stared at the dead hare in shock. “I did it,” she whispered. Suddenly, she seemed to snap out of it. “SMALLBEAN! I DID IT!” she shouted, charging over (or trying to, it was a big hare) with her catch.

The member 'Nerd' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 5

Smallbean was alarmed when he first heard Blazepaw call out, but calmed when he realized it was a shout of celebration. "Good job, Blazepaw! I knew you would get it! I'm sure the elders will really enjoy your hare!" He led her over to where he'd been putting his catches so far. "Would you like to keep going? I'm sure you could catch a few more pieces of prey if you wanted." He was certain that the Clan would be fed tonight regardless.

Blazepaw’s face lit up. “Absolutely!” She headed off and began once again searching for a scent. Soon enough, she found another hare and began stalking it.

She almost didn’t get it, pouncing a bit too soon and triggering a short chase. Still, she managed to bring down the hare. She stood still for a minute and then dragged her catch over to lay with the other one.

The member 'Nerd' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 8