birdsong & butterflies [c]

Dawnfeather led the way out into SkyClan territory, keeping a close eye out for traps. Today, she’d decided, they’d get some sparring practice in- she’d delayed, a bit, due to her apprentice’s shyness, but this was something important. Something she needed to know, despite how much Dawnfeather wished little Mistpaw would be able to stay clear of the bad luck that seemed to plague SkyClan.

The two reached a small clearing in the woods, one Dawnfeather had checked earlier for traps. Here, they could have a nice little spar. “Alright, Mistpaw,” the golden molly began, turning to face her apprentice, “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you- as long as you agree to go easy on me,” she purred with a smile. “Let me demonstrate the basic moves- a blow with your front paws like so, or a gentle snap with your teeth- like so.” Dawnfeather demonstrated in the air- hopefully that would give Mistpaw the basic idea of what they were doing, here. “No claws, and be gentle with your teeth, okay? You can have the first move!” The golden she-cat stood poised with a grin, claws carefully sheathed.

Mistpaw observed her mentor carefully, trying to focus intently. She felt calmer around Dawnfeather than most cats, which was good; because it meant she could pay attention. She was pretty sure she couldn't hurt the warrior if she was trying, but she nodded nonetheless. "I'll be careful," she promised, as severely as if she were swearing her warrior's oath.

A blow without claws seemed simplest, to avoid even the slightest accidental injury. While she didn't often engage in play-fighting, she had watched the cats around her; and she'd seen kits paw at each other often enough to understand.

She leapt forward with sheathed claws, mimicking the warrior's demonstration.

"...Was that right?"

Mistpaw used Front Paw Blow, dealing 4 damage and costing 5 SP!

Mistpaw
20/20 HP
55/60 SP (-5)

Dawnfeather
56/60 HP (-4)
140/140 SP

Dawnfeather purred in amusement at her apprentice’s serious tone. That was good, though- to be too careful rather than not enough. Mistpaw’s form seemed fine, at least to her, though the blow hardly did anything to the experienced warrior. “Good job!” she praised, gently swiping back, aiming at Mistpaw’s shoulder and putting little more force behind the blow than she would to cuff Foxpaw’s ears. As gentle as possible. “Why don’t you try to pull my tail, or pin me? Usually in a fight you’d wait until your opponent was tired, but this is just practice.” Dawnfeather stood in a careful stance, calculated to yield to even the weakest attempt at a stun or pin. A real opponent would put up more of a fight, but Mistpaw needed to have an idea of the form.

Dawnfeather used Front Paw Blow, dealing 7 damage and costing 5 stamina.

Dawnfeather
56/60 HP
135/140 SP

Mistpaw
13/20 HP (-7)
55/60 SP

The praise made Mistpaw feel as if she were glowing- she was doing a good job. She was succeeding as an apprentice!

She studied Dawnfeather's form, a serious expression once again crossing her face, and nodded slowly as she thought over her mentor's new instructions. After a moment, she darted forward to pin down the warrior's tail- but this was only training, so rather than pull hard, she tugged gently with her teeth. Caution before anything else. "Like that?"

Mistpaw used Tail Yank on Dawnfeather, dealing 7 damage and costing 15 SP! Dawnfeather is Stunned for 1 turn!

Dawnfeather
49/60 HP (-7)
135/140 SP

Mistpaw
13/20 HP
40/60 SP (-15)

There wasn’t as much force behind the blow as Dawnfeather was accustomed to, and Mistpaw’s intentions were obvious in the way her eyes darted to the side, but the form was good! Dawnfeather let herself stumble backwards nonetheless-and, of course, being herself, slipped on the grass, dead leaves, and snow underpaw, landing on her back with a huff. Stars. Why couldn’t everyone just agree to fight in the trees like normal people? “Yes! Good job!” Dawnfeather encouraged, tail flicking as she got her bearings. “Don’t forget that your surroundings are important, too! I might not have slipped if there wasn’t so much snow around…” The golden she-cat slowly rolled to her paws, shaking out her pelt and deciding to let Mistpaw try again before they worked on a dodge.

Dawnfeather is stunned!