Storms Brewing [c]

Mottlestar sat just beyond what had become Thunderclan's temporary camp. They'd get to return soon enough, and Mottlestar was... more than eager for when they could. However, for the time being, it was time to continue training Thunderclan's next generation. "Stormypaw, are you ready to put your skills to the test? Today, we'll be doing both some hunting and a battle." The apprentice had been training hard, despite everything going on in the forest. In Mottlestar's mind, this would be one of her final tests... and she was eager to see how she would do.

Stormypaw trotted towards her mentor, greeting her with respectful nod. She'd been training for a few moons now, even with everything that had been going on, with the ground shaking and now the twolegs seemingly crawling all over the forest... But now her skills would be put to the test. "I'm ready, Mottlestar," she mewed softly, meeting the leader's gaze. If she did well... Then maybe she would be allowed to go to the Moonstone.

The leader nodded, signaling with her tail for Stormypaw to follow. As they got a bit farther from camp, the gentle crunching of snow underpaw would lead Mottlestar to eventually take them to a small clearing. "Remember, be mindful of the snow. See if you can catch anything - and be wary of any twoleg traps that may be around." She dipped her head, taking a place hidden so that it wouldn't disturb her apprentice's hunting.

As they walked deeper into the territory, Stormypaw had already started to test the snow as she walked, listening to how much it crunched underpaw and testing how much weight it would hold. Unfortunately the answer was not that much, which would make stalking difficult. Add on the snow that lined the branches of the undergrowth that threatened to fall with every gentle movement... This would be a difficult hunt, of that she was certain. Difficult didn't mean impossible though, and the emptiness in her belly was a reminder of the hunger she shared with so many of her clanmates. If she could catch something, anything, then maybe at least the queens and elders would find sleep without terrible hunger pangs. She acknowledged Mottlestar's final words before her mentor slipped out of sight, and she took some time to find a good spot along the edge of the clearing, by the roots of a large tree. Stalking would be nearly impossible with the snow, but perhaps she could lie in wait for a squirrel. There was a faint scent of squirrel that lingered in the cold air, if she were in luck it would venture out of it's hole in search of food.

As the forest around her settled from their arrival, Stormypaw crouched in wait, trying not to shiver against the cold wind. The branches clicking overhead almost masked the sound of scuttering nearby, but the sound lingered merely a heartbeat longer than the branches and she tensed, ears swiveling towards it. The beady eyes of a squirrel looked over her as it cautiously emerged from it's hiding spot, and she waited for it to move just a bit farther before attempting to pounce. As she launched herself forward, she briefly feared that her muscles had frozen her in place, but as her claws crunched into the snow and her jaws latched around her prey she knew that at least some of her clan would be fed. Killing it with a quick nip, she lowered her head in a brief prayer of thanks to StarClan before burying it carefully and surveying the area for a new spot, or Mottlestar should she appear.

Stormypaw attempted to catch a Squirrel, catch successful! -5 SP (55/60).

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 4

Mottlestar beamed at her apprentice as she watched her swift skills. Given that it was leafbare, she easily could've had the apprentice try and hunt for more - but there was no need to push her luck. She had shown she could find a piece of prey in the cold, and that was good enough for the tortoiseshell molly. Reappearing from her otherwise hidden position, she pressed her nose to the top of Stormypaw's head in praise. "That was perfect! Really clean movements, and a swift kill. I'm proud of you." She purred. There was no reason not to tell an apprentice when they'd done well, or even just to give a quick "nice job!" to even the most experienced warrior.

"Alright. I won't have you hunt any more, since we're going to spar next. I want you to have the most energy that you can. So let's move just a bit away, so we don't accidentally end up ruining your catch." The leader instructed, giving a slight tilt of her head so that they could go just a few fox-lengths away. "As you know, Thunderclan prides itself on being able to hold a position at any time. We're strong, like the roots and trunks of a tree. Keep that in mind as you fight, and think how you would best engage a warrior from Thunderclan as you start. Knowing your weakness is great in battle, because you can keep an eye out for any enemies who may try to take advantage of it." As Mottlestar spoke, she would take a rather firm stance across the younger molly. With her small size, it made the spar between the two of them much easier - already, Stormypaw threatened to drawf Mottlestar. But that would be a lesson as well: never underestimate the tiny ones. "Whenever you are ready."

Stormypaw purred softly at her mentor's praise, tail curling happily. She had done it! Her heart rate quickened briefly - did that mean that soon she might be a warrior? Plus, Mottlestar has said she was proud of her. The leader herself! Unable to hide the happiness in her expression, Stormypaw ducked her head slightly, murmuring a soft thank you and trying to focus on what Mottlestar was saying next. They were going to spar now? She nodded, following her mentor away from her catch, grateful that it wouldn't accidentally be trodden on. Happiness lingered in her expression, but she lifted her gaze to listen carefully as Mottlestar spoke of ThunderClan, comparing her and her clanmates to the roots and trunks of a tree. Strong, sturdy, unyielding. Their size worked to their advantage, and she was no exception - but although she was taller than Mottlestar now, her leader had moons of experience on her. Her eyes narrowed for a moment as she took in Mottlestar's stance, and the area around her once more, just in case she might have missed something. After a heartbeat, she dropped and began stalking slowly around Mottlestar, looking for an opening... And sprang forward when she thought she saw one. If she could knock her smaller opponent off balance, then she could get to some of the more sensitive areas, like the belly, without having to work so hard.

Stormypaw used Jumping Strike, dealing 6 (+3 damage) and costing 7 SP.

Mottlestar:
71/80 HP (-9)
170/170 SP

Stormypaw:
20/20 HP
48/60 SP (-7)

OOC: please correct any errors I may have made in HP/SP - I think I got it right but it's been a minute