the lion and the frog [c]

Being a mentor had Silverdusk dwelling heavily on the time she spent with Quailprowler and the quirks of their bond. Hopefully, she and Lionpaw would be just as close. The length of their stride was shortened greatly to allow Lionpaw to keep pace, much like when they had begun their own training. For their first lesson Silverdusk would teach the cream apprentice to hunt. She had mulled over what lesson to teach him first meticulously. Battle was most enjoyable, everyone looked forward to that, and it would be good to familiarise him with the territory... But eventually she had come to the conclusion that hunting was the most important lesson. There was arguments for every lesson, but this they felt strongly about. She wanted Lionpaw to survive for many moons afterall.

As the stony hollow came into view the tall warrior paused, turning to address their apprentice. "Today we will cover the basics of hunting." they meowed "Hunting is the most important skill you will learn. When faced with an enemy you can always flee, but if you cannot hunt you cannot feed yourself and there will not always be someone there who can. I find hunting will also help build the skills you will need in battle. They are both linked..." Silverdusk's whiskers twitched as they scented the air. "Prey is abundant here, I am certain you will catch something. Go, I will watch, I want to see how much you know already." they watched as Lionpaw turned to leave, before a wry smile broke across her face. "If you want to earn favour with me try and catch a frog. They are my favourite."

Lionpaw followed his mentor diligently through the thick of ThunderClan's territory. The tom marveled at the girth of the mighty oak trees, dappled with vines and ferns the likes of which he had not seen nor imagined before. He could have never imagined it. He was enthralled entirely by this ancestral land and how it dwarfed him. He tried his best to keep his eyes forward and not look lost under Silverdusk's gaze.

At last they arrived at the creekside. The smell of dozens of crawling things filled Lionpaw's nose. He parted his jaws to take them in. Silverdusk rounded on him and his ears twitched to attention.

He took in their words, heeding them carefully, thought his heart sank at the minor upset of not being here to sharpen his claws. Hunting was a noble pursuit, Silverdusk made that clear. His mentor had made certain promises to Lionpaw that compelled him to listen to their wisdom. Though their acquaintance was only recently met, Lionpaw felt some sort of instant connection upon their meeting. It was as if there was a a clear understanding between them, or some common thread, without any words needing spoken. If Silverdusk intended to make Lionpaw among the strongest of ThunderClan, then he figured his best chance was to keep close and listen.

But, frogs? I see... slippery. He let out a puff of air and considered it. "Alright," he said affirmatively,"I'll find one."

He crept down the bank of the creek, a few foxlengths from Silverdusk. The mud squished around his paws and he grit his teeth, trying with great difficulty not to mind the feeling. Pressing ahead, he crouched so low that his belly-fur touched the water beneath him and scanned the rocks and puddles surrounding the creek. Then, with lips parted, he could nearly taste it. He remarked that frogs smelled remarkably close to sparrows. He followed the scent-trail to a pile of rocks, when...

Out sprang the frog, before Lionpaw could even regard it. In a reflexive leap he shot forward and slapped his heavy forepaws upon the frog, catching it by its springy back legs. He had been right! It was slippery after all! Kicking up water all around him (and most certainly scaring off any other frogs in the creek), he wrestled the creature onto the grass, swinging his tail to keep his balance while his front claws desperately clung to the fat little amphibian. A risky maneuver, but one that paid off, as with a great gasp he bit down and crushed the creature's head. He let it fall underneath him, biting back the smile threatening his muzzle. He couldn't afford to look too proud of himself... he realized he was more than a little damp from his efforts. It wasn't exactly the image of a great warrior. He looked more like a kitten caught in the rain. He shook himself off in time for his mentor to approach and appraise his hunt. "I think a mouse would've been a little easier, Silverdusk."

Lionpaw attempts to catch a frog. Success!

Lionpaw
57/60 SP (-3)

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 1

Silverdusk watched attentively as Lionpaw got to work. He kept low to the ground, and he scented the air. All good signs, he had some natural instincts. His quick reflexes when the frog suddenly leapt out at him, capturing it beneath his paws, earned a pleased purr from Silverdusk. The kill was far from the cleanest, but that was of little concern to them. As Lionpaw approached, the tall warrior rose, smiling warmly down at their apprentice. "Where is the fun in taking the easy route?" they replied "You have excellent reflexes, Lionpaw. They will come in handy when it comes time for battle training. I am very pleased. For your next piece of prey be careful how you crouch -you do not want your belly to drag. If there is more prey nearby I will demonstrate..." Silverdusk paused to scent the air. Nothing. "I do not smell anything, come. Let's go a little deeper. Bury your frog, we will come back for it on our return." She flicked her tail for the cream tom to follow.

rolling for hare... Failure.

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 5