Ok...it felt kind of nice to NOT write 2020 LMAO. Welcome to 2021! To kick off the brand new year, we're introducing a round of updates, including new bio and forbidden romance rules, our Secret Santa reveal, OTM winners and nominations, our monthly patrols, and a fun new infectious disease! So make sure to check out the January Announcements for all of the new content! As we leave 2020 behind us, we hope everyone is able to put themselves first this year and practice self-care! Here's to another one! Let's write some cats!
The Apostles is a warrior cats roleplay based in northern Wisconsin. On Lake Superior, the wild cats have made the Apostle Islands their home. It is on these islands - Rocky Island and South Twin Island - that the clan and tribe cats have lived in a peace and harmony that ebbs and flows with the tide.
But as the tides turn, so does the truce that binds them to one another; and as the water raises, a darkness follows, an evil that will end in bloodshed and violence.
Rowanpath purred with delight as he approached the apprentices' hollow, his tail swishing through the air and his head held high. That was, until he had to duck into the entrance. He peered around, searching for the dark ruddy pelt of his very own apprentice. He excitedly shuffled into the depths of the den, stopping at the foot of Barkpaw's nest. Close by was his darkly-pelted sister, Crescentpaw.
"Good morning, Crescentpaw and Barkpaw. Geez, it's so weird that you're apprentices now!" he blurted out loudly, earning some complaints and glares from the other sleeping apprentices, "Come on, up and at 'em!" he nosed Barkpaw's haunches, "We're battle training with Loudstorm today!"
It was pretty difficult for Rowanpath to keep his excitement at bay. Not only was he a mentor, he was a fairly young one at that. He'd only been a warrior for a few moons. To have been given an apprentice must have meant that his leader trusted him a great deal, to bestow him the honor of training a kit into a fully-fledged warrior. The best part about it? He got to mentor a kit he was rather fond of. Maybe Finchstar had taken notice of the amount of time they'd spent together. With a few good pokes and prods at the apprentices to hurry up, to "stretch on the way!", he padded out of the comforts of the den and into the bright and shiny morning. Where Loudstorm awaited them.
Rowanpath strutted up to the lynx point warrior, though he hesitated a bit as he wondered what Loudstorm thought of him becoming a mentor at his age.
"I've rounded them both up for you, Loudstorm," Rowanpath announced with a proud flick of his tail-tip towards the apprentices that were presumably behind him. Quieter and more seriously, he asked, "Was it you that put in a good word for me and Barkpaw? Either way, you couldn't possibly have a better duo to train with." He grinned confidently as he added that last statement. "Nothing'll get past us in a fight! Isn't that right, Barkpaw?"
There may have been a darker undertone to their battle training that day, what with everything going on, but Rowanpath was determined to make it fun for the new apprentices in spite of it all. He'd do his best to keep up his good spirits. If not for himself, then for Barkpaw and Crescentpaw. Anyway, their training wouldn't be needed for battle. Rowanpath wouldn't let that happen to them at such a young age, not in a million moons. This was session was standard, not because they needed to be battle-ready. Rowanpath eyed Loudstorm uncertainly for a moment, wondering if they were on the same page. He nodded and dipped his muzzle slightly, to signal that Loudstorm could lead their group out into the forest.
450+ words | he's super excited XD excuse him, he'll chill out.. a bit.. once they get moving | fallenreaperrhianmoony
Post by fallenreaper on Jun 19, 2020 20:54:55 GMT -6
Barkpaw's right ear flickered after hearing Rowanpath's heavy paw falls outside the apprentice's hollow. The young cat's fur ruffled, betraying his awareness, but he refused to give up his sleep. His lungs continued to inhale the soft moss used to line the inside of the nest. The warmth of his sibling gave him comfort that he could never fully explain in words. All he wanted to do was spend more time dozing away in the hollow as he sank deeper into the comfort created.
When Rowanpath spoke in his booming voice, Barkpaw's nearest eye slid open. His pupil dilated then adjusted to the change in light. Observing the older tom, the excitement radiated off his mentor in waves. Though Rowanpath's words wanted one thing, Barkpaw's mind wanted another. To sleep.
He never got that chance. Seconds after speaking, Rowanpath's nosed his hunches. This forced the ruddy tabby onto his feet causing him to stretch briefly. With a lengthy yawn, his stocky body stepped out of the nest toward the exit. His tail swished out and then smacked Crescentpaw on the nose.
"Come on, you're not allowed to sleep in either." The young tom grumbled in a slightly irritated voice.
He lowered his head when the morning light hit him. His paws dragged along the dew coated blades, shifting as he followed closely in his mentor's wake. It didn't take long until Barkpaw spotted them approaching Loudstorm. The short, stocky cream-colored tom patiently waited for them.
At Rowanpath's words, Barkpaw lite up. His tail rose with confidence and alertness spread across his body. "Not if I can help it. We'll keep the clan safe."
He sat down in front of his mentor then licked his font paw, wiping it over his eyes to wash away the grit. It wouldn't do to give Crescentpaw an advantage when she didn't earn it.
Crescentpaw was enjoying a good rest when things started happening around her. Noise and scents drifted by her, but in her sleep all she did was shift a bit, curling closer into a ball, paws tucked neatly under her chin. But she would not be allowed to remain, and a light smack on her nose finally awoke her to her brother's scent, as she blinked bleary yellow green eyes. 'Wha?" And then she bolted up, suddenly completely awake. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I didn't realize I had slept in!" Although as she took in a deep breath, she scented early morning dew, and the light showed it was not truly that late. And then she realized Rowanpath, the young warrior chosen and Barkpaw's mentor, was chattering on and nudging at them to get going. "Oh, sorry. Morning Barkpaw." She said as an aside to her brother, eyeing his mentor. Confused because she hadn't been awake enough to understand Rowanpath's original words, she nonetheless hurried to follow. Maybe Loudstorm was waiting for them? Maybe he had decided she was too much trouble and so was having Rowanpath train both of them?
She needn't have worried, despite Rowanpath's enthusiasm, he led them out into camp and Crescentpaw saw Loudstorm. Rowanpath's words seemed really pleased, so that was plus, although he mentioned a fight which immediately put Crescentpaw on edge. She knew they were at war, but would they be fighting today? No that was probably what they were practicing today, which was good because she definitely had not had much fighting practice at all. She looked expectantly at Loudstorm. "Good morning, sir." She said nervously.
oudstorm had told Crescentpaw they would start battle training the next morning. The lynx-point had visions of him and Crescentpaw working on stances and moves with Dawnlight and Hazelpaw - but when Loudstorm had gone in search for the ruddy she-cat her feathery pelt was no where to be found. Instead, the warrior found himself face to face with the yellow gaze of Rowanpath. The young warrior, Loudstorm realized, had been named the mentor to Crescentpaw's brother - Barkpaw. Well, my training sessions with my siblings always proved exciting. So Loudstorm informed Rowanpath of his plans, and soon they were in agreement. In the morning they would meet and gather the two apprentices for training.
The morning sun had risen over the horizon. The dawn patrol had left well before then, and now the remained of the camp was waking up. Rowanpath had gone off to fetch the apprentices, so Loudstorm waited near the camp entrance for the three to arrive. Battles were a fact of life for the Clans. Spats over territory and other trivial politics had fueled rivalries and feuds for seasons. Battle was something Loudstorm excelled at. He thrived on the adrenaline rush and even in mock battle he had to quell the battle rage that could so easily rise up in him. With a new war between RedwoodClan and LichenClan Loudstorm knew it was imperative for the apprentices to learn to defend themselves. Today would be a serious matter. Loudstorm noticed Rowanpath leading Crescentpaw and Barkpaw to the entrance. I hope he's on the same page as me.
Barkpaw's confidence was striking. Loudstorm had become used to the more timid and polite nature of Crescentpaw. The tortie she-cat brought up the rear and greeted Loudstorm with her usual moniker for him - 'sir'. Loudstorm smiled warmly at the she-cat "Good morning, Crescentpaw!" He cast his gaze back to Barkpaw and Rowanpath. "Well, let's put those claims to the test today, come on, lets get going." With a flick of his tail Loudstorm lead the way from camp, passing through the hollowed redwood that marked the entrance to camp. They would head towards a sandy clearing in the forest, close to Bear Stones but not uncomfortably close for Loudstorm. He still avoided the area as best he could to avoid facing old memories.
As they walked to the clearing, Loudstorm matched his pace with Rowanpath's. "Shall we give the apprentices a demonstration? Or just toss them together to duke it out at first?" Each way had different advantages, just like each had disadvantages. But Loudstorm made sure to let his voice carry so the two siblings could hear as well, and maybe even give their own input.
∙ cinderface ∙ mistflower ∙ fog that hangs in air ∙ loudstorm ∙ sun that shines above ∙ aspenpaw ∙ aster ∙ eaglefang ∙ leafdapple ∙ orchid that blooms by night ∙ sparrowheart ∙
The redwood trees opened up into a sizable clearing, with footprints and claw marks scattered across the dirt to demonstrate its use as a training area. The sunlight shone down across their pelts as the two warriors neared the center of the glen. Upon reaching it, Rowanpath turned on his heels to face Loudstorm and the young apprentices. He glanced at the two them, trying to read the answer to Loudstorm's question on their faces. Suddenly, his dark gaze lit up as an idea sprang to his mind. "I've got it, Loudstorm! Let them try to take me on, and you can critique. Unless you want to join them! Don't worry, I wouldn't mind the challenge," he purred, not very concerned in whether or not the fight was necessarily unfair if Loudstorm joined the duo. Perhaps the older warrior's confidence in his own abilities would help inspire the apprentices, "you can give them something to go off of, or you can give them pointers from the sidelines. Just make sure if you don't want to join in, that you steer clear of me!" Rowanpath added with a big, toothy grin.
He turned, his tail waving through the air with the decision already made up in his mind. He cast his gaze over the apprentices again, but this time he was sizing them up, trying to remember their weaknesses. Physically, these were two, strong and robust young cats. Mentality was where their weaknesses lied, as they did for most RedwoodClan cats. He would put that to the test today. He knew that Barkpaw, even as a kit, was sensitive to criticism, although he would feel guilty playing on that weakness since it was something he wanted to build up. Crescentpaw, on the other hand, was very trusting - and Barkpaw tended to feel insecure. Rowanpath pondered on how to play against those weaknesses at the same time.
He gave Loudstorm a look, which he hoped expressed 'I've got a plan,' but it was up to Loudstorm to interpret that or not.
Turning around to put his back towards them, he cleared his throat; all of this was to get into character. Then, when he was ready, Rowanpath turned to face them - but he suddenly jumped and recoiled his paw. "Oh, no, I've stepped on a big thorn! Ugh, what a start to the day!" he cried, his face contorting in pain.
"One of you, help me get it out, please!" He held his paw against his chest, wincing as he desperately peered around for someone to come to his aid.
Post by fallenreaper on Jun 26, 2020 19:40:00 GMT -6
Barkpaw walked a casual pace near his sister. His legs moved in perfect union with her stride as he kept close to their mentors. He kept his head low and ears perked, observing the surrounding scene. The tomcat's eyes brushed along the disrupted dirt and open area then knew they had arrived.
For a moment, silent awe rushed into his beating heart. His pupils flexed through the sunlight which washed over the glen. It illuminated the cats, highlighting the contrast between the mentors. It surpassed beyond physical traits and into the very way that they held themselves.
The apprentice's ears caught Loudstorm's words directed to Rowanpath about their training. Instantly a few thoughts surfaced into his mind, but his lips sealed tightly. Any of his suggestions vanished from his mind when Rowanpath’s eyes lite up and his deep voice boomed with a new one. A third option Barkpaw hadn’t thought of: two vs one. His sister and him against Rowanpath. The newly appointed apprentice didn’t know what to think when it came to that idea. It felt unfair, but he didn’t think his opinion mattered much in this case. Rowanpath already made his decision.
The stripped tomcat turned about to face Crescentpaw and himself, the smugness oozed off him. At first, it appeared luck paid the seasoned warrior back. He jumped and pressed his paw to his chest, announcing a thorn in his paw. Barkpaw’s eyes narrowed in suspicion then shot a look to his sister, his tail subtly flicked her hunches for her attention.
His glance would tell her everything she needed to know. He didn’t believe Rowanpath at all.
Wordlessly, Barkpaw rose to his feet. The ruddy cat circled about the stripped warrior, keeping a gap between them, as he locked his eyes with his mentor. He began to chide Rowanpath for using such a notable tactic and drew the tom's attention from his sister.
“You’re faking it, Rowanpath.” Barkpaw began, hoping that Crescentpaw would take advantage of this.
“I know this for two reasons. First off, the ground is pretty bare due to the continual training. So any thistle weeds or other plants would’ve been torn out and kept from growing. Second, the idea of a thorn causing you this much pain is ridiculous. I imagine you’ve been in numerous clashes that left far more wounds than that.”
Barkpaw inhaled then exhaled, then added one last sting to the wound. “I wouldn’t have even believed this act when I was a kit…”
Word count: 300+ | Tags: moony , catalysta , rhian | Notes: Rolled on discord. 18 + -1 = 17 total. Better luck next time Rowanpath, Barkpaw is very observant.
As usual her mentor was cheerful as he replied to her greetings, and Crescentpaw couldn't help purring in response. "Thank you." But soon they were off, and she scurried to keep up.
Crescentpaw found her eyes and ears wandering as they wound through the trees. She had still not lost her awe with the territory, and every time they went somewhere new, or took a new path, she tried very hard to watch and learn her surroundings. When they entered the small training area, she saw the scratches on the trees, the clear signs that cats been here. The air felt different, charged with the knowledge the cats had fought on this ground, maybe not lost blood nor been overly aggressive, but it was still fighting. Her fur rose slightly along her back, and suddenly she was nervous again. She had never been very good at tussling and playing as a kit, their mother had seen it as troublesome and discouraged it, so even thinking about fighting made her feel wrong. But it was to be a part of her training, and despite the very obvious nervousness she displayed she stayed close to mentor.
She didnt expect the two mentors discussing how to start this, and Loudstorm suggesting that the two warriors spar each other was unexpected. She hoped he would choose that rather than have her fight Barkpaw. Crescentpaw nearly opened her mouth to say she would prefer for the mentors to spar first, but Rowanpath beat her to it, suggesting both she and Barkpaw attack him instead. Her ears swiveled sideways, but she didnt disagree. He was a warrior after all.
This was all happening so fast. And when Rowanpath cried out he had hurt his paw, her first instinct was to step forward, to help just as he asked. "Oh!" But her brother stopped her with a warning flick of his tail. Confused, she froze in place, crouching defensively to make herself as small as possible. What was Barkpaw doing? Wasn't Rowanpath hurt? Shouldn't they help? But Barkpaw didnt seem convinced, and he began to circle his mentor. Crescentpaw glanced nervously at her own mentor, wondering what he was up to.
But Barkpaw was on a roll, and the tortie apprentice listened in awe as he laid out his points. That was when she realized what he was doing, or kind of. If Rowanpath was focused on Barkpaw, maybe he wouldnt see her. It was worth a shot, and with another glance at her mentor, a mixture of seeking approval and a sort of watch this, she slinked closer, and prepared to leap at Rowanpath.
Rowanpath's own eyes narrowed when Barkpaw began encircling him. His gaze followed his apprentice momentarily, while one of his ears followed Crescentpaw's movements. He wouldn't completely forget about a whole other opponent. What kind of warrior did Barkpaw think he was? Well, he did have to give him credit for trying. It was a clever, if not old, trick. Rowanpath's attempt had been no better.
Rowanpath raised his brows at his apprentice, keeping his paw curled into his chest as he limped in the young tom's direction.
"No, really, Barkpaw," he paused to begin to outstretch his leg, "look!"
It was then that Rowanpath struck out with his 'injured' paw and hit Barkpaw squarely across the flank. Because he had been charging the hit, the impact of his paw was sure to knock the wind from the apprentice.
That'll give me a second to deal with- oh no, I forgot about Crescentpaw! He whipped around to face her right as she soared through the air.
"Oof!" Rowanpath grunted when she landed on his back. He'd gotten a little too cocky with how he'd handled Barkpaw in spite of the fact the young tom didn't believe him. One of Rowanpath's legs buckled under the unexpected extra weight. After a less-than-graceful attempt to steady himself, he tumbled over. "Hey! You... little bugger!" He instinctively attempted to roll over her so she would let go of him, "You only got the jump on me because I let you, ya know!"
Post by fallenreaper on Jul 22, 2020 20:25:43 GMT -6
As Barkpaw listened to Rowanpath, his eyes caught movement. His attention skirted past Rowanpath’s figure toward his sister’s direction. She looked to Loudstorm for approval before she went for Rowanpath. The action caused the young tom to tense, realizing her foolishness. If she delayed too long, the warrior would realize the ploy and counter it. The thought caused Barkpaw’s fur to bristle on his back for a brief moment.
Immediately, he shifted his attention back to his mentor. Rowanpath still played up his injury as he extended the paw. The motion turned into a swift punch to his flank. Even while on his guard, the younger tom’s speed couldn’t match his mentor’s. The more experienced warrior managed to land his attack.
Barkpaw stumbled back. All the air rushed from his lungs, the frustrated growl cut into a forced exhaled at the end. Rat-shit, he thought. Coughing more, the apprentice struggled to catch his breath. Barkpaw’s head twisted back to the sound of Rowanpath hitting the ground. The dark and light patched cat, Crescentpaw, hit him and landed on top. Pride swell in his chest when he heard something at least going in their favor. When his eyes spotted Rowanpath attempt to toss her, a spark of anger flooded his system. Ignoring the burning in his chest, Barkpaw rushed toward the struggling pair. He slowed enough to reach out a paw then ‘swiped’ along Rowanpath’s back.
Word count:200+ | Tags:moony, rhian, catalysta, | Notes: Rhian's turn now, don't think Barkpaw liked the flank punch or his sister being rolled on. XD Rolled attack on Discord.
Barkpaw’s turn Barkpaw’s HP: 40 Attack: Paw smack and rack along Rowanpath’s back. Attack roll: 19-1= 18 (discord) Damage roll: No claws thus no damage, practice fight
Crescentpaw was at first delighted, because it seemed like their plan was working, but dismayed when Rowanpath still managed to give Barkpaw a good smack on the side. With a gasp that almost sounded like a hiss (thought she would never admit that), Crescentpaw timed her leap just right to catch Rowanpath off guard from his smack at Barkpaw. Of course, it being her first real attempt at any sort of attack besides play-fighting as kits, she didn't exactly land well. She hit his back with an oof, grabbing on and almost sinking into him with her claws instinctively, she managed to remember to keep her claws in, but the distraction allowed Rowanpath to roll and knock her off his back. She tried to get up, but found to her dismay that her front let was stuck under Rowanpath's body. Crescentpaw let out a panicked wimper as she tugged at her paw to try and break free, fearing what would happen once Rowanpath turned over. Would he crush her? Pin her?
Then her brother appeared out of nowhere to come in for an attack. She flinched instinctively, knowing he wasn't here for her, but her ears still flattened to her head and she winced away, and attempted to kick her way out from under Rowanpath with her back paws.
pCZw2I4t1d20-1 (To escape being trapped and maybe give Rowanpath a good kick to the back)
owanpath initiated his plan, giving little option for Loudstorm to object. Frowning in response to the warrior's toothy grin, the lynx-point stepped back to observe. Just see how it goes, maybe he'll turn serious when he starts. Rowanpath threw Loudstorm one final glance, a look that seemed to say Watch this, trust me. Loudstorm's frown deepened. Rowanpath feigned an injured paw, and then a fiasco ensued. What should have been, in Loudstorm's opinion, a demonstration of moves and practice of the basics, slowly devolved into a raucous free-for-all. Barkpaw piously enumerated the reasons why Rowanpath was faking. Loudstorm's blue gaze observed Crescentpaw, her nervous form looking to him for reassurance before she executed her attack. That's when everything seemed to fall apart. In moments what could have potentially turned into an opportunity to assess the apprentices' instincts turned into a writing mass of emotions as the three cats were soon piled on top of each other. Not how battle practice is suppose to work. Loudstorm barely restrained a growl of frustration at the scene.
Before it turned into an absolute catastrophe, Loudstorm bounded in one step to the pile of cats. With a firm grasp he grabbed Barkpaw, who was on top of the pile pummeling Rowanpath's back, by the scruff and pulled him away. Without missing a beat Loudstorm shoved Rowanpath up and off of the scrambling Crescentpaw. He gave the three cats a sharp look to ensure their riled emotions wouldn't move them to return to the tussle, and then with tail lashing Loudstorm spoke. "Well, that was a fun mess."
He paused, taking a deep breath to steady his anger. Just different methods, Loudstorm, don't rip them all to shreds. "You two," he nodded to Barkpaw and Crescentpaw "Showed good instincts when facing an uncertain situation. But this is battle training, and in battle an enemy isn't going to feign a hurt paw." As Loudstorm spoke, his voice slowly grew more even as he breathed his frustration out. His tone remained serious, and he posture and facial expression only emphasized it as he continued. "In battle, your enemy is going to strike without hesitation. Rarely will there be any banter, any logical discourse to explain or discredit anything," He looked between Barkpaw and Rowanpath as he said these words, and then turned his attention to the group as a whole. "In battle, many times it will turn into kill or be killed. You can go the entire battle having the upper paw, dealing blow after blow to your opponent, but then fate changes," Loudstorm turned his head to the side, stretching out the scars he had received from the last tribe-aid patrol he had led. Long tracks of pale skin ran down his left cheek and onto his neck. "And when fate decides to change nothing you did before will matter because then you're the one fighting for your life."
The clearing was quiet, even the twittering of summer birds seemed muted as Loudstorm finished his speech. "I don't want you to be scared," he looked at Crescentpaw, then Barkpaw, and then Rowanpath. "I want you to be prepared. We're at war with LichenClan, and tension with ThistleClan is only going to rise as we continue to help the Tribe. I wish none of you have to see battle, but battle is a fact of life. So, we need to take this seriously." Loudstorm finished, clamping his mouth shut and observing the reactions of the others. He looked back at Rowanpath, waiting for the warrior's reaction. He wouldn't be surprised if the younger tom was angry at Loudstorm, but perhaps that was on Loudstorm for not discussing tactics beforehand
∙ cinderface ∙ mistflower ∙ fog that hangs in air ∙ loudstorm ∙ sun that shines above ∙ aspenpaw ∙ aster ∙ eaglefang ∙ leafdapple ∙ orchid that blooms by night ∙ sparrowheart ∙
Before the tussle could continue, Rowanpath felt the jabbing of his apprentice disappear. Suddenly, he was shoved up and off of Crescentpaw. With a growl, he whipped around and faced.. Loudstorm. Oh. He allowed his lip to flatten and relaxed a little, but there remained a look of uncertainty surrounding the older tom's intentions. Things had just started getting good...
"Well, that was a fun mess," Loudstorm seemed agitated at that fact, judging by the way his tail lashed and his eyes cast a judgemental look over Rowanpath.
Rowanpath pulled his head back in insult, but allowed the warrior time to speak his piece. He was more experienced, after all... he supposed he should listen to see what Loudstorm would say. Still, anger exuded from his fluffed up pelt. How dare Loudstorm lecture him as if he were still an apprentice? Clearly Finchstar had trust enough in him to mentor, and that surely meant he knew what he was doing, so what was this guy's problem? So what if Rowanpath made their first ever battle practice interesting and fun?
Loudstorm proceeded to show off his scars to the apprentices, making Rowanpath roll his eyes at the egotistical display. Sure, Loudstorm was right, but all of that hadn't been the point. Those lessons could've waited. It wasn't as if six-moon-old apprentices were going to be thrown into battle. Rowanpath would never let that happen to his apprentice. He would sooner lay down his life than make such young, inexperienced cats fight.
Not trying to scare them, my ass! Rowanpath thought bitterly, but still he said nothing.
Silently, he fumed, his nostrils flaring, but he avoided making eye contact with Loudstorm. He didn't want to show his senior disrespect, he was better than that. Even if Loudstorm was trying to make a fool of him, he wouldn't show his apprentice that disrespecting your elders was okay - especially when they were... technically right.
Loudstorm finished his lecture with the snap of his jaw, and Rowanpath glanced at him from the side. He tried to subdue his frustration, to quell his wounded pride, but he was finding it very difficult with the other warrior staring him down expectantly as if he were among the apprentices still. He had a great deal of respect for Loudstorm, and that hadn't changed, but he was beginning to feel like the other tom lacked respect for him.
With an involuntary huff, Rowanpath turned and left the center of the clearing at a brisque walk. He sat at the outer edges of it and turned his gaze back on the apprentices and Loudstorm. "Welp. Go ahead, Loudstorm. Teach them whatever you want," he meowed dismissively, forcing his shoulders to relax from their hunched position, "I'll sit this one out."
Post by fallenreaper on Aug 31, 2020 17:04:56 GMT -6
Barkpaw continued to tangle with Rowanpath. All of his attention centered on Rowanpath until he felt Loudstorm's teeth. They sank into his neck scruff and pulled him off. Immediately all the fight left the young apprentice as Loudstorm hauled him out of the pile.
His eyes noted the pale cat's scornful look over their behavior. Barkpaw couldn't help, but wonder how it all looked from Loudstorm's point of view. Like a bunch of kits just goofing off. The ruddy tom sighed quietly while he listened to Loudstorm's off paw remark about it.
He couldn't stop his ears from lowering a bit. The fluffy tail curled and pressed to the ground, an indication of his anxiety and shame. It only creased when the seal lynx point displayed his neck and face for his sister and him. The undeniable proof of its aftermath was plain on his surface. For several moments, Barkpaw's eyes fixated to those jagged lines. A primal fear filled his soul, but it faded with anger. The notion of someone hurting his clan sparked a fire to protect.
Something in his instinct agreed with Loudstorm's point. War wasn't a game and if they treated it like one, it would cost them the ultimate price.
His head glanced at Crescentpaw, the only blood kin he cherished. Then his head tilted to his mentor and observed his less than positive reaction. The puffed-up stature of the stripped tom betrayed the warrior's present mindset. While Barkpaw couldn’t understand the reason, he knew what was coming. Sure enough, it did.
Barkpaw’s eyes followed his mentor. The cat practically sulked off and sat on the sidelines. The behavior made the younger apprentice cringe, but he stayed silent. His views weren’t important. Besides, how would he even explain them?
On one paw, Loudstorm had a point. He doubted age mattered to war or that tensions would ever get better before they got worse. Already, rumors and gossip spread through the Redwood clan. At some point, he would be in the thick of things, and wouldn't it be easier to do it in a place of safety?
On the other paw, he understood his mentor's side. Or at least he wanted to believe he did, but so far Rowanpath didn't voice his thoughts. Not like Loudstorm did. Still, Barkpaw felt it was important to remember the reason they fought for. Some part of him feared it would get overlooked in the bigger picture.
For now, he could only struggle with his thoughts. His tail curled in and pressed tightly against his legs, a weak attempt to comfort himself. It would be obvious to Crescentpaw that he was withdrawing into himself.
Crescentpaw did manage to escape from under Rowanpath, and was gathering herself again when she realised it had been her mentor who had freed her. She was about to thank him when she noted his glare and her jaw immediately clicked shut, ears flattening to her head completely. They hadnt been training together for long, but she had not yet seen that look. She had spent so long expecting it, after her mother had given her similar looks often, but some part of her was still surprised to see it.
And then he continued speaking, and with each subsequent sentence, Crescentpaw shrunk further and further, desperately trying to make herself as small as possible. Her paws were tucked beneath her, her eyes firmly on the ground as she avoided her mentor's eyes. She unconsciously leaned her body against her brother's seeking out the only solid thing she knew at that moment.
But she couldnt escape Loudstorm's words. Images of battles, of sharp claws ripping through flesh, of herself on the battlefield, fighting desperately to live. She finally looked up just in time to watch him shift his head, exposing the scars she had gotten glimpses of before now, but which were stark against his fur and the visions of blood in his words and her mind. She immediately snapped her eyes back down to the ground, feeling her breathing accelerate, trying to keep hold of it and control it before it became hyper ventilating. She barely heard his next words, not recognizing him saying anything about fear, only about being prepared and she tried to stifle a whimper, only mostly managing. She didnt even seem to hear Rowanpath's words or see her brother, she was so focused on failing to please her mentor and take the training seriously (even if she had been taking it seriously in her mind, how could she possibly have known different?). She stepped closer to Loudstorm, trying to look up at him even as her words came out nearly as a wail. "Im so sorry sir. I promise I'll do better. Please, sir, I can do better than that, I can take this seriously." She knew she was overreacting, could see her mother's sneer in her mind, telling her to be calm, not dramatic. This wasnt that big a deal! She needed to calm down! She tried.
his was why Loudstorm had never wanted to be a mentor. He watched as the scene before him melted into disarray. Barkpaw stayed silent, Rowanpath sulked off to the side, and Crescentpaw wailed. It was the young she-cat who tore at Loudstorm the most. Her voice rang through Loudstorm's core. He remembered their first day out together, and how in that one day Loudstorm felt he had made some strides in easing the she-cat's formality with him. Have I ruined that? And how? Sinking back on his haunches, Loudstorm took a moment to collect his racing thoughts as he tried to piece together what he should do. Crescentpaw first. The warrior decided, and so he softened his face and gave an encouraging smile to the tortie she-cat. "I know you can, Crescentpaw. And I know you'll do great, I just need to learn how to teach so don't worry so much." He hoped his smile and soft words would help calm the she-cat, and so he turned his attention to Barkpaw and Rowanpath.
Well, I obviously screwed something up with Rowanpath. But I guess he'll get over it...at least, Loudstorm hoped so. The lynx-point wasn't sure what to do about the younger warrior's change in attitude. The warrior seemed to be throwing some kind of apprentice aged tantrum, and so the warrior decided to just ignore him. Turning his attention fully to Barkpaw, Loudstorm gave the tom the same encouraging smile he gave to Crescentpaw. Sensing that Barkpaw might be feeling a similar unease that Crescentpaw so obviously felt, Loudstorm decided on a course of action. Maybe more light-hearted so Crescentpaw doesn't get scared again.
"Heh, I know I can get kind of serious when it comes to battle," he grinned in his friendly manner at the apprentices. "It's, uh, kind of what I do best...well, most of the time at least. Sometimes I mess up and get a new scar but I always leave my own mark in return!"Oh, maybe getting to gruesome now. The tom back tracked his thoughts, trying to pull the session back together.
"But, uh, like I said before, I don't want to scare you two, I just want you all to be prepared. I know you were both in the nursery when LichenClan attacked our camp a couple of moons ago, but now it would be good to know some defensive tactics in case...in case something like that happens again," Loudstorm paused, wanting to call out to Rowanpath and include the tom in the conversation again, but stopped himself. He said he'd sit this one out so he can sit this one out.
"So," Loudstorm spoke more jovially as he stood and examined the training clearing. To one side two fallen logs lay across the ground, creating a wall of sorts. The lynx-point tom nodded his head in that direction. "You two go over by that log. I'm going to pretend to be an enemy warrior, and all I see are two small apprentices so I'll be thinking I can handle you two easy on my own. When I start running towards you both, I want you both to try and defend yourselves and pin me to the ground, okay? Being able to pin your opponent and deal them damage while keeping them from hurting you is a big power move, but it's good to start practicing those kinds of moves now."
Loudstorm watched to two apprentices follow his directions. When they were in position, Loudstorm crouched and prepared to run toward them "You won't ever get a warning when in real battle, but this is training, so here. I. Come!" The warrior launched himself forward, racing towards the apprentices.
∙ cinderface ∙ mistflower ∙ fog that hangs in air ∙ loudstorm ∙ sun that shines above ∙ aspenpaw ∙ aster ∙ eaglefang ∙ leafdapple ∙ orchid that blooms by night ∙ sparrowheart ∙
