The headache starts again... So many questions, it makes their head spin. Was he to answer every single one? How was he to focus on hunting when he had to recite his knowledge and opinions. They heave a sigh. A very heavy sigh.
"I suppose it is... I just don't think I'm qualified to teach you anything..." Staring at the ground, the tom continues his rambling. "A warrior as pathetic as me... There's nothing I could teach you that would help you. It's a wonder that I didn't scare all the prey away... It's a wonder I caught anything at all."
Frustration builds visibly on their face, brows knitting tight and ears flattening against their head. All this talking was getting them no where. If they didn't bring back enough prey, he would be punished for sure... He shakes his head as if that alone would will the thoughts from his mind.
"Sorry, sorry... I'll do my best... We should just continue. We shouldn't waste time."
<><><><><>
*-Deerpaw-* 33/100
he/they | 6moons | Agatha Kitty fluffy brown tom with a bobbed tail and patches of white on his muzzle and chest
"Oh, ok," Deerpaw relents easily. Yeah... he should probably tone the questions down, keep his thoughts to himself and all that if that sigh was anything to go by. How had he not realized sooner that he was being annoying? Always the distracted one, he was, caring only about his own questions and desire to learn and never taking into account how other cats would feel if they were bombarded with questions. Honestly, he should really just-- woah, what? Where in StarClan had that line of thought come from? There was never a time where Deerpaw could remember being this self conscious of himself and his thirst to learn more and know everything. This was really weird...
Frowning at himself, Deerpaw flicked his ear slightly, a weird, tingling feeling welling up in his stomach. It was almost like fear but not quite. He couldn't put a name to it but he did know that he didn't like it. "Let's keep hunting. Where will we go now?" One final question, just one. Surely that would be ok?
*-Deerpaw-* 33/100
he/they | 6moons | Agatha Kitty fluffy brown tom with a bobbed tail and patches of white on his muzzle and chest
"Oh, ok," Deerpaw relents easily. Yeah... he should probably tone the questions down, keep his thoughts to himself and all that if that sigh was anything to go by. How had he not realized sooner that he was being annoying? Always the distracted one, he was, caring only about his own questions and desire to learn and never taking into account how other cats would feel if they were bombarded with questions. Honestly, he should really just-- woah, what? Where in StarClan had that line of thought come from? There was never a time where Deerpaw could remember being this self conscious of himself and his thirst to learn more and know everything. This was really weird...
Frowning at himself, Deerpaw flicked his ear slightly, a weird, tingling feeling welling up in his stomach. It was almost like fear but not quite. He couldn't put a name to it but he did know that he didn't like it. "Let's keep hunting. Where will we go now?" One final question, just one. Surely that would be ok?
snowecho // he/they // 30 moons
---
"... I really am sorry. I spoke too much."
It was obvious that he ruined the mood being himself... Again. It was frustrating-- why couldn't he just keep his thoughts to himself? He was as bad as the apprentice with all his questions... A guilty look is offered to Deerpaw before they turn to examine their surroundings. Their conversation certainly didn't help the prey-running-away issue. Their only choice now was to venture deeper into the forest. Chances are the prey that scattered from this area had headed that way. Collecting themselves, they turn to begin walking deeper into the forest, speaking quietly as they move.
"Deeper in... The prey most likely went this way... We should move quietly, though."
And they're off. They travel close to the ground, ears alert for any sign of skittering rodents along the forest floor. An ear twitches as he hears the chirping of a bird nearby, but they ignore it. Birds were hard to catch. And with him only having one eye and the inexperienced apprentice... They should stick to land prey for now. No cat could say no to a plump mouse. They take a quick look over their shoulder to see if the chirping has also caught Deerpaw's attention.
__________________
" oh the places you'll go, little love of mine " character bios.
gif of cloverhoney by @/ramen !
It was obvious that he ruined the mood being himself... Again. It was frustrating-- why couldn't he just keep his thoughts to himself? He was as bad as the apprentice with all his questions... A guilty look is offered to Deerpaw before they turn to examine their surroundings. Their conversation certainly didn't help the prey-running-away issue. Their only choice now was to venture deeper into the forest. Chances are the prey that scattered from this area had headed that way. Collecting themselves, they turn to begin walking deeper into the forest, speaking quietly as they move.
"Deeper in... The prey most likely went this way... We should move quietly, though."
And they're off. They travel close to the ground, ears alert for any sign of skittering rodents along the forest floor. An ear twitches as he hears the chirping of a bird nearby, but they ignore it. Birds were hard to catch. And with him only having one eye and the inexperienced apprentice... They should stick to land prey for now. No cat could say no to a plump mouse. They take a quick look over their shoulder to see if the chirping has also caught Deerpaw's attention.
<><><><><>
*-Deerpaw-* 34/100
he/they | 6moons | Agatha Kitty fluffy brown tom with a bobbed tail and patches of white on his muzzle and chest
Ok, be quiet. He could do that for sure. There wasn't any reason to speak on a hunt, all chatter will do is alert nearby prey and annoy those with him. Got it. Cool. This will be the quietest he's ever been in his life! No more nosy and noisy Deeerpaw! Nope! That cat is gone, now all that's left is quiet, respectful, listens to evry order and always does as he's told Deerpaw! A completely different cat! Noisy Deerpaw could never achieve anything great, they'd for sure never be a warrior because they were too busy asking questions about everything and never actually listening to what was going on around the. Quiet Deerpaw is reformed, he's perfect and listens to everything, every order, every crunch of moss beneath his paws. Quiet Deerpaw would make a fine warrior.
Nodding to himself and setting his expression into something he thought might look focused, the young apprentice dropped into a crouch as close as he could mimic to Snowecho's, making sure to try and only step where the warrior stepped. There was one advantage that Deerpaw had with stalking - his tail was docked. There was no need to pay extra attention to it like he thought most other cats would have to because he simply didn't run the same risk of making noise if he did move it at all.
Above them, a bird called out to its peers and his ear instinctively flicked toward it, trying to figure out what the bird was - maybe a robin or a finch? Either way, Snowecho didn't seem to be paying it any heed so neither did he. When the warrior looked back at him, all Deerpaw did was blink in return. 'Why had he looked back here? Is he scared I'm going to run off? That's silly, why would I run? There's nowhere to run to right now. Surely he doesn't think I'm so overconfident as to go after a bird?' Deerpaw thought idly, 'no, he's probably just checking if I heard it at all and what I'll do now that I have. But why would I go running after it? Do I even have the authority to do that on this hunt? I didn't think I would, does he think that's what I think?' Questions again, but he made sure to only think them this time. He wasn't going to ruin the rest of this hunt for them, the clan needed to eat after all.
*-Deerpaw-* 34/100
he/they | 6moons | Agatha Kitty fluffy brown tom with a bobbed tail and patches of white on his muzzle and chest
Ok, be quiet. He could do that for sure. There wasn't any reason to speak on a hunt, all chatter will do is alert nearby prey and annoy those with him. Got it. Cool. This will be the quietest he's ever been in his life! No more nosy and noisy Deeerpaw! Nope! That cat is gone, now all that's left is quiet, respectful, listens to evry order and always does as he's told Deerpaw! A completely different cat! Noisy Deerpaw could never achieve anything great, they'd for sure never be a warrior because they were too busy asking questions about everything and never actually listening to what was going on around the. Quiet Deerpaw is reformed, he's perfect and listens to everything, every order, every crunch of moss beneath his paws. Quiet Deerpaw would make a fine warrior.
Nodding to himself and setting his expression into something he thought might look focused, the young apprentice dropped into a crouch as close as he could mimic to Snowecho's, making sure to try and only step where the warrior stepped. There was one advantage that Deerpaw had with stalking - his tail was docked. There was no need to pay extra attention to it like he thought most other cats would have to because he simply didn't run the same risk of making noise if he did move it at all.
Above them, a bird called out to its peers and his ear instinctively flicked toward it, trying to figure out what the bird was - maybe a robin or a finch? Either way, Snowecho didn't seem to be paying it any heed so neither did he. When the warrior looked back at him, all Deerpaw did was blink in return. 'Why had he looked back here? Is he scared I'm going to run off? That's silly, why would I run? There's nowhere to run to right now. Surely he doesn't think I'm so overconfident as to go after a bird?' Deerpaw thought idly, 'no, he's probably just checking if I heard it at all and what I'll do now that I have. But why would I go running after it? Do I even have the authority to do that on this hunt? I didn't think I would, does he think that's what I think?' Questions again, but he made sure to only think them this time. He wasn't going to ruin the rest of this hunt for them, the clan needed to eat after all.
snowecho // he/they // 30 moons
---
As the scent of rodent grows closer, their movements slow, each paw step more precise than the last. At first he was afraid the training moons ago had gone to waste. But he feels at home on the forest floor, eye trained on the three mice chittering away just beyond the tree root he was peering under. There was no possible way that he could catch all three of them on his own-- no, he would have to adopt the help of the apprentice. Hopefully they could snag at least two of them. If they were fast enough, they would make attempt for the third before it could run too far. No promises that they'll be successful, though. Allowing Deerpaw to catch up, the two cats now side by side, he nods towards the trio before them, blissfully unaware of their presence. The root they took solace behind arched just enough that the apprentice could definitely slip under. He would have to jump it, but it would work most efficiently if they moved at once at different heights...
Yes, yes, this was a good plan. Again, the warrior nods, this time towards the makeshift entrance the tree root and the forest floor had so graciously made for them. In the softest whisper, they lean in almost close enough to press against the smaller cat and offers his plan, finding it too difficult to signal with one still learning.
"On my signal."
Gingerly, the warrior circles around to where the root meets the ground, eye trained on the prey as they carefully step up onto the curved surface. When they reach the spot they think is best to pounce from, they hunker down, silently waiting for the small creatures to return to their search for nuts and seeds on the forest floor... Once distracted, he flicks his tail and pounces from his spot, not targeting the mouse closest to Deerpaw so he can hopefully secure his catch.
__________________
" oh the places you'll go, little love of mine " character bios.
gif of cloverhoney by @/ramen !
As the scent of rodent grows closer, their movements slow, each paw step more precise than the last. At first he was afraid the training moons ago had gone to waste. But he feels at home on the forest floor, eye trained on the three mice chittering away just beyond the tree root he was peering under. There was no possible way that he could catch all three of them on his own-- no, he would have to adopt the help of the apprentice. Hopefully they could snag at least two of them. If they were fast enough, they would make attempt for the third before it could run too far. No promises that they'll be successful, though. Allowing Deerpaw to catch up, the two cats now side by side, he nods towards the trio before them, blissfully unaware of their presence. The root they took solace behind arched just enough that the apprentice could definitely slip under. He would have to jump it, but it would work most efficiently if they moved at once at different heights...
Yes, yes, this was a good plan. Again, the warrior nods, this time towards the makeshift entrance the tree root and the forest floor had so graciously made for them. In the softest whisper, they lean in almost close enough to press against the smaller cat and offers his plan, finding it too difficult to signal with one still learning.
"On my signal."
Gingerly, the warrior circles around to where the root meets the ground, eye trained on the prey as they carefully step up onto the curved surface. When they reach the spot they think is best to pounce from, they hunker down, silently waiting for the small creatures to return to their search for nuts and seeds on the forest floor... Once distracted, he flicks his tail and pounces from his spot, not targeting the mouse closest to Deerpaw so he can hopefully secure his catch.
<><><><><>
rolling a d20 to decide if he catches it, nat1 he misses horribly, 2-10 he misses but not as horribly, 11-19 he catches it decently enough, nat20 he catches it perfectly
<><><><><>
*-Deerpaw-* 35/100
he/they | 6moons | Agatha Kitty fluffy brown tom with a bobbed tail and patches of white on his muzzle and chest
roll: 17
Under the tree root? Was that Snowecho's plan? Ok, Deerpaw thought that maybe he could fit, it certainly looked like a small enough opening for him to get through. Nodding the slightest bit, the apprentice creeped forward and positioned himself in what he thought was the perfect spot to spring through with no issues. Ok, yeah, this would be big enough for him. His position before had him looking at an angle, making the opening appear a little smaller than it actually was, but he could definitely fit here.
The three mice still hadn't noticed them... if only Lizardpaw wasn't MIA, maybe then they could get all three. They'd have a better catch to bring back to Vulturefang too. Still, they would bring back enough no matter what, even if they had to hunt all day. ShadowClan couldn't afford to bring back too little prey - no clan could but Deerpaw had a feeling his own clan would be a little less forgiving.
Glancing to Snowecho for the signal, Deerpaw waited with his breath held and then... the signal was given and Snowecho immediately pounced. Deerpaw couldn't understand why they acted so meek and timid when they were clearly an excellent warrior and hunter, was it something to do with that injury? But didn't most ShadowClan cats wear their injuries and scars with pride? Lost in his mind again, Deerpaw pounced a moment too late, but he managed to catch the mouse closest to him anyway, bringing his teeth down on his neck and thanking StarClan he had at least caught it. Yeah... maybe hunting wasn't exactly his strong suit.
Mose hanging limply from his mouth, Deerpaw turned his attention to his warrior escort, curious if he managed to catch just the one or both remaining mice.
rolling a d20 to decide if he catches it, nat1 he misses horribly, 2-10 he misses but not as horribly, 11-19 he catches it decently enough, nat20 he catches it perfectly
<><><><><>
*-Deerpaw-* 35/100
he/they | 6moons | Agatha Kitty fluffy brown tom with a bobbed tail and patches of white on his muzzle and chest
roll: 17
Under the tree root? Was that Snowecho's plan? Ok, Deerpaw thought that maybe he could fit, it certainly looked like a small enough opening for him to get through. Nodding the slightest bit, the apprentice creeped forward and positioned himself in what he thought was the perfect spot to spring through with no issues. Ok, yeah, this would be big enough for him. His position before had him looking at an angle, making the opening appear a little smaller than it actually was, but he could definitely fit here.
The three mice still hadn't noticed them... if only Lizardpaw wasn't MIA, maybe then they could get all three. They'd have a better catch to bring back to Vulturefang too. Still, they would bring back enough no matter what, even if they had to hunt all day. ShadowClan couldn't afford to bring back too little prey - no clan could but Deerpaw had a feeling his own clan would be a little less forgiving.
Glancing to Snowecho for the signal, Deerpaw waited with his breath held and then... the signal was given and Snowecho immediately pounced. Deerpaw couldn't understand why they acted so meek and timid when they were clearly an excellent warrior and hunter, was it something to do with that injury? But didn't most ShadowClan cats wear their injuries and scars with pride? Lost in his mind again, Deerpaw pounced a moment too late, but he managed to catch the mouse closest to him anyway, bringing his teeth down on his neck and thanking StarClan he had at least caught it. Yeah... maybe hunting wasn't exactly his strong suit.
Mose hanging limply from his mouth, Deerpaw turned his attention to his warrior escort, curious if he managed to catch just the one or both remaining mice.
snowecho // he/they // 30 moons
rolling a d20 for his second catch with the same format!
---
roll: 11
As the first mouse meets his claws, the plan was already successful. Flying off of their reflexes, they don't give Deerpaw so much a glance, let alone the first mouse he had caught, before racing after the second. Despite it's small head start, their tactic of startling the small prey very much worked to their benefit, because after a few hare steps of sprinting, a clawed paw slams down onto the mouse's tail, pinning it in place. The breath that they had been holding wheezes out their mouth before they lean down and finish the job. What a thrill... A scary, scary thrill. They didn't want to enjoy this feeling again. Not again.
Pleased with their work, regardless, they pick up their catch and make their way back to Deerpaw, tail raised in what seemed to be contentment. Which was odd for the warrior. Joining the apprentice again with their first two catches, he sets the third down to join them, a small smile daring to grace his features.
"Wonderful job..." They whisper, taking a moment to lick at their bloodied paw before continuing to speak. "How are you feeling...? Do you want to continue? Perhaps this time you can take the lead... Is that okay? If it's not okay you can tell me..."
__________________
" oh the places you'll go, little love of mine " character bios.
gif of cloverhoney by @/ramen !
snowecho // he/they // 30 moons
rolling a d20 for his second catch with the same format!
---
roll: 11
As the first mouse meets his claws, the plan was already successful. Flying off of their reflexes, they don't give Deerpaw so much a glance, let alone the first mouse he had caught, before racing after the second. Despite it's small head start, their tactic of startling the small prey very much worked to their benefit, because after a few hare steps of sprinting, a clawed paw slams down onto the mouse's tail, pinning it in place. The breath that they had been holding wheezes out their mouth before they lean down and finish the job. What a thrill... A scary, scary thrill. They didn't want to enjoy this feeling again. Not again.
Pleased with their work, regardless, they pick up their catch and make their way back to Deerpaw, tail raised in what seemed to be contentment. Which was odd for the warrior. Joining the apprentice again with their first two catches, he sets the third down to join them, a small smile daring to grace his features.
"Wonderful job..." They whisper, taking a moment to lick at their bloodied paw before continuing to speak. "How are you feeling...? Do you want to continue? Perhaps this time you can take the lead... Is that okay? If it's not okay you can tell me..."
<><><><><>
*-Deerpaw-* 36/100
he/they | 6moons | Agatha Kitty fluffy brown tom with a bobbed tail and patches of white on his muzzle and chest
Deerpaw couldn't help the grin that came to their face at the praise; he'd done well, and was complimented for it too! Maybe they weren't so rotten at hunting after all. Still, now was hardly the time to get cocky, they scolded themself briefly, remembering to keep his head on his shoulders and his excitement quelled. No matter how good the hunt was going so far, it would be annoying to ruin it now.
Eyes wide, Deerpaw nodded at the request for him to lead the next leg of the hunt. After burying the mice they just caught, the young tom steps forward a little, opening his mouth to scent the air and keeping his ears alert for any sounds around them. He could smell squirrel, but it was stale, maybe a day old, and overhead the birds were calling again but they were far away and not worth seeking out. Breathing in again, Deerpaw crept forward about a fox length more, and that's when he could smell it -- chipmunk! Along with the five mice they had already caught, a chipmunk would be the perfect addition being as it was bigger than all the mice they'd caught so far. Surely Vulturefange would be pleased! Unable to keep the joy from their gaze, Deerpaw turned his attention back toward Snowecho, deciding to once again defer to them on who would proceed.
Aw it looked like he didn't get so lucky about looking for the other plant but that was okay he could find these marigolds with Darkfall. The ginger tom turned towards said mentor and waited to see which direction to go in. He made sure to keep on his mind where he took paw steps around here as they moved along. Rufflepaw didn't think he wanted to face Elmshadows ire if he or anyone were to step on some sort of herb he was aware of. He felt a shudder roll through his body at the thought of it, blue eyes blinked when he heard someone addressing him again. With nothing to say at the moment he followed behind Darkfall once in a while looking down at the ground to keep eye out for where he was stepping. He had an ear turned towards Darkfall as he spoke repeating what Dawnstar said before they split. How did he even pick Marigold? Is there a certain way to do so for a flower? Guess he would find out when they came upon said herb. Still looking and still finding nothing so far besides a whole bunch of greenery. Rufflepaw looked back up momentarily when he heard talking again and gave a nod and right back to the forest floor. He continued his slow trek around the area they were in keeping an eye out for said brightly colored flower. It took him only a few minutes before he noticed a group of yellow-orange flowers. "Is this that Marigold, darkfall?" he sat down in front of the flowers and looked to his mentor for an answer.
*-Deerpaw-* 36/100
he/they | 6moons | Agatha Kitty fluffy brown tom with a bobbed tail and patches of white on his muzzle and chest
Deerpaw couldn't help the grin that came to their face at the praise; he'd done well, and was complimented for it too! Maybe they weren't so rotten at hunting after all. Still, now was hardly the time to get cocky, they scolded themself briefly, remembering to keep his head on his shoulders and his excitement quelled. No matter how good the hunt was going so far, it would be annoying to ruin it now.
Eyes wide, Deerpaw nodded at the request for him to lead the next leg of the hunt. After burying the mice they just caught, the young tom steps forward a little, opening his mouth to scent the air and keeping his ears alert for any sounds around them. He could smell squirrel, but it was stale, maybe a day old, and overhead the birds were calling again but they were far away and not worth seeking out. Breathing in again, Deerpaw crept forward about a fox length more, and that's when he could smell it -- chipmunk! Along with the five mice they had already caught, a chipmunk would be the perfect addition being as it was bigger than all the mice they'd caught so far. Surely Vulturefange would be pleased! Unable to keep the joy from their gaze, Deerpaw turned his attention back toward Snowecho, deciding to once again defer to them on who would proceed.
snowecho // he/they // 30 moons
---
Off he goes. A fast learner indeed. The warrior moves carefully behind the other once he begins to move, obviously tracking something... The excited look they're given confirms it. Smiling, he raises his head to take in the scent, trying to pinpoint what the young one has come across... Mouse was still strong here-- it always was. It always was? Why did that thought flutter into their head? Nonetheless, it had to be more than just a simple mouse to bring on a look like that. Nearby birds would be too much trouble and they were on a roll... Squirrel, but it's faint, probably here yesterday or the day before... Ah, there it is. A bit more difficult than a mouse but not as difficult as a squirrel, in their humble opinion. It would be a good challenge.
Snowecho just gives Deerpaw an encouraging look, nodding forward as if to urge them to continue. This was their hunt now-- the warrior was going to watch carefully to see if the young one could complete a hunt entirely on his own. If so, then he would definitely be reporting to... Whoever their mentor was.
__________________
" oh the places you'll go, little love of mine " character bios.
gif of cloverhoney by @/ramen !
Off he goes. A fast learner indeed. The warrior moves carefully behind the other once he begins to move, obviously tracking something... The excited look they're given confirms it. Smiling, he raises his head to take in the scent, trying to pinpoint what the young one has come across... Mouse was still strong here-- it always was. It always was? Why did that thought flutter into their head? Nonetheless, it had to be more than just a simple mouse to bring on a look like that. Nearby birds would be too much trouble and they were on a roll... Squirrel, but it's faint, probably here yesterday or the day before... Ah, there it is. A bit more difficult than a mouse but not as difficult as a squirrel, in their humble opinion. It would be a good challenge.
Snowecho just gives Deerpaw an encouraging look, nodding forward as if to urge them to continue. This was their hunt now-- the warrior was going to watch carefully to see if the young one could complete a hunt entirely on his own. If so, then he would definitely be reporting to... Whoever their mentor was.
<><><><><>
dc is 12, any roll 12 or higher is a success, any roll below that is a fail. nat20 is still a perfect catch, nat1 is still a miserable failure
<><><><><>
*-Deerpaw-* 37/100
he/they | 6moons | Agatha Kitty fluffy brown tom with a bobbed tail and patches of white on his muzzle and chest
roll: ...3
Perhaps he was too eager, because the second Deerpaw was encouraged to go ahead he must have alerted the rodent somehow. It almost immediately started scampering away, fear scent evident in the air around them. Deerpaw put on a burst of speed to chase after it, but maybe he was just unfamiliar with the terrain here because he kept managing to loose it until he cornered it against a tree and the stupid thing bolted upward and into the high branches.
"No!" The apprentice hissed under his breath, "I was so close!" He wasn't really all that close, and they knew that too, but there seemed to be nothing in the world worse than missing a catch on a hunt. He felt terrible... that chipmunk could've fed someone in the clan and he let it slip away. Would Snowecho punish him for that? He didn't think so, but surely some part of the warrior would be annoyed, even if he didn't say so or show it anywhere in their body language. Would Blackpath have gotten angry with him? Part of them doesn't want to think so, but they also still don't have a great read on their mentor, so who's to say, really.
Frustrated, the brown tom makes his way back toward where Snowecho is waiting, ears folded back in frustration. He'd get the next one for sure - he had to.
Re: Shadow's Break
