Hmmm. This was a complex little cat wasnt it. Though a lot of apprentices seemed to be, changed and hardened by clan life. Maybe thats why granny Houndsong had taken half of Mudhounds litter and left the clan and why the two siblings that were currently in thunderclan were so different. Deep thoughts for another time. What was a thought for now was Pebblepaws survivors guilt and incorrect assumption of responsibility for the event. The tripod internally wondered if this was something Pebblepaw rationally knew was incorrect and just internalized or if she honestly believed it and resolved to later sit the apprentice down and try and talk her through it. But again now was not the time.
What was the time was healthy boundaries and making sure this wouldnt go to far for everyone! Mudhound could do that. First though...
"That sounds like a horrible situation and Im sorry you had to go through that. But the 'scary feelings' dont really have to go away actually. You just have to be able to live with them. I mean look at my leg." The warrior rotated their stump up to the group showing the ever bare patch of scar that capped a now useless limb.
"I went through a bad thing and now Im petrified of dogs. Like once I couldnt do anything but curl into a ball and shiver at a far off bark so scared and you wanna know something? Im still terrified. I just know how to act through the fear. I dont let it take living life from me or stop me. Feeling the fear doesnt make you not brave and being willing to try even if you are scared? That's brave to me! So you've kinda done it already, good job!" Mudhound really meant it and was all too proud of the little molly already beaming at her as they wagged a bit.
"But to make sure this stays fun Im gonna put one rule in place. Besides the no claws thing though, duh. If anyone gets scared and wants to stop immediately just say 'stop' or stomp three times if you cant speak for any reason. If you start to feel off but dont wanna stop completely just say 'slow' or stomp two times, we can stop doing the specific thing that made you worry or just dial things back. If you get asked if youre ok and wanna continue just say 'clear' or stomp once! And if anyone makes fun of anyone for doing this then uuuuuuuuh..." What was a good threat? Oh! Got one!
"Then Ill dunk you in the river! And boot you out of the lesson! Everyone clear?" Mudhound would wait for replies before chirping
"Good!"
Finally ready to start the warrior happily stood, shaking themselves off and grinning excited to test their insticts on the point of this lesson.
"Alright so Im an evil large warrior breaking into your camp! I wanna get in there," The tripod pointed as the other cave wall 5 fox lengths away from the group.
"And you have to stop me by any means. This is a trial for you to figure things out a bit them we'll get into techniques so dont stress. I just wanna see what each of you thinks of. Now try and take me down! Go!" With the excited barked order Mudhound kicked into motion and.... walked. Slowly. Steadily. With paws firmly planted walked with all their strength behind their paws, tail tucked in, and head down and forward. This was kinda a trick lesson here, sure the tripod wanted to see some of their fighting techniques but.... They'd find them useless without claws to back up the moves with pain. And none of the 'paws alone would even slow the giant maine coon. Hell even two wouldnt manage it. Mudhound was just to strong. The warrior would just keep walking. Maybe they'd get clever with the tactics or maybe they'd figure out the point. Against a warrior, much less a large one, you usually needed others at your back and working with you.
It was also fun to be fair. Mudhound was basically offering themselves to just take all kinds of trouble with a grin letting the hellions run wild to warm up.
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Kay~ @
naiad @
Poprock @
Quasar (Sorry kinda rushing to get this on the road now. feel free to break post order I dont mind it)