[Random Melody]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

The tom gave her a grin, before focusing on the wall in front of him. He found that it helped to focus, it seemed to almost center him and have his mind based on that one thing. Dark optics flashed with determination as he crouched down, trying to steady himself. The crouch was pretty good, and his muscles were tensed, ready to spring - in fact, Marshpaw seemed a little too tense. Had something just barely tapped him he probably would have sprang fowards. It was always more nervewracking for him when there was someone watching, although he didn't seem to get that. Right now he was trying to make sure that he was centered. Some of his weight was distributed unevenly and it showed - the left side was lighter then the right. He always did this, it was a reoccuring mistake, and yet one of the ones that was harder for Marshpaw to catch.

His tail twitched with anticipation as he stayed still, steadying himself... with his weight still in the same spot. "Am I even?" He mewed, some of his muscles relaxing a little. When it came to training, surprisingly, Marshpaw could be focused. After he had spoken about it being 'so much fun,' this looked like almost the opposite - the expression on his face was grim. A little bit too grim, as a matter of fact. He stayed still, but he was clearly thinking. About what? Who knew. Moments passed and he figured that, at this point, she was able to tell if he was stable and correct in his crouch or not. Then he would be able to teach her how to do one as well. Marshpaw had never really tried, not for real, to teach another kit something.

They would get tired and run off to play, leaving the tom to wonder if he had been annoying them or if there was a simpler explanation - if they had just lost interest. But, he really wanted to try with Mintkit. She didn't seem like she was going to lose interest. And he wanted to do his best by her, make sure that she was taught as he had promised. Marshpaw had never had a best friend before. Or even a cat who had seemed like they particuarly were interested in being his best friend, sometimes friends, but not really a best friend. He liked the younger cat a lot.

What if they were best friends? Someone who likes me for me... those cats were rare to find, and when you did find them, it was difficult to make sure that they weren't let go of. So Marshpaw was going to make sure that if Mintkit was one of those rare cats, he kept ahold of her as well as he could. "Your turn!" He mewed in a more cheerful voice, looking nothing like the cat who had been focused and crouched down before. He looked more excited. Happier, in a sense. Much happier.

Mintkit watched, ears pricking up as Marshpaw crouched. The Tom seemed focused, but Mintkit wasnt surprised. He could be focused when he needed to be; But Mintkit knew he was still that fun-loving, excited cat. Right now though he was focused and intent on what he was doing. And Mintkit would admit, the crouch looked great. I bet he's a great hunter and fighter. Mintkit decided. She didnt move until he spoke to her, asking if he was even. The she-kit took this time to study him, running her gaze over the Tom. Observing was what she was best at, after all. She did pad around to stand in front of him to get a better look, before padding forward, lightly nosing his front left paw out a bit more, creating some distance between the left paw and the right paw. She did the same with his back paws.

"Now you are." Mintkit decided, lightly prodding his shoulder with a paw to ensure that he was in a sturdy position. "Keeping your paws close together can make it easier for enemies to kick them out from under you in a battle. Spreading them out gives you a better advantage, and a sturdier posture so they cant knock you down easily. And it helps with hunting, so you dont wobble on your paws and alert any nearby prey. They could detect any slight movement." Mintkit chirped with a bright smile up at the older apprentice. She remembered Honeyfur explaining this to her brothers; Listening and observing was better sometimes instead of rushing in to get the move done. That way you could process all the information and remember it, then work on perfecting it. At least, that's how Mintkit saw things.

Mintkit stepped back to allow him to stand, grinning when he announced that it was her turn. He seemed much happier and less focused, making her laugh slightly. "Alright." She sounded faintly uncertain, however. Observing was one thing, doing was another. Had she learned enough from watching to be able to perfect it? Well, I dont need to get it right right away. Marshpaw'll help me. Mintkit decided, letting herself slip into a calm crouch. She put a little bit of distance between her paws and lowered her head, bringing her shoulders up and flattening her ears like she'd seen Honeyfur do several times.

"Is this good?" Mintkit stayed steady, only wobbling once. But she quickly slid her back paw forward to catch herself, staying sturdy after that. Her ice blue eyes flickered up to Marshpaw, but she didnt move otherwise, casting him a brilliant smile before looking ahead again, completely focused on keeping herself steady and rigid.