Crocusblaze watched their apprentice with warm regard as she slipped into a hunting crouch. Though they could pick up a few minor mistakes an experienced warrior wouldn't make, this was a new apprentice. They wouldn't nitpick at this point in time when their prey was so close by. A first kill was an important step for an apprentice and they wouldn't be surprised if Elfinpaw missed- and they certainly wouldn't be disappointed. It wasn't uncommon to miss on the first try, especially for a cat who couldn't see their intended target. The huge cat's heart pounded in their tufted ears as they watched her careful approach. They were visibly excited, proud, and nervous for the young she-cat.
"
Good job!" They meowed suddenly- their excitement getting the best of them and made them a bit louder than perhaps they intended. They purred softly with pride for her, kneading a bit at the peaty ground. Noticing her wound, they made their way closer on careful paws, lowering their head slightly to sniff at Elfinpaw's wounded paw. "
Perhaps we should go back to camp and get that checked out to make sure it doesn't get infected," they advised. "
We can keep going if you want, but mouse bites can be nasty."
For a moment though, they did want to congratulate her. And she deserved and praise she got, it wasn't mindless flattery. "
You did so well Elfinpaw. First catch on your first try! I'm so proud of you," the grey cat mewed, their voice soft and honest. They weren't sure if they could articulate exactly how well she had done that day, but they'd leave it at that. They licked her forehead in a friendly manor and stepped back, looking around at the forest for a moment before glancing back to the direction camp was.
"
But maybe...If you wanted to, I might be able to teach you some battle moves. I'm assuming you won't be coming to the ThunderClan raid, but it's always best to be prepared." Crocusblaze was staunchly against attacking their Clan and their camp of all places but they didn't see a way to get out of it. They'd go easy on their opponents sure but they were aware of the possibility that they wouldn't come back from this battle. Just because Icestar had ordered them to not kill any of their opponents didn't mean they wouldn't do it back in self defense.
@
Moonraven