Watch Your Step || Training || Tagged!

[Carotius]

Tags: Twineheart
OOC: Will we ever get to the awkward part where Webfire finds out Streampaw is crushing on Lightningflame? XD

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"Wakey wakey, Streampaw! The sun is rising, and we have training to do!"

Webfire ducked his head into the apprentices' den, trying to find locate his new apprentice's silver tabby pelt among all the myriad of other soft pelts that covered the floor place. While some of the younger cats had already gotten up to follow their mentors for either chores or training, the den was still relatively filled with dozing apprentices, some of which were comically snoring and twitching in their slumber, chasing after imaginary prey and battling imaginary enemies. He hoped the one he was looking wasn't that deep into such dreams yet.

At last, he caught sight of the long silver fur patterned with black stripes rising and falling steadily nearer to the walls of the den. Rolling his blue eyes, Webfire padded over to the sleeping apprentice, giving her the once-over before prodding her side with a black paw, whiskers twitching in amusement. I'm not gonna give you the luxury of slacking just yet! He prodded Streampaw in the side again, a little harder this time, already planning to roll her over onto her back.

Sighing, he positioned his muzzle close to one of her ears, then whispered eerily, "The Dark Forest will kill you all in your sleep!"

[Twineheart]

[Carotius I can already tell he will be a fun mentor lol! And Ranger needs to reply to my thread before anything can really be developed lol XD I will tell you if it is though^^ Then maybe Streampaw's best friend Brightpaw could blab to Webfire that she likes him hehe!)

Streampaw was deep in slumber. Her head filled with dreams, but for once these dreams weren't nightmares. Since her visit with Silverfish, the nightmares seemed to have lessened. She still had them, but far less often. Another reason the silver tabby had been in a far better mood of late. Suddenly, whilst dreaming of chasing a plump squirrel Streampaw felt something poke at her side. Puzzled she pauses in the dream looking around. What could of possibly done that? She wondered blinking her green eyes. Shrugging she ignores the feeling and continues after the squirrel, even through the second harder poke to her side. It wasn't until Webfire spoke that she was dragged from her peaceful dream. His words breaking through and sending her falling back to the land of the living.

" GAH!" She exclaims gasping and blinking open her eyes rapidly. She'd sat up automatically and flung a paw out wildly to protect herself. but when she actually looked around she realized it was only her mentor. Shocked and now a little upset with the older tom she flattens her ears. " That wasn't funny!" She mews. Didn't he know she had enough troubles without worrying about the Dark forest!?

[Carotius]

OOC: Awko taco!

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Webfire sidestepped the wild and sleepy paw Streampaw flashed out in what he knew was an attempt at defending herself from the imaginary enemies he had sprung into her mind. Suppressing a smile, he watched as the silver tabby gave the den a once-over with wide eyes that finally settled on the splotched warrior; when it did, the she-cat looked like she was trying to muster a face between shock and frustration, and fix it on her secretly-amused mentor. Well, the tom couldn't help himself to a dose of apprentice silliness.

"I don't remember saying anything remotely close to it being funny. Don't put words in my mouth, Streampaw," he gave his apprentice a mock glare, to which he finished with a wink and headed out the den into the sunshine. "Now, we'll be doing battle training out at the Murky Hollow! Hope you kept your claws sharp, because I'm not going to restrain my laughter if you fall into the water."

He trotted out of the apprentices' den and into the sunshine, breathing in the warm greenleaf air that was beginning to bathe the camp. It was a good day for training and hunting, though with it being so early in the morning, some would digress and vote for longer sleeping or lazing hours, Webfire himself included. but the warrior knew that being a mentor now meant that he needed to be more responsible in his duties, especially if he were to pass it on to the up and coming generations of warriors that were to be the lifeblood of the Clan.

With that in mind, he loped off towards the camp entrance, after ensuring that Streampaw was awake enough to follow him out.

[Twineheart]

[Carotius Sorry this is so late I've been very busy! I misses my Carrot <3]

Streampaw gaps up at Webfire as he spoke. Her eyes incredulous, until she caught the wink. " That wasn't funny." She growls under her breath, licking down her rumpled pelt as the older tom exited the den. She scrambles to her paws and hurries after him still rather irratated with his behavior. He was a warrior! Not some mischievous apprentice!

Huffing softly, she glances around as he finishes his last words. Rolling her gaze slightly, she shakes her fur in attempt to wake herself up. " I can take care of myself." She says to him, as they trot across to the camp exit. but deep down her belly writhed with discomfort. She hated water, more than most, since she had nearly drowned as a kit. but she knew deep down she was going to have to overcome this fear. She was a Stormclan cat and most of their lives were spent in and around the water. Sighing inwardly, she keeps pace with her mentor green eyes scanning their surroundings as they went. Her mind wondering off to what her friend Brightpaw was doing. She'd probably enjoy having Webfire as a mentor, she thought glancing to the older tom. He was rather handsome, even if he acted half his age.

[Carotius]

Twineheart
OOC: Ah hueh. Don't mind teeny time skip?

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Mentor and apprentice padded through the forest of spruce and pine, the scent of their sap intermingling with morning dew and the slight drizzle that happened last night. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, dappling the ground in dancing shapes of golden stripes and spots on the floor, climbing aboard the cats' pelts as they walked by. The beautiful greenleaf day had Webfire thinking about the she-cats he met from MidnightClan, memorising both their scents and their mannerisms; they were different in some ways, but one thing made him attracted to both. Oh dear, he was attracted to both.

The splotched tom clenched his lower jaw as he took a look at Streampaw. I wonder what you would think if you found out. He had to admit, he didn't like the idea of cats swarming over him on hate for his choice of the matter, mostly especially when it was against the warrior code. but suppose it did come to that, how would those close to him react? It was an interesting thing to ponder, but nevertheless...hurtful. The chances of him being scorned and rejected was there, and a slight fear poked at his belly. No, I won't let what they think stop me! Resolutely, he turned to face front again, but only just in time to realise they were already at the Murky Hollow.

And he was about to march right into the water without realising.

He halted abruptly in his tracks, scrabbling his paws backwards in the mud and wet sand as he stopped himself himself from slipping into the water. Although he was aware the water would only reach his belly at most, he wasn't going to get his fur wet so early before his apprentice. He sat at the edge of the hollow, the toes of his black paws coated in wet sand that provided an uncomfortable crumbly sensation between them.

Griping, then putting on a straight face, he flicked his ears at Streampaw. "We're going to work on your balance first. Since everything here is slick and slippery, it'll be a good practice in getting a grip." As he positioned himself in the water ahead of his apprentice, he couldn't resist chipping in a little joke, "Whether it's of reality, or the fact you might fall into water that will reach the top of your head."

[Twineheart]

[ Carotius Not at all^^]


Streampaw does her best to keep up with Webfire as they trod onwards into the territory. Her green gaze so much like her mother Nightbriar's gazing all around. Her long silver fur with its black stripes slightly prickled the only sign of her ever deepening unease. but not wishing to look like a wimp on her first day with Webfire, Streampaw does her best to act normal. Meanwhile however inside her belly was churning with discomfort and she wanted nothing more than to run back to camp. You have to do this! She tells herself, as she pads along at Webfire's side. Your a Stormclanner! She tells herself firmly. but the only thing she could see were images of darkness swallowing her and her father's friend and ex mentor's dead body laying on the river bank.

Blinking her green eyes rapidly in an attempt to clear them she realizes Webfire is looking at her. Could he tell how nervous she was? Streampaw wondered taking a soft breath of relief when he looked forward again. but then to her despair they arrived at what could only be the murky hollow. Streampaw who'd halted far from the entrance to the hollow watches her mentor back pedal. If she hadn't of been so frightened she may of found it amusing. Then he speaks and Streampaw feels herself freeze staring at him. The words he'd just spoken seemed like a threat more than a joke in her world. " Right..." She stutters unable to hide the fear in her words and her eyes. She moves closer to the hollow, willing herself to step into it. but again she freezes staring at the water, like it was some kind of horrible monster with bloody fangs. " I-I...." She starts ears flicking back. " I can't...." She finally says feeling ashamed of herself for saying it.

[Carotius]

Twineheart
OOC: I don't have Internet at home, so most often I either won't reply or will give poorer replies than usual :c

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Webfire wouldn't have noticed the sudden freeze-up of his apprentice if he hadn't turned to look back at her; the young she-cat had her ears folded back against her head, staring at the waters with wide eyes that displayed nothing less than utter fear. The warrior recognised that look, one that now felt so long ago in his memory, having pushed it to the back of his mind since the day he met with his love from across the river border once more. In that instant, the silver tabby form of Streampaw morphed into a bigger and sturdier form of a different silver cat, this one with darker shade of spots all over his body. Green eyes gave way to yellow ones, yet maintaining that same outlook of fear and trauma. Silverspot...

The splotched tom shook his head vigorously, clearing away the vision of his traumatised friend and back to the sight of a frightened apprentice. Streampaw was afraid of the water, that much was now obvious to him; what wasn't obvious to him was how he could go around the problem, especially when StormClan cats were well-known for their swimming skills, other than SunsetClan who lived on the far side of the territory. Why are you so afraid? He wondered, sloshing through the water towards his apprentice, stopping just in front of her and lowering his head such that his blue eyes were level with her green ones. So much shame floated in Streampaw's oculars, causing Webfire to sigh and tilt his head to the side, the soft roar of the nearby waterfall making ambient noises around them.

"You're afraid of the water, aren't you? Why is that?"

[Twineheart]

[ Carotius ^^ ]

Streampaw didn't budge until Webfire's words broke her trans like state. Blinking rapidly she pulls her face back a little and sits down with a soft huff. Her green eyes fall away from his at his question and she hunches up her shoulders with discomfort and shame. " Yes..." She says after a long and painfully awkward pause. " Petrified..." She mumbles looking straight at her paws, not wanting to see the disappointment or anger that was surely written all over Webfire's face. " It's stupid a Stormclanner being afraid of w-water I know..." She adds voice softer than before. " but I... I nearly drowned when I was a kit and...." Her voice cracks and she has to take a deep breath and remind herself of Silverfish's words. " I got a senior warrior killed." She finishes, her ears flat against her skull as she peeks up at her mentor unable to look away any longer. What he must think of me.... She thought glumly.

[Carotius]

Twineheart

At the positive response to his question, which really meant something negative to her and maybe even he himself, Webfire blinked his sky blue eyes slowly, not taking them off his silver-furred apprentice; he kept quiet as Streampaw withdrew further into herself physically and probably mentally, breaking off their eye contact to stare at her paws as the words that followed became hushed and sporadic. The splotched tom knew she was afraid of him feeling disappointment at her new fear of water, whereas the lives of StormClan cats revolved around the water half their lives.

"I got a senior warrior killed."

Can't really remember the name... The white tom had to restrain himself from furrowing his brows, knowing it could constitute the wrong interpretation of a reaction from the she-cat if she saw it. Streampaw was in a somewhat fragile state now, haunted by a memory of a warrior's death, much like how Silverspot was stuck in his nightmarish hell of life at the loss of one of the Clan's newest queens, all because they both believed they could have done something to prevent such a tragedy. It's not always preventable. The warrior gazed softly at his apprentice, touching his nose gently to the tabby's forehead. They would go through this step by step - life didn't need to be rushed.

"You don't have to feel guilty - I'm sure they forgive you. As for that fear..." Webfire moved so his body was parallel to the dry ground, and lowered himself, the water of the hollow now soaking his belly fur, "One thing at a time. Come on, I'll give you a ride around the water first."

[Twineheart]

[ Twineheart ]

At first the furrowing of Webfire's brow in reaction to Streampaw's words made her heart sink. He hates me now, she thought green eyes flickering away in hurt and shame. Why am I surprised? She scolds herself, I got another cat killed! What cat would want to train such a pathetic apprentice? but just as Streampaw thought everything was crashing around her ears she looks back up at her mentor. Just then she found the tom leaning in towards her a soft look in the depths of his brilliant blue eyes. His nose gently touching her forehead in a comforting gesture. Shocked Streampaw gapes at him. " You.... You don't hate me?" She chokes in surprise, her ears listening to his words. She feels an odd mixture of emotions well up into her eyes as she stares at the tom. His last words making her blink. " Are... You sure?" She says hesitating as she looked at the water around him. Inching closer she looks at his eyes. " Promise... I can trust you?" She whispers in an almost shy manner. A single one of her fore paws poised to step onto his back.

[Carotius]

Twineheart
OOC: As promised! *starts up engine again* ...Well, we have a slow start. XD

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Streampaw's questions garnered soft chuckles of amusement from her mentor, who now turned his eyes back to watch her. "Some things are beyond our control, Streampaw. It's usually best to make up for it with what little you can."

Webfire meant what he said. From the murder of Sheepflower, to the double trauma of Silverspot, and to the hard choices of his forbidden loves in MidnightClan, the splotched tom had to learn the hard and painful way of how the world simply couldn't always be controlled to prevent possible mishaps and disasters; some could be stopped in time and all, while others...well, there were other cases where you just had to take what was thrown, and somehow mend it in such a way that could soothe the parts that hurt. It would take ages occasionally, but then again, almost everything did.

[Twineheart]

[ Carotius Sorry for taking forever! <3 ]

Streampaw nods her head some slowly. Still surprised that he'd accepted her despite her past. " Yes sir..." She whispers back before softly stepping onto the older tom's back. At first she nearly dug her claws into his back, but she managed to get her balance and though nervous she stayed on top of him. " O-okay.." She whispers staring down around them at the water. She hoped Webfire couldn't feel her quivering as she looked into the water's depths. Blinking images of Silverfish's dead and broken body away she sighs. " I'm ready." She says more to herself than him. She prepares herself for Webfire to start moving.

[Carotius]

Twineheart

As the silver apprentice climbed tentatively onto his back, the older tom couldn't help but think back to Silverspot, recalling the many nights where the other warrior would whimper and twitch in fear, calming down only when Webfire pressed his flank against him. Occasionally, that job would be done by Leafdapple, a warrior she-cat whom Webfire had a bit of a quarrel with, but that was only when the latter was out in the night. Part of him felt guilty for kinda abandoning his friend like that on occasions, but then again, Silverspot was warming up to Leafdapple - it'd only be rude to interrupt, so to speak.

The splotched tom blinked rapidly when he felt no movement on his back, other than the digging of claws into his fur and slightly into his skin. Streampaw was clinging onto his back, and Webfire quite knew she didn't want it to seem that way. Smirking, he turned his back as far as he could to look at her and flash a reassuring smile. It'll be fine. He stood back up to his full height, the waters of the Hollow brushing his belly fur; wordlessly, he began walking around in the water, sloshing through it firmly but gently, his ears flickering every once in a while in response to the sound of the waterfall.

"The water was never made to claim the lives of others. Accidents just happen sometimes, and we often blame it on the natural landscape around us," he dipped his muzzle into the water and sharply brought it back out, showering himself and Streampaw with it. "Who was this senior warrior to you, by the way?"

[Twineheart]

[ Carotius They are a cute Mentor x Apprentice pairing ^^ ]

Streampaw attempted to smile back when he mentor flashed a grin her way. but all she managed was a nervous grimace, bracing herself as suddenly the tom stood up. Keeping her balance her fluffy tail twitching back and forth she stares over Webfire's head at the water. Gulping she takes a breath and tries to focus on his words. Accidents... she thought bitterly. An accident was when you accidentally stepped on someone's tail or caught their mouse. An accident wasn't suppose to result in a death.

Blinking her green eyes she shoves the negative thoughts from her mind. Webfire's question breaking her thoughts and forcing her to speak. " Silverfish was my father's mentor..." She mumbles hanging her head. Flashes of her father with his face pressed to Silverfish's limp dead body flashing before her eyes. His heart breaking whimpers ringing in her ears. Closing her eyes she tries to shove them away, focusing on the water instead.