|
Post by Twilidramon on Aug 21, 2014 7:57:14 GMT -5
Dovepaw bounced about outside of the camp. Foxstar had told her they were going to train today, and she was eager to see what he had in store - he had been busy since the Gathering; it seemed like Dovepaw had hardly seen him. Would they be hunting? Fighting? Tree-climbing? Whatever could it be? She fidgeted from excitement.
Calm down mouse-brain, came an ever-persistent from her sister Dawnpaw. Dovepaw had heard this phrase so much that she had it memorized, and would think of it subconsciously whenever she was too excited.
OK, OK; I'll calm down, she told herself. She settled down outside of camp to wait for her mentor.
|
|
|
Post by Fox on Aug 21, 2014 8:18:41 GMT -5
Foxstar padded outside of camp. It was a sunny morning, with a few clouds drifting across the sky. He noticed that Dovepaw was waiting for him. "Good morning, Dovepaw." He mewed, flicking his tail back and forth. "I hope you slept well. We're going to be doing both hunting and battle training today." He started padding into the deeper forest, flicking his tail for Dovepaw to follow. This will take my mind off things. He thought to himself.
|
|
|
Post by Twilidramon on Aug 21, 2014 8:36:03 GMT -5
Dovepaw's ears pricked and her eyes widened. Both? Really? She did her best to contain her excitement - all that came out was a little squeak. She got to her paws and followed Foxstar through the woods.
He seems so troubled! Dovepaw thought, looking after her leader. She had heard about the events of the Gathering - she hadn't been there herself. I hope I can make him proud!
|
|
|
Post by Fox on Aug 21, 2014 8:43:14 GMT -5
Foxstar padded until he caught a whiff of prey. "Do you smell that?" He asked Dovepaw. "Can you tell me what that is?" He sat down, laying his tail on his paws, waiting for Dovepaw's answer. (Short, sorry.)
|
|
|
Post by Twilidramon on Aug 21, 2014 9:04:33 GMT -5
Dovepaw lifted her nose at Foxstar's command and sniffed. Her tail shot up!
"Squirrel!" she replied certainly, but quietly. She knew not to scare off the prey by now.
|
|
|
Post by Fox on Aug 23, 2014 7:02:33 GMT -5
"Correct," Foxstar purred. "Now do you remember how the wind should blow? Towards you, or away from you? And why is it important to check the wind before you go to catch something?" He asked.
|
|
|
Post by Twilidramon on Aug 23, 2014 8:20:11 GMT -5
Dovepaw sat on her fuzzy haunches, closing her eyes in thought. Is it... away? No, no, mouse-brain! If the wind's blowing away from you, it means your scent is being carried towards the prey! Foxstar taught you that first, remember?
Briskly, she answered, "I want the wind blowing toward me... and checking the wind is important because I want to know where the prey is, and if there's... if there's anything else I should be aware of! Like foxes or enemy warriors! Right?"
|
|
|
Post by Fox on Aug 26, 2014 6:46:58 GMT -5
Foxstar flicked his tail off his his paws. "You're right about wanting the wind blowing towards you. The reason you check the wind is because if the wind's blowing towards you, you can smell the prey but the prey can't smell you." Foxstar mewed. "If the wind blowing away from you, the prey can smell you, and will run away, even if you can still smell the prey." Foxstar thought for a moment, then added, "But I you would be able to smell foxes or enemy warriors, but that more of a battle move than for hunting. So, with that said, you can go after the squirrel. Make sure you check the wind, okay?"
|
|
|
Post by Twilidramon on Aug 26, 2014 8:12:27 GMT -5
Dovepaw nodded enthusiastically. She took a few careful steps forward, feeling the wind on her soft pelt. The squirrel wasn't too far ahead of her, nibbling at a nut near a massive root. Dovepaw made sure she felt the breeze on her face before she dropped into the hunting crouch and crept forward.
The ground was soft beneath her paws as she pulled herself forward, towards the squirrel. She edged closer, rump waggling. When she felt she was close enough, she gathered strength and power in her hind legs and leaped.
|
|