Private Thread Busy, Chapped Paws

Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night
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Palestar’s whiskers twitched with faint amusement at Redpaw’s uncertainty. His enthusiasm and rawness reminded her of her first days as an apprentice. "We’re looking for prey - and an oppertunity like this mouse. Smell it?" She motioned with her nose toward the faint quiver of the dried grass. "This will be small practice before the main event - You are crouching, good. Watch how it moves. You need to be just as slow and patient to catch it."

Head low and voice teasing the softest notes in the chilled air. "We are heading to the Forest's Edge to hunt rabbit. If we're lucky we can catch one in its burrow. They don’t sleep during leafbare, which makes them valuable prey - but they’re quick if they are out of their burrow."

Her gaze fell back to the young tom, her sharp odd eyes expectant. "But first, practice on this mouse. Distribute your weight evenly on your paws as you go and remember - patience." She nodded toward the grass, her tail-tip signaling him to begin as she stole a couple steps to the side, allowing him to make his own way like she had demonstrated before.

Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night
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"Your nose will get used to it." With quiet reassurance, her voice steady and light, though her sharp gaze flicked to his twitching tail. She tucked her own tail tightly against her flank, a subtle reminder of what he needed to correct.

"To keep your nose warm, breathe through your mouth and exhale through your nose. It helps warm the air as it passes through. Try it - it’ll help you pick up scents, even in this frost." She demonstrated the action herself.

She shifted her attention briefly back to the mouse’s hiding spot in the grass. "As for knowing it’s a mouse…"Her whiskers twitched."I saw it scurry a moment ago into the grass. Rabbits move differently -  their steps are heavier and more spaced out. You’ll learn to spot the signs."

Her odd colored eyes met his, her voice dropping to a near whisper to match his. "Your crouch is good, but that tail of yours will give you away. Tuck it low, keep it still." She stepped quietly to the side, her posture relaxed but watchful, letting Redpaw have his moment to try.