Coldgaze and Merrypaw
Coldgaze quizzes Merrypaw on her observations over the last moon.
Along the riverbed, firmly in Riverclan territory.
11
Coldgaze led Merrypaw out into the territory quite early in the morning, not for hunting but to give her a better idea of the further reaches of the territory. He made sure not to travel too close to Thunderclan territory... but close enough that they could see the forest. Having previously shown Merrypaw Tresspass point, he took her the opposite direction, along the bank.
About halfway through the walk, he turned back to Merrypaw, finding a patch of ground that wasn't quite as frozen as the rest and turning back to her.
"I did warn you this was coming." He settled, keeping his pawpads turned in his tail to try and keep them warm. "So, Merrypaw. What is - in your mind- the Warrior Code?"
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw trailed close behind Coldgaze, her paws crunching softly against the frost-laden ground. The morning chill nipped at her ears, but she pushed it aside, focusing instead on her mentor’s question. When he stopped and turned to her, she blinked, her teal eyes narrowing in thought.
She flicked her tail as she thought it through, the pride of knowing at least some of the answer flickering in her chest. "The Warrior Code... is meant to keep the clans safe and strong. Like... loyalty to RiverClan above all else, making sure the kits and elders are fed before anyone else, and respecting boundaries with the other Clans." Her voice was steady, but then her thoughts wandered to the camp, and examples sprang to mind. "Like how Cottonbright takes time to remind other warriors about border patrols. Or how Nettleplume stays up all night organizing herbs, even though the Code doesn’t say medicine cats have to sacrifice their rest like that... And Otterwhisker - she always has a story or wisdom to share selflessly."
Her gaze flicked up towards her mentor. "I think... it’s more about making choices that seem to be the best for RiverClan, even if the Code doesn’t tell you exactly how to do it." She hesitated, wondering if she’d said too much, but pressed on. "So... I guess I think the Warrior Code is a foundation, but it’s how we act around it that makes us real warriors."
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Merrypaw’s interpretation wasn’t wrong – she had good examples and had clearly watched her clanmates carefully to see how they embodied the code. Speaking of which… “Hm. I will have to speak to Nettleplume.” He mused, flicking tail revealing his discomfort. Nettleplume shouldn’t be sacrificing his sleep for that. If he needed help – especially with his mentor’s fast deteriorating health – he was supposed to ask. Perhaps from a certain brown tom…
“Riverclan is our top priority. That is the hard truth of the matter. The code gives us stories, mantras and beliefs to follow. But at its core is keeping the clan safe, fed and cohesive.” He settled.
“You have done well Merrypaw.” Coldgaze wasn’t one to hand out empty praise. He hoped his apprenticed understood that he meant it.
From his loafed seat, he looked out at the relatively open patch of frozen dirt. “… I showed you a few battle exercises. Run through those while we speak.” Keeping her body warm was a good idea during this weather, and this would help her learn to multitask.
“Some pieces of the code are not immediately apparent in everyday life. I’m going to share another piece of wisdom.” His eyes drilled into his apprentice’s multi-toned pelt. “You tell me – what is the moral of this story? Answer correctly... And we'll learn some proper offensive moves.”
OOC: Coldgaze probably showed Merrypaw some basic battle moves, namely defensive ones and reversal attacks in anticipation of Thunderclan. These were in a choreography to practice and condition her body. Maybe he also threw in a more advanced move, just for funsies and to see if she notices. It’s entirely up to you.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw straightened slightly at Coldgaze's praise, warmth blooming in her chest despite the icy chill biting at her fur. The fact that her mentor's approval wasn't easily earned made the acknowledgment all the sweeter.
At his instruction, she nodded eagerly, rising to her paws and padding to the center of the frozen patch. The movements Coldgaze had shown her replayed in her mind - twisting dodges, swift counterattacks, and a few more maneuvers she hadn’t quite mastered yet. Her muscles tensed, and she began to move through the choreography. Her paws kicked up faint puffs of frost as she stepped, ducked, and swiped, her tail flicking in concentration.
Coldgaze’s voice carried through the cold air and she kept one ear swiveled toward him as she worked to keep her form sharp. The idea of practicing offensive moves excited her. It felt like she was getting closer to being a warrior every time they added something new. When Coldgaze’s spoke, her movements faltered slightly, but was determined to show she could multitask. "Even if you memorize the Code, everyone seems to interprete it a little differently...Doesn't mean its not important or loses it's meaning - I just wish it wasn't so...vague." Her tail drooped a bit, lost in thought.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Coldgaze took a moment to study her form, the puffs of snow sparkling up in the noonday sun. She had grace that could not be taught – and he intended to teach her to use it. “Stiffen your shoulders and relax your forelimbs.” Her swipes were that of a kit. But she would get better.
“The vagueness of the code is something to operate in. It allows for situational awareness.” He didn’t feel like elaborating on that, but with time she would understand what he meant. Nothing was to be given. Everything had to be earned. “Memorization leads to complacency.”
Still, there were things that average clan-life didn’t cover. So, he would have to provide additional information.
“This is an old story, told many times with many names and in many forms. This is the version my dame told me.” Merrypaw had stilled and he waited till she had gone back to lunging at the air.
“Back when the clans were young, when Riverstar ruled with patience, there was a queen of Riverclan known as Ashbark.” He stood, circling around Merrypaw. “Mind your centre of gravity –Despite being loyal to Riverclan, Ashfur had struck a deal with a cat from Windclan. A tom named Birdfall. He had approached her with the concept of half-clan kits; something to keep them together even as the clans grew further and further apart.”
“Ashbark was hesitant. ‘Half-clan kits have been shameful since the time of the Great Clans. They could grow wild, unruly. Resentful.’ She cautioned Birdfall. Nevertheless, he insisted – forcing the issue when they saw one another at the gatherings. Threatening to tell her clanmates about their friendship. So eventually, she relented.”
“Ashbark’s litter was one of the first in the clan since the split and would be one of the first to be raised as apprentices. But Ashbark herself was not so lucky. Bleeding out from a litter she didn’t want – she cursed the tom who did this to her, and her two kits with a lifetime of suspicion from their clanmates.” He tapped her back foot, which had begun to slip out of alignment with her haunches, with his paw as a gentle reminder.
“Those cats, named Russetkit and Waspkit, grew up knowing of their mixed heritage. Throughout their apprenticeship Russetpaw strove to prove that he was loyal to the clan. But Wasppaw, she found herself staring over the border at Windclan. Longing to join her sire and leave behind the suspicions of her peers. All she needed was an in.”
He paused for dramatic effect. Sue him; he liked storytelling. And this was one of his favourites from his own days in the nursery.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw listened intently as Coldgaze began his story, her teal eyes flicking between her mentor and the snow-dusted ground beneath her paws. She resumed her lunges, her body moving with determination, though the tale he wove had her mind spinning with questions. She adjusted her stance quickly when Coldgaze tapped her back foot, a flush of embarrassment warming her face despite the chill. Focus...
As the tale unfolded, her movements slowed just slightly, her curiosity threatening to overtake her focus. The idea of half-clan kits and the tension they brought fascinated her, though it also filled her with unease.
She tucked her forelimbs closer as she swiped at the frosty air, trying to heed Coldgaze’s critique. "So Ashbark didn’t have a choice in the matter?" She asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and indignation. "And Birdfall... he just forced her into it? That doesn’t sound like loyalty or love. That sounds - " She cut herself off, biting back the sharp words that wanted to follow.
Her brow furrowed as she moved into another lunge, this time keeping her shoulders stiffer as instructed. "And the kits... it’s not like they asked to be born that way. Why were they treated so badly? Wasn’t it Riverstar’s job to make sure they were accepted?"
The questions spilled out before she could stop them, her curiosity and frustration mingling with the rhythm of her practice. Stories like these always left her wanting to understand more - why things happened the way they did...what lessons were meant to be learned.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
The notion of a leader’s limited influence struck her as both humbling and unsettling. She imagined Riverstar, burdened by decisions that could only reach so far, and it made her wonder how any cat could shoulder such responsibility.
Her attacks became erratic, her focus slipping as her emotions bubbled to the surface. The sharp edge of injustice in Waspthroat’s story gnawed at her. She winced slightly when Coldgaze pressed on her shoulder, forcing her to steady herself. The subtle correction brought her back to the present. Guard yourself, she repeated in her head. She shifted her weight, planting her paws more firmly, determined to meet his expectations.
As Coldgaze described Waspthroat’s downfall, Merrypaw’s chest tightened. A shiver ran through her that had little to do with the cold. "That’s awful..." She murmured, more to herself than her mentor.
"It’s like no matter what choice she made, it wasn’t good enough. Why didn’t she just stay with Russetash? At least he cared about her, right?" Her claws dug slightly into the frozen earth, as she swiped at him, keeping her focus even as her eyes narrowed. The way Coldgaze had shifted into storytelling helped her ground herself.
"What happened to Russetash?" She couldn’t help but hope his story had a better ending than his sister’s.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
"He did. He loved his sister more than anything. They had been through much together in their apprenticeships. And she tried to convince him to join her... but we are getting ahead of ourselves." He managed a dodge; slipping under her swipe and bounding back to a safe distance to continue his critique of her form... and the story.
Merrypaw has a sense of empathy that was alien to Coldgaze. He knew it wouldn’t serve her well in the clan… but he couldn’t bring himself to scold her for it. “Russetpaw, faced no small amount of suspicion from his clanmates. Throughout his apprenticeship he endured his fellow apprentices harassing him and his sister. But while Wasppaw looked outwards, Russetpaw chose to prove his worth to his birth clan. He picked ticks off elders without complaint; he rescued kits from their misguided adventures. He threw himself into with his training under the mentorship of Ragingrapids. Soon, none could argue with his dedication – his drive to serve others. Yet the whispers followed Russetash… up until the day he chased his sister from the clan.”
“Russetash, still fresh from the bloodshed and heartbreak, was rewarded for his service. Riverstar saw fit to honor him with the rank of senior warrior, even at such a young age. And none of the clan protested.” Coldgaze nodded, mostly to himself as Merrypaw kept her emotions in check. He couldn’t take away her caring nature but regardless, she needed to temper it in battle. “But his life wasn't getting any easier. Windclan hadn’t been aware of his existence up until the presence of his sister and they called him out at the next Gathering, with Waspthroat at their side. Offering him a place in the clan."
Coldgaze bared his teeth for emphasis. "But he spat in the face of the leader Windstar and his sister.”
“Above the arguing din of a gathering in shambles, Russetash yowled to the stars above; ’I was born a Riverclan cat – I will serve as a Riverclan cat and when I die, my ancestors will welcome me as a proud member of Starclan’s ranks.’ And so there wasn’t any room for negotiation, nor fighting. Russetash was of Riverclan.”
He closed his eyes. Riverclan hadn’t dealt with a half-clan cat for as long as he could remember. Or at least, none that were openly claimed. But Mistypaw was an unknown case, and he could only hope she took the way of Russetash.
“When Riverstar, legendary leader of the Great Clans joined his other half in Starclan, he had Russetash by his side. No longer a resented half-clan burden. No longer a mere warrior. But a longstanding deputy. And Ashstar took up the mantel of Riverclan’s leader with patience and forgiveness. As he lived, no cat in Riverclan would be shunned so long as they proved themselves loyal to his cause. No matter the circumstance of their birth. No matter their past.”
His eyes flicked open to stare down his apprentice. "So, Merrypaw. What do you think this story tell us? What lesson is there to be learned from the lives of Waspthroat and Russetash?" He gave her a moment to collect her thoughts before responding.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw’s teal eyes followed Coldgaze’s movements as he gracefully dodged her swipe, his critique of her form entwined with the continuing tale. She pressed her paws firmly into the frozen ground, trying to steady both her balance and her emotions.
When Coldgaze recounted Russetash’s defiant proclamation at the Gathering, Merrypaw felt a flicker of pride, even though she’d never met the cat. His loyalty to RiverClan was unwavering, his courage undeniable.
As Coldgaze’s piercing gaze landed on her, Merrypaw blinked. The matter of lesson was heavy, and her movements slowed as she tried to articulate a responce. The words that were heavy on her tongue. "I think..." Her voice was tentative at first but gained strength. "I think it shows how important loyalty is - real loyalty. Russetash didn’t just say he was loyal he showed it every day even when his clanmates didn’t believe in him. And in the end, that loyalty mattered more than where he came from.”
She hesitated, glancing down at her paws. "But it also shows how hard it can be to balance loyalty with... with love, or family. Waspthroat thought she was doing the right thing, saving that WindClan warrior, but her loyalty wasn’t to her clan. And that’s why she - "Merrypaw paused, swallowing hard. "- faded."
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Coldgaze nodded, letting her slow her movements so she could respond with thought. She wasn’t wrong – loyalty was the core value of the story. But there were others. Selflessness, mercilessness… he would consider those teaching that the tale had to offer as well.
It was clear that the story had left an impression on her. Merrypaw wasn’t slow nor stupid. She would come to those conclusions with time and peer support.
But there was one lesson he wanted to make sure was drilled into the young she-cat’s head.
“Real loyalty appears in many ways within the clan. There are a plethora of actions and decisions any clan cat can take to prove themselves.” He stilled her with a flick of his ear. “But I want you to remember this.”
“No one, not the leader, not the deputy. No one. Can ever pressure you into having kits if you don’t want them.” He knew this was mentioned to kits at a young age – and the idea that having kits was their responsibility. But… apprentices and kits didn’t have quite a grasp on what that entailed. “If anyone ever – ever- makes you feel like it’s an obligation, a necessity, you claw their ears off. You understand me?
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw blinked, her movements coming to a halt as Coldgaze’s words settled over her like frost. Her teal eyes widened slightly, not with shock but with curiosity.
For a moment, she was silent, turning the idea over in her mind. She’d always thought of loyalty in terms of defending her clan, proving her worth through training, hunting, and battle.. and through the selfless sacrifice of she-cats who chose to provide for their clan by kitting. She needed to protect her own choices, her own autonomy, and it felt… empowering. It wasn’t something she’d ever heard put so bluntly before.
"Yes, I understand. No one can make me do something like that - not if it’s not what I want." Her claws flexed slightly against the frozen ground as if testing the resolve behind her words. Her pose was indeterminant, but beneath her skin her muscles prepared for another lunge - a slight shuffle of footing and Merrypaw launched another 'attack' at her mentor, aiming for a low sweep as she half dove to the side, aimed at his flank before shifting down.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
His gaze softened a little bit.
“Well. I suppose battle training is in order after that display.” He dropped into a neutral stance. At her strike, smile graced the edge of his mouth before disappearing.
Her attack was easily read - but it was ambitious. He bounded back in a fluid motion with all four paws before following up with his own strike - a pin aimed for her chest to take advantage of her dive. "Be unpredictable! Surprise me." He hadn't taught her the counter. Now was a chance for improvisation.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw’s teal eyes flicked up as Coldgaze spoke, her tail tip twitching at his softened gaze and the brief smile that flickered across his face. Even in the middle of training, she felt a spark of pride that her mentor acknowledged her effort, even if it hadn’t landed.
As his counterstrike came for her chest, instinct kicked in. Her muscles coiled tightly, and instead of trying to block or absorb the blow, she let herself roll to the side, the frosty ground cold against her fur as she shifted with the momentum of his move.
She sprang back to her paws in an instant, using the roll to position herself on his exposed flank as he had moved forward to take advantage of her diev. With a quick dart, she aimed a sharp but controlled paw strike at his side, just behind his shoulder.
A less 'mature apprentice might have quipped at their mentor, but Merrypaw's maw was sealed shut, eyes lined with focus as if trying to antisipate his next move.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw’s eyes widened in the brief moment it took for Coldgaze to twist and use her own momentum against her. She hit the frozen ground with a thud, the cold seeping through her fur. Gritting her teeth, she scrambled back to her paws, shaking off the dirt clinging to her pelt. Her teal gaze flicked toward Coldgaze, narrowing slightly as she processed the move.
That was clever, she admitted silently, her mind already racing to counter it. She hadn’t expected him to throw her, but now she understood how effective it could be. Her claws flexed against the frozen earth as an idea sparked in her mind.
Without hesitation, Merrypaw feinted to the left, her body crouched low as if aiming for his exposed flank again. But instead of completing the move, she pivoted sharply, her paws crunching the frost as she darted right and lunged for his other side. This time she aimed to sweep his legs out from beneath him hoping to catch him off guard while he recovered from her initial feint.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Coldgaze has moved to intercept her strike but didn't move nearly fast enough to intercept her sweep. However, this would be a good lesson for her in evenly distributing your body weight - as even though she took out one of his legs he was able to shift so his weight was on the three others - and launch a counterattack.
He took advantage of her low posture, coming down on top of her with a well times pounce. He intended to pin her - not using his full weight. Just enough to make her see why a pin on the neck would be exceptionally debilitating in a fight.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw felt the brief thrill of success as her strike landed, catching one of Coldgaze’s legs. But her triumph was short lived - before she could fully recover, he shifted his weight and suddenly his shadow loomed over her.
A heartbeat later, Coldgaze’s weight bore down on her. A frustrated huff left her nose, her teal eyes flashing as she twisted beneath him, testing his grip. She could still breathe, but she understood immediately. If this were a real battle a pin like this would be disastrous.
She forced her body to go slack for just a moment, a trick she’d seen prey use when caught. Then, in the same heartbeat, she surged upward with her hind legs, twisting to slip one forepaw free. If she could reach his face or shoulder, even a quick jab might be enough to disrupt his hold. Merrypaw wasn’t strong enough to throw him off completely, but she didn’t need to win, just escape.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
His apprentice's trick wasn't a new one to Coldgaze but it threw him off simply because he hadn't taught it to her. Her paws lashed out at him and he was forced to either weather her attack or retreat a few steps and reposition.
Well... he had never been one to back down. He managed to duck under her paw (although if she had been a full grown warrior with more momentum the strike likely would have landed) before bearing down again and being sure she had to put all her energy into keeping her legs underneath her rather than getting a free shot at him.
"Weight is an important part of combat." He murmured, waiting a second to emphasis his point before releasing his apprentice from the pin and taking a few steps back. "Your brother and you will have very different fighting styles - as do all cats." There was a twinkle of something in his eyes. Coldgaze had long ago made peace with his smaller size and weight in comparison to many other cats. But that only made his opponents underestimate him.
"As do I." He dropped his fighting stance, signalling the session was over. If Merrypaw wanted to try and get a final strike in she could try but he was giving her a moment to recollect herself after the squishing she received.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw’s muscles burned with the effort of holding her stance beneath Coldgaze’s weight, her hind legs trembling slightly as she tried to find an opening. Her mentor’s words rang in her ears. She grit her teeth, frustration bubbling in her chest, but she swallowed it down. He was right.
And then, just as suddenly as he had pinned her, Coldgaze stepped back, releasing her. Merrypaw didn’t move right away, catching her breath as she processed his lesson. Her ears flicked at the mention of Sturgeonpaw, her mind already spinning with the possibilities. Her tail lashed as she met Coldgaze’s gaze, catching the glint in his eye.
She forced herself to relax, shaking the tension from her limbs. It didn't pay to have her frustrations make her into a sloppy fighter, or a sore loser. This was training, not a game - and Merrypaw had the forethought to take it seriously without another kittish attempt. "I enjoy training beside him - we cover each others weakness."
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Coldgaze blinked. She should enjoy training with her brother. He hoped she appreciated how lucky she was to be able to do so.
“I agree. But don’t let him make you sloppy.” While it was nice to have a good partner, standing on her own as a warrior was more important in the long run. Sturgeonpaw wasn’t always going to be out on patrol with her – she needed practice in more solo combat situations against different opponents. Maybe he and Cottonbright should swap apprentices for a day. Just to see how they would respond to different fighting styles.
His musing could wait until they got back to camp.
“We will finish a border sweep out by the grasslands.” He stood, shaking off the frost. “You’ll have the afternoon to yourself. Do with it what you wish.” He had worked her hard today – hopefully she would use the time to stretch or see her dame. But he wouldn’t be the judge of that.
“Lead on.” He let her choose the direction as they set off together.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw flicked an ear at Coldgaze’s warning but didn’t argue. She knew better than to lean too hard on Sturgeonpaw... Still, the idea of training with him more deliberately lingered in her mind, curling like a leaf caught in a breeze.
As Coldgaze stood and shook off the frost, she stretched her legs before straightening up, nodding at his plan. The promise of free time was tempting - she could nap, eat, or maybe even pester Sturgeonpaw, or maybe take Otterwhisker out on a walk around the territory if she was feeling up to it. But something else stirred in her thoughts first.
As she took the lead she glanced sideways at her mentor. "What if we all trained together sometime?" Her voice was soft, almost a purr. "Me and Sturgeonpaw, I mean. Not just sparring with each other, but against you and Cottonbright. Or even just you.” She tilted her head, watching his reaction. “You say we’ll have different fighting styles. Wouldn’t it be useful to see how we match up against a stronger opponent?"
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
… It was a consideration. He didn’t mind being the punching bags for apprentices – especially if it let him determine how their training-
Coldgaze cut himself off. Sometimes, training could be fun. If Duckfeather and Ambereye had given him and Splashpelt the chance to train, he might not have taken it. So, if Merrypaw really wanted to spend time with her siblings who was he to argue?
His thoughts kept him quiet for a few moments too long. “I’ll talk with Cottonbright.”
Characters:
Coldgaze: (he/him) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (she/her) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (he/him) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (he/him) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (he/him) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (she/her) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (she/her) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺
Merrypaw watched Coldgaze’s expression carefully, noting the way he seemed to weigh her suggestion. She wasn’t sure if he’d reject it outright or consider it, but the pause in his answer told her enough. He was thinking about it.
A pleased hum rumbled in her throat as she flicked her tail. "Alright." She didn’t press him further - if he was going to talk to Cottonbright, then that was that. Instead, she stretched her legs one more time before stepping ahead, shaking the cold from her pelt. For now, training was over. And a nap was calling her name.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
