Open to Join Relaxing Beneath the Pines

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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 Murkkit’s pale blue eyes narrowed as he observed Echobright from the shadows, his small frame almost entirely hidden behind a clump of brambles, or at least he thought himself entirely hidden. He had been lurking around the camp, his mind wandering back to the conversation with Flutterdream. Strength—he wanted to prove it, show it, even if just in a game.

A sly grin spread across his face as he watched Echobright stretch out after her meal. She was completely unaware of him, just like prey. Moving with a deliberate silence, he slunk forward, each step careful, his silvery-blue pelt barely making a sound against the ground.

When he was just close enough, Murkkit hesitated, savoring the moment. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, he launched himself at Echobright, landing with a forceful thud beside her. “And just like that -” He mewed, his voice low and filled with a mischievous edge, his eyes gleaming with something a little darker than mere playfulness.

He tilted his head, a twisted smirk playing on his lips as he watched her reaction. “Maybe I could be an apprentice soon. I've been practicing! What do you think?” He added, his tone laced with a hint of satisfaction.

Maybe I can make the whole forest my friend. ~Echobright
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Echobrights eyes opened wide as a small bundle of fur thudded to the ground next to her. She rolled over on her side and started twitching, "Ohhh and so I fall to the mighty hunter!" She pretended to lay dead for a moment before she jumped up and purr with amusement at the young kit.

"Very soon, Murkkit. Very soon. You'll make a wonderful apprentice. In time." She gave him a gentle lick over his ear before playfully poking his side and rolling away. "Bring it on, little one!"

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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 Murkkit watched with a mixture of amusement and irritation as Echobright played along with his ambush, her exaggerated collapse not quite the reaction he had hoped for. His eyes narrowed slightly as she praised him, though the compliment did little to soothe the restless energy simmering within him.

When she rolled away, poking his side playfully, Murkkit’s smirk returned, eyes brightening just a touch. “Would a kit be able to do this?” He challenged, his voice carrying a hint of a growl as he crouched low, muscles tensed and ready to spring. She may be bigger than him, but he had the advantage - he was fast, like a snake!

With a quick wiggle of his back end, he pounced at Echobright again, this time to paw at the serpent that was her tail. He had fought a snake once, he could do so again! “You can roll away all you want, but a true hunter never lets their prey escape.” He declared, his tone more dramatic as they more or less announced their strike and raucous throughout camp.

Maybe I can make the whole forest my friend. ~Echobright
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Purring with delight, Echobright swept her tail around so it wouldn't be an easy target for the young kit. "While a hunter doesn't let their prey escape they also don't announce that they are hunting." Joy sparked in her eyes. This is what she wanted someday. A litter of kits all her own to spend time with and teach.

A quick but gentle flick of her paw was aimed at the cat to try to bowl him over. Her ears flattening playfully as her whiskers twitched with amusement. The kit was fierce, she would give him that much but he had a lot to learn from whoever Palestar chose as his mentor. "Try is like this." She dropped into the hunters crouch and took a few paw steps. "See how my hindquarters are?"

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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 Murkkit’s gaze followed Echobright's tail as she swiftly moved it out of his reach, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of frustration and determination. Her playful advice only added fuel to the fire simmering within him, and he bit back a retort, his small frame bristling with unspent energy.

When she flicked her paw at him, Murkkit barely dodged it, rolling to the side with a quick twist of his body. He straightened up, a low growl rumbling in his throat, but he kept his eyes fixed on Echobright. The joy in her eyes and the playful tone in her voice did little to ease the tension he felt building inside.

As Echobright demonstrated the hunter’s crouch, Murkkit observed closely, his eyes narrowing further as he studied her stance. He knew this was a lesson, but he couldn't shake the feeling that it was also a test - one he was determined to pass with flying colors. “I see it...". Voice low, concentrating.

He mirrored her stance, adjusting his hindquarters as she had shown him, although it was a little rushed. “Like this, right?” He asked, though it was more of a statement than a question. His eyes flicked up to meet hers, a hint of defiance in his gaze. “But I’ll do it better when I’m older. Promise!”

Maybe I can make the whole forest my friend. ~Echobright
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Seeing the determination the young kit had filled Echobright with pride. Shadowclan kits were very bright and cunning. Murkkit was no exception. She studied his crouch, poking once or twice at his hindquarters for readjustment. "There we are!  You look like a natural hunter now." She flicked her tail towards the nursery wall, "Why don't you go over there and test it out by hunting me?" She stood with baited breathe to see what the kit would do. Was this OK? Should she be helping him practice, instead of helping the clan?

Maybe after this session she could have him help her clean the nursery or something. But she really didn't want to end the fun. Looking briefly around the rest of the camp, no other cat seemed to be looking at them in anger. It was fine, right? She padded a few steps away and crouched, pretending to be a mouse snuffling at the leaves, her ears angles back towards Murkkit.

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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 Murkkit’s eyes gleamed with pride as Echobright adjusted his stance, the praise she offered fueling his determination. He barely registered her moment of hesitation, too focused on the challenge she had set before him. When she flicked her tail towards the nursery wall and suggested he hunt her, a slow, calculating smile spread across his face.

“Alright.” He slunk towards the nursery wall, his movements silent and deliberate, just as she had taught him.

Murkkit’s gaze locked onto Echobright, watching her every movement as she pretended to be a mouse. He noted the way her ears angled back toward him, and he decided to use that to his advantage. He began to circle her slowly, his small frame pressed low to the ground, until he was nearly dragging his belly. He was careful to stay just out of her line of sight, his paw steps light.

When he was in position, Murkkit paused, every muscle in his body coiled with tension. He could feel his heartbeat quicken, the thrill of the game surging through him. But instead of lunging immediately, he waited, letting the anticipation build, savoring the moment when he would strike. And this time he wouldn't announce himself.

And then, without warning, he launched himself at her!

Maybe I can make the whole forest my friend. ~Echobright
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The kit had essentially vanished. He was talented, and would make a great hunter for the clan. His pounce actually took her by surprise. She collapsed under the unexpected weight of the Murkkit with an "Oof."

Collecting herself, she quickly rolled away from the kit and hopped back up with a purr, "Very good! Murkkit, you'll be a wonderful hunter." Should she give him some advice for when he DOES begin an apprentice? Why not, it couldn't hurt.

Echobright lowered her head so she could look into Murkkits face, "Now pay attention, young kit. Echobrights about to drop some knowledge." Laughter danced in her eyes as she went on, "A rabbit will smell you long before they see you. But a mouse will feel your paw steps. Remember that for when you are apprenticed."

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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Murkkit relished the moment when Echobright went down with a surprised "oof," his tiny form perched victoriously atop her for that brief instant. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction, a dark undercurrent of pride swelling within him.

As Echobright lowered her head to meet his gaze, he listened intently, his ears pricking forward at the promise of "knowledge." The flicker of amusement in her eyes didn't go unnoticed, but Murkkit’s focus was sharp. He hung on her every word, committing the advice to memory with a seriousness that belied his age.

"A rabbit smells you first, but a mouse feels your steps." He echoed softly, more to himself than to her, his voice thoughtful. It was clear he was already imagining himself in the scenarios she described, the way he’d have to adjust his tactics depending on the prey.

He looked up at her, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Me and my brothers are almost apprentices. Who do you think will mentor us? Who do you think Palestar will choose?"

Murkkit wasn’t just eager to learn—he was hungry for it.

Maybe I can make the whole forest my friend. ~Echobright
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Echobright blinked in surprise as she sat up straight. She hadn't expected either the focus or the question from the young kit. "Hmmm that's a wonderful question. Well I know who I would pick as your mentor." She flicked a paw over her mouth showing that she wouldn't say who easily. Laughter dancing in her eyes once more.

She padded over and sat down beside the young kit, looking down at him she wrapped her tail around his small form. "No matter who Palestar picks, you will do amazing things, Murkkit. You are eager to learn and that will help you a great deal."

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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 Murkkit tilted his head, his curiosity piqued as Echobright teased him with the possibility of knowing who his mentor might be. His eyes narrowed slightly, trying to read her expression, but the playful glint in her eyes kept her secret well-guarded.

When she wrapped her tail around him, he stiffened for a moment, not entirely comfortable with the gesture, but he quickly masked it, letting out a small purr as if he appreciated the warmth. Her words of encouragement were met with a faint smile, just imaging who she might have in mind.

"Maybe Palestar will pick me to mentor." He suggested as he fixed her with those cornflower blue eyes, enjoying the break to their game. "I plan on learning fast. But if you already have someone in mind, maybe you should tell Palestar. Wouldn't want her to pick wrong."

There was a playful challenge in his tone, a subtle test to see how much influence Echobright might actually have - or how much she thought she had. Murkkit’s mind was already working on how he could maneuver himself into the best position, even as a kit. Palestar was only one cat, and Murkkit shared the nursery with two brothers who also seemed to share that desire.

Maybe I can make the whole forest my friend. ~Echobright
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Echobrights ears pricked at the idea of talking to Palestar. "Maybe. That's not a bad idea. I'm sure you will learn faster than any other apprentice." She purred, her voice oozing with affection. The challenge in Murkkits voice was not lost on her but she chose to ignore it. He was excited and trying to push his boundaries as kits do.

She briefly wondered where Palestar was at the moment. Then slyly, without even glancing at the kit, she used his body to nudge the young kit before jumping away and dropping into a battle crouch.

"Show me what you can do, Murrkit! Claws sheathed though."  She barred her teeth playfully. This would be a good chance to see the fighting potential of the blue smoke kit.

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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 Murkkit felt a flicker of satisfaction as Echobright entertained the idea of speaking with Palestar. Her affection and encouragement washed over him like a warm breeze, but he remained focused, even as she nudged him with her body. The kit's mind was already racing ahead, considering the possibilities if she truly did have any sway with the leader.

As Echobright jumped away and dropped into a battle crouch, Murkkit's eyes narrowed, his playful façade barely concealing the calculated thoughts beneath. He understood the importance of this moment—of showing her just what he was capable of, even if she thought it was all in good fun.

With a swift, fluid motion, Murkkit crouched low to the ground, his body tense like a coiled spring. He moved carefully, circling her, his eyes fixed on her every movement. His eyes were busy watching - watching her paws, watching how her body reacted to keep him in her sights, watched her eyes themselves. It was almost dizzying.

He leaped with plenty of warning. He kept his claws sheathed, as instructed, but there was an unmistakable intensity in his pounce. Maybe even Palestar was watching from her den.

Maybe I can make the whole forest my friend. ~Echobright
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As the young kit pounced, Echobright allowed the ball of fluff to land his pounce, she dropped to the ground again and went limp. After a moment she shoved herself upwards gently to dislodge him but not hurt Murkkit. "Don't think an enemy is down just because they collapse. The moment they sense hesitation they'll use it against you." She swept her right forepaw out aimed at his legs as she called out, "Don't take your eyes off me."

She couldn't begin to think of how proud of Murkkit she felt. She wanted to train him, and she hoped Palestar would approve of the idea. She was still young to be a mentor, but this kits determination called out to her.

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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 Echobright went down. For a fleeting moment, he believed he had her, but the instant she moved, he realized his mistake. Her gentle push dislodged him, and her words rang in his ears -"Don't think an enemy is down just because they collapse."

He barely had time to react as her paw swept toward his legs. Instinctively, he tried to leap back, but he was too slow, her move catching him off guard. He stumbled, but he managed to keep his balance, eyes widening as he absorbed her lesson. She was right, of course, but that didn’t dull the sting of his own miscalculation.

Quickly regaining his footing, Murkkit narrowed his eyes, refusing to look away from her this time. He feinted to the left, hoping to draw her attention, then darted to the right, aiming to circle around her. He knew he couldn't overpower her, but if he could keep her guessing, he might find an opening.

Maybe I can make the whole forest my friend. ~Echobright
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Echobrights eyes widened as the young kit darted around her, for a cat so young he was a natural fighter. Her head swiveled this way and that as she tried to keep focused on him. Suddenly she stopped and stared behind Murkkit smiling as a leaf danced through the air. Trying this move twice might prove to be a failure but if it worked it would be a good lesson.

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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 Murkkit noticed Echobright’s eyes widen as he circled around her. For a moment, he felt a surge of triumph, thinking he had her on the defensive. But then, he saw her gaze shift, her attention drawn to something behind him. He hesitated, just for a heartbeat, glancing back to see what had caught her eye.

It was a mistake.

The dancing leaf fluttered innocently through the air, but in that brief moment of distraction, Murkkit realized too late that he had fallen for her ploy. His fur bristled in frustration as he whipped his head back to Echobright, recognizing that he had let his guard down.

Anger at himself simmered beneath his pelt, and in a moment to channel his efforts, leaped at the leaf itself. Without warning his claws slipped from their sheath and immediately slapped his paws down to catch the leaf between them. He worked on tearing the leaf into slivers before sliding around to meet Echobright.

"That was fun!" he mewed, voices unusually bright for one who simmered from such a dirty trick. A part of him, for a fleeting moment, pretended it was her pelt instead of a leaf that he shredded, but only met her gaze with a smirk.

Maybe I can make the whole forest my friend. ~Echobright
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Echobright smiled at the kit, she knew he must be angry he fell for the feint twice but she didn't want to show sympathy and upset Murkkit. She padded over to him with a deep purr, "Overall, you show much promise but tell me. What went wrong there?" If he could put into words what had happened it would help the lesson sink in.

As she waited for an answer she looked around the clearing hoping to see Palestar, she wanted to speak with her leader about possibly mentoring Murkkit.

Training him would be a great challenge for her as well because of his stubborn nature but she couldn't overlook his potential. The kit was very quick to pick up on lessons and she was proud of how he was handling this situation so far.

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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 Murkkit watched as Echobright approached him, her deep purr not quite masking the underlying expectation in her eyes. He knew she was testing him again, seeing if he could articulate what had gone wrong.

His fur was still ruffled from the trick she had pulled. He sat up straighter, lifting his chin slightly as he considered his answer. “I should’ve kept my focus on you, no matter what. The leaf was nothing but a trick.”

He didn’t mention the fleeting satisfaction he’d felt when tearing the leaf apart, or the brief fantasy that had flitted through his mind. Those were his secrets, his ways of coping with the frustration of being outmaneuvered. But he wouldn’t let it happen again. Next time, he would be ready.

Murkkit’s gaze remained steady as he met Echobright’s eyes, his smirk returning. “But I won’t fall for that again.” With challenge clear in his tone, he sat in front of her, wondering if Palestar might be interested in mentoring him. Felt right.

Maybe I can make the whole forest my friend. ~Echobright
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Echobright nodded slowly but also gave him an expectant look  as if she wanted more of an answer. The kit was intelligent and strong willed but sometimes these properties could blind him to new ideas. Flicking her tail over Murkkits ear she purred, "You watched my face. Next time try watching my paws. My face can be used to feint and fake but my paws will always give away what I'm about to do."

She stood up and paced across the clearing again and proceeded to do a few jumps and swipes to show what she meant. Great potential did not mean he didn't have anything to learn. Once she finished she sat back down and wrapped her flowing tail around her paws and gave her chest a small lick.

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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 Murkkit absorbed Echobright’s words, the expectant look in her eyes pushing him to consider her advice more deeply. He narrowed his eyes, focusing on her paws as she demonstrated, each movement precise and deliberate. It made sense - her paws were the real threat, the tools that would strike, while her face could easily deceive.

He dipped his head slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment rather than submission. “I see...” He murmured, his mind already working to incorporate this new lesson. Watching the paws instead of the face - it was a subtle but crucial detail that he hadn’t considered before.

When Echobright settled back down, Murkkit’s gaze remained on her, the fire of determination still burning bright in his eyes. “Thanks for the lesson, Echobright.” His voice was a soft note of promise, but also genuine sincerity. A lesson from a warrior wasn't something he could take lightly. He turned, casting one last glance at her before trotting back toward the nursery.

As he approached the den, he couldn’t help but wonder who Palestar would choose to mentor him. The thought made his pulse quicken, but for now, he had more important things to focus on like bragging to his brothers if they were awake. Or wake them up first if they were sleeping.