Training Uno(P)

[Rivershade]

Ivypaw

Padding towards the sleeping area of apprentices Rivershade sighed. It was a cool morning and rather nice. Something this clan needed more of. Once close enough she called out silkily "IvyPaw, time to train" she turned and found a soft patch of nettle. Awaiting the apprentice she grinned to her self. The last few moons had been a mess and they still in a sense were. 

[Ivypaw]

It had been far too long since Ivypaw had something to do. Being a kit was only fun because her intelligence had been so often underestimated by those around, and because she could frighten those who thought her too fragile to be leaping up to the beams under the ceiling. Ha.

In fact, she'd been dozing on the rafters above where most of the apprentices made their own nests when she had heard her name- her new one, that was. Ivypaw. Better than Ivykit, certainly, but until she had her full name, it seemed much simpler to just be Ivy. 'Kit' was patronizing, and 'Paw' was less so, but it remained a reminder that she was considered lesser than others in her clan.

In any case, she at least responded (if begrudgingly) to her name, and she quickly made her way down to the floor of the barn, eager to be doing something useful. She secretly harbored the childish excitement that all new apprentices did at the thought of learning how to serve her clan, but she wouldn't admit that out loud. "Finally," she sighed, just loud enough for her appointed mentor to hear. She stood in front of Rivershade, bicolored eyes glittering expectantly, though her expression was more bored. "Well? I'm ready."

[Rivershade]

River watched in peciance as the young silver and white patched feline joined her. Giving a small grin. As she heard a finally, and a rather impatient ready from the new apprentice. "Well I'm glad to hear it, lets get this show on the road." Standing up rather quickly and turning on her axis she padded towards Iceclans temporal hunting grounds. Though they were not home they sufficed. Looking over her shoulder she spoke warmly, "Ivypaw I plan to show you basic hunting techniques today." Starting with the days out line always calmed River. With all this chaos going on it helped. "Ivy" pausing for a quite moment to check her self she asked "You don't mind if I address you as Ivy correct?" Shifting gears and making sure they were on the right path she added"why don't you tell me a bit about your self. I guess if we are going to be interacting quite a bit . I would profer you to be quite conferrable." Saying it matter o factually she kept her long legged stride in check not wanting to leave the young thing behind.

[Ivypaw]

Ivy subtly raised a fictional eyebrow at her mentor's apparent optimism, even in the face of her rather snappy comment. She refused to believe that any cat could remain so completely unfazed and keep so positive for too long. She made a note to test the limits of Rivershade's pleasantness sometime later- but she was also aware of the fact that bothering her mentor too much might not be the best course of action to take, even if she was curious. The warrior did, after all, hold the fate of her training in her paws. It would be best to make an at least half-decent first impression, to test the waters. Then she would experiment, later.

Or not at all. Who knew? Maybe she'd get bored, first.

She eyed Rivershade suspiciously for a moment when she asked whether it would be alright to call her Ivy. Perhaps she had noticed the way that she seemed bothered by the last part of her name? If so, the warrior was definitely perceptive, and deserved more credit than Ivy had initially given her. "I'd prefer it, actually," Ivy replied, careful not to show any emotion, except for possible boredom.

Since Rivershade was asking, Ivy found it fitting to elaborate a little on why she didn't like the suffix of her name. It would give her enough of an idea as to the way that Ivy thought to be satisfied, but it wouldn't give away too much for Ivy to feel exposed. "I go by Ivy because having 'paw' or 'kit' at the end of a name is somewhat demeaning," she started, looking around as she spoke to keep in mind the path they were taking. "It's difficult to take somebody seriously when their name itself is a reminder of their lower rank and it's counterproductive when our clan is based somewhat on treating others as equals. It's difficult to work with others when you don't see them as equal to you." And yes, that was part of why she didn't like it. That, and she never liked being reminded that she was less than anyone else.

Perhaps that had been the start of her ego.

[Rivershade]

Listening with a strained intent. She was almost amused by the intake of their customs and how this young feline preseved them. "Ivy it is then," she noted the note that was carried in the apprentices tone though she did not ask. River listened with a faint smile, this kids got pride... or maybe even a shot at greatness. She thought warmly to her self. When the ranting was finished she nodded slowly. "I don't see it as a under-ranking at all. In fact I think it only shows that some of us aren't ready to learn. Or for your 'paw' ranked self its a time for you to prove your better than a simple name and make a name for your self. Hence the earning of a warriors title. It might be silly or even sound unfair but I think you find bits of your self in the process and kid that's worth the awkward emotions and unfit feelings." Stopping as it would seem they had reached there destinations she turned to face those blue and green optics. River was being overly sweet and she knew it in fact she was hoping it wouldn't phase the kid cause she was usually in a sour mood... hmm. "Enough talk lets get to work. Show me your idea of a hunting stance."

[Ivypaw]

"All kits are ready to learn," Ivy immediately started to voice her disagreement, before she thought better of it. "Until they reach a certain point, they are simply unable to- whether it may be a mental block or a phsyical one." Ivy had long since felt ready to be an apprentice, but she had at least been able to realize that physically, she wouldn't be capable of the necessary tasks.

In the end, she decided to keep quiet, though she didn't bother to hide the clear disagreement on her face. This was not something worth starting a fight over. She thought that it would be better to forge her own name from nothing, rather than have it changed periodically, simply based on age or skill level.

Ivy didn't like being looked at so closely by others. That's why, when Rivershade glanced at her, she turned away, avoiding her gaze. She huffed, and lowered herself to the ground, trying to remember all of what she'd overheard over time about the proper hunting stance. She had heard more about fishing, though- that's what other apprentices seemed more excited about, since every other clan could hunt. Her stance ended up being a rather mixed one- part fishing stance, part hunting stance. She knew something was wrong, but didn't bother trying to figure out what. That was Rivershade's job, after all.

[Rivershade]

She was amused that this kitty had a bit more to say in the matter of names. Though she wasn't sure why it would matter so fearcly after all she was no longer a kit. Nodding she noted the argument. "I guess some may prove to be more mature in the teachings of the clan but it's like leading blind mice they move when in a group" she smiled. "Though I do enjoy the point you've made i'll take it into consideration next time I attempt to answer a already chosen argument" continuing into the lesson she was more than amused. Not really sure what the apprentice was going for she softly prodded the silver and white furred spine "Lower your spine, you need to be low." Prodding the legs next she liked the balance and spacing was in good condition but the angle was all wrong. "have them all face forward like choosing one area your going to strike. In this case and most all of them forward is great" smiling she gave one more note. "Also your head will need to be down if you wish not to give your self away, goodness you will make a great fisher though" she smiled having already pieced it together that the young Ivy had probably been introduced to the fishing stance.

[Ivypaw]

rivershade          notes

While Ivy still disagreed with Rivershade's thoughts on the names given by the clan, she decided against speaking of it any longer. Others would have different opinions than her own- and they would be too set in their own ways and traditions to bother considering the alternatives. As long as Rivershade didn't use the last part of Ivy's given name too much, she would let it slide. The apprentice was quick to alter her stance accordingly, and while most might feel embarrassed by not having gotten it right (or even close) she didn't feel any amount of shame whatsoever. She was a novice. Things like this were to be expected. It wasn't her job to know, it was Rivershade's job to teach. That was why they had mentors, after all. That being said, she did smirk slightly to herself at Rivershade's compliment on her fishing stance, even as she lowered her head to the proper level. "Are there even any places to fish around here?" she asked. She hadn't really seen fish in the fresh-kill pile, but perhaps she had missed it.

► kaigra ◄

[Rivershade]

She stepped back to inspect there combined work. "Looks much better. Though you can be more loose you look a little stiff" she smiled. She make a quick circle around making sure everything was in top notch shape. With a small nod of satisfaction she shifted to sit in front of the Ivy. She shook her head. "Non that our patrols have been able to find. Guess we will have to wait until we return to Iceclan" she sighed she missed the cool stream. And home in general. "Of course you seem like such an adept fisher it would be a waste not to test your ability. I'll have to see what I can do." she promised with a smile. "Alright I want you to use the stance I've just taught you and walk around a little bit using it. Try and get a feel for it. Cause if your doing it right it will feel strange at first."

[Ivypaw]

rivershade         [ RIP SORRY THIS IS SO LATE ]

Ivy raised a fictional eyebrow at Rivershade's compliment, wondering if it was actual praise or just some attempt at flattery in order to make Ivy less closed off. Ivy couldn't see how Rivershade would be able to tell how "adept" Ivy was at fishing just by watching her stand in a certain way for just one moment. It seemed a bit far-fetched to assume anything from that, frankly. If Rivershade was trying to flatter Ivy, she was doing a poor job. Nonetheless, though, Ivy pretended to be moved by the praise by smirking slightly, then she focused on her new task. Frankly, she thought she was already relaxed- hardly anything made her uneasy, yet she exhaled slowly in order to relieve herself of any remaining tension. She felt her shoulders loosen a little. Ah. Perhaps Rivershade had a point after all. Ivy shifted her weight from one side to the other, at first, then took a few steps forward and backward. Her tail had started to drag, so she stopped, lifted it so it was hovering just above the ground, and tried again. Hmm. How awkward. Ivy could see how it might work as a hunting technique, though.  "So, which do you prefer?" Ivy asked as she adjusted her own stance as she felt necessary, based on Rivershade's earlier critiques. "Hunting, or fishing?" Honestly, she wasn't completely interested in the answer, but there wasn't any reason not to make idle conversation, so she asked, anyway.

► kaigra ◄

[Rivershade]

Paying little mind to the young felines reactions she watched as she started to prance around testing the new technique. She was impressed though it wasn't mastered and quite far off at that Ivy was proving to be a very intelligent kitty. Flicking her fluffy ears she smiled before answering. "You know I'd have to say fishing, there is just an art to it. A grace that hunting can't provide." She tilted her head and was lost in small moment of the past. Memory... Blinking rapidly to chase away the already fading image, she looked back to Ivy. "You know I think you'll make such a great fisher mainly cause it seems more relaxed to you."With a twinkle in her blue optics she added. 

"That and moons before you were born I was told those with two different eyes had a gift to spot and attack in water. Or something like that." Truth be told a very good and old friend of hers had shared that at first she envied those whom were blessed with this then of course she grew amused by her own childish response. She was the best fisher she could be and on a bigger note a freaking great one at that. Smiling she stood, "Well lets test it out." Raising her tail she scented the air. "Tell me if you can scent any near by prey."


-Haha don't even worry about it, glad to have you back-

[Ivypaw]

rivershade [ rehearsals started, rip, so sorry ]

Ivy was still deciding whether or not Rivershade was still just trying to boost her confidence when she snorted at the comment about her eyes. "As if that's true," she muttered quietly, though with an amused tone, rolling her eyes at the thought. "I imagine I see as well as anyone else- they just happened to be different from each other." Truthfully, she hadn't been aware of them at all until a curious kit had pointed it out. After that, she had noticed that almost all of the cats she met had two eyes of the same color- and she had admittedly felt a little more proud to have two colors, instead of one. She tried to never let it get to her, though. In the end, they were only as useful as everyone else's, and they only made her a little bit more memorable to those who noticed. That could be a good thing, and a bad thing, depending on what mood Ivy happened to be in that day. She raised a fictional eyebrow when Rivershade's way to 'test' her eyes required scent as opposed to sight, but she pushed the thought away, not finding it to be something worth correcting. She closed her eyes, lifting her nose to the air, allowing the world around her to disappear until it was only her, and her prey. She pricked her ears, and angled them about, until she heard the faint rustling of leaves nearby. She tilted her head in the direction of the sound, then focused on the breeze to pick out a scent. A mouse. A stupid one, at that, but still, one that would be worth catching. "That way," she informed Rivershade, waiting for permission before pursuing.

► kaigra ◄

[Rivershade]

"Would I lie to you?" she said with a shake of her head as if it was ridiculous to even think of such things. River may be many things but liar, not so. As she commented on her own eyes Rivershade gave a shrug. "That may be so, but you've heard my story. Thats for you to decide." she said amused as seemed to think it was a joke or something. She let her mind re-adjust to the task at hand, and watched as the apprentice. Scented the air. She had already scented and it would seem they both were able to locate a mouse. She nodded as Ivy seemed to be waiting. "Well it's not going to sit around all day," she prompted warmly.

[Ivypaw]

rivershade [ notes ]

Ivy kept herself from snorting at Rivershade's question. Would I lie to you? she had asked, as though it was entirely unlikely that either of them would ever lie to each other. Somehow, it helt like Ivy had already lied to her. In any case, they still hardly knew each other. Other than the fact that Rivershade was a warrior, and her mentor, and that Ivy was obligated to show respect by custom, she couldn't find any reason not to lie to lie to her. She couldn't find any reason to feel bad if she ended up lying after all. But perhaps that thought hadn't occured to Rivershade. Ivy was almost offended that Rivershade assumed she would trust so easily. In any case, however, she had a task to perform. She pushed those thoughts away and focused on tracking her prey, as Rivershade had given her approval to continue. Ivy nodded and tasted the air once more in an attempt to pinpoint the mouse's location. It was still too far to stalk the entire way, so she made her way towards it, steps quick but silent. When the scent became more potent, she slowed, then stopped entirely, keeping her movements steady, careful not to do anything that might frighten the mouse. She lowered herself to the ground, and took a step, careful to keep in mind the corrections Rivershade had made to her posture. She paused, noticing that her shoulders were stiff, relaxed them, and took another step. Tail low, but not dragging, weight distributed evenly. Closer, closer, until the mouse was in plain sight, completely unaware of her presence. Her heterochromatic eyes flashed, and she pounced, just barely landing on the mouse. She blinked in surprise for a moment at having actually landed on it at all, then remembered her wits and quickly moved her other paw to snap it's neck and make her first kill. She allowed herself time to beam with pride, before picking up her catch and turning back to Rivershade, a proud gleam still shining in her eyes.

► kaigra ◄

[Rivershade]

River watched carefully from her distance. She was impressed that the feline took to heart all the corrections she had offered prior to the hunt. She noted the instinct Ivy expressed while growing closer. Rivershade studied the motions her apprentice made with great consideration. She did well, better than well the hunt it's self looked flawless. Smiling as the young feline joined her with mouse in jaws. She purred. "Well you most certainly are a going to make an extraordinary Huntress!" she complemented the apprentice with a fond expression. She new that they hand't much time to know each other but River had learned long ago relationships can vanish if you weren't careful, and she wasn't about to loose this darling apprentice either. Her mind wandered to her past she used to be self kept and unreasonably shy... until she lost her brother, she grew awkward around others of course after Icypaw/wind came around she was ready for a change...but not all change was promising she thought mindful that she still needed to train. She tilted her head with a smile. "Do you want to hunt on the way back?" she allowed Ivy to make a choice. It was hunting or talking on the way back. Looking up at the sky she noted it was time for them to head back anyways. She looked at the she-cat. "You've done very well today, I'm impressed" she said warmly.