Warm Wind

[echo]

Tornadowpaw

Whiskers quivering with excitement, the gray tabby bounded out of camp. It was his first training session since his rather uneventful ceremony. The gentle breeze blew through his fur--it was the perfect day to climb to the top of a tall tree and just relax. But he wasn't going to miss training. Tornadopaw looked over his shoulder, seeing if his mentor was there.

[Blue the Bumblebee]

Skypelt followed her apprentice. This was going to be their fist training session, and she planned to take him to the training hollow for hunting lessons. She ran to there, hoping herapprentice would use his nose to help keep up. She arrived, and waited for Tornadowpaw to arrive.

[echo]

Tornadopaw

Surprised, he stumbled slightly as Skypelt hurried ahead. In moments, all he could see was waving ferns. Sniffing the air, the warrior's scent was still fresh and strong. Speeding up his own pace, Tornadopaw ran through the wall of plants, noting that the trail wasn't straight--it winded between various trees and bushes. As he entered a spacious hollow, he spotted Skypelt waiting for him. "What are we going to start with?" the young tom asked, curious. It was probably hunting, since he had left him behind to follow the scent trail.

[Blue the Bumblebee]

That was your fist lesson, and you did exceptionaly well. I'm proud. She purred. Well, I was thining we could go over Hunting Stratgies. You are alredy have a skilled nose. I tryed to challenge you, and you did very well. she purred.

[echo]

Tornadowpaw licked his ruffled chest fur, eyes glimmering with pride. "Thanks," he mewed.

[Blue the Bumblebee]

Skypelt smieled. Okay, copy my moves. she meowed. She dropped into a hunters crouch, slunk forward, and pounced a a small flower in the clearing. You try.

[echo]

Tornadopaw watched her carefully, eyes alert. Trying to mimic her, he flattened himself slightly to the ground, and creeped forward slowly, one paw at a time. He was about to jump at large leaf, when suddenly a bird cry startled him out of his concentration. Tornadopaw tripped, and stumbled forward. "Oof!" he grunted.

[Blue the Bumblebee]

Skypelt chuckeled. We all fall now and again. Did you hurt anything? she asked.

[echo]

Embarrassed, the small tom climbed to his paws, fur ruffled. He gave himself a quick shake, and loose twigs and dirt fell out of his pelt. Tornadopaw looked over himself. "No," he replied.

[Blue the Bumblebee]

Try again, dear. Stay focused on the hunt. You have to become as quiet as a mouse, as focused as a warrior, and as determined as a young bird beging to fly. My mentor told me that. It's very helpful, and I'm passing it on to you.

[echo]

Nodding, determination flared in his gray eyes. The tabby tom stepped back from the leaf, and once again crouched down. His eyes were focused on the single leaf. In his mind's eye, it became a plump, juicy mouse. He lifted a paw, and set it down. Making no sound, he took another step. The mouse was unaware of the young hunter. Tornadopaw leaped forward, and clamped his paws on the leaf tightly. "How's that?"

[Blue the Bumblebee]

Very good, Tornadowpaw. Try again on that diasy over there. she flicked her tail to a daisy that was about 4 foxlengths away.

[echo]

Tornadopaw turned to face the flower. Stepping off of the leaf, he flattened himself to the grass again. Taking several careful steps, he decided he was close enough to jump. Tensing, the apprentice sprang at it, but landed a whisker length too short. His ears flicked with annoyance.

[Blue the Bumblebee]

That was good, but you need to wait longer before you jump. Would you like to test your skills on a real mouse now? she meowed.

[echo]

His eyes gleamed with anticipation. It would be his first catch in his life--of course he would say yes. "Sure!"