s k y c l a n - -

     Shaking his head, the tom gave the she-cat a gentle gaze. "Don't worry, you're not a burden. Everyone is just worried about the leadership hole we have. Our Clanmates are just being mouse-brains. Besides, I'm not interested in that. I've always wanted an apprentice and if you'd like, I could try to ask if I can mentor you when a leader is chosen." he mewed suggestively, looking at the sky. "I just expected you to know the pounces and basics. You were swishing your tail, hesitating. You have decent instinct, but it's obvious you're brand new. Not like that's a bad thing." Tigerfrost added, hoping he didn't offend the she-cat.

     "No offense, but you really should. However, that isn't your fault. We can start from the beginning. Show me your crouch." he purred. "A hunting crouch should be strong, yet allow you to be flexible to move swiftly across the forest floor. We know that SkyClan hunts in the trees and on the ground, but we'll get to hunting in trees later." he added. He then slid into his own crouch, his muscles poised for the pounce. He kept his tail lifted and still. "Like this." Tigerfrost meowed as he showed the young apprentice.

     Standing up, the tom surveyed her crouch. "I like it, it's strong, but it's a bit too tight. You aren't relaxed enough to properly pounce forward." the brown tabby mewed. The SkyClan warrior looked pleased, as someone must have run through the basics of a crouch. Though he could think of a few cats who would have her so tense. "Birdwing, probably. Stupid WindClan cat." he thought, unimpressed. "Now try to move forward, see that branch, act like it's your prey. Stalk it quietly. Be aware of everything, use your senses." he informed. He padded back a little to get out of her way. "Go." Tigerfrost ordered.

     Tigerfrost jumped in the air with excitement. "Wonderful!" he exclaimed, ignoring the faults. "Now, I'm going to move that twig and I want you to try to stalk it at different angles. I'll watch from above and move it each time you successfully pounce." he purred, padding towards the apprentice. "I'm proud." he muttered, feeling embarrassed. He swiftly picked up the twig and carried it across the clearing. He backed away, climbed up a maple tree and gave the signal. "Take your time, but don't hesitate."

     "Nice! Though be careful of going sideways like that, you were a bit lopsided!" he called before jumping down from his spot. He again picked up the twig, determining that this would be the last time she had a still target. "Now, this time, I want you to smack it towards the tree and act as if you're stunning it." he mewed. "If you can hit the tree, wonderful, if not, we'll try again."

     "How can anyone have missed her potential? If she keeps up, she may be one of the best hunters." Tigerfrost thought as he again jumped down. His pelt tingled with pride as he padded to his apprentice. "Alright! I know we're going a bit fast, but I'd like to get your training back on track. How about you stalk me?" he meowed with a gleam in his eye. "It'll be good for both hunting and battle training. Sneaking up on an enemy may win battles, and you're already showing a lot of potential."
    The tom turned, and hurried off. "Give me til the count of ten!" he called back. Tigerfrost quickly searched for a place to hide, sneaking under an elderberry bush like a vole may do. He hoped Littlepaw liked his way of mentoring, as this was like a game, but with hunting techniques. He spotted the she-cat, and kept below wind.

     He was caught. Tigerfrost turned to his apprentice with bright eyes, ready to evaluate her work. "Good job landing on me!" He began with praise, and next, the critique. "But if I was prey, I would had gotten away. I didn't move in time due to my size, but I heard you creep up. Your stalk is still a bit loud once you spot your prey, at least that's confirmed." he meowed. He climbed from under the bush and stretched his limbs before motioning Littlepaw to join him. "We've done a lot today, even if it doesn't seem like it. Want to try hunting again or continue some training?" Tigerfrost asked the young apprentice.

     The tom nodded. "Well.." he started to pad in the direction of camp, but swiftly turned. His blue eyes were guarded and he stood with a strong stance. "We can work on a few simple things and practice. It's important to remind you that this isn't going to be a game, I won't try to harm you, but I won't let you get free praise for having a soft opponent. Keep your claws sheathed, of course." he ordered, his mood changing. "Let's start with a few pointers, I'd also like to see how you fight solely on instinct." Tigerfrost meowed. "Attack me with what you have." the brown tabby ordered the apprentice. Battle was something he took seriously. He liked to believe he was a strong fighter, especially with his size. He stood patiently waiting for Littlepaw to make her move.