Private Territory TRY AS ONE MIGHT ❤︎ TEASELPAW

[fitzgerald]

So, Fitzgerald is a mentor now. A certain someone must have had bees in her brain when she thought this one up — or maybe it's supposed to be some sort of punishment. If anyone is being punished, it's Teaselpaw... they did not do anything wrong, though.

For not the first nor second time this past few days, the word unfair echos in his mind.

Whatever. It's fine. Yeah, he will make this work somehow. I have to, he thinks, or next time I may as well be banished to the Twolegplace. It is probably paranoia talking, because as far as he's concerned, he could have been exiled for many more things back home. Slipping away for a few hours is not that big of a deal. Only Rosepaw made it into a big deal.

"So,"

he starts, looking back over his shoulder to peer at Teaselpaw. What Fitzgerald ought to tell them is that he is not cut out for this. He is lucky that he remembers a few basic stuff from simply watching mentors go about their day.

"I guess... usually the first order of business is showing you the territory, but you kinda already saw the whole world by now, huh? You won't have trouble getting around."

He isn't quite sure if he is talking to Teaselpaw or himself. Amber eyes shoot skyward, as if the foliage and the clouds could offer him some help.

"We can hunt. Show you the ropes. It's so darn cold for stalking, though..."

A ragged sigh erupts from his chest.

"Who am I kidding? Listen, if you ask Hawkstar real nice, she might be willing to grace you with a new mentor. Someone better."

Fitzgerald forces a friendly smile onto his face as he meets Teaselpaw's gaze, but his belly churns at the idea. Is that jealousy? No way? He's had this kid for like, what, less than a moon?

@Teaselpaw

 

[Teaselpaw]

TEASELPAW

Over hill, over dale, through the valley and vale do not weep, do not wail, I am coming home to you

Now that they had finally settled into their new camp, Teaselpaw supposed real apprentice training would begin again. A part of them felt uncertain, were they truly cut out for this? The path of a warrior seemed so clear to others, yet their own paws often strayed, their mind drifting toward plants, toward strange visions that danced at the edges of their sight. But still… they wanted to make their mother proud. They wanted to show their mentor they could be a good apprentice. Surely, surely they were good for something.

As Fitzgerald spoke, they blinked up at him, wide eyes shining with curiosity. Not show the territory? Well, they'd seen a lot of the world, yes, but not everything here yet. That could be exciting! Exploring, learning, understanding. They would try. They would be good. Then Fitzgerald's attention shifted to hunting, and Teaselpaw tilted their head, blinking twice. They could try that too, right? But before they could dwell on it for long, Fitzgerald muttered something, something about them deserving a better mentor.

Teaselpaw frowned.

Without hesitation, they pushed forward, bumping against Fitzgerald with a loud mrrp! Disagreeing. Strongly. Fitzgerald would be a great mentor. He just had to believe in himself. With a determined look, they lifted a paw and patted the ground twice before pointing forward, eyes bright with excitement. They hadn't seen all of the territory yet! They had exploring to do, things to learn. They had time, and no matter what Fitz thought of himself, they believed in him.

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[fitzgerald]

Teaselpaw, bless their heart, always manages to say the right thing — ironic, considering Fitzgerald can count on one paw the amount of times he's heard a word out of their tightly-sealed mouth. Their eyes sparkle with something, and the intensity of it tells Fitzgerald all he needs to know. What is he doing? Sulking is one thing; all cats deserve to have their moments of self-scrutiny ever once in a while... but to push it all onto his apprentice is another. Hawkstar's scolding had made him terrified of the possibility that they would get taken away from him. Funny how that is the exact thing he had suggested just a moment ago, but to be forcibly de-mentored in front of the entire Clan would be embarrassing enough that he really would just exile himself.

No, he has to do better. For Teaselpaw's sake; and his own in turn.

"You're right,"

Fitzgerald says, voice matching Teaselpaw's high spirits.

"We can't slack off. We will just have to show Hawkstar that we are great, even if we mess up sometimes. Err, I mean, even if I mess up sometimes. You didn't do anything wrong."

His heart twists with empathy. What must it be like, to start off at such an age in a Clan? Perhaps Fitzgerald would be different now. Would he ever feel worthy enough to take on a Clan name? Would Hawkstar even let him? It had never been a subject that interested him... up until right now. He could be called Beebrain.

No more pondering.

"Okay! Territory time. There's this really nice spot by the border, a gorge with a bridge. I wonder if it ever gets cold enough to freeze over?"

Fitzgerald tail flicks in invitation, paws already on the move but his gaze not leaving Teaselpaw's form.

"That reminds me, did you have a favorite spot in our previous home? Maybe we can find a similar one here."

 

[Teaselpaw]

TEASELPAW

Over hill, over dale, through the valley and vale do not weep, do not wail, I am coming home to you

Fitzgerald looked better, more perked up. Teaselpaw understood. They understood the talks, the whispers from Stormcrow and the others. They knew their brother wasn't fond of his mentor. They saw the way Rosepaw… changed. The way frustration simmered beneath his fur when he spoke of the daylighters. At least, that's what it seemed like. But assumptions weren't facts. If they wanted to know, truly know, they'd have to confront Rosepaw face-to-face. Not now, though. Now wasn't the time for heavy thoughts. Now, they were with Fitz. And they were going to explore!

Teaselpaw shook off their frown and turned back to their mentor, a bright smile curling at their muzzle. Sure, they messed up sometimes, but that was just part of learning! And this was a learning process! With a soft mrrrppp, they bumped against Fitzgerald before bounding forward, a hop in their step. Their dual-coloured eyes gleamed with excitement when the older tom mentioned the border, and an especially nice spot. Oh! They wanted to see it! When Fitzgerald asked about their favorite place back home, Teaselpaw hesitated. Their ears twitched as they glanced around, flustered. Then, after a moment's thought, they lifted one paw high, then slowly brought it down.

Then both paws moved in unison, mimicking a splash against the ground.

Would Fitzgerald understand? Maybe, maybe not. But in their mind, they could already hear it, the soft, endless rush of water tumbling over stone. The tiny waterfall they had loved so much.

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