And I Swear That I Am Not Alone [C]

❒ To Forestbreeze, there was nothing more calming than being on a patrol, especially if it was with Iceheart. She had been a constant presence in his life ever since they were kits. Put that all together along with it almost being night and Forest was more than content.

❒ The gray-and-white warrior's eyes flicked over to Iceheart as she began to speak. His small smile morphed into a bigger one—his delicate features alight with joy. "That's wonderful! He'll be ecstatic by that surprise!" His smile fell a bit as he listened to her worries. "Iceheart," he began gently, "You've done so well with his training. Don't sell yourself short. Honeypaw is one of the most dedicated and hard-working apprentices I've seen. I don't doubt that he'll be a make great addition to the warriors." His eyes softened. "Do you know why you feel like that? Has he proven to have any difficulties with any of the lessons you've been teaching him? Is there anything you think he needs to learn that he hasn't already?" He wanted to understand what she was trying to express. Training apprentices for their future as noble warriors is no easy task. Anything could go wrong but in Honey's case—from Forest's perspective—things seemed well enough. However, Iceheart had spent the most time with the young apprentice so perhaps she knew a few things Forest did not?

❒ He remained silent all throughout Iceheart's explanation. He didn't want to interrupt her. Right now, she needed someone to listen and Forestbreeze was quite good at that.

❒ Tilting his head, he regarded her for a moment before finally speaking up, "Iceheart, you've grown so much over the moons, even if it doesn't seem like it. You acknowledge your mistakes and try to take precautions so they don't happen again. Mistakes are just that, learning experiences. They can help you improve yourself and help you evaluate all angles of any decisions you take so you can choose the best possible one. It's what being a warrior is all about—growing and improving so you can provide for and protect your clan better." His amber gaze softened. "They will always happen no matter how hard we try to prevent them. You shouldn't dwell too much on "what ifs". Thinking like that can spiral out of control. Trust me—I know what it can become," he said gently.

❒ He shifted closer to her and pressed a comforting shoulder against hers. "Honeypaw admires you so much. He isn't someone who'd hold your mistakes against you. He's smart. He knows nobody is perfect and that we'll all slip up at some point. You just have to show him that even if you do make a mistake, you'll be ready to make it right. Don't let your fears control you..." He offered her a reassuring smile. "I believe in you, Iceheart. You can do this. Honeypaw will be fine. I can feel it. He just needs you to feel it too, okay? Don't overthink things."

❒ Forest truly believed in what he said. The apprentice was turning out fine under Ice's tutelage. Now that he thought about it, he should start taking his own advice...