Finding Solace [c]

❒ It was getting harder and harder to refrain from becoming restless as the days flew by and there was still no sign of their missing clanmates. There wasn't even a sign from Starclan regarding their own camp and if it was safe enough to return to. It was starting to mess with Forestbreeze's head and he was certain the others weren't fairing any better. They were all trying to make do with their situation as well as repaying the hospitality the Skyclanners had presented them with. It's why they had all busied themselves with joining Skyclan patrols as well as other normal duties. It was the least they could do—the only thing they could do really.

❒ Forestbreeze had been busy helping clean some of the dens since the early morning. He didn't mind helping out apprentices with their duties once in a while. He stepped back from the warrior's den to see how his work turned out. Smiling softly, the tom walked away with a satisfied him. He shook off his fur from the foliage and dirt that had clung to it. He paused to stretch then sat down with a pursed mouth as he looked around while thinking. What else did he need to do?

❒ Before he could figure that out, a familiar figure approached which made Forest's smile grow. His amber gaze softened as Honeypaw set down the two pieces of prey he'd been carrying and settled down next to him. He chuckled as the apprentice hid his face in Forest's fluffy fur. "Honeypaw," he greeted fondly as he pressed himself closer to the younger tom then lay his tail across the small of the other's back. "Thank you. I was starting to get hungry," he purred as he placed his chin atop Honey's head. It was... cozy. He really didn't want to move.

❒ He waited a moment before speaking up, "How'd did your patrol go? Have you gotten used to Skyclan's territory?" He was homesick himself but Skyclan's territory wasn't all that bad. At times, it was quite lovely to take a stroll in.

❒ A ghost of a smile touched his face as he felt the apprentice relax against him. He waited patiently for the younger to finish speaking before responding, "I'm glad you haven't had any trouble here. I can imagine the Skyclanners wouldn't find something as sleek and feather-less as a frog too appetizing," he chuckled. "I'm sure your frog will be appreciated soon enough." He gave Honeypaw a fond smile. "Anyway, I think I'm also getting better at hunting birds... Maybe. I never thought I'd have to try my luck with those feathered fiends during my lifetime," he lamented as he shook his head.

❒ He shifted to get more comfortable. "I've lost my way a few times but I'm starting to get a better sense of direction... I agree that the trees are pretty. Maybe we can take a stroll through them together soon? I think it'd be a lovely time. What do you think?" He looked down at the light golden-brown tom with an eager twinkle in his eyes. Maybe a nice walk in the territory would help take their minds off the persistent issues.

❒ Pressing his cheek against Honeypaw's head, the grey-and-white tom sighed. "I wonder when we think it'll be safe enough to scout out home. Hopefully, this doesn't continue for too much longer," he paused for a moment before adding, "Don't get me wrong, I'm more than grateful for Skyclan's hospitality. I'm just homesick—I feel like most of us are."

❒ Forest's gentle smile widened at Honeypaw's easy acceptance of his suggestion for a stroll. He hadn't doubted that Honey would accept. They had a close bond and preferred each other's company. It just always warmed the warrior up seeing it happen. "Then we shall have that stroll soon," he replied with a fond look.

❒ He nodded with a wistful look. "I do miss my nest..." he trailed off as he stared ahead at nothing in particular. 'Not as much as a certain someone' was left unsaid. He quickly refocused and looked down at the younger as he spoke up again. He sighed and gave him a sad look. Honeypaw had hit a direct shot with his words. "I do too," he whispered. "I miss her. We miss her." A determined twinkle entered his eye. "I'm not losing hope, though. Iceheart is tough. All of them are. I'm sure they're fine and are looking for us just the same as we are them. We'll see them soon." He believed it. He had faith and he'd be darned if he lost it now or at any point soon.

❒ The warrior nudged the apprentice. "Once we're reunited, we should all have a nice day to ourselves. Just you, me, and Iceheart. We need to catch up and swap stories." He chuckled and looked forward again. He sobered up and the reflecting expression was back on his face. "Before all that, though, our camp needs to be scouted out thoroughly. None of us can go back even if the danger is mostly gone. I wonder if any patrols to go assess the damage will be sent out at any point."

❒ Forestbreeze let out a laugh at Honeypaw's sudden bout of enthusiasm. It was a welcomed change. He really didn't like seeing Honey in such a melancholic state. It didn't suit him in the least. The smile continued to remain on his face as the younger tom kept at it. "Well, I can't wait for that to happen. It's a great new memory waiting to happen, huh?" He was looking forward to it more and more. There was probably going to be a whole lot of clinginess once they reunite. However, he didn't find himself minding that notion. In fact, he was more than fine with it. They deserved to be close and dependent after all they've been through.

❒ He tilted his head as he pondered the apprentice's question. "Hmm. Let's see. My favorite food is mice. It was what I was going to eat when I first met Iceheart—Icekit back then, of course. During that time, I had been mourning the loss of my parents. I wasn't eating as much as I used to and had a lot of issues accepting my worth... She quickly called me out on it and finally made me see reason." He purred wistfully at the memory. It was something he'd cherish for the rest of his life.

❒ The warrior shook himself before his mind could wander off and looked back down at his companion. "Mmm. I... feel the same way. I would just love to hurry over there and work on restoring our camp so we could all head back home. However, our patience and perseverance will sprout the stronger tree, so to speak. They are our claws and minds, our aids in this ongoing battle." He wrapped his tail tighter around the younger tom. "It will get better, but we must let the bad pass on by first."

❒ The older tom purred as he felt the apprentice rest the rest of his weight against him. Having Honeypaw by his side was making him more rational and calmer. It was a big help in not allowing his anxiety to try and take over constantly. Honeypaw was his anchor. Iceheart was usually in that place but with her absence, he subconsciously drifted toward Honeypaw. Well, having more than one was no issue for anyone else, so why should it be for him?

❒ "We will," he agreed then paused. "We'll get through this. Together," he echoed resolutely. He had given the apprentice hope. He wanted to keep giving him hope because it gave him some too. They'll make the best of things while they wait. They'll see Icehart and the others soon enough. Just wait and see.