Territory RiverClan TRACES — ICEICLEPAW

This thread takes place outside the clan's camp in its territory.
42
40
Freshkill
315
Pronouns
he/him
Rank
Leader
Played by
velou
Character Hub
LINK
There is a reason why he volunteered to mentor Iciclepaw. He's grateful that Frostmoth didn't argue with the decision in taking an apprentice, even if he was lacking... In many areas. However, he felt as though he would be best for the youngster. Iciclepaw could have been thrown Adderfang's way, but the gruff tom would startled the poor apprentice more than anything. Certainly there is some merit in pairing Adderfang and Iciclepaw, as it would build confidence. Adderfang was a mentor who preferred his apprentices to stand their own ground and was not one to mince words when his apprentices failed or had done something out of line. For Iciclepaw... Throwing them into the deep end would not be wise.

Pikestar was well aware that he could not teach the apprentice confidence. After all, he was still rather spineless. However, what Iciclepaw needed most was someone familiar. Someone who reminded them of themselves. In their awkwardness, their unease, and their kindness. Russetfall was someone he considered for Iciclepaw's training, as he had seen the pair together a few times. It didn't seem like Russetfall loathed the younger riverclanner, which spoke leagues. He'd noted Iciclepaw while not entirely comfortable in her presence, pushed himself to converse with the council member. However, it was decided that Thunderpaw was more suited for her paws. I couldn't imagine someone else taking Thunderpaw under their... Paw. That was... Hmmm not great. Kinda lame. I'm getting why they're called paws, but I don't know whether to praise them or frown.

In the end, no one really argued about him taking on Iciclepaw as his apprentice. Maybe casted some weary glances, but he figured they all had come to the conclusion that Frostmoth was still very much young and Dogflicker would be ill suited for Iciclepaw.

For now he padded side by side with his apprentice. Their walk mostly silent. He'd answer whatever questions his apprentice desired, but he didn't want to push. Not yet. They needed to get to know each other first after all.
"A-are you hungry? Is there anything you like? Fish? M-m-maybe a bird? We could try and catch it together? Unless you want to just watch me first? WHICH! W-w-which is fine."
I'm not coming off super dumb, right? Usually I'm supposed to show them around first, that's what the others told me, but like... I want Iciclepaw to trust me. Not be worried about the leader... My eyes on him. I DON'T BITE I PROMISE!!!

// @Iciclepaw here you go my apprentice, excuse his awkwardness he knows trust what he's doing
 

SPOOKY

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down... You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now
Breathe. In. Out. He's fine, he's good. Just the apprentice of the leader, that's all. No pressure. Not like he was going to disappoint Pikestar, right? ...Oh stars, he was going to disappoint him. No, no! He just said he wasn't! Calm down. Breathe. Keep pace. Clear your head. Not everything is out to get you. Not everything ends in failure.

He wasn't a failure. Russetfall had told him that, more than once. Sometimes he stood at the edge of the water, looking down at his reflection, whispering those words like a spell, trying to believe them. Trying. So when the silence stretched just a little too long, became suffocating... Pikestar's voice came as a balm. He was asking if Iciclepaw was hungry. What he liked. If he wanted to catch something together. Iciclepaw blinked, startled by the kindness. Wide-eyed, he stared up at the leader like he'd just been offered the moon. He didn't respond right away. Say something! his brain screamed.

" I-I… I haven't hunted yet... " he blurted, panic already beginning to edge into his voice. " I, uh... I wouldn't... I mean, what if I don't catch it? A fish or... or a bird? What if it slips away and everything goes wrong and we have nothing and-- " He sucked in a sharp breath, eyes blown wide. Calm.

" …How do you hunt? " he finally asked, quiet and tentative, his ears flattening in embarrassment. There was a flush of shame rising in his chest, but Pikestar had always been kind. That just made it worse, somehow, being scared of disappointing someone who believed in you. " I… I saw the other apprentices... " he added softly, trying to drop into a crouch. It was clumsy, awkward, not much of a crouch at all, but he was trying.
═════════════⊹⊱ ⟡ ⊰⊹═════════════