PROLOGUE: Training Night
"Too slow!" Ivypool taunted. The ice blue eyes that belonged to Hawkforst glittered with intensity. "Okay... but... Watch out!" he yowled as he lunged toward her. Ivypool leaped up, twisting in the air, and landed square on Hawkfrost's back. "Good job!" he panted. His eyes glowed with pride. "You have gotten very good" he said, regaining his breath. "Well, I have a great mentor." She said shyly. Affection burnt in his gaze, like a flame leaping to life. Reality seemed to smother the flame until it was nothing but ember. The smoke of loss rose in his gaze until it clouded his whole expression. He struck out at her, taking her off her footing. He turned around and growled "come on, lets practice more." Ivypool silently got to her feet and poised for an attack.
"let's try that again"...
Ivypool woke in her nest exhausted from her training. Dovewing ducked into the den"Oh, you're awake." she mewed. "Come, we need to talk.". Ivypool clumsily crossed the clearing and exited camp with Dovewing. She followed Dovewing deep into the forest. Once they were far enough from camp Dovewing spoke. "So, any news from the dark forest?" she asked. Ivypool lashed her tail angrily "You mean have I learned anything from using Hawkfrost's feelings? No.". Alarm sparked in Dovewing's gaze "You can't mean you actually do like him do you?" she said, fear edging her meow."Of course not...but...I just don't like using another cats feelings to get information. Its not right." she mewed. Dovewing's gaze softened "I understand" she said and padded away. Ivypool sighed and padded deeper into the forest.
As Ivypool padded along she spotted a thrush pecking at a worm. She dropped into the hunter's crouch and moved silently close to the ground. She crept forward like a snake and pinned the thrush to the ground. she screwed up her eyes and delivered the killing bite. "I taught you that move." meowed a voice behind her. She whipped around to see Hawkfrost gazing at her apologeticly. " Um...I...I..." he stammered. Ivypools gaze softened, he was clearly making a huge effort. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for being so rough with you last night." he continued "I just trust you so much, more than any other cat I know...and..."his voice trailed away. Ivypool mewed "I get it, I trust you too, more than you can ever know". Hawkfrost's gaze was burning with affection "Thank you Ivypool...you...you shouldn't, you know I'm from the dark forest... you shouldn't..." She thrust her muzzle towards him "I don't care!" she said "you have proven yourself worthy". She pulled away "Go prepare for our lesson tonight" she said warmly "I'll see you there". Hawkfrost melted away into the grass. Ivypool glanced around then bounded away towards camp.