[Jayvines]

~ Lioncrest ~

There seemed to be a pocket of time where the young cat accompanying him was lost in an internal battle. Amber eyes glanced back every so often to evaluate her response; had he pressed too hard? Perhaps overestimated her willingness to unburden herself with a clanmates? But, after an extended pause, it seemed that the dam locking away whatever troubled her began to crack. Then burst.

Giving an occasional nod and hum of acknowledgement as Springpaw began to search out the right words and phrases to express themselves, Lioncrest slowed his pace to accompany the apprentice as they approached their destination. Family could be a... Complicated subject. He wasn't entirely aware of who exactly Springpaw had looked up to in such a way (stars only know how many lay-abouts had wandered away from this clan, whether it was by choice or force), but he was intimately familiar with the concept of complicated family ties.

Glancing back once more after the apprentice had faded back into silence, the large golden tom was surprised to find tears running down her cheeks. As she seemed to become aware of this unexpected show of emotion, Lioncrest felt his stomach clench as the young molly looked up towards him with a crestfallen and embarrassed look. That wouldn't do at all. It seemed that this young cat was in need of more teaching than what he had originally set out to accomplish today.

"Do not apologize for gifting me this trust," the large tom rumbled, tone serious and amber gaze trained on Springpaw with a look of determination. "It is an honor. I would not call you 'stupid', or 'weak', or any other dishonorable attributes for sharing your troubles. We are clanmates; and while you hold a position of power amongst this clan you are also entitled to the support and stability that comes with being apart of a family first and a clan second."

He paused for a moment to let the apprentice digest his statement before continuing, and he gently flicked his tail over to rest against her flank in a brief gesture of comfort.

"Missing a family member, or cats you care for is not a weakness. Our bonds are what strengthen us; they drive us forward to accomplish goals and protect what we care for... My father had many mates and many kits for that very reason. A strong familial foundation provides the best opportunities for said kits to thrive, and for strength of character and values to form. However, when strong bonds are formed it inherently means that there will be pain when such a bond is severed, whatever the circumstances."

"You are allowed to grieve. You are allowed to rage. You should not push such things to the side to fester. Emotions can become like open wounds; if not treated properly infections can form and they must be re-opened to properly heal."

Amber eyes alighted on the familiar trees of Thunderclan's graveyard and memorial site.

"I brought you out here today to offer you training to strengthen your defensive and aggressive capabilities. If you do not feel up to that task today, I am happy to simply assist you in a hunt for herbs or prey, however these emotions can be channelled into a force for progress if you can harness them."

[ @eris ]