Once Willow had checked Ice's wounds, she made her lay in a nest in the medicine den. Ice stared at the medicine cat's herb store, intrigued by all the leaves and seeds and berries. A paw nudged her gently. Ice turned to see who it was and purred as she saw Clover, holding a clump of moss soaked with water. "Hi, Ice!" She purred cheerfully, her mew muffled. She put the moss down beside Ice, and Ice leaned down and lapped a few mouthfuls from it. "Hello, Clover. How's your training going?" She asked the medicine cat apprentice. Clover's blue eyes were shining with joy. "It's great! I've learned so much! Earlier today, Maple came in with a thorn stuck in her paw. She told me she had picked it up from training. Willow let me treat it all by myself!" Clover exclaimed, lashing her tail proudly. Ice purred and touched her nose to Clover's. "You'll be a great medicine cat someday." Ice promised the small she cat. Clover nodded eagerly and bounced away. "See ya later, Ice!" She called over her shoulder as she sprang out of the medicine den. Ice drank a bit more water before she curled into her nest and rested her tail over her nose. She fell asleep before long.

    "Wake up! Ice, wake up." A voice whispered in her ear. Ice blinked her eyes open and jerked her head up, glancing around the den. She met Willow's confused gaze. She had a mouse in her jaws. "Oh, it's just you. Sorry." She murmured to the medicine cat. Willow's gaze softened and she dropped the mouse in Ice's nest. "Are you feeling okay?" She asked, a concerned look in her eyes. Ice nodded and took a bite of the mouse. The juices seeped over her tongue, making her feel better immediately. "I'm fine, honestly. There's no need to worry about me." She assured her. Willow nodded and turned toward her herb stores. Ice licked her whiskers and glanced at the medicine cat as she sorted through a pile of leaves. "Can I go back to my duties now?" She asked hopefully. Willow looked up, shock sharpening her gaze. "Already?" She questioned, tilting her head to one side.  Ice nodded eagerly, excitement fizzing in her paws. "I feel great. I think I'm ready for patrols." She confirmed. Willow sighed. "If you feel good enough for it, I guess you can. But if your wounds open up, come see me at once." She ordered, her voice stern. Ice stood up and stretched, nodding. "I will. Thanks, Willow!" Ice leaned into her nest and grabbed her mouse before racing towards the den entrance. She yelped happily as she padded out of the den. She was surprised to find the clearing deserted and empty. Night had fallen and a full moon hung in a star-filled sky. A light breeze rippled through the camp, rustling the leaves in the forest. Spring weather was the best. Ice put her mouse down and glanced around. She was surprised to find the prey pile small. She guessed that all the cats had eaten tonight and went to sleep with full bellies. Patrols would catch more prey tomorrow and restock the pile. Right now, it consisted of two sparrows, a squirrel, a vole, and three mice. She picked up her mouse and carried it to her den, where she settled into her nest and finished it off with a few more bites. Then, she rested her head on her paws and closed her eyes, falling into a deep sleep easily.