Ashkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Reedstar silently clambered up the pale willow tree and gazed around camp, unsure of whether he really wanted to perform this ceremony or not. The kit wasn't of full warrior blood, it was said. Ashkit's father was a kittypet, and his mother was Nightbird. The RiverClan leader hadn't the heart to punish the warrior, hoping that the shame of her infidelity would be enough. He sighed before yowling, to summon the Clan for a meeting. Stupid tom. he said to himself. Many strong warriors have been in RiverClan's ranks before with even less pure blood... This one will be no different.

Ashkit bounced out of the nursery, his fur groomed flat and neat by his mother, who followed her son at a slow walk. The pair sat a tail-length away from the tree. Nightbird gently brushed down the remaining tufts of fur on the white tom's spine. If his father had been anyone else, she would still love her son just the same. She knew she had made a mistake, and that mistake had turned into Ashkit.

"Ashkit," Reedstar started warily. "You have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Ashpaw. Your mentor will be your mother, Nightbird." He paused and shifted his gaze to his warrior, trying to gauge her reaction. You'll teach him loyalty, and to follow our code. he wanted to say. "I hope she will pass down all she knows onto you."

Ashpaw twisted his head to look back at his mother. So, Nightbird would teach him? Good. Everyone else scared him to death. Nightbird licked his little white head before motioning for him to follow her to the camp entrance.