Galekit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"  From his position atop the Highrock, Leopardclaw looked out over the clearing and waited for cats to emerge from their dens, including the cat of honor.  Today another kit would rise in the ranks and begin his training, which brought a faint smile to the spotted tom's face.

Galekit walked quietly out of the apprentice den, the sullen kit looking wary of walking out into the open space alone. He didn't know why he was going to be allowed to come out today, it felt too soon for an apprentice ceremony. He wasn't sure if he was ready to be parted from his mother, it felt like only 6 sunrises ago he was suckling from her teats.

Once most of the clan had gathered below, the golden spotted deputy called out, with a smile;  "Galekit, please step forward."

Surprised, the tom nearly stepped back in confusion before he breathed out to accept his fate. He stepped forward, a little shaky, looking up to the deputy's friendly face. Despite Leopardclaw's smile, he felt uncomfortable in the centre of attention, the prickly gaze of all the other clan cats made him feel inadequate.

Leopardclaw took a deep breath, and started the ceremony.  "Galekit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to become an apprentice. From this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Galepaw."  He paused for a moment, allowing the crowd to cheer for the new apprentice before continuing.  "Your mentor will be Tatteredleaf. I have confidence she will pass down all she knows on to you."

'The tribe cat? Are we that short on warriors?' The newly named Galepaw thought as he grudgingly went over to his mentor, clear wariness displayed in his vivid green eyes. She didn't look like much, scraggly and tired. How was she supposed to teach him to be a ruthless warrior when she looked like the breeze would blow her over?

Tatteredleaf perked up as her name was called for the apprentice. She stood and limped over to the apprentice. She thought she was never going to be a mentor again with her injuries. "I will train you to the best of my abilities." She said. She wouldn't allow her brokenness hold her back from teaching this apprentice to be the best warrior he could be.