Mothkit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"  Leopardclaw called out as be leaped up onto the stone, his face bright with pride and excitement.  Another one of his beloved grandchildren would become an apprentice today, and though he was happy for Mothkit, he couldn't help but be worried.  He had lost so many family members recently...putting another one in harm's way almost felt like torture.  Yet he kept a straight face and waited for the clan to emerge from their dens.

Birdflight ushered out her daughter with a happy grin. She was proud of her kits. They were almost all apprentices. She sat her down and gave Mothkit a nod. Today was her day! She couldn't be a prouder mom.

Mothkit sat where her mother had guided her to and looked up at her grandfather with an excited gaze. Was this really her ceremony? Her eyes twinkled with excitement as she waited patiently.

Once most of the clan had gathered, Leopardclaw gazed down at his granddaughter and smiled.  "Today, another one of our young will be taking her first step into the life of a warrior. Mothkit, step forward."

The she-kit did as she was told. Her eyes were wide with excitement. Today she would be sleeping in the apprentice's den!

With a deep breath, Leopardclaw began to speak; "Mothkit, 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 Mothpaw. Your mentor will be Birdflight. I hope she will pass down all she knows on to you."  Leopardclaw usually didn't assign kin to mentor kin, but in this case, both he, and his daughter, felt it was the best choice.  With a faint smile, he called out his granddaughter's name along with the rest of the clan.