Birchkit's Apprentice Ceremony

It was with great ease that Scorchclaw climbed unto the Willow Branch now. He had done the motions enough times now that he was confident he would be able to find his way up even with his eyes close. Once up there, he took a moment to survey the scene of the camp that was spread out before him. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" He called out loudly, his voice ringing clearly. It was time for the Apprentice Den to gain one more inhabitant.

Birchkit sauntered out of the nursery with a small smile on his black face. He couldn't help it, after all. All kits that had gone through this couldn't help but feel a little excited when it was time for them to move on to the apprentice's den. He scampered through the gathering crowd and sat near the front, unable to suppress a small purr from coming from his maw.

Scorchclaw waited in patient silence as a crowd began to assemble beneath the Willow Branch. He had spent quite a bit of time trying to decide on a mentor for Birchkit, and he had finally decided upon his answer. He could only hope that his decision had not been a mistake. His tea-green eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed among the crowd the dark-furred warrior that he had in mind. Everycat was gathered. It was time to start the ceremony. "Birchkit, step forward." He mewed.

Once Birchkit did, Scorchclaw fixed him with an intense gaze. "Birchkit, 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 Birchpaw and your mentor will be Stormstrike." He had decided on Jaystar's eldest(?) son for Birchpaw's mentor. The fluffy brown tabby wasn't blind; he knew that Stormstrike was one of the cats who had been angered by his appointment as deputy. There were other warriors who could mentor Birchpaw. However, Scorchclaw knew that Stormstrike was old enough to have an apprentice of his own. His personal feelings should not keep him from being fair as a deputy.

Stormstrike stepped forward, his yellow eyes narrowed as he dipped his head to meet Birchpaw's. It looked like Scorchclaw had finally decided to appoint him an apprentice. He wouldn't disappoint. If he was going to remain in good standing with his father, he had to earn Scorchclaw's trust.
"Training starts at dawn." He grunted, feathery tail twitching. "Don't be late."