Lichenkit's Apprentice Ceremony

The sun had already begun to dip beneath the horizon. From its dying self seeped yellow, orange, pink and purple streaks of light that dyed the canvas of the sky above. As another newleaf day drew to a close, the patrols were slowly returning one by one, bearing the catches of the last hunting trips of the day. The freshkill pile was piled high with prey, and mostly everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Cats lounged around in small groups scattered throughout the camp, discussing their day with one another. As he made his way to the willow tree in the center(?) of camp, Scorchclaw's tufted ears picked up snatches of the conversations going on around him. The large deputy was in a pleasant mood himself; his steps were lighter than usual, and he seemed a little less unfriendly. To make a good day even better, another kit would be leaving the nursery today.

Upon reaching the willow tree, he swiftly made his way up unto its sturdy Willow Branch. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" He called out confidently.

Lichenkit had known this day was coming.

Not because of the strange dreams he often received, but simply due to the fact that he had merely outgrown the shady confines of the prison-like Nursery. His darkly patterned fur, still scruffy with the lingering tendrils of youth, gleamed an odd copper shade in the rapidly gathering light of dusk. Peering up at Scorchclaw with brilliant eyes that gleamed sharply from the dark mask upon his face, the young tom's entire being pulsed with a sharp sense of excitement.

At the summons, cats from all corners of the camp streamed towards the Willow Branch. Chattering rapidly died down and a hush fell over the crowd as they waited for Scorchclaw to continue speaking. The fluffy brown tabby surveyed the gathered cats, his gaze coming to a stop on Lichenkit. "Lichenkit, step forward." In the fading light, his pale green eyes glittered like crystals.

"You have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed." Scorchclaw's tone was solemn as he spoke. His voice, although not raised, carried clearly throughout the gathered cats. "From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Lichenpaw and your mentor will be Silverfang. She will pass on her knowledge to you." His part of the ceremony over, Scorchclaw watched silently as the newly named apprentice touched noses with his mentor. Silverfang was a rather aggressive cat, but she was a good, loyal warrior of RiverClan. He had no doubts that she would train Lichenpaw well.

Silverfang glanced at Scorchclaw with serious eyes when he named her. Another apprentice, huh? It didn't surprise her. She only trained cats to be the best and if they couldn't, they could stay behind. That was her method.

The silvery warrior made her way to Lichenpaw and she touched his nose, directly to the point. When she stepped back, she looked at him firmly, her odd eyes with fire inside them. She would make him a loyal and strong warrior, who would be a strong follower of the Code just like she trained Petalpaw, Shadefang and Mosspaw. "I hope you're ready because there's no time to be lazy. We start tomorrow at dawn. Take this as your last day having a break before your warrior ceremony. You'll be a strong Riverclan warrior, Lichenpaw, as long as you follow my teaching."

The newly-named Lichenpaw's bright gaze seemed to be practically glowing within the darkly colored depths of his features, the slight simper upon his maw radiating his inner delight. Even though he'd be spending nearly all of his time under the careful supervision of Silverfang, the freedom that accompanied the change in his name was marginally more acceptable than his previous limits. Scampering forth to Silverfang, the young tom hardly paid any mind to the older she-cat's brisk words.

"I won't disappoint you!"