Swallowkit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!"

Scorchclaw flexed his claws. Although he didn't show it, he was secretly rather impatient about getting this apprentice ceremony over. He had enough things to do already. An apprentice ceremony was supposed to be a good thing for the clan, but he was having a harder time remembering that fact of late. Curbing the urge to lash his tail irritably, he wore his best poker face.

Swallowkit hurried to the nursery entrance. One of her siblings had already become an apprentice, and she was ready for it to be her turn. The fluffy she-cat waited to see if this would be her time to shine.

Scorchclaw swept his gaze over the gathering crowd, searching for Swallowkit. When he could not spot her, he quickly realized that she must still be in the nursery. No matter. When they realized what was going on, some cat would move to fetch her. "Cats of RiverClan," He announced in a loud voice, "another one of our kits has reached the age of six moons and is ready to be apprenticed. Swallowkit, please come here."

Just as the tabby deputy had expected, Reedclaw's daughter was soon brought before the Willow Branch. Her littermate Mottledpaw had already been made an apprentice. Scorchclaw assumed that she was probably excited to be joining him in the Apprentice Den. Swallowkit," He addressed her, "From this today onward until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Swallowpaw. Your mentor will be Heronflight."

Heronflight smiled and touched noses with his new apprentice. "Training starts at dawn. Be prepared," he said.