Ridgekit's Apprentice Ceremony

Leopardstar remembered vividly the day that Marshstorm and Blizzardshine had carried two very rambunctious and curious kits back to camp, the scent of RiverClan staining their ruffled pelts.  The leader couldn't help being amused by their antics, but knew that that sort of behavior would not be able to continue; thus he delayed their apprentice ceremonies for an extra moon.  Hailkit had been apprenticed a few sunrises ago, and now it was the instigator - Ridgekit's - turn.  "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"

Ridgekit bounded out of the apprentices den with her tail high and ears pricked within the first 3 words. That she wasn't 'old' enough to catch her own prey didn't deter her in the least. She reached the base of High-rock with a skidding stop that stirred up the dirt and made Marshstorm look at her with a raised expression that spoke levels of dissapproval. The chuff of amusement from him lightened the look though, making her grin cockily as she looked up at Leopardstar.

"I'm ready, I'm ready!" She declared excitedly, although a moment later logic caught up with her. Leopardstar didn't do apprentice ceremonies. Marshstorm did. She blinked, then looked over at the deputy where he was settled at the base of highrock. This was probably a different meeting, about something else, but she didn't seem to care that much as she looked up at Leopardstar with a pleading expression. "Pleeeaaaase."

"Patience." Marshstorm told her from where he was sitting. His gaze flickered to Dustcloud and Blizzardshine, betraying his amusement in the situation.

Leopardstar watched through content hazel eyes as the clan began to emerge from their dens, familiar faces bringing a faint smile to his face; and then a whirlwind struck the earth below.  The golden spotted tom's eyes widened as Ridgekit appeared, pale calico fur blurred by speed as she skidded to a halt below the Highrock near Marshstorm.  Though a bit disapproving of the display, Leopardstar was always a sucker for cute kits and their antics, and he began to speak with a smile.  "You are ready.  Ridgekit, you have reached the age of six moons, and have been obedient during the duration of your punishment, and it is time for you to be apprenticed.  From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Ridgepaw.  Your mentor will be Dustcloud.  She is a skilled warrior and seasoned mentor, and I trust that she will teach you all that she knows."

Leopardstar's words made Ridgekit beam in delight. She hopped a couple steps, then sat obediently for the course of her ceremony. Her eyes flicked to and fro looking from cat-to-cat until her mentor was named. Within a second, she bounded up and pressed her nose up to Dustcloud's in a flurry of motion before she bounded about cheerfully at the news.
"I'm an apprentice at last!" She crowed as she leapt towards the middle of camp.

"May Starclan guide your paws." Marshstorm intoned as the new apprentice ran off in a rush. Nearly barrelling into other cats. He heaved a weary sigh, already seeing a future where the young apprentice was going to get in trouble. Yet, he smiled and looked at Dustcloud affectionately as he leaned to nuzzle her. "If any cat can manage, it'll be you, love." He added encouragingly.