Myrtlekit's Apprentice Ceremony

It had been a few days since Licehnmask's defeat. Every morning, the rising sun would greet the warriors, and it would bid them farewell in the evening. As if the long period of darkness had never occurred, the sun and moon shone just like they had before. The forest's state had returned to normal. There wasn't much time to rejoice, however. Leaf bare lurked right on the horizon, its frosty clutch already creeping across the land. Those who walked the mortal realm could sense it, could feel the chill that gave the wind its bite.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Willow Branch for a clan meeting!" Scorchclaw's powerful cry rang throughout the clearing. A price had been paid in blood for the overturning of StarClan's will. Many within the clan were still mourning the deaths of Firepaw and Flamewish. Even amidst the confusion, however, they had no choice but to keep on moving. Thus, thought of the imminent ceremony brought an inevitable cheer to the fluffy deputy. Myrtlekit had reached the age of six moons at last. This would be the day of her apprentice ceremony. It would be something else for RiverClan to celebrate, if only for a short while.

Scorchclaw had a sharp gaze that tended to pick up even the slightest of details. While he tried not to get involved with the youngest members of the clans, that was not to say that he did not keep an eye on them. He remembered Myrtlekit well. From what he had observed, Myrtlekit was a bit of a quiet she-kit. Seldom had he observed a change of expression flit across her face. Now, as he watched for her in the gathering crowd, he mused over his choice of mentor. He was sure that he had made the right choice.

The deputy's cry rang out across the camp and Myrtlekit perked her ears up from where she sat in the opening to the nursery. She was finally six moons old, so this must be her apprentice ceremony. She rose to her paws and made her way into the clearing towards the Willow Branch, sitting down again underneath it. The quiet she-cat gazed up at Scorchclaw with a curious, expectant expression, waiting for him to continue. From what she had heard from other cats, the Clan had suffered great losses in the battle. Although she couldn't replace what the Clan had lost, she would do her best to become a good apprentice and Warrior.

Pale green gaze settling on Myrtlekit, Scorchclaw carefully examined the young she-cat. As usual, the neutral mask he wore made it hard to deduce his thoughts. At the very least, he seemed relaxed. When the crowd had quieted, he flicked his tail. "Myrtlekit, step forward." There was a brief pause as she did so. "You have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day onward until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Myrtlepaw, and your mentor will be Lightstep. He is a trustworthy, even-tempered tom who has proven himself ready for an apprentice." Gradually, the clan had to heal. Apprentice ceremonies were only the first step on that path.

The ceremony having drawn to a close, the gathered RiverClan cats began to call out Myrtlepaw's name. Their cheer-filled chants mingled into one harmony of congratulations. Scorchclaw leaped off the Willow Branch, landing neatly on all fours. Glancing at the newly-appointed pair of mentor and apprentice, the corners of his maw almost curved into a frown. RiverClan needed more able paws for another reason. Depending on Brindlestar's future actions, another war with WindClan could soon occur. Myrtlepaw was young, but there was no denying the fact that she would soon be pulled into the bloodstained world of the warriors. It was just as he had told Goldeneye.

Lightstep watched the apprentice ceremony with eager anticipation; it had been hinted to him that he might receive an apprentice soon, and he had a feeling this would be the one. The sleek white warrior stood as soon as Scorchclaw announce his name. Yes! he thought proudly. He approached his apprentice, Myrtlepaw, warmly, a purr rumbling throughout his chest. "I'm honored to be your mentor," Lightstep meowed as he learned forward to touch his nose to hers. "I think we both have a lot to learn from each other." He stepped back and chanted her name with the rest of the Clan.