Beekit's Apprentice Ceremony

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

Once particular afternoon, Scorchclaw's powerful cry rang through the RiverClan camp. The fluffy deputy was perched on his usual spot in the willow tree, overlooking the clearing with his sharp green gaze. The time had come for yet another Beekit to be apprenticed. Admittedly, he had seen at least a few of them in his relatively young lifetime. He wasn't a particularly superstitious cat and did not believe in "unlucky" names. Still, he was aware of the fates that had befallen the last two she-cats who had born the "Bee" prefix. He sincerely hoped that this one would at least live to warriorhood. Even though the memories had blurred through time, he could still vaguely remember giving them their apprentice names, only for them to pass away soon after the ceremony.

Beekit, fourth of her name, youngest of two, granddaughter of Jaystar, came out of the nursery to face the deputy of her clan, to receive her name as become an apprentice. She had longed for such a chance for the past few moons, feeling antsy in camp and this was what she needed.

Swiftly, she took her seat, looking up with anticipation.

Hailsong walked closely behind her daughter and settled down next to her. She was supposed to say a few encouraging things according to Tinytip's advice but all that she could was nuzzled her a little harsher than she wanted mew a few words. "Be humble and just nod at your mentor's name. They will come to you to touch noses." The dilute calico then looked at Scorchclaw, hoping he would end this quickly. Hawkpaw, Beekit's sibling was already an apprentice so they would keep each other company while she kept doing her usual warrior stuff. Being a queen was not her thing... but at least she now had two beautiful kits that would carry her legacy from now on. Would they turn into great Riverclan warrior like their ancestors?

The ceremony was ready to begin. Not wishing to delay it any longer, Scorchclaw lashed his feathery tail for silence. His pale-green eyes settling on Hailsong's daughter, he addressed her in his usual solemn tone. "Beekit, step forward." A slight pause was allowed as the young she-cat did so. "Beekit, 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 Beepaw. Robinpatch will be your mentor. May you become a strong, loyal warrior that will make RiverClan proud." Stepping back on the Willow Branch, Scorchclaw watched as the newly-appointed pair of mentor and apprentice touched noses.

Taking her mother's advice to heart, Beepaw tampered down the desire to jump into the air with glee and race over to her mentor. Instead, she dipped her head in thanks to the deputy before calmly walking over to greet her mentor, Robinpatch. "It's nice to meet you, Robinpatch. I will try my best to be worthy of your teaching."

Blizzardshell had been watching Beekit's apprentice ceremony by Hailsong's side. The tom held a prideful expression. His two kits were now apprentices. It was a very joyous occasion for both he and his mate. It was also bittersweet as his kits were growing up so fast. Once the ceremony was concluded and his daughter touched her nose to her mentor, he walked up to her and pressed his flank against her. He smiled gently as he spoke, "You'll do great in your training! Just make sure you do what Robinpatch tells you okay?" The tom began to walk away but not before nudging Beepaw.

Robinpatch smiled lightly as his name was called. He felt excited to be training his sister's daughter. He'd finally get to know Beepaw and spend some time with his kin. The warrior finally stood in front of the young she-cat and bent down to touch his nose to hers. "So you're Hailsong's daughter? Did you know that she's my sister? That makes me your uncle! I look forward to training you and i'm sure you'll fly through your training knowing you have Hailsong's blood!" Robinpatch nodded over to Blizzardshell as a swift greeting and nudged Hailsong as he passed her. He then left those two to speak with Beepaw.