Cinderkit's Apprentice Ceremony

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

The familiar cry pierced the frosty morning air, instantly seizing the attention of all cats currently within the RiverClan camp. Scorchclaw stood tall atop the Willow Branch, his pale-green eyes glimmering against a dreary gray sky. The summons indicated nothing less than an apprentice ceremony, and that was indeed what it was for. Cinderkit would be leaving the Nursery today, claiming his place in the Apprentice Den after six long moons.

Finally the day has arrived.

Cinderkit had been waiting for his apprentice ceremony for ages, he was tired of being bounded to the nursery and confined inside of camp. With him becoming an apprentice, he will finally be able to learn how to hunt, fight and explore! He quickly groomed himself neatly and headed out towards the willow branch.

The cats of RiverClan gathered, it was time to begin the ceremony. Scorchclaw slightly narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of Cinderkit in the crowd. "Cinderkit, step forward." He meowed, even as he flicked his dark tail for silence. There was a slight pause as the young tom did so. When Cinderkit stood almost directly beneath the Willow Branch, the large deputy continued, "Cinderkit, 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 shall be known as Cinderpaw. Lightstep shall be your mentor. I have confidence that he will train you well in the ways of the Warrior Code."

Upon hearing Scorchclaw's call, Lightstep padded out from the warriors' den to the main clearing of camp. Immediately his yellow gaze landed on the form of his deputy, perched on his spot in the Willow Branch. Lightstep's tail twitched with curiosity as he sat, waiting for the announcement. When it did, Lightstep perked up, the hints of a smile turning the dges of his mouth. An apprentice ceremony, he thought pleasantly, I wonder who the lucky kit will be?

As if on cue the deputy announced the name of Cinderkit. Lightstep sought out the young tom, seeing the apprentice-to-be making his way up to Scorchclaw at his request. The ceremony began for Cinderkit, and after he received his name he was given his mentor: Lightstep. The young white warrior perked up even further, trying to look calm and collected despite that he was bursting with joy about his new apprentice. Lightstep looked into the newly-named Cinderpaw's eyes and gave him a confident and encouraging nod before padding up the the apprentice to touch noses with him.