Pebblekit's Apprentice Ceremony

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

These were the traditional words that had always been used to summon the clan. Once, they had seemed to Scorchclaw as if they tingled with the very power that imbued a leader with nine lives. Now, however, they felt almost natural on his tongue. When had that aspect changed? It must have happened somewhere along the line, when he had gotten used to his role as deputy. To realize that he was getting used to the role was surprising in itself. Was he used to the responsibility? No. The fear still lingered in his heart when he thought of the many lives that rested in his paws. He had failed once, and the scars had been carved into his heart. But it was the duties that he was getting used to―the routine of managing the clan, monitoring apprentices, and so on. How much longer would he continue in these duties?The thought surfaced every now and then, but it often disappeared just as quickly.

Today, another one of Hailsong's kits would be claiming her place in the Apprentice Den. The calico queen had mothered many, including those who were not hers by blood. The young she-cat, whose ceremony it would be today, was Pebblekit. Scorchclaw had seen the little one here and there and was acquainted with the silver tabby pelt.

As soon as she heard the fateful words, Pebblekit couldn't keep her tail from twitching. This was it, her way out of the stifling nursery and into the unknown. So many possible paths lay before her...
She stared up at Scorchclaw expectantly, anxious to know who would be her mentor, who would guide her paws in this new and unfamiliar world. She could hear her clanmates gathering around her, but remained still, trying to look confident for her new mentor that was surely in the crowd. She wouldn't let them down. She wouldn't let her clan down.

Scorchclaw gazed solemnly down at Pebblekit, his glimmering green eyes offering little in the way of warmth. "Pebblekit," He beckoned her forward, to the base of the willow tree, "step forward."When she had done so, the large tabby continued. "Pebblekit, 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 Pebblepaw." With the blessing of a new name, the young molly had become a different cat. She was no longer Pebblekit, a carefree little one whose was nest was surrounded by the warm, milky Nursery; she was Pebblepaw, taking her first steps toward warriorhood. From then on, the responsibilities of clan life would weigh upon her, as it had weighed upon so many others. "Ivybrook will be your mentor. Despite her young age, she is a loyal and determined warrior. I believe she will guide you well."

Attentive ears fell upon the willow branch as Scorchclaw spoke, gaze shifting from the apprentice in question as she stepped forwards towards the base of the willow branch. Her expression had previously been expressionless, but when her own name left the older tom’s mouth shock mounted her features. She had just left the apprentice den herself, and now she was to train Pebblepaw in the ways of RiverClan? She had just barely made it out herself, how could she be expected to train her? Shaking her head, she got on her paws and padded towards the apprentice slowly. Touching her nose gently to Pebblepaw’s, she looked into her eyes with a guarded gaze. ”Tomorrow I will show you around the territory and perhaps begin training you to hunt, so rest well tonight.” She mewed, keeping an even tone.

Trying desperately to remain dignified, Pebblepaw nodded up at Ivybrook. Inside, she was glad to have such a young mentor. The senior warriors intimidated her with their grizzled pelts and battle scars, and she knew Ivybrook would remember what it was like to be in Pebblepaw's pawsteps, experiencing new things for the first time.
Her paws took her towards the nursery on instinct, her mind lost in thought. She was only a tail-length from the entrance when she remembered that this wasn't her home anymore. An unexpected twinge of sadness was soon replaced with excitement as she cantered over to the apprentices' den, eager to see her new nest and make new friends.