Quailkit's Apprentice Ceremony

The coldness of Leaf-bare was beginning to succumb to the fresh Newleaf weather. Surely it would take a bit more time for the air to become completely warm, but Dayspring was grateful to know that the snow would be melting away soon enough. Newleaf meant new life, new growth, and new opportunities, and yet another kit would be joining the apprentice den as a clear showcase of that new growth. She smiled from where she stood on the Tallrock before calling out to the Clan.
"May all cats old enough to run the moor gather beneath the Tallrock for a Clan meeting!"

The young tabby tom bounded over to Quailkit, green gaze alight with excitement. There was another apprentice ceremony about to begin and he was ready to find out who'd be the lucky kit this time. Sunny had gained her apprentice name not too long ago and that left both him and Quail as the last ones left in their little group who were yet to get a ceremony. They were the youngest so it made sense that they hadn't had theirs yet but Silver really hoped that it'd be soon... whenever soon was.

Silverkit settled down next to Quailkit, tail wriggling in anticipation. He softly nudged his sister and offered her a grin. "Ya think it'll be one of us now? I sure hope so but ya never know. We ain't the only kits who haven't gotten our mentors yet." he whispered to her, eyes showing a little bit of nervousness. The tom-kit turned back to face the deputy before the ceremony began.

Dayspring patiently waited until the apprentice-to-be had joined the group. She offered Quailkit a gentle grin before beginning the ceremony.
“Quailkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Quailpaw. Your mentor will be Flurryfox."
As usual, after announcing the mentor, Dayspring quietly padded off of the Tallrock to end the ceremony and join the Clan as they congratulated the new apprentice.

The soft thump of his catch landing on the fresh-kill pile preceded a sigh from the small gray tabby that was Flurryfox. He stared down at the pitifully superficial mouse, the larger rabbits and hares diminishing what he had earlier viewed as an accomplishment. He had left camp on his own, vulnerable in broad daylight to anything that may see him as easy prey. It seemed as if every creature had sensed his tentative attempt to hunt and had hidden themselves away in their burrows. Of course, the sight of the young mouse - an easy catch - had felt grander than reality. But now, Flurryfox could only stare with cold disappointment. His tail hung limp behind him and his shoulders sagged, but the sound of Dayspring's call distracted him. He turned to look up at her, blue eyes scanning her posture. His watchful gaze detected no anxiety or anger, so he padded over to stand and watch.

The young warrior listened as the deputy began the ceremony, and his mind flickered back to his own. Any cat could sense his excitement, but it all had fallen apart not even a day later. Flurryfox hoped Quailkit, who looked as elated as he had, would have a safe and... normal apprenticeship. But then, when the deputy called his name to mentor the bright-eyed cat, he froze. Him? A mentor? While he was older than Dayspring, he had been a warrior for less than half the time she had. His legs carried him over to newly-named Quailpaw as if another cat controlled him. Barely concealed fear grappled his heart. He didn't feel capable of protecting himself; how would he protect Quailpaw? All he knew was that he couldn't let what happened to him end up happening to her. He'd find a way to keep her safe. "Hey," he whispered in greeting before leaning forward to touch noses with his new apprentice.

When Dayspring spoke, she watched enraptured. Green eyes wide with anticipation. She shared a grin with Silverkit when her name was spoken and stepped up. Ready and willing to take on the new role she was going to be assigned. To train under a mentor and in the great moor beyond the camp!

Flurryfox… she turned to find the silver pelted tom that was to be her mentor. Quailpaw padded over to him with her tail raised happily.
“Hiya Flurryfox!” She grinned, touching his nose with a little more excitement than necessary before she bounced in place. “I can’t wait to train with you! Can you show me all of the moor? Hey, are trees just big grass? What’re we gonna do first!?”

Her gaze went over to Silverkit.
“I bet you’ll get your mentor really soon! Hey! Maybe we can all do a hunt together when you have yours! OH! Maybe we can do a race? Can we do a race Flurryfox? ”