Ravenkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Murkystrike stood in the middle of camp, staring up at Jaggedrock. Today was a big day. The first apprentice ceremony she would conduct was going to happen in just a few heartbeats, and of all of the kits it could be for, it was little Ravenkit. It felt like only a few sunsets ago she had found her alone in the marsh. With a deep breath, she carefully climbed up Jaggedrock, trying to ignore her shaking paws as she balanced herself and looked down. "ShadowClan! Please gather in the shadow of Jaggedrock!" She called, recalling Flintstar's usual words. Hopefully she wouldn't mess this up.

Ravenkit had been playing with the countless pine needles littering the floor of the camp when she had the call for a clan meeting. She knew well enough by now that it meant that cats were supposed to gather before the Jagged Rock to hear what the leader or the deputy had to say, and the call was familiar this time. It was Murkystrike holding this meeting! She knew she should be there this time, and so she padded over, sitting somewhat in the middle of any cats that had gathered thus far, but keeping her distance as much as she could.

Even though she was so short, the Jagged Rock was high enough that the older cats didn't block her view of her mother. Ravenkit wrapped her now longer tail around her, staring up at the she-cat standing atop the Jagged Rock, ears perked and listening.

Murkystrike spotted her daughter playing with pine needles, and she smiled as she joined the gathering crowd of cats. Once a sufficient number of them had arrived, she continued. "I've called you all here today to witness the naming of our newest apprentice. Ravenkit, please step forward." Murkystrike paused to allow her some time to rise and step forward, hoping that she would like the mentor she had in mind. Once Ravenkit had moved forward, Murkystrike took a breath and continued.

Ravenkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Ravenpaw. Moonshine will be your mentor. I trust that she will pass on all she knows to you." Moonshine was young, yes, but Murkystrike knew that she would do a good job, and she trusted the warrior to do well for her daughter.

Moonshine heard her name being called and she almost gasped. Excitement shot through like the shock of cold water, but in an exciting, refreshing way. They were trusting her with an apprentice??? Moonshine padded forward and leaned down to touch noses with her apprentice. She was a mentor now... for Shadowclan! "Hello Ravenpaw! Congratulations on your new name. We can start training tomorrow just after the sun falls behind the horizon. Does that sound good?" She asked, wanting her apprentices to be able to speak for themselves and not be afraid to speak to her. Questions were good! They were like a test for herself just as much as it was for an apprentice. She had been proud when she earned her warrior name... but being trusted with an apprentice was an absolute honor.

Ravenpaw touched noses with her mentor, Moonshine. She examined the she-cat as she spoke to her, getting a feel for her personality. She had been waiting quite a while to become an apprentice, and Ravenpaw was extremely excited to finally be training to help protect the clan that had so kindly taken her in. "Thank you." She said politely, she took a quick glance at Murkystrike before continuing. "That sounds great!" She said excitedly.