Mintkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Another one of the newest litter was to be apprenticed. Perchfall's face was as neutral as always as she routinely climbed the branch, following pawsteps that she was certainly used to by now. Of all the deputy requirements, apprentice ceremonies were certainly not the most difficult... though they were somewhat time-consuming. Either way, it was good to have the kits in the nursery growing older to help provide for the Clan. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Willow Branch for a Clan meeting!" she called, just loud enough to get RiverClan's attention.

This time, Swanmist only brought two kits to the meeting, Pebblepaw was now an apprentice, it made her proud. She wondered who was next. Both kits were still pretty clean from last time, so that only meant no extra work for her. "You ready?" She nosed both kits.

Mintkit shuffled forward, her family by her side. Pebblepaw had recently been made an apprentice; it was her and Flurry’s turn next. ”I’m ready,” she said quietly to her mom.

Perchfall nodded once she saw Swanmist moving out with her kits. After a moment, she began the ceremony. "Mintkit, 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 Mintpaw. Hollyleaf will be your mentor. I trust that she will pass down all she knows to you." The young she-cat already had an apprentice, but there were so many that warriors would start having to take two at a time. Hopefully they would get a few more warriors soon. For now, Mintpaw was a promising young apprentice.

Hollyleaf smiled at the grown kit, now ready to become an apprentice. However, what she didn't expect was her name to be called out.. again. Perhaps an opportunity for both apprentices and her, the molly took her words, giving Mintpaw a small purr before touching her nose with her. She, too, could also tell how Mintpaw seemed promising— and nonetheless, somewhat like her when she was younger. "We'll start training at tomorrow's early afternoon, though until then, try to get enough rest," She smiled, then pulled away.

Mintpaw stepped forward, trying to remain calm; the eyes of the Clan (her clanmates, she reminded herself) was very unusual for her. But she’d seen Pebblepaw’s ceremony not long ago, and that helped her know what to do. Dipping her head to their deputy, the grey-furred molly shivered at the words, and then turned to see her new mentor.

Hollyleaf seemed a mild warrior, and graceful, with fur slightly lighter than Mint’s own and mottled with thin stripes. I know her. Now grown, Mintpaw was a tall apprentice — lankier than her siblings — and so she nearly came to the warrior’s shoulder as they approached. She brushed noses a little nervously, as much as she tried to hide it. But the warrior’s smile was calm, reassuring.

"We'll start training at tomorrow's early afternoon, though until then, try to get enough rest.”

I will, she thought, and nodded in agreement — all the while feeling the stirrings of some genuine excitement at the idea.