whitekit's apprentice ceremony

It was time for yet another apprentice ceremony. One of Blacktail and Swallowclaw's litter would be the center of attention today, and the tom could already picture the confusion and all sorts of chaos the triplets would cause when they came of age, not that they weren't already. "Let all cats of Thunderclan gather below Highrock for a clan meeting." he announced from his spot atop Highrock.

Mottlerose heeded her mate's call, pushing herself from her place near the warrior's den. She had been moving around much more the last few days, particularly in thanks to Thistlepaw and Comfreyheart. Minnowfin and the other two she-cats had been her reminder that life didn't end, but that she needed to keep going. So the small molly sat, looking up to see whose ceremony it would be.

Everyone present, he continued with the ceremony. "Whitekit," he gave the soon-to-be apprentice an encouraging nod. "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 Whitepaw and your mentor will be Mintpool. I trust that she will teach you all that she knows." Joining in the cheers, he leaped off Highrock.

A blink of surprise came from the tortoiseshell molly at the friendly kit beside her. It was as if motherly instincts kicked in in a split second, and she gave a warm smile and a purr. "Nice to meet you, Whitekit! Yes, I'm Mottlerose." She nodded in confirmation.

Her head turned to her mate as he announced the ceremony, as well as who the mentor of the young kit would be. It only made her smile widen further. "Congratulations, Whitepaw! Mintpool is an amazing cat. You'll be in great paws."

Mintpool sat straight and slightly imposing, and only stiffened a little in surprise when Minnowfin called her name. An apprentice?

But it was only the work of moments to get through the small crowd. The tall gray warrior felt only a touch awkward — this time, that is — when a gentle mew reached her ears. Mottlerose? Mintpool’s ear flicked and she flushed, slightly, in confusion.

The tortoiseshell had always been kind to her. As I used to think — too kind. To the point it made her younger self mildly distant (and, maybe, a little mistrustful): Mottlerose’s ease and belonging in Thunderclan always felt like a chasm of distance. Mintpool had never avoided her, but neither had she been overly friendly — and so she was surprised by the warmth in the queen’s voice.

Perhaps… that was a long time ago, Mintpool thought, and smiled softly as she came to stand beside Mottlerose and Whitekit. “That’s high praise,” she said, eyes flicking to acknowledge the other molly. “Thank you. I promise I’ll do my best. And hello, Whitekit. I’m Mintpool, your new mentor.”

Stooping down — gracefully, somehow, in spite of her turned paw and the height necessary — the former Riverclanner touched her nose to his, as was customary.