Ferretkit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old... enough to capture their own prey gather under... underneath Jaggedrock for a clan meeting!" Thrushstar yowled, ignoring his protesting throat. It had been a little bit of time since Shatteredsoul's attempt and partial success to murder Thrushstar and the leader was hoping his throat would have healed better than this. So far, it was still the same broken and raspy voice.

Ferretkit stumbled forward, her eyes glued to the ground. She was still beating herself up over her would-be scuffle with Shatteredsoul. Her denmates had explained what the rogue had done before his death, and it just made her feel even more stupid! Everyone had promised her that her bravery would be taken into account one day, but she just felt like a dumb kit. She'd rather be picking the elder's fur for ticks than have her ceremony so soon after, but it was time for her to become an apprentice.

Looking around, Thrushstar continued. "Tonight we gather to make this kit an apprentice," he said, thankfully in one solid sentence. "Ferretkit, from now... until you receive your warrior name, you... will be known as Ferretpaw. M-Mudfoot will be your mentor. Ma-ay he teach you everything... he knows." This was frustrating, but it was over thankfully. Leaping down, he let the clan finish the ceremony.

Sitting in the crowd, Mudfoot's ears perked up when Thrushstar said his name. Another apprentice? Wow, what an honor! He'd heard about how this kit stood up to a warrior and wondered how training was going. Mudfoot could tell Thrushstar was a little worried by the stuttering in his tone, but he wouldn't let his leader down. Walking forward, he looked for his new apprentice.

For the first time since her embarrassment, Ferretpaw spoke a full sentence. "H-hi, Mudfoot, my name is Ferretpaw."

She took a deep breath. What would Mama think if the most hyper kit in her litter got shy all of a sudden? That's not Ferretpaw! A smile grew on her face and her ears pricked happily. She rocked on her heels, nodding her head. The thrill of the moment brought her back to reality, where she was the biggest ball of sunshine ShadowClan had ever seen. And, even better, she was an apprentice now.

"Woah, my name is Ferretpaw! I'm an apprentice now! When do we start? I wanna know everything, Mudfoot!"

Eaglefeather looked out at Ferretpaw and smiled, Mudfoot a very nice tom who she trusted was mentoring her kit.

Touching noses with the apprentice, Mudfoot was glad to see the small cat's spirits lift. "I can't wait to train with you." He meowed with a smile. "We'll start tomorrow." He chuckled. I've always loved cats with enthusiasm.

Webtail watched the ceremony with happiness, Mudfoot had been there during his own apprenticeship, he trusted him to teach his daughter well.