Softkit's apprentice ceremony

Ashwing sat on top of the Tallrock, Greenleaf sun warming her gray fur. They had been blessed with so many kits this season... Now it was time to give one of them a mentor. She took a deep breath and yowled the ceremonial words. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather underneath the Tallrock for a Clan meeting!"

Softkit stepped daintily toward Tallrock. Her body stayed relatively low to the ground, hyper aware of all the eyes that were and would be on her. She couldn't believe it. She wasn't sure the day would ever come, but she was finally going to be an apprentice. Softpaw...the name sounded strange to her, but she couldn't wait to use it. And she couldn't wait to find out who would be her mentor, helping her earn a name beyond Softpaw.

Ashwing smiled at the fluffy young she-kit. She had thought for a while about who to pair with this apprentice, and she had just the cat. "Softkit, you have reached the age of six moons and are ready to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Softpaw. Softpaw, your mentor will be Spiderfur. I hope she passes down all she knows to you.'

Softpaw's fur stood slightly on end as her new name was announced. Her skin quivered with excitement and she bowed her head gratefully. "Thank you, Ashwing," she said. Softpaw lifted her head slightly to seek out Spiderfur in the crowd. She was eager to get to know the cat who would be showing her the ways of the warrior and couldn't wait to learn everything she could.

Spiderfur went to greet her new apprentice warmly, touching Softpaw's nose with her own. Maybe having an apprentice would distract her, keep her busy, keep her mind off of her son. Hopefully.

Cedarfur watched his kit become an apprentice with pride. He was so happy for Softpaw and her aunt to get some bonding time and couldn't wait to see her become a warrior.

Softpaw touched noses with her new mentor. She felt a loving thrill in her stomach, as though she had eaten crickets for breakfast instead of rabbit. She purred softly and said not a word, merely looked up at her aunt with awe and respect.