Palekit's and Brierkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Crowstar called out to his clan. "Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather here for a clan meeting!"

Lilyheart padded out of the warriors den, her fur slightly tussled looking from her slumber. Looking up to her father she smiled, she knew what this was, it was an apprentice ceremony! She wondered who would get an apprentice, sitting down she looked towards the nursery.

Eagleheart sat next to Lilyheart. Not long ago, he had mentored the young she-cat, and now she sat next to him as a warrior, watching new kits become apprentices. He glanced around for Addergaze or Hollypaw, but saw neither. The warrior looked up at his leader, patiently waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Brierkit stepped quietly towards his leader, his odd eyes flashing. The tom lacked his usual energy, paws almost dragging as he made his way to the front of the crowd. He knew this would be his apprentice ceremony, and he should be excited, but...there was still no sign of his mother. It was obvious that the grey and white kit blamed himself for not watching Cherrymist closely enough, and the grief and shame of it dampened his emotions. He sat down, trying to keep his head high.

Rippedsky settled down next to his son. The bit of drag in his step matched that of Brierkit. Since Cherrymist had disappeared, the warrior had been worried out of his mind and felt off constantly. There had not even been a whiff of her scent. However, the black and white tom managed to force a smile. Today was a special day. He nudged Brierkit lightly.

"I know it's tough, but it's not your fault," He offered up in a gentle whisper, "Focus on today. She would want you to enjoy your ceremony. We're both proud of you, Brierkit."

"It is time for a new apprentice. Brierkit from this moment on you will be known as Brierpaw. Lilyheart will be your mentor." THe leader said before jumping down.

ooc: Was told Pale disappeared

Lilyheart blinked in surprise, her eyes widening as her father announced the mentor. It was her? She had only just earned her warrior name! Blinking again she spluttered. "Oh I- Th-thank you Crowstar!" Looking to Rippedsky and Eagleheart with a smile she got to her paws and approached Brierpaw with a soft smile. "I'll make sure you're the best cat you can be." She meowed softly, touching her soft pink nose to Brierpaws.

Brierkit just shot his father a frustrated glance. It was the same thing everyone had been telling him. 'Oh I know it's hard that Cherrymist is gone but you'll be an apprentice soon!' Being an apprentice didn't bring back his mother, he thought bitterly. His light blue eye, the exact shade of blue his mother's eyes were, flashed along side the brown and golden one as he heard his new name. Brierpaw tipped his head to Lilyheart as she padded up, lifting his head to touch noses with hers. Doubt and anxiety glittered in his eyes. The grey and white tom was clearly still thinking about Cherrymist.