Ashkit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" Ivystar meowed for all to here, her tone a little more cheery than usual as she was undeniable excited for this particular clan meeting. It was her kit, Ashkit's cermeony today, she was finally leaving the warmth of the nursery to join the clan as an apprentice. She was going to miss spending nights curled with her sweetling, but nonetheless, she was happy to see her daughter progress in life.

Padding out from the nursery, Ashkit's now fully green eyes shone with happiness. Her well-groomed silver fur shone in the sunlight, twinkling like the stars. Her apprentice naming day had finally come.

Ever since her first outing from the nursery, the quiet she-cat had a keen sense of curiosity. She wondered who would be her mentor, if she would like him or her, and what they would do together first.

"Ashkit, you have now reached the age of six moons, so you are ready to be apprenticed. Until you earn your warrior name, you will be called Ashpaw from now on. And your mentor will be Batfang. You will learn alongside Sandpaw, who is only a few moons your senior." Then she turned to look over at the warrior in question, addressing the issue of handling multiple apprentices. "Batfang, I understand this is your first time handling two apprentices, but you have done well Sandpaw, and I have no doubt in your abilities. Train Ashpaw well, and don't hesitate as you are well-suited for this task. May StarClan guide your paths."

She cut off all chance of protests with her parting blessing, before leaping off the branch onto the sandy soil.

The newly named Ashpaw looked up wonderingly at her new mentor, Batfang. She hadn't expected to train alongside another apprentice under the same mentor. Thoughtfully, she mulled, The clan must be overstretched if Batfang had to take on two apprentices at once.

Padding forward, the silver-pelted she-cat reached up to touch noses with Batfang before drawing back to her normal standing height. Ashpaw watched her mother go before also leaving, but this time heading towards the apprentice den instead of the nursery. Her new life as a clan apprentice was just beginning.