Stonekit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" Ivystar called out to the clearing below, catching the attention of the cats that had been milling about minding their own business. Batfang and Tinytip's beloved tomkit was finally of age to take on the duties of an apprentice, it was one exciting day. It always brought her much joy to see another kit ready to take on the next step in their lives. She hoped that he would grow to be strong like Batfang.

Stonekit bounced out of the nursery in the direction of the low-lying willow branch. The grey bundle of nervous energy skidded to an awkward halt just underneath Ivystar. He backed up a few paces to sit with the rest of the cats beginning to gather, giving his fur a couple of licks even though his soft grey coat was already well-groomed. Today would be the day he began the most exciting adventure of his life. He'd get to leave the camp! Explore! Learn new things! Hunt and fight for his clan! What a great honor! I don't want to let them down, Stonekit reflected soberly.

"Stonekit, you have reached the age of six moons, and are now ready to undertake the responsibilities of an apprentice. From today onwards, you will be known to the clan as Stonepaw. Your mentor will be Sootwhisper, I hope that you will a balm to him in his difficult time and in return, he will teach you all that he knows." Stonepaw was an eager, joyful apprentice that seemed to ready for this challenge ahead of him. She hoped and prayed that this excitable energy would rub off onto her son, who seemed to only be living for Viperkit these days.

Stonepaw dipped his head politely to his leader and turned toward the gathered RiverClan cats. Yellow eyes sought out the black-and-white warrior who was now his mentor from the crowd. Stonepaw! the gleeful young tom repeated silently to himself, I'm a warrior-in-training now!