Turtlekit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" Once again, the familiar summons echoed throughout the camp. There were many reasons that a clan meeting could be held; however, the sight of Scorchclaw on the willow branch probably gave away the fact that this meeting was going to be another apprentice ceremony. While they could have been considered as one of the easier tasks of being a deputy, the fluffy brown tom knew that apprentice ceremonies were just as important as his other duties. They were an essential part of a clan's growth, after all.

Turtlekit emerged from the nursery, trying earnestly to escape her mothers insistent tongue. She looked fine! Why did her mother insist on her like a kit on the day that she was leaving that label behind for good? With an annoyed huff, she brushed the irritation away. Today was her special day. She wasn't going to let her mood be anything but happy and excited. Finally, she joined her clanmates at the gathering place below Willowbranch, taking a place beside her father, Lakewhisper.

Scorchclaw waited in silence as his clanmates gathered. As usual, his expressionless face made it hard to tell how he really felt. A few minutes after he had called out to the clan, he spoke again. "Turtlekit, step forward."

Once she had, he fixed the white-and-brown kit with a serious stare. "Turtlekit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Turtlepaw and your mentor will be Reedclaw." Turning his gaze to the dark tom whose name he had mentioned, he added, "Pass on to her the strength and loyalty required of a RiverClan warrior." As he leaped off the willow branch, the large deupty silently wished a long, happy life for the new apprentice.

Reedclaw touched noses with his new apprentice.