Muddykit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" Scorchclaw let his fluffy tail dangle casually off the Willow Branch. Any passing apprentice knew better than to swipe at it for several reasons, one being the fact that it was probably out of their reach. The second reason being that they didn't want to risk the deputy's wrath. As a crowd began to gather beneath the willow tree, the large fluffy tom didn't let his slight impatience show in his jade-green eyes.

Muddykit was prepared. He had known it was his time soon; he had been attentive for many recent Clan meetings. Hopefully, it was his turn. The thin tom bounded over to wait underneath the willow branch.

Quiet swiftly fell over the gathered cats. They gazed up at Scorchclaw, waiting to see what would come next. The fluffy deputy spent a second searching for the distinctive form of the thin brown kit. When his jade-green eyes settled on Muddykit, he gave a slight nod of approval. The ceremony could now begin. "Muddykit, step forward." He mewed.

Like usual, he wore a serious expression as he regarded the young tom before him. "Muddykit, 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 Muddypaw and your mentor will be Smokewish. May she pass on her knowledge of the Warrior code to you." The ceremony over, he did not immediately leap off the Willow branch. Instead, the large brown tabby lingered a moment longer, watching as Smokewish touched noses with her newest apprentice. The gray warrior had lost an eye, a friend, as well as two of her kits. Hopefully, Muddypaw would serve to patch up a little of that emptiness that was left.