Firekit's Apprentice Ceremony

Although Foxkit's ceremony was now over, Firekit's turn was still to come. Scorchclaw's fluffy tail swept a lazy arc through the air, a calm expression on his face. Sharp green eyes rested on the little tom in the crowd. Before too long, the cheering of his clanmates died down. Curious gazes peered up at the fluffy deputy who was still on the Willow Branch. “Cats of RiverClan,” He stated, “Foxpaw is not the only cat who will be leaving the nursey today. Firekit, step forward.”

Firekit was about to slide back into the nursery, but then his name was called. Yes! He was finally going to be an apprentice! He practically bounded up, trying to stay still.

Berrykit for the first time left the nursery to attend a ceremony. How could he not? His friend Firekit was going to be an apprentice! How wonderful was that! Despite the glares of some cats, he made his way into the crowd so he could be in the first line to see him receive his new name and mentor. Finchstream already taught all about that... how he was going to be named Firepaw now and that he would be allowed to leave the camp, learn how to hunt and fight for the clan! He couldn't wait to join him in the apprentice's den!

When Firekit was almost directly beneath the Willow Branch, Scorchclaw continued. “Firekit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this today onward until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Firepaw. Your mentor will be Flurryshine. She was your mother's apprentice, and now she will be your mentor.” After some deliberation that morning, he had decided on the fluffy white warrior to mentor the young tom. Some time had passed since her warrior ceremony, and he believed that she was now ready for her first apprentice. He knew about the close relationship Flurryshine shared with her former mentor. He could trust her to train Firepaw up well without any prejudice for his origins.

Firepaw was fairly sure he shouldn't say anything, so he turned around to find Flurryshine's face in the crowd.

Gingerstripe smiled in pride as one of his sons became an apprentice. He may never become a true warrior of this Clan, but he was at least glad that Firepaw was given the chance he would never have again. He respected Jaystar at least for that. His chest swelled as the young tom was given a mentor- Flurryshine, his mate's former apprentice. He waited for a little while to pad over, then cuff his son kindly on the shoulder and tell him, "Congratulations Firepaw!" A perfect mix of him and Dewshine, named after his estranged brother Firestone... and full of new promise. Who knew where Firepaw would go?

Pride, relief and gratitude flooded Dewshine's chest. Flurryshine, she would be an excellent mentor to her kit. She padded forward to congratulate him, the new name falling from her lips easily, but pain too accompanied it.
"Firepaw! You be good in the apprentice's den, look after your sister. Blossomkit too when she's ready." Dewshine mewed softly, in a bit of a rush. She didn't want to let her kits go... it was a dangerous world out there. They could get hurt. She pulled away and nuzzled Gingerstripe's neck to let Firepaw get ready.

Flurryshine's head and tail shot up with happiness as she heard her name being called by RiverClan's deputy. She would be able to mentor one of Dewshine's kits after all! What a happy day this was. She waited for Firepaw's mother and father to finish congratulating him before approaching next, touching her pink nose to his. "I look forward to training you, Firepaw. Training will begin tomorrow."