Jude's Apprentice Ceremony

Swiftstep jumped up onto the Tallrock. He had a small smile etched onto his face. Today's apprentice ceremony would be slightly different but still very similar to all the other ones. The deputy's face was fixed to a serious expression before he would begin. He looked around to see if he could spot the peculiar tom-cat. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather underneath the Tallrock for a Clan meeting!" Swiftstep called with an authoritative tone.

It was an exciting moment for the old tom. No matter how exciting, it was a moment he never expected to occur in his life.

With his paw recovered, he was finally free to return to his home. Yet he felt stuck. He wasn't sure if he wanted to leave anymore.

A rather difficult discussion with Brindlestar after her return had left the tom waiting as she mulled over his question. The question of whether he could join the ranks of WindClan or not. He was an older tom, that was apparent from the small grey hairs that sparsely dotted his muzzle, and surely he would struggle to latch onto their training and ideals. Despite those setbacks, he was dedicated and curious. And for once in his life, he felt like he belonged.

After what felt like an agonizing amount of time spent waiting for her approval, he finally received it. The bonds that were just beginning to form would grow and expand. He wouldn't be left alone in his bed until someone came home. He was surrounded by cats like him who wanted something more than the life he lived before the accident.

Before approaching the tallrock, he had rehearsed the ceremony and learned the language alongside Brindlestar's own litter. It was a tad embarrassing, being taught what was considered the basics at his age. But he stood tall and padded forward, swallowing the lump of anxiety that blocked his throat.

The deputy looked down upon the tom before he continued on, "We all gather here today to make a certain tom an apprentice. Jude, please step forward." Once the mentioned cat did, the deputy nodded approvingly and then began to speak again, "Jude, you have exceeded the age of six moons, and it is undoubtedly time for you to be apprenticed. However, unlike the rest of your peers, your path to Warriorhood begins with the granting of a new name. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Jaypaw. Brindlestar will be your mentor. I know that she will pass down everything she knows on to you."