Amberkit's Apprentice Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Willow Branch for a clan meeting!"

On a cold, overcast afternoon, the familiar summons rang out from the Willow Branch. Scorchclaw's claws dug deep into the half-frozen bark, even as the deputy scanned the clearing for the sight of Amberkit. Another of Swanpetal's litter, her ceremony had been delayed for too long. Today, at last, she would claim her rightful place in the Apprentice Den. It was a slow leaf-bare day, and the sun had barely shown itself ever since the dawn. On such days, time seemed to stretch on forever. Amberkit's moment of glory would hopefully serve to shake a little dreariness out of his clanmates.

Amberkit padded out of the nursery. Another ceremony? She sighed and casted a sad glance at the apprentice den. Why wasn’t I made an apprentice when my siblings were? She whined to herself. Is there something wrong with me? She shook her head, trying to clear the thought. Of course nothing is wrong with me. She gazed up at Scorchclaw, her eyes blank.

The ceremony was ready to begin. Scorchclaw drew a deep breath, the frosty air filling his lungs as he did so. "Amberkit, step forward." He meowed solemnly. When the young she-cat had obeyed, he continued, "Amberkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day onward, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Amberpaw. Your mentor will be Berrycloud." The cream-furred warrior had recently healed from the wounds he had sustained during the dog attack. The fluffy deputy judged him to be ready to receive his first apprentice. "May he guide you well with his courage and loyalty."

Amberpaw had let out a loud gasp. She was an apprentice! She squealed with delight. “I’m a apprentice! I’m a apprentice!” She squealed over and over again. “Thanks Scorchclaw!” She purred loudly before turning around to find her mentor b

Amberpaw had let out a loud gasp. She was an apprentice! She squealed with delight. “I’m a apprentice! I’m a apprentice!” She squealed over and over again. “Thanks Scorchclaw!” She purred loudly before turning around to find her mentor b

The large golden tabby's ears shifted when the deputy made the big announcement. His first apprentice, who would believe it? Berrycloud locked his eyes with Scorchclaw, wondering why did he give him Amberpaw. He had proven nothing. He failed to protect his brother, to stop Eaglebrook from running away. Because of his failure, Silverfang was dead. However, now the brown tom was giving him the responsibility to look after a young cat who needed guidance in his path as a warrior. Was he truly worth it? The young warrior made his way to Amberpaw but didn't join her in her excitement. Remembering how his mentor did with him, Berrycloud lowered his head and touched the tip of her nose, making the bond official. "I guess... you're stuck with me now. Take a rest for the day. We can start tomorrow."