Per the usual requirements, he gathered along with the rest of the clan at the new deputy's call. Burntstag watched on with a mild interest in his eyes, although his expression portrayed one of true engagement. The tip of his tail flickering to and fro was the only reminder that he was still a living and breathing being as he half-listened to the usual speech introducing the clan's next apprentice. If it were not inappropriate, he might have scoffed at all the circumstance around the usual code dictated ceremony. Instead, he was silent. And that was when Wildstrike called out his name. There was a moment where he merely blinked in response. An apprentice? That was, well, unsurprisingly expected. After all, the calico warrior had proven himself to be devoted and many other commonplace things often attributed to warriors.
Obedience to the code was the only thing that had become somewhat of a facade over the course of all these moons. Otherwise, his persistence, care, and bravery were all genuine emotions. Burntstag had plenty of things to teach this young she-cat. It was an opportunity to raise up one of the clan's kits in a proper fashion. A soft smile crossed his maw as he stood and padded towards Cedarpaw, as was customary. As their noses were touched softly together, the tom meowed in a low and calm tone, "I can't wait to begin our training tomorrow. There are so many things for you to learn."
