Dapplekit's Apprentice Ceremony

It was hard to believe that six moons had already passed since the clan cats had been swept from their home. In Scorchclaw's eyes, it seemed as if only seven days had passed. Had they really been away from home for so long a period of time? What was time, anyway, and what were paradoxes? As the rational tom that he was, he decided not to question the unmistakable facts. He would leave such complicated matters in the paws of those above, simply carrying out his duty as the mortal cat that he was. That very day, Dewshine's kits were six moons old of age. Even if they had not been born in RiverClan camp, these kits were undoubtedly RiverClan's. He would ensure that they grew up knowing that fact. Ever since Dewshine's death, they had become his responsibility; there had never been any question about it. "Let all RiverClan cats gather before the Shore Rock for a clan meeting!" His voice echoed powerfully through the clear air.

Dapplekit heard the call from Scorchclaw where she was sitting, dabbing at the water with her paw. She liked how the ripples spread across the surface as she poked it, the sunlight sparkling off of the small waves. She had been wanting to step into the water for a long time, it looked so pretty and calm... But that would have to wait for another day. Standing and shaking her pelt, she quickly padded over to where Scorchclaw was standing on a rock above the rest. She sat down and looked up at the deputy, curious as to what was about to happen.

The first of the kits in question, Dapplekit, was crouched by the water's edge. Like most cats of that age, they were easily fascinated by the smallest things in life. What seemed to Scorchclaw an ordinary sight often appeared completely different in their eyes. The past few moons certainly had not been easy. As the days passed, they had grown more and more curious about their surroundings. It was only a natural aspect to their growth. When the RiverClan cats were lost in an unfamiliar land, however, that curiosity was a dangerous thing. If Scorchclaw had been forced to look after them alone, he doubted that every single of them would still be alive and healthy. Flurryshine and the RiverClan cats—even Thornbriar of ShadowClan—had all pitched in to help. In particular, it was clear that the kits were interested in the water. After the flood, the ease in which the river could claim a cat's life had grown clearer than ever. With Dapplekit, Otterkit, and Rowankit getting their mentors, he would be able to rest easier. Right...? The question lingered unanswered.

The RiverClan cats that had swept up alive on this shore were even less than half the original population of their clan. Thus, it did not take long before every one was gathered. With a flick of his feathery tail, Scorchclaw began the ceremony. "Dappledkit, step forward." When the young she-cat had done so, he continued, "Dapplekit, 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 Dapplepaw. Larkfeather will be your mentor. May he guide you well, leading your paws in the way of the Warrior Code." Even if they were far from home, they were still warriors. Their heritage, their culture, their traditions—they would never die.

As Scorchclaw spoke her name, Dapplekit's eyes widened in surprise and excitement. Taking a confident step forward, she gazed up at the deputy as he announced her name, followed by her mentor. A smile spread across her face at her new name, and she lowered her head in a nod to Scorchclaw. When her head raised again, she met his gaze with her own, trying to convey all of the happiness and adoration she held for him in that look before turning to look for her new mentor. In that moment came the realization that she had never actually seen an apprentice ceremony, just heard of them, so she wasn't entirely sure of what happened now. She chose to wait patiently for Larkfeather to come forward and just follow his lead.

Magpiepaw watched with a smile as little Dapplekit received her new name, cheering with the rest of the crowd; kits grew so fast, it was hard to comprehend!  Now though, she was an apprentice, like he was; they could go hunting together, train together...well, once they found his mentor, that is.  Adderfeather was still missing, and though the she-cat had always intimidated him, he felt as though he had missed out on something important.  He hadn't learned how to hunt, fight, or really swim before the flood struck...and it made him feel even more useless.  Nevertheless, the bi-color apprentice trotted up to his new friend, round golden eyes shining joyfully.  "C-Congratulations Dapplepaw!"

Dapplepaw turned towards the movement she saw coming towards her, and he blue eyes met Magpiepaw's golden ones. Smiling at the tom, she purred and brushed her tail to his shoulder lightly as he said her name. "Thanks Magpiepaw! I can't wait to get started in training, I hope we'll be able to practice together soon! It'll be fun!" A mischievous look glinted in her eyes for only a moment before she nudged him and added. "Be warned though, I'm going to become the best hunter in the clan!"

Magpiepaw felt himself flinch involuntarily as Dapplepaw's tail brushed against his shoulder; outside of his family, he had always been a bit jumpy concerning other cats touching him, to the point it was almost an instinct now.  This was Dapplepaw though, not someone who would tease or bully him, and as that knowledge came to mind his body slowly untensed, though there was an awkward sort of glint to his eyes.  "Y-Yea, that w-would be fun!"  Once again, a wash of guilt came over him, but he pushed it down as his young friend's voice took on a mischevious tone, eliciting a purring laugh.  "I b-bet!  You c-could probably o-out-hunt me already."  His tone was light to disguise the tom's inner distress, but the words rang true.  Oh StarClan...please let us find Adderfeather soon!

Larkfeather smiled at Dapplepaw, having a feeling that she would be a great apprentice. ”Training starts at...” He paused. It would be - a challenge to train an apprentice for a first-time mentor when the clans are in danger of perishing. However, he thought he could do it. ”...tomorrow,” he finished awkwardly.

Noting Magpiepaw's flinch away from her tail, she quickly drew it away without pressing further into the matter. Dapplepaw's eyes sparkled as the older apprentice agreed, and her purr continued. "Thanks Magpiepaw, but I really doubt that. There's probably loads you could teach me!" She smiled at the tom again when the sound of approaching paws caught her attention and she turned, looking up at the tom that now came up to her. "Are you Larkfeather? I can't wait! I'll be ready." She mewed dutifully, giving her mentor a nod before moving to sit down as Scorchclaw continued to speak, settling next to Magpiepaw and Wasppaw.