Mistkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Marshstorm watched as his kits grew over the past several moons. Visits to the nursery were frequent, despite his duties, eager to be with his family. To give them all the love and attention they deserved. He smiled knowingly at them now. It was their time. Time to step out of the nursery, and take actions towards becoming fully fledged warriors… even if his heart ached at the thought of it.

Because out there, was danger. Badgers, Foxes, enemy clan cats, twoleg traps. He paused before he could get too carried away, they would be fine… they had to be. There was no other option. He smiled down at Mistkit. His kit’s blue tabby fur had gotten muddled at some point, and he leaned down to brush a few quick strokes to the errant tufts of fur along his spine.

"I suppose you’re too big for the nursery now.." He mused, as little bits of dirt debris fell off. He huffed, then stood slowly. His amber eyes finding Dustcloud’s beautiful blue ones. He smiled sadly, reluctant to break their family bonding…. But it had to be done. Kits did not stay kits forever… he stood up slowly and padded to High-rock. Leaping up and staring down with intrepidation he hadn’t felt in a long time.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath High-rock for a clan meeting!" He yowled, then settled his gaze back to Mistkit.

Mistkit trotted robotically to the group of cats, just like every single time someone was promoted. His father's voice rang out, signaling everybody. Though he didn't want to hope, he'd noticed that he was one of the largest in the nursery.

The large brown tom smiled down at Mistkit as he padded towards Highrock. His son… a sense of pride prickled in his pelt as he hoped the young kit would be a great warrior. He noticed with a bit of disdain that the same tuft of fur he had just soothed down was rumpled again, but refused to let it show. Instead, he lifted his head proudly to call his son forward.

"Mistkit, step forward." He called clearly, a smile clearly trying to break free of his normal formal facade. It wasn’t something he could help or stop as he chuckled at the familiar eagerness of a kit awaiting this day. The day they became older… the day they left the nursery for good.

"Mistkit, you have reached the age of six moons. It is now time for you to become an apprentice. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Mistpaw." His voice came calm, not betraying the painful realisation he had reached. His gaze turned to the silver tabby pelt of his mate.

Was it favouritism? Was it rude? He wasn’t sure… but he wanted to keep Mistpaw close… perhaps it was selfishness. Still, he allowed himself to indulge in it, if but for a moment.
"Dustcloud will be your mentor. She is a good warrior of strong faith with immense determination. She will help you become a great warrior." He announced, feeling more confident as he spoke that it wasn’t just a pairing of son and mother, but also one that made sense. Mistpaw would be able to face the challenges life would bring full on. Even as the crowd cheered and he leapt down to join them.

He padded over to Mistpaw and nudged him gently on the shoulder.
"Prove me right, son." He meowed calmly. His amber gaze staring at Mistpaw’s firmly before trailing over to Dustcloud’s with a tender smile.

Dustcloud looked out from the entrance to the nursery as one of her beloved kits was named an apprentice. A proud day that she had experienced enough times to know that the outcome of apprentice-hood wasn't always... happy. It was one of the days that Dustcloud resented most being a Queen, having to let go of her kits in a way, even if she knew that there was no other choice. But seeing the excitement in the young ThunderClanner's eyes gave her hope; maybe some of them would make it through alright, hopefully, all of them... She put on a smile as Mistkit stepped forward and became Mistpaw. The senior warrior had to do a double-take, however, when she heard her own named called to be her son's mentor. After the incident with Ridgelight, Dustcloud had doubted whether she would ever be given another apprentice, yet here she was; the mentor of her own son. Suddenly her mood lifted tremendously. Even if she was afraid that she couldn't be the best mentor for Mistpaw, she was elated to be able to oversee his training. When Marshstorm had left his place on the Highrock, she walked slowly towards Mistpaw and touched noses with him gently. "I hope to be the best mentor for you, my son. Be sure to get a good nights rest; your training begins tomorrow morning."

Mistpaw was not as happy as he should be. He didn't know what to feel about being taught by his own mother. Sure, he loved her - she was his mother! But he'd just spent 6 moons in the nursery cooped up with her. He shook the feeling away as he touched noses with his mother-mentor. Momtor. Time to become the greatest warrior ThunderClan had ever seen.