Hazelkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Beartooth returned to the highrock without much thought into the ordeal. It was another ceremony, his third, and it felt less intimidating than the past. To sit above the clan still felt strange, but he had become more of accepting of his role, even if he lack the leadership ability most cats who took this place possessed. He did not even cast a glance downward before letting his gravelly voice reach the ears of those nearest by, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the highrock for a clan meeting." After this point, another cat would begin their training. The deputy himself had hardly seen the effects of leafbare but it was not far over the horizon and they needed all the strong warriors they could get. While the flood had not been kind to them, the clan seemed to be thriving, and he hoped with his efforts that he could keep it that way.

Hazelkit padded out of the nursery. Her sister's ceremony had been earlier in the day, so she had been expecting her own. It came as no surprise when Beartooth called yet another meeting. Her fur was neatly groomed this time around, seeming to shine in the glowing light.

She sat down in front of the high rock once more, her amber eyes glowing with excitement. She wondered who would be her mentor. Her sister had gotten the deputy, maybe her mentor would be the leader? It certainly was a possibility! She had her paws crossed with hope.

The deputy saw her emerge with a neatly groomed coat and knew that she was more than ready. He hoped to raise Flintfang's kits right and into a loving clan, they already both showed promise. As much as he felt obligated to have a paw in each other their training, he knew he could only handle one apprentice at a time. Someone else would need to train Hazelkit. He scanned the clearing quickly in search of a cat who would train her up well, at cat he could trust with Flintfang's offspring. And it was decided.

"Hazelkit, come forward. You have now reached the age of six moons and are ready to begin your training. From this day on, you will be known as Hazelpaw. Ferretnose will be your mentor." Nodding towards the she-cat, he dismissed the meeting and quickly returned to other duties. Perhaps the pair could train the siblings togather. He certainly mind, and hopefully Ferretnose wouldn't either.

Ferretnose's smile bloomed as Beartooth announced Hazelpaw's new mentor. She had a feeling that she would be getting one of the sisters. The poor things needed a gentle guiding paw into the ways of ThunderClan. A shiver went down her spine as she imagined what life was like for them, alone with no clan to feed them and watch over them. She was thankful that Bonewatcher had the good sense to bring them to camp. Her heart broke for Flintfang, wherever he ended up. His children would be well looked after... hopefully, they would find better comfort in ThunderClan than he ever did. 

Touching her nose to Hazelpaw's, she purred at her new apprentice. Admittedly, she didn't really know what she was doing. She decided that they'd both figure it out as they went along together. "I'll see you bright and early tomorrow, darling! Don't plan on beating me... I wake up before sunrise!" Ferretnose punctuated her gentle tease with a wink.