Rainkit's Apprentice Ceremony

There had been few apprentice ceremonies lately. Perhaps another cat might have noted how specifically concerning that was, but Beartooth was not just any cat; he was the dull, duty-driven, deputy. This was simply a task to get done and he was the tom designated to complete it. As he made his way to the highrock, Beartooth remembered the last ceremony he had attended here. It had been Houndheart's. A frown crossed his maw and he tried to push away the memory as he leaped to stand above the clan. While he had done so several times now, this feeling would never be something he grew accustomed to. The warrior longed to simply sit among the clan as one of them, not to stand as leadership. With a glance across the clearing, he let out his mild call. Words hardly drifted to the ears of those nearest, but surely they had to be used to Beartooth's ways by now, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the highrock for a clan meeting."

Ferretnose trotted happily underneath the highrock to witness one of the rare times Beartooth spoke. It was endearing to watch him give his little speech and welcome a warrior-in-training to a brand new den. Today was a little melancholy, mostly because she knew what it was for. Who it was for. Still, the short and stout warrior tried her best to buck up. She had plenty of time to mourn. It was about time she moved on, for her clan's sake... Right?

He seldom interacted with the kits of the clan, mostly due to his past both with his kin that he had adopted into the clan, and the one son he had bore. Although, once he had held a special soft spot for them. It was in his own innocence as a kit that Beartooth had reveled in the concept of his younger siblings and stood among the queens as he whispered the offer to entertain the young ones. But that was a lifetime ago. Now, he only knew Rainkit by name and pelt. As soon as he saw the eager young kit, the tom continued the ceremony with his usual even gravel of a tone, "A kit is ready to be made an apprentice. Rainkit, step forward. You have reached the age of six moons and will begin apprenticeship. Until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Rainpaw. Ferretnose will be your mentor." He glanced at the she-cat, knowing in his gaze. While never the most thought-provoking of creatures, there was something about the naming of apprentices that had invoked a moment's consideration. Ferretnose helped him to think, and it was her gaze that brought clarity. When he met it, Beartooth found himself perceptive enough to understand that she needed this.

Ferretnose gave her dear friend a soft smile tinged with sadness. He knew her far too well. Of course, an apprentice now wouldn't be an easy thing, but it sure was something to keep her on her feet. She was determined to get it right this time, for Hazelpaw's sake. Her memory. Padding up to meet her new apprentice, she touched noses with Rainpaw and purred gently. "You'll be on your way in no time," she promised.