Leopardkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Houndheart made his way back to the highrock for a second time. Another one of Oakstar's kits was ready to be apprenticed. His paws quickened as he remembered the feeling standing upon the rock. He delighted in he duty in a far different way from his father. Instead of finding the task simply a thing to do, he found pride and joy in his new position. Above the clan he felt like he could forget the things that weighed him down. As he leaped onto the walk, his paws felt lighter. Without hesitating, he let forth the yowl to call forth the clan, "Thunderclan! Gather beneath the high rock for a clan meeting!"

Oh, Houndheart had taken to deputyship so well. Dacedream couldn't help but beam with delight every time she saw him assigning patrols or leading ceremonies. She wasn't exactly worried that he wouldn't take to the position well, but she still found herself lingering around and watching out for him just in case he needed support. He didn't seem to need it, and as he called out for another ceremony, Dacedream left her duties to sit pleasantly beneath him, looking up expectantly. She waved her plume of a tail in a cheerful hello, wondering if he was even looking at her - dutiful as he was. Regardless, it wasn't a ceremony for her. Who was it for?

Stormpaw hurried out of the apprentices den. She'd just finished Leopardkit's new nest, as he'd become an apprentice any day now. Coniferpaw's nest was lined with wren feathers; Leopardkit's was lined with the spotted feathers of a kestrel. It was placed right beside Conifer's and hers. Was this his ceremony? Oh, would both her brothers be apprentices now?

Finally, finally, after what had felt like seasons of waiting, it was time! Leopardkit strutted out of the nursery like a proud peafowl, sunshine eyes glinting in the pale leaf-bare light, along with his neatly groomed spotted pelt. No longer would he be stuffed up in the dull bramble thicket, or the fully explored camp; he would be out in the territory, independent, free! After Houndheart called the words, like he had for Coniferkit days earlier - to Leopardkit’s annoyance - he would be one step closer to warriorhood, deputyship, leadership, and a legendary legacy! Smirk beaming all around the clearing, the long-limbed silver tom took his place at the front of the crowd, tail high and waving excitedly. Which mentor would he get? Perhaps Houndheart - it would only be right for the son of Oakstar to be mentored by the deputy, or maybe even Oakstar himself! Catching sight of Stormpaw in the crowd, he grinned and winked at her; soon, she wouldn’t be able to boss him around anymore!

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Oakstar watched with pride as Leopardkit stepped out of the nursery for the final time. Part of him longed to keep the silver spotted kit inside it’s safe confines… but he also knew that kits had to grow up. If he kept the little tom locked away… he’d never learn to defend himself. A sigh escaped him as he pressed up against Dustcloud. Tail gently wrapped around hers as he waited for the inevitable. For Houndheart to call Leopardkit’s name… and give the kit to another cat. One who would train him with far less bias that Oakstar ever could.

It certainly did not take long for Leopardkit to emerge from the nursery. Having caught the young tom's words at Beartooth's mourning, Houndheart had decided he liked his spirit. Looking over Oakstar and Leopardkit for a moment, he found himself wondering what it would have been like to have a birth father who spoke to him instead of neglecting him as a kit. The leader had tried at least. That was something he couldn't ignore now, even if he had in kithood. Perhaps he should have given Oakstar more of a chance. Shaking his head over so slightly, he dismissed such ridiculous distracting thoughts. This was a ceremony and he was the deputy; there was no time for frivolous mulling over things that hadn't been. Gray gaze filled with a new determination, the tom looked at the kit, beckoning with his tail as he spoke, "Leopardkit, you're ready to train as an apprentice. Until you become a warrior, you will be known as Leopardpaw. I will be your mentor." This would be his first apprentice, and who better than the leader's kit to train. He leaped down to meet his new protege. Soon, Leopardpaw would be the next best warrior Thunderclan had seen.

Daisykit watched jealously as her brother became an apprentice. She was the only cat in her litter that wasn’t an apprentice yet. She knew that her father and the deputy had many things to do, and her ceremony wasn’t the top priority. She wished it was though. Daisykit got up and padded back to the nursery, avoiding her brother.