Puddlekit's apprentice ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Highrock for a clan meeting!"

It had only been a few moments earlier, that he had called up Cherrykit, and now, his tail twitched again for the other kit of the litter. A flinch of pain in his chest as he felt guilt for doing this. It should have been Houndheart who gave the kits their apprentice names. Who welcomed them into apprenticehood. Yet, he could not. The poor tom had been injured badly, and his heart grieved for the tom who gave so much.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts before he looked down at the next kit. A smile on his muzzle as he gestured meaningfully to the diluted tortoiseshell kit. Her pelt was so strongly like her mother’s.

"Puddlekit, step forward." He called, as he beckoned the next kit forwards. He wondered briefly if this was how Dacedream had looked when she was smaller.

Dacedream was grateful the day that Oakstar came and informed her that her kits were nearing the age to receive their apprentice names. They had gotten so big! Every day she was finding herself with less and less room to wiggle in her own nest. Jaykit, Vixenkit, Puddlekit, and Cherrykit had started sprawling out; soon, they'd have nests of their own. The thought would've brought a tear to her eye if she weren't so excited for them. The world would be theirs to see, and with so many great cats in the Clan - cats whose prowess and loyalty could never be questioned - Dacedream only wished the best for her little ones. She spent the morning grooming them sweetly.

The next kit was Puddlekit, the very spitting image of Dacedream's late father, Sparkfrost. She had learned near the end of her apprenticeship of his fate - he had completed the task StarClan had given him, and he'd joined their ranks. Dacedream had always hoped he would see her ceremony; she'd never expected to wish he was there for her own kits'. She hadn't ever even considered having any before Houndheart! Still, as the queen watched her little tortoiseshell daughter pad forward, she knew that in some ways her father was still around. Puddlekit was his blood, and she would make him proud - Dacedream knew it. All that stood in the way was her training. Dacedream lovingly nudged Puddlekit's shoulder and murmured excitedly, "Go on, let's see who will mentor you!"

Puddlekit watched as cherrykit had gotten her new name and her mentor. She watched her sister's excitement overflow into action, her nearly jumping up and down. Puddlekit was excited, sure, but over all else she felt a looming nervousness. You can do this! You can do this! Cherryki- er paw did it and you can do it too! She let out an anxious breath and made her way to the base of high-rock, just as she had seen done by all the other kits who became apprenticed when she lay watching in the nursery. Sitting, she awaited the next step of the ceremony- she now understood partially the excitement cherrykit felt. Her senses were overwhelmed with the adrenaline but she bit her tongue to calm herself and to keep composure.

The little she-kits excitement was palpable as he watched her step up. Her pale sister not far with her own mentor. He smiled at Cherrypaw, then Dacedream before he began the ceremony formally..

"Puddlekit, 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 Puddlepaw." His gaze rose to look among the gathered cats for the perfect mentor. He found the green eyes tabby and white she-cat bear the nursery. Her own kits would be apprentices soon. They would be fine if She took up light duties.

"Ferretnose will be your mentor. She is a strong and capable warrior, who has both fought in war and hunted for many moons. Her loyalty, patience and strength will be great things to pass down to you.” He smiled at the tortoiseshell apprentice. " Puddlepaw, Puddlepaw!"

It felt so weird to call herself Puddlepaw, she almost wasn't expecting it even though she prepped herself for this moment. Her joy peaked when she was given such a capable mentor, Ferretnose. Finally, Puddlepaw stepped up towards Ferretnose and touched noses.

Dacedream kept her green eyes happily set on Puddlekit as the energetic she-kit looked up to Oakstar to wait. He was a kind tom - a father of many - and he knew better than to keep her waiting after she was clearly working so hard to be still! He gave her an apprentice name just like her sisters - Puddlepaw. The mentor he chose made Dacedream trill with delight, and immediately her sparkling eyes flicked over to the tabby-patched warrior... her friend, she liked to think. The tortoiseshell queen gave Ferretnose a deep nod of approval, though on her face was a practically kittish look of joy. She watched her enthusiastic daughter spring to greet her mentor, and Dacedream then stood to congratulate her daughter.

"I'm so happy for you, Puddlepaw. I know you'll love Ferretnose," Dacedreamed purred, her chest rumbling like a monster with the sound. She bumped her forehead against Puddlepaw's before meowing, loud enough for her three newly-named apprentice daughters to hear, "I hope you and your sisters can help each other settle into the new den. It'll be exciting to not have your mother stealing your whole nest, hm?" Dacedream giggled, her tail waving, and then she stepped away to let Puddlepaw do as she wished. Her heart ached. She would miss sharing the nest with her kits.