Redkit's Apprentice Ceremony

A morning of light rain had led the way into a damp, humid sunhigh. The camp was untainted by the cruel, bitter cold that had plagued the forest cats during Leafbare, but a chilly wind still cut through Wolfcall as he leaped on to the Highbranch, claws gripping the cool bark. Another apprentice ceremony! Certainly a day to be celebrated, but in the back of his mind, the deputy couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. He'd thought that Otterkit would have been the next to earn his apprentice name, but the sickness that claimed the bright, eager tom had been swift and merciless.

Swallowing a sigh, Wolfcall shook his head, clearing the plaguing melancholy and letting his amber-gold gaze sweep the clearing. "Let all cats old enough to climb trees gather beneath the Tallbranch for a clan meeting!" he yowled.

Redkit puffed his chest up, glancing over himself one more time to make sure he looked immaculate. He puffed out his long fur against the wind, glancing at the sky. It might not have been leafbare anymore but it was still cold. He walked towards Wolfcall and wondered who his mentor would be.

The deputy's eyes followed the tom kit, warm and welcoming, as he approached the Tallbranch. There was no doubt in him that Redkit would be a fantastic apprentice, bold and adventurous and loyal. He'd taken the time to think about who to give him as a mentor, and after much deliberation, believed he had decided on the perfect cat - one who, in his eyes, could definitely use an apprentice to keep them on their toes.

"Redkit," he called, dipping his head in greeting. "You have reached the age of six moons, and as such, it is time for you to become an apprentice. From this day forward, until you earn your warrior name, you will be known as Redpaw." He paused, his eyes seeking the new apprentice's mentor in the crowd, and settling on the silver tabby form. "Your mentor will be Swansong."

Redpaw's green eyes flipped around to land on the silver she-cat. He trotted up to her slowly and stretched his nose out to tap noses. I hope she'll accept me. I'll do my best. A bit nervously, he coughed out, "I'll do my best." He cleared his throat.

Swansong padded out into the bright newleaf light, her ears pricked as she looked up towards Wolfcall, the familiar tabby's frame blending with the brown of the branch. So much has changed in such a short time, She mused to herself, remembering the days when first Mistyrain, and then Foxfire had called the meetings. Now it was Wolfcall. But I think we're all getting used to the changes. It was strange how something could become normal so quickly, just like her name. Sometimes she still found herself wondering over it, but some differences, like this one, she would never want to change.

And now there's another coming. A thrill of nervousness vibrated in her whiskers as she watched Wolfcall open his mouth, shifting her haunches slightly and glancing at the young tom she would be assigned to mentor. I've never done this before, but they wouldn't have chosen me if they didn't think I could do it. She took in a breath, trying to still her heart as Wolfcall called the age-old words of the ritual, and stood when her name was called, dipping her head.

But despite the nervousness, a smile still broke over her maw as she faced the newly-named apprentice, gently reaching forward to tap her nose against. His own eyes held a small bit of nervousness, despite his earlier bravado, and she felt a pang of empathy as she remembered her own. She'd been much more anxious than him, but despite that, she'd still become a warrior. Yes, I will be able to do this. I can.

"I will do my best, too," she mewed, stepping back and pricking her ears as the cheers of his new name rose around them.  "I'm sure you'll become a wonderful warrior." She gave a  friendly blink and glanced over as his family approached, adding, "I look forward to showing you around the territory once the ceremony is over."

Redpaw nodded to her happily. “That sounds great.” His voice didn’t quite betray the emotion he felt. He hoped Swansong would still know he was eager. He was. He was just never good at showing it. If I do my best on this, we can learn fighting moves quicker. I really want to...