Boulderkit’s Apprentice Ceremony

Ravenmist took her usual place atop the Jaggedrock, calling out to her Clan. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Jaggedrock for a Clan meeting!” While she waited for the sound of pawsteps to cease, she mused to herself.

Today was young Boulderkit’s turn, and she had taken a particular interest in him since he left the nursery. She already had two apprentices of her own, but so did most of the Clan, and she would sooner assign herself a third than give another to one of the other warriors.

“Boulderkit, please step forth.”

Boulderkit padded out of the nursery, followed by his mother, and sat with his clanmates beneath the Jaggedrock. He stood out among the other cats, for he was so big. He could pass as an older apprentice, despite his young age. When his name was called, the tom's heart skipped a beat; yes, he knew this was coming, but the moment felt so surreal. The tom's handsome grey fur, dark and stroked with nearly imperceptible tabby markings, shone as he stepped before the clan at his deputy's command. Despite the nervous flutter inside his chest, Boulderkit kept his composure as quiet and calm as ever. His grassy eyes locked on the blind deputy towering above him, and he couldn't help but stand in awe at her.

The sound of tiny paws marked Boulderkit’s movement, and once it had stilled Ravenmist spoke again, a twinge of eagerness in her voice. “Boulderkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and the time has come for you to be apprenticed. From this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Boulderpaw.” She stilled for a heartbeat, assuring herself of her decision. Three apprentices... only Flintstar now had that many, but she could do it. If her leader could, so would she.

“I will mentor you.” The blind deputy stepped off the rock, to touch noses with the young tom. “You may have some competition in Smokepaw and Emberpaw, but I believe you’ll do well.”

The tom's green eyes lit up as he let his new name sink in. Boulderpaw. Then, his heart leaped with joy when the deputy said she would train him herself. The grey apprentice held his head high as he touched noses with his new mentor, pride and determination permeating from his chest until his whole body was filled with a tingling eagerness. "I am ready for the task ahead, Ravenmist. I vow to spend every ounce of energy inside of me striving to complete and exceed in my training, under your wise and insightful guidance."