Webkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Shira and Foxspark's litter had reached six moons, and one by one their kits were becoming apprentices. As the sun started to peek above the horizon, Murkystrike walked over to Jaggedrock. Each ceremony was easier, more natural than the last, and the climb was simpler now that she had a good idea of where to put her paws. Once she stood stop Jaggedrock, she called out to the clan. "ShadowClan! Please gather in the shadow of Jaggedrock." Today would be little Webkit's turn. Murkystrike searched for his pelt among the gathering cats.

Webkit peaked his head out of the nursery when he heard the deputy's voice. He'd gotten nearly too big for his nest, and while he wasn't particularly excited to leave it behind, he'd be grateful to have a bit more room. He wasn't thrilled about having to attend his own ceremomy, either– couldn't he just watch instead of seating himself at the center of his Clan's attention? –but he made his way to the gathering cats, settling down and looking up at Murkystrike expectantly. Apprehensive as he was, he had to admit, he was excited to get his new name and to see the territory.

Webkit appeared from within the nursery, and Murkystrike kept an eye on where he was moving to. She wanted to be able to easily look to him when the time came. As ShadowClan gathered beneath her, she swept her tail behind her and began the ceremony. "I've gathered you here today to witness another kit become an apprentice and behind their training. Webkit, please step forward." Turning her gaze down to where she had last seen the kit, she waited patiently for him to do what he needed. Besides, it gave her a bit more time to consider her options for the young tom's mentor. She thought she knew who it would be, but she worried if they would get along well.

Once he was in place, she took a deep breath and continued. "Webkit, you have reached the age of six moons and are ready to become an apprentice. From this day on, you will be known as Webpaw until you receive your warrior name." Murkystrike hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Rosethorn will be your mentor. She is young, but smart and bold, and I trust that she will teach you all you need to know."

As Murkystrike began the ceremony, the soon-to-be former kit inhaled deeply. He had heard the words a few times now, so he knew exactly when to still and quiet and keep his attention focused on her. He listened closely to every word she said, and finally let out the breath he hadn't meant to hold when he'd been given his new name.

Webpaw. He said the name a few times over in his head, even mouthing it to himself a few times. So, he was really an apprentice now.. he looked around at his Clanmates, feeling mostly.. disjointed. He was looking forward to being one of them, but the anxiety still creeped under his fur. Would he even make a good warrior? He had barely been able to leave the nursery without wanting to crawl somewhere no one would find him.

Well, it didn't matter. Murkystrike had to have picked a good mentor, and he had to be a good warrior. He would make it work, somehow. As he scanned the crowd, he searched for Rosethorn's face. Right now he would just think about finding his mentor, and be eager to learn from her; anything he could do to tamp down his nerves.