Nightkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Bloodstrike had been waiting for this moment to come. While it was always exciting and good for the clan when a kit became an apprentice, he was also excited to announce the new Tallbranch location. One of the pines near camp had proved to be hardy and must have had the deepest roots and the most access to water, because there was a single branch that was now strong and sturdy. Bloodstrike climbed the bark quickly and walked across the branch. Pine needles weren't thick on this one and mostly stayed out to the side on long but skinny twigs.

"Let all of those old enough to climb a tree gather beneath Tallbranch for a clan meeting!" He called out from the tree. It was with great delight that he watched the clan gather below him. Tallbranch had been restored after the fire that tore through their territory last greenleaf. The forest was becoming strong again, and Skyclan with it. No more yelling rom atop the leader's den anymore.

Gazing upward, Nightkit padded from where he had been sitting. His ears, still much too large for his head, swiveled towards where Bloodstrike sat upon what he knew to be a fairly new Tallbranch, though his parents had not told him any of what had happened in moons past. He sat only slightly closer, but that was close enough for Nightkit. Nightkit had decided that sitting on the edge was better, besides, others might not be able to see over his ears! He looked around for his siblings in the crowd for a moment before giving up, knowing they'd be somewhere in the crowd. Maybe he'd see them if they were getting apprenticed!

Bloodstrike watched Nightkit appear and sit down, then waited for the mentor he'd chosen for him to make an appearance as well. Once they had, the deputy's hunter green eyes dropped to the kit.

"Nightkit, step forward. You have reached the age of six moons and it is time for you to become an apprentice. From today until the day you earn your warrior name, you will be known as Nightpaw. Birdsong will be your mentor. She is a brave and trustworthy warrior and I know she will train you well."

Bloodstrike gave Birdsong an encouraging nod before leaping off of Tallbranch. The meeting was concluded, and Skyclan had another apprentice. Things were going well so far.

Ears perking up in surprise, Nightkit made his way with few strides to the front of the clan, stepping forward towards the deputy. When his mentor was announced, he looked around wildly for her before excitedly making his way to her. "Hi, there!" He meowed excitedly, before touching his nose to hers. "I'm excited to train. I hope I uh...learn a lot!" He smiled simply at her before turning away, looking toward the place he would now be sleeping.

Another day, and yet another meeting had been called by the deputy. Probably just another apprentice ceremony, but Birdsong still padded towards Bloodstrike with the rest of her clanmates. He wasn't standing on top of Wolfstar's den today, but rather had found a branch to use instead. Must've been nice for Wolfstar, at least.

Birdsong half-listened to the ceremony as Nightkit was called forward, blinking in surprise as her name was also called. The slender tabby stood, padding toward the newly-named apprentice... Who had already cleared most of the distance between them. Oops.

He certainly seemed eager.

"Hello, Nightpaw." Birdsong mewed, gently touching her nose to his. "We'll start refining in the morning, go get settled for today."