Coyotekit’s Apprentice Ceremony

“Let all cats old enough to run the moor gather under the Tallrock for a Clan meeting!” The young queen called out above the whipping winds. Her strength was returning, though the recovery was slow. She remained on the ground again. It was her daughter’s apprentice ceremony… her daughter. It was still so odd to think of herself as a mother. It would take more time.

Coyotekit was ready. More than anything, she was ready. It was a long six moons until this moment. The she-kit hardly looked old enough to be an apprentice, but her size certainly didn't bother her. With pride, Coyotekit joined her mother.

“Step forward, Coyotekit.” Goldenfang’s voice was softer than usual. She hadn’t yet mastered her dual role of mother and deputy. How should she speak to her family when she had a unique form of authority? Was gazing too lovingly at her own kit unfair to the other kits? These thoughts clouded her mind while she spoke the ceremonial words. “You’ve reached the age of six moons and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you’ve earned your warrior name, you will be called Coyotepaw. Your mentor will be Ashfall. She is a devoted warrior, unfaltering in loyalty to her Clanmates, and WindClan is blessed to have her.”

Coyotepaw gave a happy little raise of her head to her mother as she spoke the words in front of her. Ashfall! She had heard many good things about her, and she was pleased. Turning, the small apprentice sought out her new mentor. With a touch of noses, she was ready to be an apprentice.

Ashfall was pleased to see more apprentices being introduced to the clan, Goldenfang's own kits no less. It felt like Windclan was healing from the loss of... well most of her family. Perhaps it had been healing her, as well, to see new blood. It made her feel older than she really was, to know she was beginning to become one of the more experienced warriors of Windclan. For whatever reason, some kits looked up to her. Others felt otherwise. It was strange. Though when she heard her name called, to become the mentor of one of Goldenfang's kits, she was pleased. Not only in that faith, but also what the deputy said about her. It was nice to feel strong and dependable, it was harder to do for her than most others. Quickly, she limped over to Coyotepaw, touching noses to the eager apprentice. She seemed to like her more than Mistypaw had. "We'll start training tomorrow at dawn, I would recommend finding a place in the Apprentice's Den quickly, it seems to be filling up lately."