Daisykit’s Apprentice Ceremony

“Let all cats old enough to run the moor gather under the Tallrock for a Clan meeting!” So it was Goldenfang’s final kit who would soon step up into the place her littermates stood, her mother stood, every warrior and leader before her had ever stood. Goldenfang gazed serenely down at the gathering clan from the Tallrock’s peak. She’d finally gotten over her dizzy spells. Now it was Daisykit’s turn.

The now familiar words of a clan meeting were called out by her mother. She'd listened to the same words be uttered again and again in her denmates' ceremonies and now she had them memorized by heart. One by one, her littermates had moved into the apprentices' den, slowly emptying the nursery. Although they were only separated by a few foxtails of ground, it seemed as if she was a world away, left behind and unable to catch up.

Daisykit gave her pelt a final lick and stepped out of the nursery. Efforts to groom herself were wasted as a sudden gust of wind buffeted against her. Today could be the day she would become an apprentice! But what if it wasn't...? Fear made her heart lurch and she could hardly keep herself from wriggling with anxiety. Oh StarClan, please let this be the day! she pleaded.

“Daisykit, step forward. 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 Daisypaw.” The deputy gazed down at her daughter with affection. She knew Daisypaw was eager for her chance to grow up. “Your mentor will be Swiftspirit. Her steady paws and thoughtful words will guide you even when you’ve earned your warrior name.”

The moment her name was called, she let out a squeak and immediately covered her maw with a paw. Embarrassment was forgotten when she stood up to find her newly named mentor. Swiftspirit... a pretty name- I don't think I've been introduced to her before.. She thought. Her panicked gaze searched the cats as she realized she had no clue which one Swiftspirit was. To her relief, a pale furred she-cat broke away from the group and stepped forward. That must be her!  Daisykit made her way to the she-cat and touched noses. Worries fluttered away as she grinned at the older warrior.

Swiftspirit shivered in the cold, the lingering rasp in her breath finally all that remained of a recent battle with whitecough. Goldenfang had called a meeting, and the pale-furred warrior was glad to attend, having been cooped up in the medicine den for much too long.

An apprentice ceremony wasn't unexpected, and Swiftspirit smiled as Goldenfang called one of her own kits forward. Their birth had been a scary thing, and she was happy that her friend still stood and that her kits had remained healthy.

Her whiskers twitched in amusement as Daisykit was called forward and let out a squeak, excitement? Swiftspirit remembered her own ceremony and the nerves she'd felt. Hopefully Daisykit would never have to experience the joys of someone like Tawnyflare as a mentor.

Her, mentor? It was unexpected, given Swiftspirit's recent illness and the way that Sootpaw's training seemed to stall. Swiftspirit would do her best to not let the same thing happen to young Daisypaw. Goldenfang had put her trust in her friend, Swiftspirit would do everything she could to make sure she'd made the right choice.

"Hello, Daisypaw." She greeted warmly as they touched noses. "We'll begin training soon. For now, why don't you get your new nest together? I'll come get you when it's time to go."