mottlekit's apprentice ceremony

Another ceremony under his paws. Although he wanted to do nothing more than curl up and forget the world, it was a luxury he would never be afforded. Stoatfur had made his way to the highrock and sat a top it for a moment, regarding the grieving clan. Naming another apprentice meant more cats who could patrol, gather materials, keep Thunderclan strong. Bellies would be here to feed regardless, it would only make a difference whether or not they also contributed. A somber mood lay over the clan but there was no denying life needed to continue on. Young and newly named apprentices would attend the gathering and he hoped stick close to their mentors. Given the calm grief that swept through them all, he was certain it wouldn't be too much of a worry. With a low sigh, Stoatfur finally called their attention, "Let all cats gather below for a clan meeting."

Mottlekit had been just a slight bit oblivious to what had gone on in the clan, yet she wasn't blind to the mood that seemed to be affecting everybody. Having groomed her fluffy coat to be as tamed as she could manage, the young kit-to-be-apprenticed made her way to the Highrock. She had hoped it would be her apprentice ceremony, and if not, she at least looked nice for whoever's ceremony it happened to be. She wanted to show respect to all of her Clanmates - even if she was simply a young tortoiseshell kit. Her amber gaze turned upwards towards the deputy-now-leader, and awaited the news.

The circumstances were similar to that of Flurrypaw's ceremony - the best mentor wasn't here, although, he silently prayed she would return shortly. Stoatfur was not a very devout creature, and so his plea to the heavens was rare and hopefully echoed a tad louder. As he caught sight of the kit, he continued the ceremony, "Mottlekit, you are ready to train as a warrior. From now on, you will be known as Mottlepaw. Thrushnose will train you when she returns. In the meantime, you will join me on patrols and train with my apprentices." He let the clan's calls echo through the clearing and he leaped down from the highrock. They could discuss training tomorrow - assuming he had any strength left to keep his eyes open then.

Mottlekit, now Mottlepaw, puffed her chest out with pride upon being given her mentor and apprentice name. A slight tinge of forelorning flashed in her gaze as he spoke about her mentor being gone, but it was hard not to feel much more pride as she was told she would be trained under her Leader in the meantime. "Yes, sir." She spoke softly, but her loyalty spoke loud. Padding quickly over to where Stoatfur seemed to retreat off to, she dipped her head respectfully. "Rest well, sir, I will do my best." She was a kit of few words, but it was something she felt to be said. But with that, she scurried off to celebrate - and to find a spot in the ever-growing apprentice's den.

Her voice was soft but determined. Stoatfur's ear twitched at the sound and quickly turned to face her. It had been sometime since a cat had tried to approach him after a ceremony, and it seemed odd now given the circumstance their clan was facing. His whiskers twitched at the sentiment. Did he look that bad that even a kit was demanding he rest? The idea was certainly a nice one, albeit unrealistic. Little did she know the many things he would face before the next sunrise and everything that would be required of him from now on. But he simply nodded as she darted away. Speaking the truth of the matter would do nothing for either of them. Either way, as he walked away, the leader found the softest of smiles across his maw that Mottlepaw had taken a moment to say something to him.