Pipitkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Finally-- an end to the leaf-bare that seemed to have lasted for years. While the mornings were still chilly and the wind still had some bite, Perchfall was no longer constantly trying to keep her teeth from chattering and her fur from puffing out against the frost. The return of warm sunlight and the grass that began to sprout from under dirty mounds of snow were welcome sights. Under different circumstances, she might even say things were looking up. However... it was only a small relief. The ghosts of murderers still stalked around RiverClan camp, threatening those who did not comply. Several of her Clanmates had been murdered on nothing but a whim. Any moment, it could happen to her-- or to Poppypaw. Or to Ashflight. The idea was terrifying. The only way to keep herself from wallowing in the despair that lurked in each corner of her vision was to keep her neutral mask on, and lose herself in her duties. So she did, with yet another ceremony that was to take place. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own fish gather for a Clan meeting," she called, her tone perfectly clear and calm. Only those who knew her would understand the terrified storm that lurked beneath her stoic features.

Pipitkit raced out of the nursery to sit beneath the willow branch.

Catching sight of the kit, Perchfall nodded. "Pipitkit, you have reached the age of six moons and are ready to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Pipitpaw. Your mentor will be Poppyshine. I trust she will pass down all she knows to you." Though under better circumstances she would give her former apprentice a while to get used to being a warrior without giving her an apprentice herself, she needed to make sure that she picked the best options for mentors with the looming threats hanging over them all. Poppyshine was probably the cat she trusted most, next to Ashflight. The corners of the deputy's eyes crinkled as she touched her nose to Pipitpaw's, and then nodded at the newly named mentor in affirmation.