Lavenderkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Shrikestorm climbed to the top of Tallrock, preparing to address the clan. "All cats old enough to run the moors gather at the Tallrock for a clan meeting!"

Maplepaw heard Shrikestorm's call, her ears flicking in curiosity. Rising from her position, she sat at the base of the Tallrock. Questions filled her mind as to whose ceremony it would be today.

Lavenderkit had to be coerced from the den. He didn't like to stray far from the nursery. Pawsteps felt like they were filled with boulders. Settling down at the edge of the clearing, he tucked close to the ground, and wrapped his tail in front of him. Through the feathery strands of fur, he peered up at Shrikestorm and waited for the announcement to continue.

Shrikestorm could tell the kit was a bit nervous, but that made sense. He was nervously excited during his apprentice ceremony too. "Lavenderkit, you have reached the age of six moons. Until you become a warrior, you will be known as Lavenderpaw. Scorchtalon will be your mentor."

Maplepaw looked to the newly named apprentice, and an excited purr rumbled from her frame. "Lavendarpaw! Lavendarpaw!"

He was an apprentice now. Like something from a dream, he had stepped forward without much thought, and then it was over. Scorchtalon was to be his mentor? Lavenderpaw had no idea who that was. Blinking a few times, both in shock and confusion, he looked around to find the tom and slowly padded over to touch noses. The cheers of his clanmates were muted. Turning to see Maplepaw, realizing she was calling his name, his ears heated and he managed a shy smile before darting away to find Ashfall.