finchkit's apprentice ceremony

Somehow he had found a deeper trench of exhaustion, this time, in his emotional state. After the gathering, Stoatstar had wanted to retreat into his den forever. Running away had been a fleeting thought but he could never bring himself to do such a cowardly thing. So here he was, stuck. Minnowfin had gotten a wrenched claw, mild, and easy to treat but made leaping onto the highrock unpleasant. And so, Stoatstar would have to perform an apprentice ceremony today, even if it was the last thing he wanted to do. Clenching his jaw tight, the tom leaped upwards. Instead of settling down, the leader stood. He didn't deserve to be comfortable, not even in such a familiar place, "All cats join together for a clan meeting. An apprentice ceremony." It felt worth adding, given their last encounter.

Finchkit was sure it was his turn. One of his sisters was already an apprentice, and from the way his parents (and a lot of his extended family) were fussing over him, it only made sense that he was next. His father was trying his best to make his pelt lie neatly, but eventually realised it wasn't going to work. The kit knew that already - he'd spent most the morning trying. Viperfang, on the other hand, quietly murmured 'don't do anything to embarrass yourself' as she pushed him forward with her nose, but when Finchkit turned back she was watching with love on her eyes.

He had never been a very large kit, but here he felt smaller than ever. Stoatstar's gaze was on him, along with some of the clan who had gathered. Part of him wanted to shy away, but instead he drew up to his full height, choosing to stand and not sit, just like the leader.

The kit stood before him, seemingly ready for the ascension that was to come. His tail whisked, this was it then, "Finchkit, come forward. You have reached six moons and are now ready to begin your training. From now on you will be known as Finchpaw. Featherfrost will be your mentor." The words were flat, less enthusiastic than normal and almost disinterested in nature. A mild guilt prickled in his stomach. Stoatstar felt like the mere memory of a leader, separated from the scene before him as he spoke. But he had nothing else to give. So as he leaped down from the rock, the ceremony was ended.

Mottlerose, who totally had been in the crowd, cheered on the new apprentice. The event of the clan growing and having members soaring through its ranks was one to certainly be celebrated, no matter the times that they were in. It meant that, no matter what... something was normal. Something was okay. "Finchpaw! Finchpaw!"

The newly-named Finchpaw search the gathered cats for Featherfrost, and when the warrior approached him, he eagerly touched noses with her. "I'll try my best, I promise!" He said excitedly, tail twitching as much as he tried to keep it still. Now that he was an apprentice, he could see the whole forest. And he could start making a name for himself, by being the perfect apprentice.

An apprentice... Featherfrost blinked up at Stoatstar in mild surprise. Starlingflare had trained her well enough in the ways of the clan, it was true, but to be entrusted with the training of another so soon? She'd have to do her best with this.

Featherfrost padded forward, gently touching her nose that that of the newly-named Finchpaw with a smile. "Hey, Finchpaw." She mewed, "We'll begin training at sun-up tomorrow. For today, get settled with your new nest and denmates, alright?" He seemed eager, hopefully that wouldn't diminish once training truly began.