beetlekit's apprentice ceremony

Most of the nursery kits were coming of age to become apprentices. Today would be a special day for several of them. "Let all cats of Thunderclan gather below Highrock for a clan meeting." he announced, sitting in his place atop Highrock.

Mottlerose heard her mate's signature call to the clan, rising from her spot enjoying the sun. Her tail twitched excitedly as she made to her place. Many of the younger clanmates were indeed growing up, and it brought her great joy to see them all get their apprentice names and mentors. The youthful joy that practically radiated from all of them was infectious, and so the molly sat, looking up towards her mate.

Beetlekit was sitting outside the nursery when she heard the call, her only response a glance up at the Highrock through narrow, bored eyes. She heaved herself to her paws, taking slow, measured steps toward the looming boulder where Minnowfin was waiting. She knew what was happening, but she felt a bit slighted by the fact that her sister had been made an apprentice before her. She sniffed disdainfully at the thought, coming to a stop at the base of the rock.

"Took you long enough..." She muttered under her breath, low enough so that only she could hear. Throughout her short life, she learned that older cats seemed to take offense when she spoke her mind, so instead, she opted to tell them what she thought they'd want to hear and behave how they expected her to. It was much easier to get what she wanted that way. She looked up at Minnowfin with wide, innocent eyes, though there was a certain... hunger behind them. Truthfully, she coveted his position on the Highrock, the ability to command cats with a single call that rang through the clearing. She could do that, how hard could it be? Her eyes gleamed, but she forced herself to sit down and wrap her tail neatly over her paws.

Calico pelt stepping forwards, Minnowfin noticed the rather disinterested expression in her eyes. "Beetlekit," The soon-to-be apprentice's manner seemed to change in an instant, from bored to enthused. Something felt off about that look. Regardless, the tom continued. "You have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Beetlepaw and your mentor will be Mottlerose. I trust that she will teach you all that she knows." Mottlerose was an excellent warrior and the most perfect mate he could ever ask for. He had no doubt she would teach the young molly well.

Mottlerose watched the kit in question, somewhat interested by their lack of extreme excitement... until it was real. Shaking her head from it all, her gaze snapped to her mate the moment he mentioned her name. Mentoring apprentices was something that never really made her nervous anymore, but there still was a sense of pride that tingled in her chest in being chosen to mentor. Rising from her position, the senioring warrior went to touch noses with her new apprentice.

"Congratulations, Beetlepaw. Enjoy the evening with your new name, and we'll get started at sunhigh."