Sablekit's Apprentice Ceremony

The time had come, at last, for another cat of ShadowClan to be apprenticed- the first to receive their new name after returning to their home, and the first to be named by ShadowClan's newest deputy. It felt strange to be standing atop the Jaggedrock, but Leopardsun cleared her throat and raised her voice. "All cats old enough to silently stalk in the shadows, gather in the shadow of the Jaggedrock for a Clan meeting!"

Nightstalker peaked his head out of the leader's den with a yawn, his eyes looking up blearily to see his newly named deputy call for a clan meeting. And for that, he was grateful, a duty now off his plate, while many others were mounted on in return. The young leader slunk out of his den and sat a little distance away, not wanting to take any attention away from Sablekits moment.

The deputy's call had Sablekit running for the center of camp. He had already been outgrowing the Thunderclan nursery, and was sure it was time for his apprentice ceremony. Finding a suitable spot below the Jaggedrock, Sablekit sat down.

Snowfoot followed Sablekit out of the nursery. Another of her kits would be apprenticed today, she just knew it. She sat down, not too close to her son, but near enough to show her support. She couldn’t help but wonder who his mentor would be.

As Sablekit joined the crowd of ShadowClan cats, Leopardsun saw fit to properly commence the ceremony. "ShadowClan! I have called you here to witness the naming of a new apprentice. Sablekit, please step forward."

She paused, allowing the kit time to approach before continuing. "Sablekit. You have reached the age of six moons and are ready to become an apprentice. From this day on, until you earn your warrior name, you will be known as Sablepaw. Nightstalker will be your mentor- I trust that he will pass all he knows onto you."

Nightstalker blinked with mild surprise as his name was called. He was going to be Sablepaw's mentor? Nightstalker briefly laminated at the fact that his workload might as well have increased tenfold before he got to his paws and padded towards Sablepaw. He had to lean down somewhat substantially to touch his nose to Sablepaws, "Grab a bite to eat, and say goodbye to Snowfoot before we leave to survey the territory." he meowed, before straightening back up.

Sablepaw beamed as he received his apprentice name. He would finally be able to provide for his clan, and he would be able to impress his leader at the same time. While touching noses with Nightstalker, he became aware of just how massive the warrior was. "Yes Nightstalker," he replied dutifully. Sablepaw padded up to his mother, giving her an affectionate nuzzle to the cheek before heading off in the direction of the fresh-kill pile.