acornkit's apprentice ceremony

Thistlemask had felt a bit under the weather in recent times, and she could hardly blame the molly. The cold was harsh, and it felt... harsher than normal. Nevertheless, the small tortoiseshell made her way to the Highrock, having no issue taking up her friend's duties. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!" Another apprentice would be joining their ranks, and they needed it.

It was...Strange, being displaced from their camp and now she had reached her sixth moon. She knew what that meant and she wanted to be excited - she had been wary of approaching the other Clan cats until she was an apprentice herself and this would give her a new sense of freedom but... She couldn't deny, she was nervous for whenever that sunrise would come for reasons she could barely put into words or make sense of. Her ears twitched however as Mottlestar called out, dutifully scampering over to where the Clan was gathering as she took her spot and waited for the leader to go on with her announcement.

There was no denying the passage of time that went on in the forest, and it was especially apparent as she looked down upon her gathering Clan. Apprentices were growing to be fine warriors, and she could see some spots of grey collecting on the muzzles of some of her older warriors. Mottlestar wasn't immune to the grey furs either, as just a hint of them had started around her nose. It added a new color to her already multicolored pelt. But it wasn't that which she concerned herself with today. Instead, it was those whose growth was most apparent: A young kit, becoming an apprentice. No longer the tiny bundle of fur that was helpless, instead, a young feline who was now fully capable of learning to be a warrior.

"Acornkit, please step forward." She called out, silencing any chatter that may have been ongoing within her Clan. "Young one, you have reached the age of six moons, and you are now ready to be an apprentice. From now, until you receive your warrior name, you shall be known as Acornpaw. I trust Sunstrike to be your mentor. While young, they already have shown to be able to teach you well." There was a fondness in her voice as she spoke about the new warrior. Nightdancer had trained him well. But with that, she gave a nod of her head, signaling the end of her announcements. It was time to celebrate.

As her name was called, Acornkit froze. Oh. She knew....Well of course it was going to be happening sooner rather than later but she hadn't expected... She shook her head, shaking away the doubts as she jumped to her paws and stepped forward as Mottlestar went on. There was a blink of surprise as her mentor was named. Acornki-No, it had to be Acornpaw now - turned to look at the crowd of cats until she spotted Sunstrike.

While perhaps some apprentices would feel shame or annoyance at be given the newest warrior as a mentor, there was a bubbling excitement in Acornpaw's stomach at the revelation. She was sure this was just as scary for Sunstrike, having such a respe...respuh...responsibility put on him! Honestly, it was a bit of a relief - they could figure things out together! She would be the best apprentice he could ask for! She bounded over with a smile, reaching up her nose to touch his. "I'll do my best!" she purred, tail curling contently over her back.