crocuskit's apprentice ceremony

Out of all of the kits with feral blood coursing through their veins, it was time for the ceremony of the one who had intrigued her the most. All of them were interesting kits, full of the vibrance of life that only youth seemed to know. But in this particular feline, one who had already seemed to surpass Mottlestar's own stature, was something else. A curious little flicker that she couldn't help but want to observe more for her own. Pushing those thoughts aside with a small smile, the tortoiseshell found her familiar place upon the rock. Acornstem had needed a brief break from ceremonies, and the leader had no issue in providing that.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"

Crocuskit had made sure to keep her fur clean for the days coming up to her ceremony, fastidious about her appearance as she fretted that it would be any day now. Excitement tingled at the kitten's large paws, still big enough for her to stumble over but definitely not with the same frequency she once had. There was a strong feeling in the she-cats chest as she padded into the clearing, the size of the highrock making Mottlestar look grand. So small, and yet so mighty.

Even from her place upon the rock, the tortoiseshell could see just how well one of the kits blended in with the height of some of her clanmates who were warriors. That very kit was the one who held her attention, and for just a moment, Mottlestar allowed herself to let a smile linger. Should they have locked gazes, she would have dipped her head. If not, that smile would have slowly faded before she glanced at the rest of her Clan, before standing closer to call them to meeting.

"Thunderclan, it is time for another member to become an apprentice. Crocuskit, please, come forward." While her voice carried strength, it also carried warmth. The mark of Thunderclan's current leader. "Crocuskit, as you have reached the age of six moons, you are granted the birthright of any of your clanmates to become an apprentice. From this day forth, you shall be known as Crocuspaw, until you earn your warrior name. I will be your mentor, teaching you all that I know." It had been some time since she'd last truly taken an apprentice. However, with fate declared, she dismissed the Clan and lept down to greet her new apprentice.

Having to rear onto her hind legs to touch her nose to the newly-named apprentice's head, Mottlestar purred. "We'll start tomorrow, my friend. For now, let's celebrate your new name, Crocuspaw."

Crocuskit's eyes gleamed as her name was called. She padded forwards, holding herself high and strong instead of the slight slouch that she typically had. Mottlestar continued on, and the excitement continued to build in her chest as she was declared to be Mottlestar's apprentice. The happiness and excitement were strong, but Crocuspaw couldn't help but be concerned that her battle training would be lackluster with such a short mentor, especially now that she seemed to loom over her mentor. Maybe Crocuspaw's training would get substituted by a larger warrior? Nevertheless, Crocuspaw stepped forward to dip her head down to touch her mentor's nose.

Another day, and another of Hank's kits was to become an apprentice. They were growing fast and strong, more than Aurelia or Sleet's own kits, but the golden-spotted tabby took pride in them as if they were her own, anyways. Crocuspaw was the largest of that litter, and if Aurelia had to judge she was already surpassing Mottlestar in height. Though what the leader lacked in size she made up for in fierceness, however hidden behind a kind face and warm smile. She named herself mentor to the newly-named Crocuspaw, and Aurelia nodded once at her. Mottlestar, she thought, would be a worthy mentor compared to some of the warriors in Thunderclan, though as with the other kits, Aurelia would be watching them and making sure they did not forget where they came from.