Silverkit's Apprentice Ceremony

Ah, hm.... Acornstem really should have thought about this sooner as she stood among the rocks of Highstone, gaze searching for a good one that would suit her purpose. She hadn't meant to do this ceremony so soon after they left...But in truth, it slipped her mind in the chaos of the last few sunrises of getting the Clan ready. A sigh escaped her as she crouched, before she bounded onto a rock that jutted out from the rest. This would do - a makeshift Highrock.

"Let all cats safe from the bramble's thorns gather beneath...Uh, this Highstone rock for a clan meeting!" ...Perfect.

She sat down, eyes flickering around at the other Clans that were still mulling together - it was one thing to do a ceremony...Another to do it fully in the sight of every other Clan. She was relieved it wasn't her own ceremony - she wasn't sure how she would have handled being named an apprentice or even a warrior under the gaze of so many cats... But this was how it had to be - better to do it now before they set off than trying to find a moment wherever they would make camp for the night.

At Acornstem’s call, Silverkit’s green eyes flickered open. They had not heard the call of a clan meeting since before the clans had departed on their journey. Curiosity burned inside the young she-cat, as she licked down a stray piece of fur and padded towards the growing assemblage of cats. It was strange to see so many new faces gathering, cats from all clans had prowled out from their various hiding spots to hear what Acornstem had to say. She cocked her head in curiosity as she settled on her haunches, wondering the same as everyone else - what was this meeting for?

Mottlestar had been close by when Acornstem had come to call the Clan together for a ceremony. It was hard enough that they were leaving home, it was even harder to figure out how to give some semblance of organization during it. Weaving through the crowd of many cats, she made sure Thunderclan knew to gather around their deputy. Even though they were not in camp, that did not mean that a Clan meeting was so-easily excused attendance wise. Once they had all been gathered, though, the small tortoiseshell found her way back to the head of the crowd for the ceremony. A grin passed from the leader to Acornstem, giving her just a small boost of encouragement during the unfamiliar times.

Though, sensing her momentary hesitance, Mottlestar herself stepped forward. "We have gathered to see one of our kits made to an apprentice before our journey. Silverkit, please step forward." She called, purring. "You have reached the age of six moons, and though we travel, it is time for you to be apprenticed. From now until you receive your warrior name, you shall be known as Silverpaw. I trust Quailprowler to be your mentor, for though she is newly named, she will teach you well." Her tail beckoned to the molly who had been her apprentice only a short time ago, before her head dipped to dismiss the Clan to celebrate.

There was a list in Silverkit’s head of announcements most to lest likely to be made, an apprentice ceremony was close to the bottom in priority. Their own apprentice ceremony hadn’t even made the list. Silverkit felt like a prey animal as she rose shakily to her paws, and several head swivelled around to face her. She locked eyes with a warrior from another clan, and immediately drew back. Nervous eyes darted to her leader and her deputy on the rocks, and suddenly they felt ashamed for balking in this moment. The silver tabby gritted her teeth, and sucked in a deep breath. No, she would not look weak or show hesitance in front of these strangers. She would show them what a proud ThunderClan cat looked like, one that was ready to be an apprentice and serve their clan.

Silverkit held her head high as she nimbly made her to Mottlestar and Acornstem, a smile growing on her maw as she further buried her anxieties and the growing excitement of becoming an apprentice took hold. The young she-cat felt herself grow taller as the ceremony continued, her tail flicking gently in anticipation. The ceremony concluded, and Silverkit, now Silverpaw reached forward with a slight purr and touched noses with her mentor.

Quailprowler was shocked, but kept her mannerisms of such well guarded as she eyed the cats around her. Already close to Mottlestar, following her 'sacred' duty, the massive molly took a few strides to greet her apprentice. She was shaking. Most feral mentors might scoff at that, being annoyed they were given a weak apprentice. But to her, this was a challenge. Stretching her neck down as far as she could, she touched noses with Silverpaw and gave her a firm nod. "You will be the second strongest warrior in ThunderClan. When I die, you will be the strongest." She promised, gravely.