Tinykit’s Apprentice Ceremony

This time, Sageroot was more accustomed to the feel of being on the Highrock and didn’t hesitate as long before calling out, “Let all cats safe from the bramble’s thorn gather around the Highrock for a clan meeting!” Her heart fluttered with excitement as she surveyed her gathering clan. Today would be something special.

Tinykit heard the call of the deputy to the clan. Oh, this was so exciting! He assumed that this would be his ceremony, he was six moons old now. He leaped out of the kit den and proudly strutted towards the Highrock, looking up towards the deputy in awe. He always greatly looked up to the high ranks, he thought they were the most perfect cats in the world. Well... the Thunderclan ones at least, the other clans high ranks seemed scary to him. The small kit sat down, swooping his tail around over his front paws, hoping he would hear his name be called.

Sageroot’s tail flicked, mirroring the kit’s excitement. Tiny little was small for six moons, but he’d have plenty of time to grow as he learned. She smiled warmly at the little face, tapping a paw rhythmically on the rock. This duty wasn’t as scary as she’d imagined! “Tinykit,” she mewed. “Please step forward. You have reached six moons and are ready to begin your training. From now until you become a warrior, you will be known as Tinypaw. Your mentor will be Wiggleworm. Wiggleworm, I am proud of the warrior you’ve become and I wish you all the best with your own apprentice.” Hopping off the rock, she whispered, ”Let me know if you need anything” in Feral before giving the new mentor-apprentice duo some space.

Tinypaw! He thought, beaming up at the deputy's words. He had been training for this all throughout his kithood, even getting help from the amazing Iriskit, Irispaw now. He was so excited to finally do his own hunting and battling and really help the clan!

Tinypaw could tell that Wiggleworm was nervous, and that meant he needed to cheer him up, bring him confidence. "Hello!" He squeaked back at the older tom. He touched noses with him excitedly. "I would love to start my training now!" He reassured Wiggleworm. "The faster we start, the faster I'll be able to be the greatest hunter the clan has ever seen! With your guidance, I'm going to be able to learn so much. I'm so glad you're my mentor!" Tinypaw wasn't the most humble of cats, but he respected and wished the best for others just as much as he did for himself.

Lichenwing, too, had gathered at Sageroot's call, settling back on his haunches and curling his half-tail as far around him as it could go. Blue-green eyes lifted to watch the new deputy as she began to speak, calling Tinykit forward. The charcoal warrior's face lit up in a bright smile, and he watched his son pad forward, accepting her words and his new mentor. Lichenwing turned to look at Wiggleworm, giving a nod of approval, the young tom had spent a long time recovering from the illness that had shaken them all, but he was a fine warrior and Lichenwing had no doubt he'd be a good mentor.

Waiting until the two of them had had their greeting, Lichenwing moved to join them. "Congratulations, the both of you," he grinned, nosing the top of Tinypaw's head affectionately. "I'm proud of you, son. You'll do great." His eyes flicked over to the younger warrior, "If you ever need any help, or advice, I'm your cat," he told Wiggleworm genuinely. "But I think you'll do fine. Congratulations again."