Apprentice Ceremony

[Kelly]

Owlstar stood under the shadow of the high rock, gazing as the clan went about their usual business. Cats were coming and going from patrols and hunting parties, making busy work throughout the day. She could see a few apprentices mingling on one side of camp, some warriors sharing tongues under a bush, it seemed everyone was about now. The perfect time to make the announcement.

She had spent a good part of the day musing over who would make good mentors for the two kits. Today was the day they turned six moons, after all. Mistpelt was, of course, the first choice. She was the FogClan deputy after all. It was time she gained an apprentice to mentor. Cinderkit would benefit from the strong deputy, while her brother would need a friendly mentor. One not so... uptight. Russentfang, Owlstar thought, would be good.

Large paws hit the top of the high rock with almost no noise. Her thick farm felt warm under the direct sunlight and the stares of cats who were already watching her. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey, report to high rock for a clan meeting." The words came easily enough. Yellow eyes watched carefully as cats came from all around, answering her call, and grouping around the high rock, waiting for her announcement.

[Cloud of Diamonds]

Falconkit

The big-for-his age kit was bristling in anticipation. This was it. This was the day when he would begin to learn the true ways of a FogClan warrior. Hearing the summons, he and Cinderkit padded out of the nursery, to the center of the clearing. Birchtail was behind them, with a proud, ecstatic expression on her face. After sitting down, the brown tabby kit gazed at all the warriors around him. Which one, he wondered, would be chosen as his mentor? Would they be a tom or she-cat? Patient, or quick-tempered? When he'd confided his thoughts to Cinderkit, she'd laughed it off, saying, "Whoever Owlstar picks will be great, of course!" Falconkit felt a twinge of annoyance. Why did she almost never take things seriously, it seemed? She sure couldn't continue doing that as an apprentice. Flicking his short tail in the dust, he waited for Owlstar to start the ceremony.

[Spec]

Mistpelt was not far off from Owlstar, eyes narrowed hidden in shadow, albeit in the comfort of the whole clan, just enough to keep her keen gaze directed towards the black and white hued self-entitled leader of Fogclan. Her face was blank, save for the narrowed optics of her stare, which darted to and fro the camp, absently checking the height of the fresh kill pile, searching for idleness or tomfoolery, the usual that would attract her corrective side of her, her aiding and guiding side, the stern teacher. Seeing nothing or interest, her eyes shifted back towards her leader, taking on the form of subtle curiosity as she positioned herself onto of High Rock, clearly indication that she was to make an announcement. Even before Owlstar yowled for attention (as always), the ivory and silver streaked she-cat knew what business needed to be attended to. It was time for Cinderkit's and Falconkit's apprentice ceremony, perhaps the very medicine needed to spark some more liveliness into the clan, although it would take far more than meager apprentices to fully heal the damage done here. After her 'leader's' command was given, the whole clan began to wander and drift towards the heart of camp beneath High Rock like sheep. She followed suit, sliding out from the shadow, tail flickering like tendrils of darkness. When she settled herself a few paces from High Rock, her haunches lowered, sensing this was a good place to settle before her tongue washed over her paw in earnest.

[Kelly]

"Whoever Owlstar picks will be great, of course!"

Cinderkit had followed behind her brother slowly, trailing even behind their mother. Yes, she was excited for today. It was her apprentice ceremony, after all. And the gray she-cat was anxiously awaiting to find out who her mentor would be. But she just didn't want to leave the nursery, at the same time. It was difficult to graduate from kithood to apprenticehood in one day, no matter how excited she was.

Quietly she sat behind her brother, looking up at Owlstar with wide eyes. In front of her Falconkit seemed as composed as ever and Cinderkit was sure that he would be just fine with leaving their mother and joining the apprentices in their den. He had already hung out with some apprentices, anyway. The only apprentice Cinderkit had ever spoken to was Sootpaw! And he was a jerk. The she-cat was sure that he spread things about her to the other apprentices.

Above on the rock Owlstar watched as the last few cats took seats, including Cinderkit and Falconkit. Mistpelt could also be seen, which was good. But Russetfang, the cat she had chosen for Falconkit, was no where to be seen. Hopefully the tom would show up before his named was called.

"Cinderkit and Falconkit, please approach," she called out, gazing at the two young cats. She addressed Cinderkit, who had been walking up slowly, first. "You have reached the correct age now. Under StarClan I say these words. From this moment on, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Cinderkit. Mistpelt, you have proved yourself time and time again and are ready for an apprentice. You will mentor Cinderpaw, I trust you will pass on all your knowledge to this young cat." And now it was Falconkit's turn, even if Russetfang was still out of sight. "Falconkit, you too are ready to become an apprentice. Until the day you earn your warrior name you will be known as Falconpaw. Russetfang is also ready for an apprentice and will be your mentor, I trust he will pass on his own skills to you."

ooc:
Sorry for the lameness. D:

[Slug]

Russetfang had been busy mending the camp entrance with new brambles when Owlstar called a clan meeting. Giving the thorny branch one last modification, the russet tom toddled over to the group, feeling slightly silly for being late to a clan meeting, of all things. Well, that branch had been crooked. So, the warrior had felt the need to fix it. Simple as that.

Drawing closer to the group of cats near High Rock, Russetfang settled himself close, but not too close, to his clanmates. He didn't think they would appreciate a cripple besides them. Tilting his head, Russetfang listened closely to Owlstar's words, nodding. Yes. The kits, Cinderkit and Falconkit were definitely ready to become apprentices. He wondered who would mentor the--

"Russetfang is also ready for an apprentice and will be your mentor, I trust he will pass on his own skills to you."

Russetfang felt a sharp burst of panic in his chest, eyes widening to the size of saucers. Had he heard correctly? He, Russetfang, was going to mentor someone? That was... maybe he had something in his ears-- left over prey? Yes. That was it. Russetfang had always been a messy eater.

For a few moments, the tom did not move, blinking at the air before him. Finally, he realized no one had touched noses with Falconkit-- well, Falconpaw now-- and it dawned on the warrior that he really was going to mentor someone. Rising to his paws, Russetfang slinked over to Falconpaw, fur growing hot as he touched noses with the younger clanmate.

Well, this certainly was becoming an interesting day.
--

OOC: e_e; This... is crap. Sorry.

[Spec]

Her attention was momentarily diverted from Owlstar to the kits as they approached. Falconkit seemed more than eager to assume his duties, yet Cinderkit, she felt, held back. This, she automatically concluded, meant that she was either nervous or unwilling to leave the nursery, which she desperately hoped it wasn't of the latter. She found no reason not to welcome the next step in her life. The ivory tinted she-cat yawned between her fangs, eyes poised dangerously towards the black and white hued leader of Fogclan. Either way, Mistpelt willed whichever mentor she chose be worthy enough to take on an apprentice, and not some barely aged new warrior fresh from the warriors den to raise the future of Fogclan. Starclan forbid it. Biting back a curt hiss of slight annoyance, the she-cat lowered her head, swiping her tongue over her paw once more as she waited to see who the lucky mentor would be for both Cinderkit and Falconkit. Her ears immediately perked, however, when great Owlstar announced that she would mentor Cinderkit, no Cinderpaw. Her face turned heavenward, closing her eyes with a brief, reverent simper before rising to her feet to approach her new apprentice. Her nose gently pressed into hers, breathing onto Cinderpaw her blessings, allowing her own scent to wash over her, the imprint of her identity.

Mistpelt would mold her to be the perfect warrior.

[Cloud of Diamonds]

An apprentice at last. The newly named Falconpaw felt such joy and satisfaction he could hardly begin to describe it. Now he was finally on his way to becoming a warrior, now he had a new name, a new purpose, and no longer would he have to be confined to the nursery. He would be the best warrior FogClan had ever seen! With the help of StarClan and his mentor, he-wait, his mentor? The brown Tabby's grand thoughts halted as he realized the cat Owlstar had named as his mentor-Russetfang was the name his leader had said-had not yet come forth. He felt a prick of annoyance and then anxiety at the thought that his mentor didn't want to mentor him, and that was the reason he hadn't come forward. But wait...was that long haired reddish brown tom, now padding toward him, Russetfang? He looked almost...nervous, it seemed. But the young tom touched noses with him all the same, and for that Falconpaw was grateful. At least he knew who his mentor was, and that was vital. He looked over at his sister, and felt a pang of envy. She was going to be mentored by the deputy. Oh well, Russetfang was probably just as good as Mistpelt, in his own way. The muscular apprentice wanted to ask Russetfang a question, but figured it would be more respectful if he stayed silent for the time being.

[Slug]

Russetfang felt his spine start to ache and winced, jerking his head back, ears back as he straightened himself, edging somewhat away from Falconpaw. The brittle weather was not treating him nor his old injury well. Not at all. Whiskers jutting forward, Russetfang looked away from Falconpaw, feeling the beginnings of shame crossing his face as doubt creeped it's way into his thoughts.

So many questions, so little time! And it seemed he was not the only one with questions, either.

Glancing back at Flaconpaw, Russetfang wiped the shamed look from his face and replaced it with a smile, almost beaming at the-- no, his-- apprentice. Okay, Russetfang, The warrior thought. Talk to him!

" 'Ello there, Falconpa'!" He purred warmly, shifting closer to his apprentice. "Great day to check out the 'tory, neh? Maybe go out and learn a bit, too!" The russet furred tom grinned cheekily at the other FogClanner, eyes crinkling at the corners.
---

OOC: e_e Crappp.

[Cloud of Diamonds]

All of Falconpaw's worries disapparated when his mentor finally spoke. He had an odd, but comforting, way of speaking. And he seemed to read the broad-shouldered tom's mind. To go out was exactly what Falconpaw wanted, to begin his education towards his greatest goal. He was funny, the brown FogClanner thought. So enthusiastic and light-hearted, it seemed. His general way of thinking was that warriors should be more serious. But hey, the brown apprentice wasn't complaining. Any mentor who wanted to show him the territory first off could act however he wanted. And Russetfang seemed to be keen on him, which StarClan knows was a good thing. His amber eyes widened in happiness and his tail rose a few inches. "Oh, yes, thank you, Russetfang! I would love to do that. Could you teach me about the warrior code, too?" He gazed at his mentor with a look of gratefulness. How tempting it was to bounce like a kit in his joy! But you will a solemn, serious warrior, he reprimanded himself. Warriors like that do not act like a kits, and you are a kit no longer. Almost trembling in anticipation, he waited for his mentor to lead the way.

[Slug]

Oh, yes, thank you, Russetfang! I would love to do that. Could you teach me about the warrior code, too?

Russetfang grinned impishly from ear to ear, fangs gritting together just the slightest. Falconpaw was so eager to learn! To discover! His apprentice reminded him of himself... before his little "accident". But enough of the gloomy memories-- it was time to make some new ones. More happier, worth-while experiences to remember; shoot! It was like a blank page that had suddenly placed itself before Russetfang, begging to be written on.

And how could the warrior resist such a generous offering?

"Sure thang, Falconpa'!" The russet tom chirped, pratically bouncing in place. "But dere's jus' one thang I gotta do, 'kay?" He added, then looked to the side at Mistpelt and Cinderpaw. Cheeks heating just the slightest, Russetfang toddled over to the deputy and her apprentice, a smile on his face.

"Hey darr, Mistpelt!" He purred warmly, then quickly dipped his head in respect afterwards. Sheepishly, he lifted his head and locked his eyes with Mistpelt, smile never leaving his face as he asked: "D'ya two wanna join me and Falconpa'? We're planin' on checkin' out da 'tory and 'cussing 'bout da code. Da more da merrier, as dey say!" He meowed, almost giggling.

Then he went silent, a bit embarrassed at his loudness, and added: " 'Course, ya dun gotta if ya dun wanna, y'know? 'M jus' wonderin'."[/color] The russet warrior said meekly, though his smile wasn't as bright as it was before, becoming more gentle and sweet and less sunshine and cheerful.

Suddenly, Russetfang felt like clawing himself.

Looking over his shoulder, the tom grinned, embarrassed, at Falconpaw. "If dat's 'kay wit' ya, Falconpa'?" Then he turned Cinderpaw, giving her an apologetic look as he realized something. "Are ya 'kay wit' it, too? Er-- well, y'know wut I mean, 'ight?" Russetfang felt like he was put on the spot, ears back.

"Wut I mean ta' say is... are y'all 'kay wit' it? Y'know, agree to disagree?"[/color] He said, grinning charmingly at the three. " 'Course, like I said 'fore, none'ya gotta... yeah. Jus' me and Falconpa' is 'kay, too!" Russetfang toned his grin down to a mysterious, innocent smile, though his eyes were glinting with mischief and a slyness that of a fox.

Oh, Russetfang, how strange you are.[/size]