Ashkit's Apprentice Ceremony

As Featherstep leapt to the top of Tall Rock, he was reminded yet again just how lucky he was to have a long coat as Leafbare winds buffeted him on all sides. Screwing up his eyes against the wind, he called out, “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Tall Rock for a Clan meeting!”

Ashkit wobbled out into the cold leaf-bare day, wishing he had a thicker coat. As he passed many clan mates he felt like he was being judged. He looked down and kept walking, trying to ignore their stares. he sat down, wrapping his tail around his left paw, and looked up at featherstep.

"Ashkit, please come forward!" Featherstep called out, careful to avoid using the word "step". He beamed down warmly at the shy kit. There had been... Some doubts that the young tom would be fit enough to assume proper Clan duties, but Featherstep could see he would grow into a fine warrior, given the proper attention. "Ashkit, you have reached the age of six moons old and are now ready to become an apprentice. I will take you on as my apprentice," he announced before leaping down from Tall Rock to stand before Ashkit. "I'll make you into a warrior yet, Ashpaw!" He purred, lowering his head to touch noses with the young tom.

Ashpaw smiled up at featherstep and touched noses with him. If the deputy was his mentor, maybe, just maybe, he could become a warrior also. He still looked away from all the stares but knew he would be joining them soon.