Patchkit's Apprentice Ceremony

The smooth, well-worn stone of the Tallrock was shimmering faintly, the chilly light of day reflecting upon the soft dusting of frost. Brindleface's fur caught softly on the tendrils of ice, a faintly evident rustling sound just barley noticeable above the breeze, as she pulled herself atop the ceremonial meeting place. Straightening up, the Deputy’s voice rang out with a sharp note of purpose as she called out the familiar summons, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather underneath the Tallrock for a Clan meeting!"

Fernpaw padded out of the apprentice den to see a meeting. She could tell it was a ceremony, but for who. When Fernpaw noticed patchkit she finally understood. This was his apprentice ceremony. She watched with a sparkle in her eyes.

As Patchkit stepped out of the nursery he felt a cold breeze twist through his white fur. He gazed up at the Tallrock, seeing Brindleface he knew what was about to happen. Patchkit nearly jumped with joy, he turned to look at his mother, Stonestride accompanying him. His mother looked nervous and fidgety. Patchkit understood why, he was her only kit and she wasn't ready to loose him just yet. He leaned over and whispered "I'll always be your kit, mother". The words seemed to settle her.

He strode confidently forward, glancing at his father, Driftthroat gave him a quick nod. Patchkit sat beside him and gazed up at Brindleface, a mix of excitement and admiration shining in his eyes.

Neatly winding her tail around her paws, Brindleface's austere features remained fixed on the young Patchkit as he was attended to in various ways by both of his Clanmates. Only when the last stragglers made their way to the loosely formed ring of cats did she finally raise her voice once more. "Patchkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to find your place among the Clan." She began, voice carrying a sharp and determined undercurrent, "From this day on, until you receive your Warrior name, you will be known as Patchpaw. I shall mentor you, and I look forward to passing down everything that my mentor once taught me."

Gracefully dismounting the looming stone of the Tallrock, the Deputy made to complete the ceremony with the traditional first greeting between Mentor and Apprentice.

Patchpaw holds out his nose expectantly, it twitches from excitement. 'I'm going to be mentored by the DEPUTY!' Patchpaw could barely hold in his happiness.