Clan Meeting - Apprentice Ceremony

[[[ Skystar <<]

[Skystar]

A black and white cat raced up the tree outside of its den. Climbing onto the lowest branch, the cat sat down and glanced at the cats in the clearing. She looked over at the fresh-kill pile that had recently been stocked by a hunting patrol. Grinning with approval, Skystar then raised her head into the air.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highbranch for a Clan meeting." she yowled.

Today an apprentice would earn his name, and Skystar had a suitable mentor in mind. Carrionkit was known for his recklessness and quick temper. He had already lost his tail and ShadowClan had to thank ThunderClan because of it. She knew the apprentice would require strict discipline, and that he wouldn't be easy to train. He would make jokes, rude comments and insults, and he would be prone to fighting. His mentor would have to be strict and able to enforce discipline, and she could think of no cat better than the one she was going to choose.

[[-Shade-]]

[glow=red,2,300][-Carrionkit-][/glow]

A young, ragged tom appeared at the entrance of the Nursery, green eyes wide with anticipation. Today, the day he reached six moons, was the golden hour of his apprenticeship ceremony. Carrionkit bolted forward to the center of camp, were the moonlight shattered on his dark pelt and made it shine.

He sat down just before the great pine tree, stub tail and messy fur laying flat. Now, who would be the mentor he could try to torchu- learn from?

[[[ Skystar <<]

[Redface]

Redface looked up from where he was sitting, and then at Carrionkit who had raced forwards with anticipation. Redface grinned, 'Like me when I was about to be apprenticed.'. He looked down at the fresh kill pile and sighed, 'I guess I'll have to eat later.'. Getting to his feet, Redface grunted and padded closer to the highbranch, sitting down right beneath it. He saw Skystar eye him warily, as if she didn't trust him.

'She's always on my tail, always thinking the worst of me, I'll bet.'

[[-Shade-]]

[glow=red,7,700][-Hauntedcry-][/glow]

Stifling a yawn, the young warrior Hauntedcry sat alone in the shadow of a tree. His face was without emotion, a simple, glassy stare shining from his pupils. Another meeting...probably for Carrionkit, who was up front and center with wide eyes. His own ceremony wasn't as personable, with three other siblings stealing the show and batting at his ears every five seconds.

The dark tom noticed Redface, but his mute-like personality did not call any greeting. He wasn't a taker, simply put. His quick eyes did notice Skystar throwing him a glance, but it happened so quick he almozt thoughtit was his tricky imagination.

[[[ Skystar <<]

[Skystar]

Enough of the clan had gathered. It was time for the ceremony to begin.

"Carrionkit, today you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Carrionpaw. I ask StarClan to watch over you and guide you until you find in your paws the strength and courage of a warrior. "

"I will be your mentor."

Skystar leaped down from the branch and touched noses with Carrionpaw. She knew it'd be difficult, but she wasn't sure that any other cat would be able to handle him. Ravenfoot and Redface were ill-tempered and easily annoyed. Hauntedcry and Ravenflight were both rather silent and cold - they wouldn't be able to give the misbehaving apprentice the correct discipline.

[Redface]

"Carrionpaw! Carrionpaw! Carrionpaw!" Redface called as he watched the apprentice. He had always been sure that Skystar would never give him an apprentice - she was an old, mangy she-cat who held a grudge against him for some reason. But he was still loyal to ShadowClan, just not necessarily his leader.