Lilykit scuffled her paws eagerly as she waited for Cloudstar to begin the ceremony. She was second in line, but she didn't know if she could wait even that long! Flames of excitement flared beneath the thick lashes of her ocean blue eyes. Her zestful gaze snapped to attention when Cloudstar pounced up onto the highrock.
"Let all the cats old enough to catch their own prey join here for a clan meeting." Cloudstar stated calmly. Lilykit could hardly contain her enthusiasm. "Thrushkit, come join me as I pledge for you to become an apprentice." Thrushkit padded over to their deeply admired leader. Cloudstar dipped her head, her long, white fur shading her pearly eyes.
"Starclan look down on thee as I run these fine kits' ceremonies." She gazed lovingly at the gingery kitten before her. "It has been six moons, and the time has come to present three new apprentices. The first is Thrushkit. Thrushkit, from this day on you will be known as Thrushpaw. Starclan sees great things in your future, breathe it in." She touched his head with her nose. "Snakestripe, you are ready for an apprentice. Teach Thrushpaw all your skills." "I will do my best." Snakestripe vowed solemnly.
Lilykit's body wiggled. She was next!
Cloudstar cleared her throat. "Lilykit, come join me." The black and white kitten bounded forward, scrabbling for a grip when she almost slid off the edge. "Lilykit is our second longing apprentice. She has been in the nursery long enough. Lilykit, you will now be known as Lilypaw. Starclan believes in you to do what is right, besides what you're telling yourself." Lilypaw nodded quickly. She felt a gentle touch on her furry head from something wet and soft.
"Your mentor will be Runningtear, for his old apprentice, Bloomingpaw, is becoming a warrior. Warriors are too scarce right now..." Her voice trailed off. Lilypaw leaped with joy. Runningtear as her mentor? What an honor!
Runningtear sat up. "I would love to mentor Lilypaw." He dipped his head towards their magnificent ruler.
Lilypaw hopped off of the highrock quite clumsily, she was still wasn't over her earlier excitement. Thrushpaw was waiting, joy dancing about his eyes. "Doesn't it feel fabulous?" Lilypaw chirped. "It's like magic!" Thrushpaw nodded. "I can't wait to begin training!" Lilypaw was about to reply when she noticed Gingerkit standing beside Cloudstar.
Cloudstar was speaking again. "Gingerkit, you will now be known as Gingerpaw. Your future is very bright Starclan has told; do not be afraid to embrace it." She bowed her head. "Your mentor will be Bluegaze."
Lilypaw gasped in shock. Bluegaze was a medicine cat! Gingerpaw couldn't become a medicine cat! Thrushpaw had a flabbergasted expression on his furry face. "Gingerpaw is going to become a medicine cat?" He gaped. "Since when did she decide that?" Lilypaw responded.
At that moment their loving sister strolled over, a wide grin plastered onto her cheery face. "Why are you becoming a medicine cat?" Thrushpaw burst as she approched. Gingerpaw's expression immediately fell. "It was my destiney to become one." She began calmly, "And I love it." With that she whirled around, flicked her tail in her siblings' faces, and trotted proudly away.
***
Bloomingpaw and Badgerpaw had become known under the warrior names Bloomingflower and Badgertail. After a recent nasty fight with some rogue cats, they had proved themselves strong, fierce warriors.
Lilypaw especially admired Badgertail. He was fierce, yet gentle when needed. His dark gray pelt drew her in too. She gazed longingly at the handsome warrior...
"Lilypaw!" Thrushpaw yelped at his sister. "Huh?" Lilypaw whirled around. "You tell me! You've been staring into ocean blue for at least five minutes." He snapped. Then his gaze clung onto Badgertail. Everything clicked for him. "Ooh, you're in love with Badgertail aren't you?" He cooed. "Am not!" The embarrassed apprentice spat. She felt ashamed. "Sure," Her brother then left.
Lilypaw was oddly silent. What was she thinking, falling in love with a warrior? Yes, it was allowed, but she felt so stupid. I'll find somebody else... She told herself. But she didn't really mean it.