The newest adventure

[gingersnapsdacat]

    HeronStar sat outside of her den, giving her pelt a quick groom. Beside her, Sparrowkit was busy sticking her favorite feather, one which her father had brought her over a moon ago, into her fluff. Meanwhile, Pansykit tried desperately to get her own fur, as well as that of her sisters, looking nice.
    Every one of them knew that today was going to be special. For Sparrowkit and Pansykit, it was the day that they would finally become apprentices. For HeronStar, it was the first time she would truly lead a ceremony for her clan. When she had named Twitchpaw, it had been a continuation of where RookStar had left off. This time it was truly on her.
    “Cats of IvyClan!: she called, bounding up onto the highledge. She still could not manage to form the correct words. “Gather beneath me for a ceremony!”
    The brown and white she-cat waited for everyone to do as she instructed before she continued.
    “First, I would like to welcome a new warrior into our ranks. Adderpaw, I have seen the way you defend your clanmates with claw and tongue. FOr this, you shall be known as Addersnap!”
    While the clan cheered Addersnap’s name, Heronstar was drawing forth all of the soon to be apprentices, beckoning for them to stand at the base of the ledge until she called each group forth. Among them were her own three kits.
    “I have seen all of you grow over the past few moons, and I have observed that you have very special and unique talents. For that, you deserve mentors that are just as special and unique.”
    First, she beckoned forth Blossomkit; a cream and brown she-cat. She had almost doubted if the she-cat was going to be able to be an apprentice at all seeing as she had spent most of the past eight moons stuck in the medicine den for some reason or another. It made her think of her brother, Robinkit, and how he had not gotten to see his apprentice ceremony.
    “I will name you Blossompaw. You have been through many struggles in kittenhood, but I believe that Doeeyes can teach you how to protect those who matter most to you.”
    HeronStar waited for Blossompaw to go over to her mentor before she moved onto the next group; three of Greengale and Wingedheart’s kits.
    “Pondpaw, you never hesitate to say what is on your mind. This is good, but it could also get you in trouble. Mumblesong can show you the advantages of holding your tongue.
    “And Pollenpaw, you have a way with words, which charms your clanmates. Sandhawk will be a perfect mentor for you.”
    “Pansypaw, your mentor will be Martentooth. I think your caring nature, coupled with his strong will can create a memorable duo.”
    The newly named Pansypaw could not help but glance over to where her sister, Pepperkit, was seated near the nursery. One of her hind legs stuck out oddly, bound tight by wigs and ivy. She would not be able to become an apprentice this moon. Maybe not even next moon... 
    But HeronStar had not forgotten Pansypaw's injured sister, and was not going to let her go unnoticed. 
    “I also wish to speak for Pepperkit. Due to her injury, she will not be able to be an apprentice."
    Pansypaw opened her mouth, ready to argue for why her sister had to be an apprentice with them. But before she could get the words out, HeronStar was continuing. 
    "At least, not yet. She still has some healing to do, but I believe that she is strong, and will soon rise up beside her sisters."
    Quickly, she dismissed the three new apprentices, allowing them to go meet their newly assigned mentors. The next to recieve their names would be Mumblesong and Mudjaw’s kits.
    “Vervainpaw, I think that your elder brother Morelshine will make a fine mentor for you. I trust that together you can be an honor to the clan.”
    “Volepaw, you have always been content to blend into the background. But I think that Burningoak will help you to see that you can shine bright.”
    “Violetpaw, you have a bond to the stars that I do not quite understand. I think that redbird will be able to help you understand your gifts, just as you will help him understand his.”
    Finally, it was time for her to name her own kits. Pride welled in her heart, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes. With all she had been doing, being mother, deputy, mentor, and now leader, it seemed like her kits had grown up while her back was turned.
    Sparrowkit leaned in, giving her mother a quick lick on the cheek.
    “It’s time for a new adventure,” she whispered.
    That was what HeronStar had needed to hear. This was all just a new adventure for everyone.
    “Sparrowpaw, my wise little warrior. You always see the tiniest detail. I think that Cowlily will be a fine mentor for you.”
    “Pheasantpaw, you have always had a fascination with RookStar from the moment you first saw him. So I believe his sister, Owlcry, will be a good teacher to you.”
    “Dawnpaw you have never let anything stop you. I believe that Snowfawn can help fan that spirit.”
    She gave each of her kits one more loving lick before she nudged them towards their mentors. Lifting her head, she looked out over the clan.
    “I am proud to present the new warrior and apprentices of IvyClan!”

[bits]

Swiftwing had only recently seen her own apprentice become a warrior, and while she had enjoyed the experience, a brief reprieve was good for her. It had allowed her to double down on her (unsuccessful) search for her brother and had allowed her some space to re-prioritize. She wasn't happy with the results of her efforts, but she had managed to find a balance between clan-life and her search. A part of her regretted not giving Blitzbuck more attention during his apprenticeship, but he had turned out fine regardless (perhaps more due to the nature of his character rather than her own).

She was ready for another apprentice, though she was thankful for the break she'd been given. Once the apprentices for the current moon were announced, Swiftwing found herself looking on the new mentors and apprentices with something close to approval, as unlikely as the sentiment was to appear on her face. Ivyclan was thriving more and more each day, and it eased some of the stressful weights she had been growing accustomed to.

[Broadwaykat]

Sandhawk knew she should feel...something for her younger brother's finally becoming a warrior. Pride? Relief? No...none of those, as she knew that there was hardly any hope that it would change anything about his attitude. If anything, it would make him more insufferable than ever. All that had changed was his name - and he was sure to be bragging about it for ages. Just another headache for her to deal with, honestly.

However, the much more interesting development that day was when she heard her own name called out? For the time that she had been a warrior, she had never had an apprentice before. Now this, this had potential. The cat, Pollenpaw, she knew very little about - she didn't have a lot of pre-experience with the cat. But here she was given the chance to mold them into a proper warrior. It was spectacular, and important.

"Alright then, Pollenpaw." She stepped forward to touch noses with the younger queen. "Let's get to work."

(mewmehh)
---

Dustytuft sat beneath the gathering rocks, surprisingly finding it a little lonely without the four others there - but nonetheless proud of how the clan finally seemed to be back into sorts. For the first time in a long time, it seemed, the clan was, well - right. Natural. Normal. Warriors were being named, apprentices assigned; the clan was good.

Even if she didn't quite agree with who was getting apprentices. Martentooth, for one - he was a bit of an immature cat in her mind, speaking out in ways that were a little...dangerous. He would put his paw in his mouth sooner than later, and anger the wrong cat - seriously, giving him an apprentice. But, then again...he was Heronstar's former apprentice too. Maybe she knew something she didn't.

Cowlily, on the other hand, was a great choice - she hoped having a young cat to train would help her forget about her lost kits. 

"Congratulations Addersnap! And all our apprentices!" She made sure to greet them all after Heronstar had finished speaking.

---

Martentooth was never really interested in group meetings in Ivyclan - honestly, it took up time that he could have been doing other things. Since it never really related to him anymore, what was the use. Plus, there was the slightly awkward feeling now that Heronstar was their leader, and doing everything. Here he was, having thought he deserved a better mentor all this time, giving the she-cat a hard time long before he became a warrior, and she had actually become their leader.

Was she embarassed by him? Worried? Maybe not, because for the first time in a long time he heard his own name being called again. "I didn't do it!" He said, immediately assuming he was being blamed for something, and scrambling to his paws - before he realized that no...he wasn't in trouble.

He was getting his own apprentice.

"About time!" He cheered, jumping from defensive to exuberant in a moment. His apprentice? Pansypaw...a rather unfortunate name if you asked him. He hoped the she-cat didn't live up to her name in any scaredy-cat ways, honestly.

(gingersnapsdacat)

[mewmehh]

All sorts of excited murmurs and quivering paws sat before Wingedheart as the pale queen dotingly groomed each of her daughters to perfection before sending them off to sit in the sun alongside their clanmates. Her sensitive eyes were squinted, but smiling as she stayed sitting in the entrance to Lilydawn's den; as much as she wished to join Pansykit, Pollenkit, and Pondkit, their mother was still as sick as ever in the sunlight. And, she didn't wish to leave Pepperkit all by her lonesome. Pressing her cheek to her spunky daughter's, she crooned, "Next moon for sure, little one," and brush her with a soft tongue stroke.

Beyond her mother's reach, Pollenkit was abuzz with energy. Of course, she sat properly next to her sisters and father, without need of being reprimanded for acting out. After all, she didn't want to get into any trouble right out of the gate, but oh how she couldn't wait to be an apprentice. One by one, she listened thoughtfully as the other apprentices received their new warrior names before it became time for the new apprentices to receive their mentors. She secretly moaned in impatience and narrowed her eyes as she listened to Heronstar's words.

It was funny how sweet the new leader's tone tasted to the apprentice. From a young age, Pollenkit had found senses awash with strange flavors anytime she heard a cat speak; from bitter, horrible tastes to vibrantly sweet ones and to flavors so soft she could hardly detect them, but they were all still there, and brought upon by however the speaker carried themselves. She hardly knew what it meant, but had come to discover that it was a brilliant way to detect what a cat's intentions were. From Heronstar's words, the young she-cat could tell their leader was very heartfelt and loving towards those hearing her announcement. She truly was happy to watch her clan grow up. And in the past, Pollenkit had used it while playing with her sisters and the other Nursery kits, finding much use in her sensitive tastes.

Finally hearing her name, Pollenpaw refrained from springing up as she had seen some of her peers do and instead stood up and cleared the gap of space in a smooth stride. Reaching Sandhawk's side, the tortoiseshell kitten quickly ran her tongue across her lips before touching noses with her new mentor; the she-cat was one Pollenkit didn't really recognize, but the flavor of the older cat's words was a unique one. A sharp taste; one with a bitterness, but also a subtle warmth that piqued the apprentice's interests. This was the start of a whole new adventure for the she-cat and she was excited to see how far she would go.

Giving the stern older queen a coy smile, Pollenpaw replied in kind, "Of course, Sandhawk. Teach me well!"

[Broadwaykat]

At least, Sandhawk thought, the she-cat knew what she was going about. Not one to show too much emotion up front, Sandhawk allowed herself a small little satisfied smile. It seemed, to her at least, that Pollenpaw and she would get along fine.

"I suppose we can get started quickly, then." She whispered. "So long as you think you can keep up."

[Fireflake]

[The next one hasn't been posted yet, it doesn't count as late. Okay, yes it does but I don't care.]

"Cats of IvyClan!"
Heronstar's voice rang out clear across IvyClan's camp.

Twigkit shuffled toward the ceremony with wide green eyes, glancing back at the nursery to see if anyone would tell her to stay there. Nobody did. She padded dutifully back to the den anyway and settled by the entrance. No sooner had she sat down than Heronstar called for IvyClan to gather beneath her for a ceremony, and Twigkit slowly stood up again with a confused look. She didn't know how the whole clan would fit under Heronstar, but her leader had said it so there must be a way. Maybe a big pile, or maybe Heronstar had growing powers. This time a big paw scooped her up and set her down between that and another big paw. Twigkit stayed contentedly. Apparently this was good enough for now.

Pepperkit's heart ached as she watched the ceremony from a nest in the medicine cat's den. It was exactly the happy day she'd imagined, except that she wasn't up there in front of everyone. Only days had passed since she broke her leg, so she couldn't even stand to give her littermates a lick good luck before they went up. Still, her family's sympathy warmed her inside, and the young tabby remained almost defiantly cheerful. Peeping out of the den to the best of her abilities, she let out a little "Woohoo, Pondpaw!", and each of her other sisters got a similar "Yay!" or "You've got this!", loud enough to be heard but not to disturb the ceremony.

Pepperkit's ears pricked at her own name flowing from Heronstar's mouth. "... will not be able to be an apprentice..."

Pepperkit held her breath without realizing she did so. Yet. Say yet. Please say yet.

"At least, not yet."
Air trickled through the ginger she-cat's furry lips in her relief. Not only that, but Heronstar had said she was strong! She listened calmly to the rest of the ceremony, and at the end she took a deep breath and cheered the new names loudly, only pausing for another breath when Pheasantpaw's name came around. It had been their game that landed her in the den with her frightful leg.

Pepperkit took another deep breath before the next round of cheers and, that time, barreled through each name with the same level of enthusiasm, sparing an extra bit of excitement for her littermates.