Post by Fawn on Apr 25, 2018 23:25:11 GMT -5
Lionstar
The crown is getting heavy
But they've written my name in the stars
But they've written my name in the stars
Their kithood had dissolved before his very eyes; the certain, unstoppable force of time had cut through those six moons like sunlight through mist.
it's too soon, said the voice inside his head. They're not ready yet. But Lionstar knew better. Even just giving a passing glance proved they were too big for the nursery, and they were already beginning to show the first few signs of developing apprentice-level skills simply through observation.
He could not allow himself to hold them back for his own selfish whims. Lionstar still took his time reaching the Ancient Stump, and still felt the first stirrings of bittersweet pride as he saw his freshly groomed kits staring excitedly at him from the nursery. Brackenkit's jaws were moving, the tom obviously filling in Lilykit on what was happening.
They had such bright futures blazing just ahead. It was a father's right, a father's honor to be a part of their lives long enough to see what kind of adults they grew into. He would just have to savor every moment he could get with his family.
"Brackenkit, Lilykit, Ivykit. Come forward." The three eagerly approached, their tails on Lilykit's flank to help her navigate the gathered cats. Though apprentice ceremonies were common in TreeClan (StarClan knew there were always youngsters under paw, ready to learn the ways of being a Clan cat), this particular one garnered a great deal of chatter from the assembled cats. Lionstar faintly heard his daughters' names whispered amongst the warriors - some wondering who would mentor Lilykit, who would surely need special attention, and some wondering who would be up for the task of mentoring Ivykit.
You'll find out soon enough.
Lionstar drew himself up to his full height, gazing upon his kits as their leader, not their father. He wanted them to understand that they had two roles now (just as he did) - that of his kin, and that of a Clan cat. The time had come to be the latter.
"It's time for you to begin the next journey on the way to warriorhood. you have reached the age of six moons, and from this day on, until you receive your warrior names, you will be known as Ivypaw, Brackenpaw, and Lilypaw."
Brackenpaw's eyes were gleaming, a luminous gold against his similarly hued coat. Lionstar saw so much of himself in his son, though without the arrogance he'd suffered from in his youth (thank StarClan). Lionstar suppressed a smile, and drew his gaze onto the crowd.
"Gorsetail, Feathercloud."
The crowd murmured and shifted aside to allow the chosen cats to step through; a few chuckles rose above the murmuring. Of course Lionstar would choose his former apprentice and his deputy (also a former apprentice) to tutor his precious kits. No one else would do.
"It may seem like a very distant memory, but I remember very clearly the moons spent training and shaping each of you into warriorhood." Lionstar did permit a smile, showing warmth for his former pupils. "Those remain to this day some of my fondest memories. Gorsetail, you have since become my deputy, and you have performed admirably with every task I've set for you. Here is one more. Gorsetail will mentor Ivypaw."
Nods of approval, and not just from Sprucefur and Appleshade, who looked on supportively.
"Feathercloud, you have grown into an exemplary warrior. I am honored to have been your mentor - even if you kept me on my toes from time to time." Lionstar chuckled. "I trust you will pass on all the knowledge, pride, and energy my son will need going forward. Feathercloud will mentor Brackenpaw. I have full faith in your abilities."
And now for his daughter, whose sightless eyes bore into him, pulling up quiet, heartwrenching memories of Honeysong's kitting. His gaze briefly flitted to his mate's, as if in reassurance that everything had turned out alright - despite having proof standing right in front of him. "Lilypaw. Don't think I have forgotten about you, or that I do not have faith in your ability to become a warrior. You are every bit as strong and capable as your siblings, as any apprentice of TreeClan. Six moons ago, I became your father. Today, I become your mentor. I hope you are prepared to work hard, Lilypaw. There is much I have to teach you."
With this final statement, the ceremony drew to a loud close. Lionstar stepped from the ancient stump to gently touch noses with his daughter, catching sight of Brackenpaw doing the same with his own mentor. The old figurehead inwardly braced himself for this new stage in their lives; here we go. No turning back now.
I've been building up all these kingdoms for so long
It's good to be king
It's good to be king
