➳ — [ into the woods ] — ➳

there's a freedom

to being young that is harder to come by

as time goes on

Becoming an apprentice is a rite of passage all kits dream of. Rosekit and Fawnkit are absolutely no exception. For six moons, they waited (not so patiently) for the day Spiderstar would finally call their names and announce their mentors. Fawnkit especially frequently followed the warriors around camp begging to learn all about their newest fighting techniques and the best approach for hunting. Some found it endearing, but the majority quickly got tired of hearing the kit yapping about how she's going to be the best warrior in ThunderClan history.

So, some might say it was a relief when Spiderstar finally stepped atop Highledge and called forth the clan's attention. Fawnkit was shaking with excitement, bouncing up and down with her tail quivering. On the contrary, her sister Rosekit looked extremely nervous while their father Cloverbreeze, a dark brown tabby, ran a smoothing tail along her flank.

"All cats old enough to gather their own prey please gather underneath the Highledge!" A voice echoed throughout the camp.

"Good morning friends. Today we celebrate one of the best occasions in a young kits life!" Spiderstar announced in his silky voice. Fawnkit took a step forward in anticipation. She absolutely couldn't wait to become an apprentice and get started with her training! "Today, Fawnkit and Rosekit will take on a new role in the clan."

"Rosekit, step forward." He announced loudly. Fawnkit hid her disappointment at not being called first, instead looking at her sister and nudging her encouragingly. Rosekit hesitantly moved to the front of the crowd of warriors gathered around the clearing. "Rosekit, you have reached the age of apprenticeship. From this point on you will be known as Rosepaw. Your mentor will be Starlingspeck!"

The two cats met up and touched their noses. Starlingspeck exchanged some words with Rosepaw that Fawnkit couldn't quite make out over her jealousy. The deputy was her sister's mentor? Didn't Spiderstar know that Fawnkit was the better warrior? She deserved the best mentor possible! Wait, maybe he just wanted to give Rosepaw a better mentor since she was further behind. Yes, that had to be it!

Fawnkit turned her attention back to Spiderstar just in time.

"Fawnkit, step forward." Spiderstar says, locking eyes with her. She held her head high, taking proud steps towards Highledge. "Fawnkit, you have reached the age of apprenticeship as well. From this point on, you will be known as Fawnpaw," Fawnpaw preened just hearing the name. She perked her ears up in anticipation. Maybe her mentor will be Pigeonblaze, one of the best fighters in the clan? Or perhaps Swanleap, a younger warrior, but known as one of the quickest fighters throughout all of the clans.

"Your mentor will be Thistlestorm." Fawnpaw's jaw dropped in shock. He was an older warrior, and not exactly the flashiest either. Honestly, she didn't know much about him. She turned toward him and took in his muscular figure. He had bulky brown fur and dark brown eyes. He of course had several scars splattered across his body, but most notably, a giant slash across his right side.

She padded towards him and touched noses. "I'm not going easy on you just because you think you're some hotshot." He whispered quietly, with a hint of warning in his tone. She smiled cockily, "Good, because I don't just think I'm a hotshot. I really am good." She promised, "You won't be disappointed," she winked, turning her attention back to Spiderstar.

Spiderstar glanced over the two new apprentices then turned his attention to the clan. "Under StarClan's guidance, I now name these two apprentices." The clan broke into chants of, "Rosepaw! Fawnpaw!"

Fawnpaw decided then and there that it was the best day of her life.

After the cheering died down, she immediately turned her attention to her new mentor. "Thistlestorm, what are we doing today? Are we gonna go hunting? Ooh, or battle training! I can't wait to show off how awesome I am!" She rambled, bouncing up and down. Thistlestorm raised an eyebrow and turned towards the exit of camp. In lieu of response, he beckoned her to follow with a flick of his tail.

Fawnpaw followed excitedly, noting her sister and Starlingspeck following a little further behind them. "We're gonna tour our territory." Thistlestorm said gruffly, peeking behind to make sure his apprentice was following him. Fawnpaw deflated immediately. Sure, she was excited to see the forest for the first time, but seriously? She didn't need to waste her time with a tour! She could be fighting WindClan by now!

She voiced these thoughts, receiving an eye roll in response from her mentor. "You need to start with the basics. I don't care how good you think you are." Fawnpaw simply huffed at that and turned her attention to their surroundings. She took in the woody scents and the beautiful forest. She could make out the scent of a mouse that was nearby and the stale scent of a fox that they had chased off their territory about a moon ago.

"It really is wonderful," Rosepaw said softly from where she was walking with her mentor, "I never imagined how freeing it would feel to leave camp." Starlingspeck nodded, "I would love to experience coming out here for the first time again, it really is beautiful." She paused, taking in the view, "I feel like a lot of cats take it for granted, but we are really lucky."

The group paused once they reached the tallest tree they had seen so far. "This is the Sky Oak. I'm sure you have heard of it," Thistlestorm explained, "One day we'll teach you to climb on it, but for now, keep your paws off. We don't need any accidents." Fawnpaw scoffed, "I bet it isn't even that hard."

Starlingspeck meowed, "You know, plenty of young apprentices have said the same thing. They all ended up with broken paws of course." She flicked her tail, signifying the conversation was over. Fawnpaw may be cocky, but she certainly wasn't going to challenge the deputy on her first day as an apprentice.

The group made their way to the lake. Fawnpaw took in the scent of salty water and the soft breeze. She stood in awe, taking in the new land. She had never seen anything like it. "It kind of stinks," She meowed after noticing the fish scent. Rosepaw inhaled the air and nodded in agreement, "Smells gross." Thistlestorm laughed and meowed, "That's what all of RiverClan smells like, if you were wondering." Fawnpaw wrinkled her nose, "Best stay away from them then, I don't wanna catch their stink." Starlingspeck nodded and laughed.

Eventually, they made their way around the border, occasionally being asked to identify various scents and locations. Of course, Fawnpaw knew all of them. Rosepaw stuttered out her answers and half the time they were wrong, but Fawnpaw couldn't blame her. Most apprentices would naturally not know the answers, it wasn't Rosepaw's fault that Fawnpaw was a genius. Atleast, that's how Fawnpaw saw it.

Finally, they arrived back at camp. It was nearing sundown and the apprentices were tired from a long day of exploring. "Go eat something from the pile then check on the elders' den. I heard Greypetal went on a walk today so it's likely she has fleas," Thistlestorm meowed, "Then get a good night of sleep, because tomorrow the real training starts."

Fawnpaw nodded, brimming with excitement at the prospect of battle training or hunting tomorrow. Her and Rosepaw made their way to the fresh-kill pile and each grabbed a mouse, then found an empty spot to sit and eat. "So, do you enjoy having Thistlestorm as your mentor?" Rosepaw asked and took a small bite out of her mouse. Fawnpaw sighed, "He's not exactly what I had in mind, but I'm sure Spiderstar chose him for a reason." Rosepaw smiled, "I can't believe I got Starlingspeck as my mentor! I'm a little nervous, honestly."

Again, Fawnpaw had to hold back her jealousy at that fact. "Perhaps Spiderstar thought you needed a stronger warrior to train you. He knew I could make-do with an average, old warrior." Rosepaw rolled her eyes and took another giant bite of her mouse, "Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Fawnpaw narrowed her eyes but decided against saying anything. They had a long day and she didn't want to waste energy fighting her sister. They ate in silence for a few moments when Fawnpaw noticed a familiar smell. She scrunched her nose and looked at the pair of grey paws in front of her. "Absolutely not," she muttered, looking up to make eye contact with Jaypaw.

The grey tabby tom had been her enemy since day one. As soon as she could walk, Jaypaw had taken it upon himself to tease her. They shared the nursery for a few moons before he became an apprentice, a fact he always boasted to her. Now, they were finally on even ground and Fawnpaw couldn't wait to humble him.

"So, you're finally catching up to me," Jaypaw said cockily, tilting his head, "It's about time. I was getting a little bored of not having anyone chasing me." Fawnpaw rolled her eyes and pushed the last few bites of her mouse towards Rosepaw. She lost her appetite as soon as she smelled Jaypaw. "Just when I was finally relaxing after not having to hear your voice for a whole day," Fawnpaw retorted. Jaypaw huffed, "You know, while you were trotting around our territory all day, I was training how to fight a badger," He paused, "But I'm sure that knowing where the best places to find moss are will be much more helpful during a battle!"

"As if a badger would ever be scared of you. If anything, they'll be more attracted to you because you look like a newborn kitten!" Fawnpaw hissed, lying between her teeth. Any cat with eyes could tell Jaypaw was going to grow to be a bulky, powerful warrior. He was already pretty strong, and he was nowhere near old enough to be a warrior yet. Jaypaw opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by a much more soothing voice, "This again? Aren't you two getting a little old for this?"

Stonepaw, a dark gray tom with dark blue eyes, padded towards the apprentices. He was part of the oldest apprentice litter, and was sure to become a warrior any day now. His sister Ravenpaw, a black she-cat with a white splotch on her chest, followed close behind. The two littermates were overall very kind and every cat in the clan respected them. They were gonna be great warriors one day.

"Not my fault Jaypaw likes to heckle me," Fawnpaw meowed innocently, "I was just trying to eat my mouse and then he came over to tease me." Jaypaw looked unimpressed, glancing back and forth between Fawnpaw and Stonepaw. "Yea, yea, whatever. I can already tell there's no point in me staying here," He walked away and didn't turn back, making his way into the apprentice den.

"He's on dawn patrol with me tomorrow," Stonepaw explained, "Probably why he's so cranky." Fawnpaw shook her head, fur prickling up slightly, "Or it's just the fact that he had to speak to me." Rosepaw chuckled. She just finished off Fawnpaw's leftover mouse. Fawnpaw would never understand where she fit all the food she could eat. She was pretty small for a cat their age, but somehow ate like an elder in leafbare.

"I don't doubt that," Stonepaw chuckled, "I should be off to sleep as well. Early morning." He tilted his head in goodbye and padded off towards the apprentice den. Fawnpaw stared at him as he walked away, admiring his muscular build. Ravenpaw cut off her thoughts with a cough, "So, if you're done staring at my brother now-"

"I was not!" Fawnpaw interrupted loudly. Rosepaw snorted, "Right, and I can fly." Ravenpaw giggled and pointedly looked at Fawnpaw, "It's ok. I guess you wouldn't be a terrible sister.." She paused, "Well, if you could stop being such a cocky brat all of the time." Fawnpaw deadpanned, "I am not just a cocky brat!"

Fawnpaw took a breath, regaining her composure. "Besides, what sane she-cat wouldn't like to look at Stonepaw? He's very talented and sweet!" Ravenpaw made a gagging noise while Rosepaw smirked, "Isn't he a little bit out of your league, though?"

She stood up and bristled her fur, "I am going to be the best warrior in the history of ThunderClan ever! Any cat would be lucky to be my mate!" Rosepaw and Ravenpaw laughed at her sudden outburst, and she flushed in embarrassment once she realized all of the cats sharing tongues heard her. Thistlestorm, her mentor, looked extremely unimpressed. "Ugh, you guys are the worst! You totally did that on purpose!" She huffed, and ran over to the elders' den, ignoring the laughter she left behind.

Rosepaw was typically a quiet and sweet she-cat. She didn't stand out too much and she was certainly the weaker between the two littermates. Fawnpaw was tasked with protecting her even in the nursery, and it came to no surprise when Rosepaw was asked to become the medicine cat's apprentice. To an outsider, it seemed to be a role she would do well at.

Fawnpaw knew her better than that though. She may appear kind on the outside, but she had a way with words that could cut deep. Just because she wasn't necessarily the strongest, that didn't mean she couldn't win a battle with other means. She was cunning and her calm demeanor often helped her get her way. While Webflake was shocked Rosepaw denied him, Fawnpaw could only feel pride. A cat like Rosepaw would make an excellent warrior one day. Of course, Fawnpaw thought, it was clear who the strongest apprentice was. (Spoiler, she does not think it's Rosepaw!)

"I'm here, Greypetal." Fawnpaw announced, making her way into the den. Greypetal looked up and smiled at Fawnpaw. "Hello to you too, Fawnpaw," Flurrysong, a fluffy white tom, meowed in response. Fawnpaw sheepishly apologized then made her way over to Greypetal.

The old grey she-cat had been there for the majority of Rosepaw and Fawnpaw's kithood since their mother died. She didn't quite raise them, but she told them stories and lessons that they could carry with them until they moved to StarClan. She would always hold a special place in Fawnpaw's heart, and the clan often joked that she was the only cat Fawnpaw would listen to.

"How did your first day as an apprentice go?" Greypetal asked while Fawnpaw settled beside her to inspect her fleas. "Boring, all we did was walk around. I wanna get to the fighting already!" She answered before plucking out a flea and crushing it between her claws. Greypetal hummed, "I'm sure, but you know there is more to being a warrior than just winning battles, right?"

Fawnpaw rolled her eyes, "Of course! There's hunting, defending kits, teamwork!"

"All good things, but not exactly what I meant."

Flurrysong meowed lightly, "Perhaps you should use simpler terms. Fawnpaw isn't known to understand harder concepts." Fawnpaw hissed but didn't deem that worthy of response.

"You will most certainly find yourself bored," Greypetal said, "Being an apprentice comes with some not so enjoyable tasks, but they are all necessary parts of your training."

Fawnpaw plucked another flea. "What are you trying to tell me?" She meowed, her cheeks getting hot. Was Greypetal trying to say she was going to be a bad apprentice? "I am telling you not to let yourself slack off. Just because you may find something daunting or tedious does not mean it is a task you should skip out on. There is a reason for everything."

Fawnpaw poked the last flea and pulled back. She turned towards Flurrysong and questioned, "Do you have any?" He shook his head no, content to just listen to the conversation happening. She turned her attention back to Greypetal and meowed, "I get what you're saying, don't slack off blah blah blah, do the boring chores. I know!"

Greypetal rolled her eyes and meowed, "If you aren't careful you might find yourself falling behind. That's all I'm trying to say."

Fawnpaw giggled, "Don't worry, Greypetal! I'm gonna be the best warrior there is. What could be better than training for my inevitable future!" Greypetal shook her head but didn't respond. "I'll prove it! Tomorrow, I'm gonna deliver you a fat, juicy mouse that I caught myself! Just you wait!" Fawnpaw promised, standing up to head towards the exit.

Greypetal laughed in response, "I'll believe it when I see it! Now shoo, get some rest! No doubt you have a long day ahead of you." Fawnpaw flicked her tail and meowed, "Goodnight Flurrysong! Goodnight Greypetal!"

She padded her way to the apprentices den, quivering in anticipation of what's to come. But first, she had to conquer her first night in a new den. What could be better than this?