Today would be a happy day for RidgeClan. Not only had new-leaf finally arrived after such a long leaf-bare, but to mark the turn of the seasons, Mushroomstar also had an announcement to make. He slipped out of his den, pausing to appreciate the sun’s warmth shining down onto his back and the gentle breeze dancing across the fur along his spine. He scanned the clearing, a fond smile finding its way to his face as his gaze flitted between his clanmates while they went about their day. It had been a rough leaf-bare, but every time he stepped out of his den and found a lack of snow and ice, he was filled with hope. With a flick of his tail-tip, Mushroomstar whirled around and launched himself on top of the rock formation that made up his den. With his head held high, he called out, “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting!”

He waited a moment for everyone to find spots at the foot of the cluster of rocks he stood atop of and only once his clanmates had settled down did he continue, “This past leaf-bare was not an easy one for us, but RidgeClan remains strong and is more united than ever.” With The Kingdom cats leaving the clans behind, all of RidgeClan’s weak links have been weeded out - or so Mushroomstar hoped. Some part of him still feared more of his clanmates would betray RidgeClan, but he chose not to let those concerns control him any longer. “Today, RidgeClan is about to become even stronger. Berrykit,” he started, beckoning the dark-furred she-kit forward. He fixed her with a stern look, silently warning her to behave. He didn’t want to have to punish her on her first day as an apprentice.

“You have reached the age of six moons and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Berrypaw. Your mentor will be Juniperbelly. I trust she will pass down all she knows to you.” Mushroomstar’s gaze found Juniperbelly in the crowd and he gestured for her to move forward, too. “Juniperbelly, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have shown yourself to be curious and ambitious, and I expect you to pass on all you know to Berrypaw.” Maybe it wasn’t a good decision, assigning Berrypaw to Juniperbelly, but Mushroomstar had spoken with the new mentor earlier to let her know his expectations. He was giving her a chance, but he’d also keep a close eye on the pair - just in case.

After Juniperbelly and Berrypaw had touched noses and stepped back, Mushroomstar searched for Thymepaw in the throng. Once he located the young tom, he said, “Thymepaw, step forward.” He then leapt down and met Thymepaw at the base of the rock formation. “I, Mushroomstar, leader of RidgeClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn.” Mushroomstar looked at Thymepaw, his blue eyes shining proudly. There was something special about naming new warriors in particular. “Thymepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?”