Deathkit sat beside her mother and her sister as Palestar, the white patched tabby she-cat, sprang onto the Highbranch.

"Let all cats old enought to catch their own prey meet under the Highbranch." Palestar's fur glittered in the dappled lighting cast by the trees. Her green eyes were fixed on her clanmates, including Deathkit, as the clan gathered. Blackkit shifted beside her friend, her black pelt fluffed out in excitement, compared to Deathkit's, which remained unruffled.

"Today Deathkit and Blackkit will become an apprentices." Mutters of congratulations surrounded me. Deathkit's ears flattened to her head as worried thoughts clouded her mind. 

"Blackkit, come forward." The long-haired black kit went over to her leader as calmly as possible, but Deathkit could see the excitement in her friend's brown gaze. Palestar flicked her tail.

"Barkwhisker," She called out and the broad-shouldered brown tabby tom padded up. "you were a skilled mentor to Alderstripe, I hope you will pass these skills onto Blackpaw." Deathkit found herself looking at Alderstripe, Palestar's adopted son. The brown tom sat next to his mate, Spiderlag; a long-legged mottled brown she-cat.

"Deathkit." Deathkit stood and walked to her leader. Despite her smooth, unruffled looking demeanor, her legs felt like they would give way at any second as blood roared in her ears.

"Wrenfeather," Deathkit felt a rush of joy as Wrenfeather padded forward. "you've wanted an apprentice for a while now." Deathkit found her gaze drawn to Wrenfeather. It was true, Wrenfeather was getting older as it could be seen in her ruffled red pelt.

Deathkit- now Deathpaw padded over to Wrenfeather and touched noses with the medicine cat. Deathpaw's fern green eyes looked around the camp for any of the shadows that threatened her waking moments- but found none.