Open Camp THOUGHTS RUN FASTER - [ apprentice/mentor pairings! ]

[Frostmoth]

The discomfort of calling attention to himself is something Frostmoth isn't sure he will ever get over. Even given his nominal authority and 'respect', the bicolor tomcat feels out of place. Despite having been given permission to lead these announcements, he does not rise to where Pikestar usually stands atop a stump and instead climbs some of the thickened willow roots. Just tall enough that he can be heard well by his clanmates. "RiverClan warriors and apprentices!" Frostmoth calls across camp. His voice shakes. He winces.

"Our council has decided that going forward, apprentices should be paired with a specific warrior that will be their mentor. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, these pairs will be formed when kits become apprentices and will remain until they earn their warrior name," Frostmoth explains to the RiverClanners that are gathering in the camp, buying time before he begins to rattle off the pairings of warriors with their new apprentices. Quietly, he hopes that there won't be much of a fight. There had been light disagreements in the council meeting- talks of the validity of dry-paws and doubling up on apprentices- but nothing that had made things go awry.

After a brief pause, Frostmoth begins to give out the pairs that have been decided:

"Torrentpaw, going forward your mentor will be Pineheart. You have already been learning a lot from him, so it was only right to make a formal arrangement." He thinks back to when he, Torrentpaw, and Foxtail had lead the swimming lessons at RiverClan's formation. He'll make a good warrior under Pineheart's training, he thinks. "Crescentpaw, you'll be mentored by Willowburn," he doesn't know Crescentpaw very well, but thinks that might have to do with her shier nature. As such, he'd suggested a mentor he would have chosen for himself if he'd had the opportunity.

"Mistpaw, your mentor will be Adderfang," "Rosepaw, your mentor will also be Adderfang." He does not linger on the fact that Adderfang has been given two apprentices instead of just one, nor does he seek the gaze of Pineheart that he knows will be disapproving of this arrangement. The deputy has faith in the lifeguard, and it isn't like they can't revise their arrangements if need be. Frostmoth trusts that this will work out though; Mistpaw is similar enough to her new mentor, and Rosepaw needed a semblance of authority that Adderfang could readily provide.

"Sharkpaw, your mentor will be Pigeonpearl," another obvious arrangement. Pigeonpearl's good nature combined with her lack of subservience would be good for the sharp, loud-mouthed apprentice. It would be a challenge, but not one that Pigeonpearl isn't prepared for. And speaking of good natured cats... "Twinklepaw, your mentor going forward will be Peachtrot," the young apprentice is confident and curious, and Frostmoth had agreed with Jinglemoon's idea to put them together. It was like a synergy made in StarClan.

"Scalepaw, your mentor moving forward will be Coyoteclaw," he continues, picking out the meek-natured apprentice in the crowd. Coyoteclaw, he thinks, was yet another clear choice for this pairing. Solid enough to instill confidence in the apprentice, but while still maintaining a sense of understanding so as not to push her too far. The warrior's kindness will do well by her new apprentice.

"Finally, Thunderkit, Galekit, and Rainkit, I understand that you three have reached apprenticeship age and are antsy to begin your training," Frostmoth addresses the trio, feeling fond warmth for them. "Thunderkit, you'll begin your training as Thunderpaw under Russetfall," this pairing is... tenuous, but the deputy somehow has faith that these two will be able to teach one another a thing or two. Thunderpaw's enthusiasm might serve to temper Russetfall's irritable nature, and Russetfall could teach her discipline and strong skills. "Galekit, you'll begin your training as Galepaw under Wavesong," these two should keep each other busy with their whimsy. It's another pairing made in StarClan, similar to Peachtrot and Twinklepaw.

"And Rainkit, you'll begin your training as Rainpaw," he pauses, looking into the crowd for the cat who has chosen to be Rainpaw's mentor. Frostmoth delivers a nod, confirming that they can come forward to claim their apprentice, too.

OH, MY GOD ★ MAKE ME IN YOUR IMAGE

• YAY for pairings! if your apprentice needs a mentor or your kit is aging into apprenticeship, make sure they are on the census & fill out your mentorship request form so we can assign you at the next meeting <3 live love FISH
  
  @Torrentpaw mentored by @pineheart
  @Crescentpaw mentored by @willowburn
  @MISTPAW and @ROSEPAW. mentored by @Adderfang
  @SHARKPAW mentored by @PIGEONPEARL
  @Twinkletuft mentored by @Peachtrot
  @scalepaw mentored by @Coyoteclaw
  @Thunderkit apprenticed, assigned to @Russetfall
  @Galekit apprenticed, assigned to @Wavesong
  and an announcement incoming from @Jinglemoon ... :3
• ★ FROST — he/him, riverclan deputy, 20 moons
  — penned by carat, feel free to ping or dm for plots!
  — longhair black and white bicolor with blue eyes
  — peaceful powerplay ok! all interactions ok!
  
• penned by carat!

 

[Jinglemoon]

JINGLEMOON, 25 Moons, RiverClan Medicine Cat // He/They // #3b90ff
A long furred blue tabby tom with low white, long pointed ears with curved tips and dazzling blue eyes.
Sibling to ASTRO, Uncle to TWINKLEPAW, ECLIPSEPAW and COMETPAW
Always walks with a jingle in his step! Good listener and ever curious about the world.
Played by DINGO

---

Jinglemoon had watched silently on as Frostmoth announced all the mentor and apprentice pairings that they had decided on together as a council but when he reached the three kits that would be newly becoming paws the medicine cat held his breath. He hoped he had made the right choice and that his chosen apprentice would be happy with the decision as well especially with their two littermates learning under a different path to them. Catching the deputy's eye when Frostmoth looked to the crowd Jinglemoon would rise to his paws and padded forwards at the cue, dipping his head to the other tom as he approached.

"And I will be your mentor" He mewed to the newly named Rainpaw finishing the line Frostmoth had started. "I'll teach you everything you need to know about herbs and tending to your sick or injured clanmates, you'll be RiverClan's first medicine cat apprentice!" Jinglemoon would lean down to the young cat and try to gently press his nose to Rainpaw's forehead hoping that maybe by doing so StarClan would see he had chosen this young cat and that they would in turn help guide Rainpaw now as well as him.

He hoped his anxiousness didn't show on his pelt as he took a pawstep back and tried to gauge the new apprentices' response to this news, he knew Rainpaw would not be learning alongside their littermates in the same way with him as their mentor and Jinglemoon hoped this wouldn't be something the young cat found upsetting! He'd cast an almost pleading look to Frostmoth briefly as though hoping for some kind of reassurance before looking back to Rainpaw.

Despite his nerves though, all apprentices now having mentors and three new apprentices was exciting news for RiverClan! They had already come such a long way in the time they had been in their new home and now training the younger cats of the clan for clan life could really kick off in full swing! This was celebration worthy! "Rainpaw! Thunderpaw! Galepaw!" The blue tabby would yowl out the names of the youngest apprentices triumphantly so that their whole clan could hear their new names! If the rest of the clan joined in maybe StarClan would be able to hear them too.

 

[Iciclekit]

SPOOKY

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down... You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now

Oh, that was exciting. That was so exciting! Rain would become the medicine cat apprentice! Jinglemoon would teach them, teach them everything! And the others too... They were all apprentices now! Each one with new names, new responsibilities, and that shine in their eyes like stars freshly pinned to the sky.

His paws shuffled against the earth, heartbeat thudding like the distant drum of rain on a hollow log. Then, all at once, the thrill in his chest wilted. His gaze dropped, ears angling back as a quiet thought pressed in: Oh... What about him? He stared down at his own small paws, claws curling slightly into the dirt. He wasn't ready. Of course he wasn't. He still stuttered when he talked. His swimming was sloppy. Hunting? Well... he tried. But there was always someone faster, quieter, better. Never mind the fact that as a kit, he needn't know all this... He felt like he should.

He wasn't brave yet. Not really. He would have to work harder. He'd have to prove that he could do things on his own, be brave like the others. Be worthy of a name. But- wait! He almost forgot! His eyes snapped up, wide as full moons. They deserved to be congratulated! Even if his heart felt small, even if his voice trembled like leaves in the wind, they needed to hear it.

He drew in a breath, chest quivering.

" R-Rainpaw, Thunderpaw, Galepaw! " he called, the words pushing past the hitch in his throat. " Torrentpaw, Crescentpaw, Mistpaw, Rosepaw, Sharkpaw, Twinklepaw, Scalepaw! "

His ears folded shyly at the end, his voice catching just a little. But it was out. He'd said it. He'd stood up and spoken. Even if he felt insignificant... for a moment, he had shone.

═════════════⊹⊱ ⟡ ⊰⊹═════════════

 

[Wavesong]

Wavesong listened, chest swelling with pride as the names rang out into the clearing like the calls of seabirds over the tide. She had been fussing over Crescent, Rushing, and Rose before the meeting, smoothing down fur with swift, gentle licks, murmuring last-minute encouragements, making sure they stood tall. They'd done so well. And now, here it was... Their moment, shining like sunlight on wave-crest. Her heart beat steadier when she heard who Rosepaw would be training under; Adderfang. A deep exhale left her, her tail flicking with quiet relief. Rosepaw, her gentle, quiet little one, who always second-guessed herself. She was good. She was so good. And now, she'd be watched over by someone Wavesong trusted with her life. That meant everything.

Each newly named apprentice earned a loud, ringing cheer from her, her voice bright with joy, eyes glittering like foam dancing on the sea. And then her name came. Her ears perked, whiskers giving a faint quiver before she stepped forward with fluid grace, sea-washed confidence in every pawstep. She came to stand beside young Galepaw, the corner of her mouth curling up in a smirk, eyes twinkling like moonlight on the tide. A quick wink was tossed the apprentice's way.

" I think ye an' I will get along jus' fine, don't ye? " she purred, her voice warm and thick with mirth. " I'll show ye th' ropes o' bein' a warrior, on both land and in water. "

___________________ We sail the seas of life and believe, ☆ The tides will lead us home ___________________

• "speech"
  

• 

• WAVE she/her, RiverClanner, thirty-three moons.
  ☆ a black and white lh cat with light blue eyes
  ☆ mentored by who / mentoring no one
  ☆ whichever relations / want listed
  ☆ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking
  ☆ penned by lion ↛ lionheartedphoenix on discord, feel free to dm for plots.

 

[Thunderpaw]

——————————————————— You who bares all your teeth in every smile. ✦

Thunderkit nosed out of the nursery, eyes glittering with the sound of a meeting. She ran to her siblings and pressed her nose to both of them, barely containing her excitement. "C'mon c'mon I think Frostmoth is telling everyone's new mentors!!" Her tail brushed the floor, excitement palpable as she rushed her littermates out of the nursery.

Even as she sat as quietly as she could, her tail still thudded against the ground of the camp, a grin parting her lips. She had only just been talking with some of the warriors about how excited she was about being apprenticed, it didn't seem Gale or Rain were as excited, but that was okay! They would still all get to be warriors together after all, they'd get to train together and everything!

She listened intently, beaming for all the apprentices getting their mentors. Thunderkit was a little disheartened hearing Pineheart and Adderfang both getting different apprentices; she hoped one of them could have been her mentor, but it was okay! There were plenty of skilled warriors in the clan, she would be more than thrilled to have them teach her. As the final apprentice was listed off, Frostmoth now turned to the three kittens, Thunder's fur bristling as her tail again brushed the ground as she listened with wide eyes.

She let out a tiny gasp as her name was listed first, now Thunderpaw, it really rolled off the tongue. Pride burned in her chest, especially as her ears perked up to hear that Russetfall was her mentor. The she-cat was strict and straight to the point; some apprentices would have been nervous to end up with her, but instead her grin only widened. Russet wouldn't go easy on her, and that's exactly what she needed to become a great warrior.

Next was her brother, now Galepaw, who ended up with Wavesong. To admit a pang of jealousy did ripple through Thunderpaw. She looked up to Wave, she always had. But then again, Wavesong was always a kind of whimsical character; her personality really was a lot like Galepaw, even if he spoke more in weird riddles and what-ifs. She hoped Wave could teach her brother just as well.

Though her eyes lit up again as it was Rain's turn! But... Confusion spread across her face; her eyes had glittered eagerly to hear who Rainpaw's mentor was, but Frostmoth seemed to omit that. Until... Something cold ran through her pelt as Jinglemoon approached. Something hard tightened in her throat as she realised it wasn't some joke. All the excitement that had built up for so long seemed to drain from the new apprentice's face, replaced by an almost cold expression. She looked away from her littermate, and the chorus of cheering started by Jinglemoon himself felt like a buzzing in her ears instead.

'This wasn't what was meant to happen.' Her eyes narrowed, she would have gone to bump her head lovingly against her littermates, for their occasional disagreements she did love them, they meant the world to her. Which was why it was such a claw to the gut hearing Rainpaw wasn't going to train with her and Galepaw as warriors. Something imperceptible bubbled in her chest.

Instead, she stood up, already having spotted her new mentor earlier, and she wordlessly stalked away from her littermates as she heard the faint sound of Wavesong talking to her brother. Thunderpaw sat before Russetfall, looking up, her eyes still glittering but her usual excitement muted for the moment. "I'll make sure to do my very best, Russetfall." Even so, determination still burned in her chest, even if it felt like everything had shifted in a way she couldn't describe.

——— Take a swim in the water

Dear Arkansas daughter. ————

• 
  Thunderpaw
  ✦—Riverclan apprentice | 6 moons
  ✦—She/Her
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A stocky, fluffy cinnamon sealpoint kitten with long curled ears and soft blue eyes.
  #DE966C

 

[Torrentpaw]

- TORRENTPAW -

Not some average bones, I believe in love!

.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ⟡ Ears flicking towards where Frostmoth stood among the roots, Torrentpaw's eyes shone with curiosity at the call of both warriors and specifically apprentices. Padding briskly towards the center of camp, he settled next to his clanmates and listened intently to the bicolor tom before them.

He felt his heart leap, excitment brightening his gaze. This must have been what Pikestar had meant all those moons ago, understanding finally washing over Torrentpaw.

Ignoring the urge to scoot forward as Frostmoth paused, Torrentpaw held his breath in anticipation.

"Torrentpaw, going forward your mentor will be Pineheart."

Of course! Torrentpaw exclaimed to himself, excitment flooding his senses. Pineheart had already been training him since they lived in the shipyard, he couldn't be more content to have him as his official mentor. And now, Pineheart wouldn't even be able to get out of training him if he wanted to.

Torrentpaw glanced over his shoulder, finding Pineheart's grim face in almost an instant. Torrentpaw silently wondered if Pineheart had requested him himself, he was a part of the council after all. Does he just want to keep an eye on me? A small tinge of annoyance crept into Torrentpaw's heart at the thought, but it quickly subsided. It didn't matter. He knew Pineheart only wanted what was best for him, and Torrentpaw would continue to push himself to the best he could be.

Satisfied with his resolve, the young tom returned his gaze to Frostmoth as he continued to name the decided parings, and give Rainkit, Thunderkit, and Galekit their new names. When the deputy had finished, Torrentpaw cheered the names of the new apprentices along with his clanmates, pride swelling in his chest as they shared as much excitment as he had for them.

Rising to his paws, Torrentpaw bounded through his clanmates, giving each new apprentice a meow of acclamation, and shoving Sharkpaw with a friendly paw to the shoulder.

Eventually making his way Towards where Pineheart sat amongst the crowd, Torrentpaw slowed to a halt in front of the large tom, nearly bumping into him. "What are we going to do first?" He asked, staring up at him with eager eyes. Whatever Pineheart planned to throw at him, Torrentpaw was ready. He was another pawstep closer to earning his warrior name, sending determination coursing through his pelt.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Throw me in the sky ⟡ you would swear the sun shining‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

• ⟡ OOC -
  mention of playfully congratulating @SHARKPAW , and addressing @pineheart
  
•  
• Torrentpaw
  ‎ ‎ He/Him | Riverclan Apprentice
  
  ⟡
  "speech" - text - thoughts
  
  ⟡
  Mentored by Pineheart
  
  ⟡
  A rosetted charcoal Bengal.
  
  ⟡
  Has a sturdy build with a large head and paws, and short thick fur.
  
  ⟡
  Holds a zealous and determined demeanor.
  
  ⟡
  Usually seen with Squid