Snowypaw
"Gorsepaw! Lightpaw!" Snowypaw whispered enthusiastically, his voice kept low in an attempt to not draw attention to himself, but more than eager to celebrate the two new denmates the apprentices had just gained. Shuffling his paws a bit tighter together, his toes giving a mild complaint about the nipping cold, the patched tom's mismatched ears perked up as Twilightstar announced the new mentors. Truth be told, the apprentice was not familiar with either warrior, knowing them mostly from seeing them around camp, but he was certain they would both be excellent mentors to the new apprentices. And perhaps Wolffang would make Gorsepaw feel just as home in his new role as apprentice as Deadmoon had done for him.
Snowypaw's ears drooped momentarily as he realized this was the second time in a single day he had dared to think of his mentor in a past tense. Shaking his head lightly, the giant chastised himself. He should be ashamed of himself, thinking such pessimistic thoughts when Deadmoon was no doubt fighting tooth and claw to return to the clan!
Gulp... Alright. Truth be told, that thought was not very comforting either. Deciding to stop that train of thoughts before it went overboard, Snowypaw turned his full attention back towards Twilightstar as she began listing off apprentices' names.
Tilting his head in curiosity at first, wondering what this long list of apprentices was for - he honestly doubted such a mass number of his denmates were in trouble, especially with how nice the ones he
had interacted with always seemed to be - until the leader finished listing them, stating they needed new mentors. Ears perking up once more, this time in open surprise, Snowypaw blinked round, blue eyes towards the leader before turning to gaze around the camp. Had he been so focused on his own mentor's disappearance that he had not realized so many warriors had gone missing? Or was something else going on?
Another shocked blink escaped Snowypaw's features as Twilightstar's words hinted at mentors shirking their responsibilities. Or at least... not being dedicated enough. Despite his surprise, the large apprentice found himself wishing well towards the new pairs, hoping this time both mentors and apprentices found themselves at ease with their assigned partners. There was also a small, undeniable sense of relief washing over him as he realized he had not been called forth for reassignment, reaffirming his belief that he should not give up on Deadmoon so quickly. After all, Twilightstar obviously hadn't!
Shuffling his paws once more, wiggling his toes to gain some warmth on them, the tom began turning his gaze towards Dewkit, wanting to ensure the kit was still comfortable nestled in his tail. His actions were interrupted, however, as he heard the leader's voice ring out once more, this time calling his name. A small feeling of dread coursed through him as he wondered what it was he had done wrong, nothing coming to mind but knowing he
must have done
something to merit being singled out mid meeting. Turning an owlish stare towards Twilightstar, his fraying nerves settled down some once he realized the leader's previously disappointed glare did not seem to extend to him, her demeanor having changed as she continued speaking, her tail signaling for him to come forward. It was time for him to become a warrior.
Wait... a warrior?! B-but... my assessment. I haven't had my assessme-
Any chill the apprentice had felt a moment before was now gone, replaced by a warm, uncomfortable embarrassment spreading from the tip of his ears to his previously frozen toes. Alright... So he may have misunderstood Batglare's last words to him during their hunt... Suddenly that whole hunting trip was making a lot more sense to him. StarClan help him...
Giving an apologetic look in Dewkit's direction, he unwrapped his tail gently from around the kit, dipping his head lightly to be closer to the kit.
"Sorry. I'll be right back," he stated softly before raising his head again, massive paws padding forth with focus - the last thing he needed was to plant his face to the ground in this ceremony like he had for his apprentice one - to stand beneath Breezerock, apologizing to those he displaced on his way. Settling himself with as much composure as he could muster as he ignored the butterflies fluttering madly in his stomach, Snowypaw turned blue eyes on his leader's green gaze. At her question, the apprentice felt a small level of pride fight off the butterflies, knowing without a doubt he would always serve and protect his clan.
"I do," he replied, the certainty in his answer making the normally soft-spoken voice surprisingly steady.
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Moonraven