**OLD** Valley Cats: Of Sky and Stone 1- Daughters and Darkness

Chapter Fourteen

 "Squirrelpaw, from now on your name will be Squirrelstrike. ForestClan honors you for your agility and excellent combat skills." Poppystar's voice was calm and quiet, but it sparked many joyous yowls from nearly every cat in the Clan.

 Squirrelstrike glanced around, showing no acknowledgement of the cats cheering her new name. 

 "This evening, her brother Mousepaw also attempted a combat assessment. He did not pass, but since he performed well on our moonlight hunting patrol, he will also receive his warrior name." Poppystar announced.

 Mousepaw stood up, his pale green eyes absolutely shining in the clear night.

 "From now on, your name will be Mousefall. ForestClan honors you for your charisma and resemblance to your mentor." the leader proposed.

 Mousefall grinned kittishly at the cats around him. The chants of his name were fewer than Squirrelstrike's, but he looked exponentially more grateful. Twisterpaw leaned back her head to yowl his name louder than ever. It was the least she could do for her friend.

 On the leader's branch, Poppystar swished her tail patiently as she waited for the crowd to settle down. "We also have a new healer. As many of you may already know, my son Sagepaw became a full healer under the half-moon tonight. ForestClan recognizes Sagepool for his determination and dedication." she said, gazing lovingly at her son.

 Galepaw was the one screeching out a name this time. It wasn't that noticeable, though, since every single member of the Clan cheered loudly for the new healer. Twisterpaw too, even though she hadn't had a real conversation with the former apprentice, who was always at work on some task. Maybe he was shy. Or perhaps he had sacrificed his social life to perfect his skills. But she still shouted his name out of respect, even though Sagepool only showed a slight smile in response to all the attention he was getting.

 "We also have some new apprentices." Poppystar pricked her ears towards Sparrowkit and Finchkit, who were at the very front of the crowd. The two brothers were practically vibrating with excitement.

 "Finchkit and Sparrowkit, you have reached the age of which I shall guide you into your roles in ForestClan." Poppystar began. "Finchkit, you shall now be named Finchpaw. Your mentor will be Cardinalheart."

 Finchpaw and Cardinalheart collided clumsily, but laughed it off. They were clearly a perfect match. Finchpaw beamed up at Cardinalheart and bounced on his toes as the Clan called out his new name.

 "And Sparrowkit, you shall now be named Sparrowpaw. I will be your mentor." the leader slid down the tree trunk to touch noses with the nervous kit, who hesitated considerably. The elderly tabby gave him a warm grin. "It's alright, little one. I don't bite." she promised.

 "This gathering is dismissed. Not that I can't make it back up the tree. I just don't have any more announcements." Poppystar joked.

 "I can't believe this! That puny little kit got apprenticed to the leader of ForestClan!" Brightpaw roared, lashing out at the tree once again. "This is humiliating. I should be at her command, not that nervous wreck!" he snarled furiously.

 "It's for the best, Brightpaw. Poppystar made Parsleyshade your mentor because you two have similar personalities. Sparrowpaw is the nervous one, so Poppystar is the best choice of mentor for him." Twisterpaw explained from a safe distance. 

 "But why not Dovetail? Or one of those creaky old senior warriors?" the white tom whined.

 "They always seem one day away from retiring. Who would give one of them an apprentice as energetic as those two? Poppystar made the right choice. She doesn't think you aren't worthy of an impressive mentor, Brightpaw. She's just not the right match for you." Twisterpaw was telling the truth, at least. It was clear as daylight, but her brother just reared up and slashed at the tree again.