A few moons passed since her father's rejection and her talk with Shrewwillow. And every passing day was a struggle for Cloverkit and her sister. Every day the two kits would struggle looking at Cloudstorm, and every day they had to comfort their mother. Nothing helped the poor family. At least yet. Cloverkit started to visit Greywhisker's den and help out with the herbs, simple things. But by the time of the sister's six moon, the family saw hope, even if it was a tad bit far away. Cloverkit especially saw a chance of new life.
She awoke in the nursery with Petalkit the morning of their apprenticeship. The two sisters peeked outside the nursery and at the apprentice den. "That's where we'll sleep starting today!" Petalkit whispered, her voice had never been so happy since her father's rejection. And maybe that's a good start. Cloverkit thought, her smile growing wider.
Sandfire seemed to perk up too, as if she had forgotten her old mate had left her. "You two better wash up, the ceremony starts soon." She meowed, then got up to a sitting position.
Cloverkit looked at the medicine den, then looked back at her mother and Petalkit. "One sec, I need to tell Greywhisker something." She bounded off the the medicine den without looking back for her sister's reaction. I hope she's not jealous... I never meant to work with Greywhisker anyways.
"Greywhisker?" Cloverkit called into the den as she padded in, stepping over any fallen herbs that got seperated from their stock.
A slight rustle sounded from behind her at the entrance and she whipped around, spotting the gray tom with tansy in his jaws. Greywhisker put the herbs down. "Ah, Cloverkit," he meowed, "I was hoping to see you before your ceremony." He put the tansy in the stock and sat down, licking his right paw casually.
Cloverkit sat down and curled her tail around her paws. "What is it?" She asked, her voice suddenly polite. I can't risk that anymore. Now that I'm becoming an apprentice, I need to show respect, right?
"Cloverkit, I have not taken an apprentice in a long time since Fernbreeze resigned from her position." He paused as he looked longingly at the elders den. "I miss her, but I need an apprentice soon. I won't stay young forever." Greywhisker looked at her with almost urgent eyes. "Will you be my apprentice? You know almost all the herbs in my den, and I know you can put them to good use."
Cloverkit stared in surprise. For a moment, she was confused. Do I want to be a medicine cat? What if Bristlekit was right that Greywhisker is a herbhole hare?
Cloverkit cleared her throat, and turned to Greywhisker. "That is a very kind request, Greywhisker. But I think you should give me some time to think about it. I can't just drop everything I wanted to be and become something I might not be comfortable with." She paused for a moment, looking back at the nursery where Petalkit chatted with her mother, looking excited. "I hope you understand."
Greywhisker nodded his head. "Of course. I knew you would like some time to think about it. I'm not forcing you anyways." The tom looked over at Cloudstorm, who sat with Freezinglight by the warriors den. "Just take your time and think." He padded to his stocks and began sorting.
Cloverkit padded out of the den, just in time to see Berrystar leaping up on to the Highledge. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!"
"There you are!" Sandfire's voice rung out through the crowd. She flung herself at Cloverkit and began washing her wth rapid strokes. Once she finished, she let the newly washed Cloverkit go. "I didn't expect your talk to take that long!"
Cloverkit looked at her mother with annoyance, but a little amusement. "Well, I had an important talk with Greywhisker, so that's why it took long." She meowed, smoothening her fur.
Petalkit padded forward. "What's so important that he took you in almost all morning?" She questioned, tilting her head.
Cloverkit looked at the ground. "He asked me to be his apprentice." Petalkit stared at her with a shocked look. "B-But I told him I would think about it! I'm not becoming one yet!" She added quickly and watched Petalkit's face return to normal.
Sandfire purred with surprise and pride. "Well that is a once in a lifetime chance you have there, sweetheart. Think wisely." She looked at the crowd as all the Clan began to gather. "Let's go now, better not keep the Clan waiting." The family padded toward the sea of cats and sat down.
Cloverkit looked up on the Highledge to see Berrystar staring down at her and Petalkit. "Today we name two new apprentices." She paused, and looked at Petalkit. "Petalkit, from this day until you earn your warrior name, you will be named Petalpaw. Your mentor will be Duskfeather." Berrystar rested her head on Petalpaw's head, then turned to Cloverkit.
"Cloverkit, from this day until you earn your warrior name, you will be named Cloverpaw." Cloverpaw looked at Greywhisker sitting behind the rest of the Clan. Will she mention that too?
"Your mentor will be your father, Cloudstorm." Berrystar rested her head on Cloverpaw and backed away. "Clan dismissed!" The leader bounded away into her den, with Greywhisker trailing behind.
Cloverpaw stared at the disappearing leader with shock and horror. Why him?! Why not some other cat!?
