[Estelle]

So it began. Dawnstar began listing off each of their new names, one of the thirteen even gaining a new name upon request - earning the kip a brief glance, until the time for mentors came. Vibrant blue eyes locked onto the large leader, never leaving her presence as the young feline listened for her name, for her mentor. Nearly each and every kit was named before her. Nearly each and every kit earning a warrior as their mentor, some even lucky enough to be taught by the elite. So much so, that deep inside, Sleepypaw feared her Miss Grandmama had overlooked her, would assign her some random stranger from the clan no one knew who surely abandon her after a moon, if not less. But the youngling thought wrong. She couldn't help it. Her expression was changed to widened eyes when she heard the words: you're with me. There is no 'me' in the clan other than Miss Grandmama. Sleepypaw knew, it wasn't even a name, Miss Grandmama meant herself. For a moment, the young one couldn't believe it. Though this is all she had hoped for, to be taught by Miss Grandmama or at least an elite warrior, the black and white feline hadn't let her hopes get up. But she stood here now, apprenticed to her Miss Grandmama just as she had wanted. An inconspicuous smile graced her maw as the imposing Queen of Shadows came to touch noses with her, a small gesture that - she had to admit - sparked some happiness within her. Miss Grandmama had chosen her. Out of all the kittens, her. Did this mean Miss Grandmama wasn't going to replace her too, after all?
"Yes Miss Grandmama."
She replied to her new mentor's instructions, stepping back into the crowd when warrior ceremonies began. Though she settled back down next to Nightshiver who whispered to her a soft "Congratulations," with that gentle smile, Sleepypaw was now looking around for her mama who had joined somewhere along the way. Spotting the grey feline, Sleepypaw watched her with round eyes, though daredn't move to disturb the meeting. Watching her intently, the newly named apprenticed mouthed a small 'Mama' as though to carefully prob her attention. As though to ask for just a second of her time, lest the medicine cat was too occupied celebrating with the prised thirteen jumping with joy.
"You can go see her,"
Said the white queen beside her, noticing the stare, but Sleepypaw finally took her eyes away. She gave no reply, knowing Nightshiver would disagree with her response, but the words 'she won't care' danced in the youngling's mind. Would she? Behaviour contradicted itself, Sleepypaw thought; for one moment ignored and chased from her own nest by the newcomers stood ground to the few gentle words mama whispered to her once upon a time.


[ @Rose - Lark mention ]