Sandpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to swim gather to hear my words!" Reedstar's summoning call rang out around the camp from the tree in the center. His fur was slicked back and groomed just for this occasion. Another one of his apprentices was ready to receive their warrior name. The leader dug his claws into the branch as it swayed gently, waiting for the Clan to convene for the ceremony.

Sandpaw's short but thick ginger fur was very neat and well-groomed. He'd spent several minutes forcing down each stray strand with his tongue and making sure it stayed there so that he looked absolutely perfect when he stood in front of the Clan. Secretly, the thought of standing in the middle of his Clan and being watched made him nervous, almost to the point where he felt claustrophobic despite being outside and feeling the cold winds against his back.

Upon hearing Reedstar call for the meeting, Sandpaw stood up and made his way over so that he was in good view of the tree.

Reedstar purred as his apprentice stepped forward. "I, Reedstar, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Sandpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" he recited. It was always a proud moment, to see an apprentice become a true warrior.

"I do." His voice was soft and quiet from disuse, but he tried his best to be audible- though he couldn't hide the small quaver in his words.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Sandpaw, from this moment you will be known as Sandwhisker. StarClan honors your intelligence and patience, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan." Reedstar said, pride and happiness gleaming in his eyes as he leaped down from the branch and touched noses with the new warrior; the ending of the formal ceremony. Now he'd carry a silent vigil throughout the night, to watch over the Clan he had just promised to die for. "Congratulations." he said, quieter so only Sandwhisker could hear.