Lilypaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to cat their own prey, gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" Ivystar's voice echoed throughout the camp, drawing in sleek cat after cat into the clearing. They all knew what the occasion was, Lilypaw had returned from her moonstone journey a few sunrises ago, and she had proven herself a responsible she-cat. She was ready to join the ranks of her fellow warrior clanmates. Today, the clan would lose an apprentice, and gain a loyal warrior that they could rely on.

Lilypaw walked out of the apprentice's den. Her signature smile in place and a soft purr coming from her. It seemed like she had no care in the world. Like she wasn't drowning in her sorrows. Like she wasn't alone. Although her close family like her grandmother, sisters, and father were no more, the she-cat had her clan. She knew they'd support her. She knew they'd be there for her, even if they weren't all the same cats.

Lilypaw felt her heart jump when she heard Ivystar call out for a clan meeting. She never knew exactly why but she felt it. The sleek, pretty she-cat took a spot and payed close attention to what Ivystar wanted to say.

"Lilypaw, please step forward." She spoke with delight, spotting Lilypaw's white figure approaching out of the apprentice's den. She would be in there no longer.

Lilypaw softly jumped. Her eyes wide with confusion but her body tingled with excitement. Today was her day! She was ready to finally becoma a warrior! The white she-cat took some steps foward. She held her breath in anticipation but stood tall and proud.

"I, Ivystar, leader of Riverclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Lilypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Though these words were often spoken due to their many warriors, the gravity of the question was still heavy. This was no simple pledge, it was a pledge that Lilypaw would risk life and limb in the name of her clan. A burden she would share with others, but a difficult burden still. Lilypaw had good mentors and examples to follow, her grandmother had been Fishstar, and her mother was Tawnystorm, her daughter. Lilypaw would make a good warrior, but was she ready?

Lilypaw held her chin up and looked directly at Ivystar, one of the last family member that was close and dear to Lilypaw. "I do." Those two words were spoken without a moment's hesitation. They were voiced with feeling and determination. Lilypaw hoped that her father, mother and sisters were proud of her. She never let defeat drag her to the edge. Nothing could break Lilypaw and nobody can put her down. She wouldn't have made it this far if she would've given up. The she-cat's worst fear was to let her family down. Even if most of them were dead. She let her eyes wander back to Ivystar's face. 'I'm ready to begin the next chapter of my life!' she thought enthusiastically.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day forth, you shall be known as Lilytail. RiverClan honours your determination and strength." Ivystar meowed these words proudly, knowing that the newly named warrior had made her choice clear. She was ready to be a full member of RiverClan, a warrior that would be a beacon to all of the integrity of their clan. "As per tradition, you will hold a silent vigil alone tonight, however for now we can celebrate your ascension to warriorhood. May StarClan watch over you."


ooc: River isn't allowed as a suffix, anything else you'd prefer?

OOC: Lilytail was my backup name! :)

IC: Lilytail felt her heart leap in her chest. It was a perfect name! The newly named warrior couldn't be any happier. 'I hope you're proud dad!' she thought to herself. She had finally set her paws into warriorhood. She looked over at Ivystar with a joy-filled expression. 'Just you wait Lilytail. Your life isn't over yet! You have so much to do!'

Splashwillow had been watching her former apprentice's ceremony with pride evident in her gaze- her first apprentice, a warrior at last! The calico remained quiet as Ivystar continued the ceremony, only rising to her paws and beginning to cheer for the young she-cat once the name Lilytail was bestowed. "Congratulations, Lilytail! You'll make a fine Warrior." The Queen purred, giving the white she-cat an affectionate nuzzle as she spoke.

Ivystar hopped down from the branch to brush pelts with the newly named Lilytail. She looked at her with equal joy, and a touch of wistfulness as she said. "Frogjaw would be so proud of you. And so would Tawnystorm. Lilytail, I know you are going to do great things."

Lilytail's eyes shone as her old mentor and Ivystar came to congratulate her. She turned her focus first to Splashwillow. "Thank you so much Splashwillow! I wouldn't be here without your support and your mentoring!" the she-cat purred with gratitude. She returned the queen's nuzzle with love and. She turned to address Ivystar. "T-Thank you Ivystar. I will make my clan proud!" she held confidence in her gaze. But soon she felt sorrow prick at her heart. She really did wish her close family was here. She flung all those thoughts out of her head. This wasn't the time to mourn. She was a warrior now. The sleek she-cat bowed her head at Ivystar as a thank you. She finally realized how many cats cared for her and supported her. Although her heart still carried sorrows, Lilytail knew that in the end, all will be well for her.