Birchpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" The deputy called from the top of the branch, ready to start a new ceremony. Ivystar had been quite busy but the deputy didn't mind too much the extra work since it gave him the chance to interact with his clanmates and overcome his shyness. But today wasn't about him. It was about Sweetheart's second son, Birchpaw, who finished his Moonstone Journey yesterday. He was now ready to join the warrior's den and become an active and independent member of the clan.

Birchpaw bounded out of the apprentices den, making his way towards the Willowbranch. He lazily sat down and looked up at Jaystream, waiting for his announcement.

"Birchpaw, it has come to my attention that you have proven yourself ready for the burden of warriorhood. If you agree, step forward so we may begin your ceremony." Jaystream mewed, his eyes fixed on the young tom. Despite his doubts about him being a son of one of a clanmate that wasn't trustworthy at all, he was sure now that he wouldn't blame a cat for the actions of their parents. Birchpaw was his own young cat and he was going to create his own fate.

A shiver of excitement went through Birchpaw's fur. His bright yellow eyes shined with excitement as he stepped forward.

"I, Jaystream, deputy 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, Birchpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Jaystream laid his eyes on the young tom's eyes as he spoke with a serious tone. This wasn't a matter to joke around and as Sweetheart's son, he had to prove he was going to be better than his mother was. If the young tom decided to live following these rules, then he would start seeing him as one more of them and hopefully... he would stick to the Warrior Code and to Riverclan.

"I do" he said.

"By the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day forth, you will be known to all as Birchspark. RiverClan honours your loyalty and courage. As per tradition, you will hold a vigil over our camp in silence once the last light of the sun fades. Until then, Riverclan may celebrate our newly appointed warrior. May StarClan guide your path and please be sure to protect us well, Birchspark." The warrior decided with a small smile on his face. His whiskers twitched with satisfaction seeing how the young tom had become a warrior even after all the hardships he had to endure. It was good to see his clanmates grow and become stronger.

The deputy left the branch and joined for a few moments the celebrations of their new warrior. Since today, Birchspark would now join the warrior den and be part of the clan as an independent member.