Echopaw's Warrior Ceremony

Leopardstar shivered as freezing droplets of melted snow departed from the swinging lichen that guarded his den to land uncomfortably upon his back, quickly shaking out his short pelt to hopefully be rid of the moisture.  He had always hated the cold season, probably more so than most other cats; the crunch of snow underpaw and the sensation of a cold wind buffeting his form not only summoned anxieties over food and sickness but painful memories as well.  Ones he wished desperately he could just leave behind...alas though, today was a happy occasion.  A genuinely joyful smile found a way onto his muzzle as the large tom leaped upward to land on the peak of the meeting rock, drawing breath to call out to his clanmates.  "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"

Echopaw finished grooming his pelt and dashed up to the Highrock, excited. Today was the day! He was going to be a Warrior. No more cleaning the elders den for me, he thought happily. There usually wasn't much to celebrate during Leaf-Bere. Today was going to be an exception!

Once the young tom had appeared, black patches luckily distinguishing him from the snowy ground, Leopardstar lashed his tail for silence.  "Today, it is my great honor to grant one of our loyal apprentices his warrior name.  I, Leopardstar, leader of ThunderClan, 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.  Echopaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”  He met Echopaw's blue gaze firmly, yet encouragingly.  This was the most important step a clan cat takes in their life; was he ready to accept it?

"Yes," Echopaw meowed. "I will." He met Leopardstar's gaze, just as firmly as his.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Echopaw, from this moment on you shall be known as Echofrost. StarClan honors your confidence and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” Leaping down from the Highrock, Leopardstar rested his chin upon the newly-named warrior's head, completing the ceremony before drawing back to cheer along with the rest of the crowd.