Silentpaw's Level Up [Warrior Ceremony]

"Cats of Stagclan, gather here." Burnt refrained from yowling or jumping onto the Jaggedrock where Scorchstar had once stood. Instead, his paws rested firmly on the earth below. However, the words rang clear enough for the ears of any Stagclan cat near. As he sucked in the air, it seemed to relax him. Tension of moons had been relieved as his world was made tangible. Some of the clan leaders had screeched at his words, voicing their displeasure
But many faces below only wore curious stares. It had soothed a part of his soul that he did not realize needed such peace. And furthermore, his queen helped to aid the cause and push on their mission. Silentpaw. Soon she would not bear the name that had been bestowed on her by the clans. Soon she would be reborn as one of the new world. His claws kneaded the earth as he stared at the she-cat, as if there was not anyone else in the camp.

Burntstag's position on the ground instead of the Jagged Rock was a comforting thing indeed. Flintfang always hated when leaders felt they needed to tower over their clanmates, stare down on them like they were the scum of the earth. But the calico that sat before them now was their equal, and the gray tabby watched with curiosity as StagClan gathered around him. His green eyes were piercing, but rested on one, familiar white she-cat. Flintfang remembered speaking with her during his time at the lake, however they weren't particularly close. Silentpaw seemed to be special to Burntstag, and that was enough for Flintfang.

Silentpaw approached quietly, looking at Burnt with a calm, steady gaze. Seeing him call the clan meeting from the ground rather than atop the Jaggedrock was almost amusing. An interesting choice, to say the least.

Stagclan had gathered around the tom within moments, all eagerly looking towards him in anticipation of whatever announcement he planned to share with them. She watched him, her mind trying to puzzle out what exactly it was that he could be preparing to say.

Until he looked at her, and she knew.

Stepping forward, she dipped her head in greeting before meeting his gaze again.

Was it really time?

"Silentpaw. It is time to shed the name bestowed to you under the eyes of the ancestors. Today, you take on a new name to dedicate your allegiance to the clan, all these cats, and to the future we will build together." Burnt's voice was strong and level. A small smile twisted up the edges of his maw as spoke on building the future. He had cats, he had a cause, and he had her. The burden, while still heavy, seemed so much lighter at that knowledge. Lashing his feathery tail as he had many times before in a grand emphasis to his speech, he continued, "Under the name of Stagclan, we seek to create a better forest, one no longer guided by ancient codes or duties. May no cat be forced to take this oath unless it be their will. Silentpaw, is it your wish to leave behind the ways of Starclan and swear your life to your clanmates for the betterment of all cats?"

"From this day forth, you will be stripped of your Starclan given name and will take on the name of Silent Snows. You were and still are a full member of Stagclan. We honor your dedication to the clan and to us all, and recognize the completion of your training." Burnt stepped forward in the midst of the crowd to press his forehead to hers and meow softly, "We've left them behind, Silent, you are no longer tied to the ancestors." His breaths were low and shallow, almost slow pants. But it was not in exasperation, no, it was freeing and fulfilling. Not only had he shed his warrior name, now she had too. No more was the cat he loved held in the paws of long dead cats. She was free. They were free. And soon, more of the forest would be too.