Sandpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Tinystar made his way onto the Tallbranch and called out to the clan, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Tallbranch for a clan meeting!" Today, SkyClan would have another apprentice join the warriors in their ranks, and while the small leader found it difficult to enjoy much these days, he was proud of his clan for continuing to grow.

Amberdawn scampered from the medicine cat's den quietly, a curious expression on her face. She suspected what this might be - a ceremony - but she wondered who it would be for. The she-cat had taken several apprentices on their Moonstone journeys in preparation to receive their warrior names as of late; Swanpaw, Sandpaw, Burningpaw, Lightpaw. Any of them could be the special cat that day, and Amberdawn would be pleased for all of them. She sat herself in front of Tinystar along with the rest of the gathering Clan and waited patiently for the meaning of the meeting to be revealed.

He always knew he'd be the first one to receive his warrior name. After all, he was the best out of his brothers in terms of charisma and dedication. He was also more handsome... though, that didn't really have much to do with warriorhood. He checked to make sure his fur was not sticking up in a nearby puddle and proceeded to stand beneath the Tallbranch. Something was different than his apprentice ceremony. No matter how he smirked and joked with his clanmates, he had an itch deep inside, reminding him of the secret he now bore. Nobody knew yet that he was half-blood. It gave him a sense of responsibility. He had to try not to get himself killed, now.

Speaking of trouble, he silently wished Maplepaw was there to see him now. He wanted to tackle his little sister, tease her about her -paw name. If she was there, she'd think of something silly to say to him. He looked up with bright eyes at his leader. His voice, though a bit high-pitched, had achieved a more mature quality, and his legs were stronger than they had been last time he had been renamed. Tinystar was a good mentor, reluctant as he was.

"We gather here today to give one of our apprentices their Warrior name and rank," he began, looking out upon the gathering clan bellow. "Sandpaw has proven himelf worthy to climb the ranks of SkyClan and receive his Warrior name," Tinystar spoke and then paused for another brief moment before continuing.

"Sandpaw, please step forward."

Once the apprentice stepped forward, the short tom continued. "I, Tinystar, leader of SkyClan, 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?"

Sandpaw winked at his brothers, who watched with the rest of the clan, as he said the sacred vow: "I do." He silently prayed for a good warrior name, Sandfang or something. If he ended up with Sandfur or Sandfeather, he thought he might blind himself so he could be Losteyes instead.

ooc: short post is short

Once the apprentice replied, he went on with the ceremony. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Sandpaw, from this day forward you shall be known as Sandblaze. SkyClan honors your courage and loyalty. Congratulations," he finished. With that, Tinystar leaped down from Tallbranch and stood near the edge of the crowd, as the rest of the young warrior's clanmates flocked towards him.