Swallowpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Mistyrain scrabbled up the Tallbranch, situating herself neatly at the top. She was accustomed to this position, as she conducted all of the Clan's apprentice ceremonies, but today she would give an apprentice his warrior name. She had never been tasked with this great responsibility, but as Tinystar was unwell and therefore unable to do the ceremony, it fell on her. The deputy cleared her throat to give a still familiar call. "Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather beneath the Tallbranch for a Clan meeting!" Two of Swallowpaw's siblings had received their warrior names in the last moon, and his mentor had finally informed her that he was ready.

Swallowpaw had been moping around camp, like he had been for the last couple of sunrises. Even though the Starclan cat's words from his Moonstone reassured him that Maplepaw was alive, there was still no sign of the flame-colored tabby. Nearly as quick as it had come, his hope was dwindling again. What they had been too late? What if the journey back to Skyclan was so long that, by the time he arrived, she was already dancing in Silverpelt? It would be his fault if she died; Starclan, it was his fault that she was missing in the first place! He padded from his spot in the shade, tail dragging across the ground as he numbly seated himself before the Tallbranch. Another day, another ceremony. He silently wondered who it could be. Perhaps..it was finally him. His brothers had already reached warriorhood, and abandoned him in the apprentices' den. Perhaps...it was finally his turn.

As Swallowpaw seated himself, Mistyrain continued with a few phrases that she had never before spoken. "We are gathered here today because Swallowpaw has proven himself worthy of receiving his warrior name. Swallowpaw, please step forward."

Once he was near, she called out again. I, Mistyrain, deputy 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 them to you as a warrior in their turn. She watched him carefully, his movements, his facial expressions. This reminded her a bit of her own ceremony, but Swallowpaw seemed considerably less excited than she remembered being. Swallowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life? she asked him, voice serious.

The cream tom was briefly startled when Mistyrain called his name and instructed him to step forward, but he did so nonetheless. This was it: the moment he had been waiting for his entire life. What would he do as a warrior? What would he become? He gulped, tail twitching nervously. It sure was a lot to take in, but he was ready. He had to do this, for his brothers. For his mom. And most importantly, for his sister.

"I do," he meowed firmly, copper gaze matching his deputy's intensity. This was it. There was no turning back now. 

The apprentice held her gaze, and was firm and sure as he gave his answer. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Swallowpaw, from this day forward you shall be known as Swallowflight. SkyClan honors your loyalty and valor. Congratulations," she finished, flashing him a genuine smile. She leaped down from the Tallbranch gracefully to congratulate the new warrior, beaming. It warmed her heart to be a part of such an important moment in the young tom's life.