Cicadapaw's Warrior Ceremony

Cicadapaw had been training for a long time, and had finally been reported as being ready to become a warrior. She was glad to see some of the older apprentices finishing their training and earning their names, especially with leaf-bare upon them the extra paws would be welcome. Striding the the front of Jaggedrock, Murkystar lifted her voice to her clan. "ShadowClan, gather in the shadow of Jaggedrock."

Cicadapaw has just left the apprentice den when Murkystar's call rang out through the camp, gathering his attention. A torn ear flicked, his interest peaked. What could this be about? A part of him hoped it was his own ceremony for once. It was so long overdue, he was convinced he would always be an apprentice. While hunting had gone fine, he struggled with battle training. He was fixated on brutish tactics, struggling with anything that required more thought than 'overwhelm and do as much damage as possible.' He got too caught up in the heat of it.

He joined others underneath the rock, his eyes on the leader above as he waited for the purpose of this meeting to be announced.

As the crowd gathered beneath her, Murkystar searched for the familiar form of Cicadapaw among them. Finally she caught it out of the corner of her eye, and her gaze quickly moved on, trying not to reveal the purpose quite yet. When the clan had gathered, she continued. "ShadowClan, I've gathered you all here today to act as witnesses to an apprentice rising to the rank of a warrior. Cicadapaw, please step forward." She requested, waiting patiently for the apprentice to do so before continuing. "I, Murkystar, leader of ShadowClan, 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. Cicadapaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Cicadapaw's ears perked up when he heard his name, his eyes widening with awe. It was his ceremony. Finally! He took his steps forward without any hesitation, his tail raised high in pride

A large grin split his features as the tortoiseshell molly continued the ceremony. He felt higher than silverpelt, absorbing his few minutes of fame like a sponge. "I do," he promised, his voice artificially smooth as to not display all the pent-up excitement that threatened to explode from his chest. He was about to be a warrior, he had to look the part.

Murkystar dipped her head, acknowledging the tom's response before she continued. "Then by the powers granted to me, I give you your warrior name. Cicadapaw, from this moment on you will be known as Cicadashriek. ShadowClan honors your bravery and strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan." She mewed, leaping from Jaggedrock to rest her head briefly on the newly named warrior's. "Don't forget, you will hold a silent vigil today to mark the beginning of your warriorhood. Congratulations, Cicadashriek." She mewed, backing away after a heartbeat to allow the rest of the clan to step forward to congratulate the new warrior.

Yay Congratulations Cicadashriek swiftpaw purred happy for her peer and clanmate to get a promotion.  

Shadowclan was doing well, Nightstalker and Cicadashriek were both great new additions to their warrior ranks, she also knew that Frogpaw and her were probably soon to be warriors as well... wow their clan would be very strong soon indeed.

She was also happy that Burngingwing now had no apprentices under his command to terrorize. That news about the owl and Night was still shocking to her. She was so glad her brother hadn't turned into an owl's breakfast that day. Burningwing had seemed so ... trustworthy, well whatever at least no other cats thought like him.....................

Cicadashriek.

Yeah, that fit him perfectly. A nice, fearsome name. He purred in satisfaction as he accepted Murkystar's brief touch, symbolically taking his new place in the clan. Cicadashriek turned to face the crowd cheering his new name, eyes beaming as he got the recognition he deserved, even if for a moment. He could protect the clan properly now as a warrior among Shadowclan's ranks. The marshes were his home, and he would make sure it was safe.

A voice rose over the rest though, and his gaze shifted to rest on a white she-cat. Swiftpaw, Nightstalker's sister. He offered a smile in return, nodding his head in appreciation. "Thank you. Look forward to seeing you in the warrior den too soon." She would most likely be following her brother soon enough, and Shadowclan will have gained a new batch of strong, pure warriors.