Swiftpaw's Warrior Ceremony

It wasn't long ago that Nightstalker received his warrior name and held his own vigil, but now it was Swiftpaw's turn. Murkystar strode to the front of Jaggedrock, gazing out over the clan. Her youngest kits would soon both be warriors... It was a strange feeling. "ShadowClan! Gather in the shadow of Jaggedrock."

Swiftpaw padded over to the base of Jaggedrock... Would this be more bad news like last time, she sighed hoping not... She glanced up at her mother giving her a quick smile. She groomed her uneven fur a few times hoping it would actually look good for once.

The leader noticed Swiftpaw quickly making her way towards the base of Jaggedrock, glancing up at her with a quick smile that she readily returned. Her fur was as uneven as usual, and Murkystar briefly wished that she could be down there, fussing over her pelt to make it look nice and neat... But this was Swiftpaw's day, and her pelt was a part of her. Slightly unkempt or not, the young cat had earned this. Once the rest of the clan had gathered around, Murkystar spoke out once more. "ShadowClan, I've gathered you all here today to act as witnesses to an apprentice rising to the rank of a warrior. Swiftpaw, 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. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Swiftpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Swiftpaw was surprised but also so happy to have this honor. She blinked rapidly a couple times while stepping forward nervously.

I-I do I promise. I promise to protect this clan and uphold the warrior code with my life she meowed barely getting the words out which was unusal for her otherwise very talkative nature. She smiled from ear to ear at her mother very happily she saw her mentor and father Mistyfalcon and gave him a quick nod and smile as well. He had trained her well but she would still always look to his guidance in the future to learn even more.

Murkystar smiled as Swiftpaw agreed, remaining silent as she stuttered out more than the usual I do. Pride and love shone in her eyes as she nodded slightly, acknowledging her response. "Then by the powers granted to me, I give you your warrior name. Swiftpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Swiftheart. ShadowClan honors your kindness and caring personality, 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, Swiftheart. I'm so proud of you." She purred, pulling back to meet her daughter's eyes as the clan began to congratulate her.

Swiftheart felt so excited she purred happily at the new name, it fit her well. In some ways, in a lot of ways she had kept the energy and excitement and kindness of a kit. She hoped she could always keep these and her new name would remind her of such. Kindness and caring were the two traits picked at her warrior ceremony and she vowed to herself to keep these.

She nuzzled at her mother purring happily Thank you

Another day, another warrior ceremony... And this would be for his daughter and apprentice. On one paw it was almost a relief, the dark tom would have one less 'paw to train, but it was strangely bittersweet, too. Weren't Swiftpaw and Nightstalker kits only yesterday?

Mistyfalcon settled in his usual spot near the edge of the crowd, a small smile across his face as Swiftpaw was called forward to receive her warrior name. Swiftheart... That was fitting. His voice joined the rest of the clan's in congratulating her for a moment, then Mistyfalcon padded forward, fluffy tail briefly resting on the newly-named warrior's shoulder. "Congratulations, Swiftheart! Proud of you, kiddo." He mewed, echoing Murkystar's words.

Swiftheart smiled and purred softly.

These words from Mistyfalcon meant so much to her, she looked up to him so much and he had been a great mentor.

Thanks dad she meowed nuzzling his shoulder briefly.

You still have to take me hunting every once in a while she meowed grinning softly.