mintpaw's warrior ceremony

It was time. No matter how often he spent ruminating in his own thoughts, it had become an undeniable fact that time continued on. Each day was another without Minkstar, another day that Stoatstar was leader of the clan. It hardly felt like he was a leader at all and he had no desire to stand before the clan and shout orders, even if it did bring satisfaction to be able to find resolutions to problems and aid others. For a cat as closed off as him, it was an odd thing to feel. He had also begun to forge unique bonds with each of his clanmates in a way that he had not been able to before. Mintpaw was one example. A Riverclan cat at birth, she had become a Thunderclan cat, and would stand among their warriors in any conflict to come. He was confident in her growth and looked forward to watching her excel as she grew in this new role. As he settled back onto his haunches, the little tom called out in the usual manner, "Let all cats gather for a clan meeting."

Mintpaw ducked out of the apprentice’s den, ferns tickling her ears and shoulders. She had been considering taking a short rest before her next patrol — conserving her energy had become a priority, so she hunted well — but Stoatstar’s voice drew her out. Even if it’s routine, it’s important to go. Or so the molly told herself. After all, what if it wasn’t?

She was determined to be aware of her Clan.

"Mintpaw, come forward." He meowed, as soon as he saw the familiar pelt. A pride budded up in the depths of his chest as he regarded the former Riverclanner. Stoatstar was shocked at the sensation and blinked briefly before carrying on with the ceremony, "You've proven yourself to be determined and I believe you're ready to become a warrior. Do you promise to follow the code and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?" The leader's eyes met her, burning was a particular fire as he asked her to take an oath to this clan, to her clan.

Mintpaw flicked her ear suddenly, startled by her name. But... no, that was right: Stoatstar’s eyes were warm and on her alone, and Thunderclan’s leader waited expectantly, in that way he did — as if he’d made up his mind and it was only up to you to follow it.

And Mintpaw knew, with a flash of understanding. He’s making me a warrior.

A sudden anxiety hit her, making her falter, but Mintpaw forced it firmly back — and then did as Stoatstar asked. Mintpaw stood tall, in the scuffed circle beneath the Highrock; imposing in her own right. And her nose quivered, ever so slightly, when Stoatstar asked: Do you promise to follow the code and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?

And in that moment… part of Mintpaw understood it: why Thunderclan felt so wary of her mom. It was simple and direct, the way Stoatstar said it — but it was a vow. One that mom gave to Riverclan, and then broke. It had been for them, and was now Thunderclan’s, but in the eyes of this Clan it mattered. And so she understood, and stepped forward again, not a trace of doubt in her eyes.

Stoatstar had said ’your’ to her with that fire in his eyes, intentional in every word. I know this is your Clan, she could hear him say. Now do you?

She looked confidently up at Stoatstar — thinking of the future they’d been given, as a family — and said, “I do.”

He watched her features, every twitch of her pelt, the gleam in her eyes... as Mintpaw stepped confidently forward, it was confirmed before she spoke. Stoatstar had been adamantly against bringing outsiders into their ranks. Even now, the leader believed it to be the best course of action to focus on ones clan. But Mintpaw had been decreed one of their clan by Minkstar and now declared it herself. The former leader would have been proud to witness this. There was a finite nod, and he spoke one final time, "From now on, you will be known as Mintpool. May the stars and our clan look on you with favor, seeing your devotion. Tonight, you will sit vigil while we sleep." Flicking his tail, he dismissed the meeting to let calls rise through the camp. And for a moment, he paused to raise his own voice.

"Mintpool! Mintpool!" Reedpaw cheered, giving the grey she-cat a friendly flick of his tail. he didn't really know her personally, but he hoped that she meant what she said.