reedpaw's warrior ceremony

Stoatstar leaped onto the highrock as he had done a pawfuls of times before. The clan was growing rapidly, and while he was adjusting to the repetitive and heavy burdens of leadership, little seemed to change and it would be a long time still before he was used to the position. But his role needed to be fulfilled and there was no time to waste. Reedpaw had trained hard and was ready to become a warrior. It seemed that soon the kits he and Appledapple had helped to raise would all be in the warrior's den. Funny how much time had passed and how much distance had settled between them. Eyes darted around for the familiar pelt and he began the call, "Let all cats gather for a clan meeting."

Reedpaw hurried into the clearing. hopefully, it wouldn't be another kit moving into the apprentice den.

Once he saw the pelt that he was seeking out below, Stoatstar continued on, "Reedpaw, come forward. You have trained hard to become a warrior and I believe it is now time you move to the apprentice's den. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and defend the clan, even at the cost of your life?" Stoatstar's eyes bore into those of the younger cat. Reedpaw had the blood of the rogue, and yet the heart of a warrior - even if he did not know it yet. He was eager to see how the tom would fare in warriorhood.

He was becoming a warrior? Reedpaw's mind went numb and he froze up. slowly, he stretched out a paw, then another, until he stood below the Highrock. trembling, he craned his neck to look at Stoatstar. "I do," he mewed, his blue eyes wide with excitement.

"Then, from now on you will be known as Reedshine. We welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan and thank you for your dedication to the clan. Tonight you will sit vigil while the clan sleeps." He dismissed the meeting, letting the clearing cheer for their new warrior. The little brown and white tom leaped down from the highrock and added his own voice to the cheers for a brief moment before slipping into his den.

Appledapple watched with a faint bit of pride as her apprentice, and adopted kit, became a warrior. The Clan was growing very fast. It seemed like just yesterday they'd been tiny scraps of fur under a bush. She had resented them then, even been angry at them... but after knowing them all as cats, she really felt a connection to them. Not quite a motherly one-- but definitely something. As Reedpaw received his name, she joined her voice to those in the crowd. "Reedshine! Reedshine!"

Reedshine stood there, his eyes shining. his name was perfect! he whipped around to spot Appledapple cheering for him. so he finally got her attention? he purred softly. and how glad he was to get out of the cramped den!

Having been just outside of the nursery, Mottlerose observed quietly. It was good to know that the clan was gaining more honest warriors within their ranks. "Reedshine! Reedshine!" Her voice joined with the rest of the Clan, and she wondered just how the warriors den was fairing in terms of space.

"Thanks Mottlerose!" Reedshine purred once he caught sight of the young queen.