Fawnsong's Medicine Cat Ceremony

Dovefrost had made the trip back to Windclan, of course not without his own dead escort. It had been a strange few days. The.. well wisps as he called them, had appeared littering places where known deaths had occured. It was weird to see them, it seems they could see him but other cats they couldn't interact with. Maybe this was a good sign.

The tom had of course taken a small break when he got to the camp, before approaching Fawnsong. He had been watching the tom work for the past few moons, and like his apprentice it was time for him to earn his full role.

"Fawnsong." Dovefrost started. "I think it's time for you to earn your full name. You have worked well the past few moons with my guidance so I feel you are ready."

When the warriors informed him that Dovefrost was coming to camp, Fawnsong was surprised. Today wasn't supposed to be a training day... was it? The young tom quickly left his den as the white-furred medicine cat entered the camp as it was his second home. He bowed his head as a formal greeting and when he was about to ask the meaning of his visit, Dovefrost explained his motives. The medicine cat in training was speechless. For a few seconds, the tom remained silent and completely still, not sure how to react to the news. He wasn't particularly excited or happy about the news. Moreover, he felt... underserving. How could Fawnsong be ready when he had been barely able to communicate with their ancestors? Sure, he was already an expert in herbs and healing, thanks to Dovefrost's training. But that wasn't all a medicine cat needed to do. Fawnsong was supposed to be a spiritual guide to his clan, a bridge of communication between Windclan and the stars. He felt... like an incomplete medicine cat. "I see... but are you sure it is okay for me to become a medicine cat when I have barely spoken to Starclan? I don't know... it doesn't feel right."

Dovefrost let out a sigh as he took a seat on the ground, wrapping his tail around his paws. "I know that communication with Starclan is very important to being a medicine cat but that isn't all there is. Your clan needs you to be a healer, and a guide outside of help from Starclan.. Plus not to mention.. If this situation is permanent, then we will have to change our ways." He explained. "Not that I ever want to give up on Starclan.. just prepared for anything.." The large tom said.

"I believe you have the ability to fill the medicine cat spot fully, regardless of connection with Starclan Fawnsong. Windclan needs you. Will you accept your full name?" Dovefrost said.

OOC: Sadly, the prefix Burnt was taken in Windclan by a new kit hehe So Fawnsong new name is gonna have to change to Burningleaf

The tom listened quietly to his mentor's words and, though the idea of Starclan never coming back was a bummer... Dovefrost managed to give the young cat a new sense of purpose in his role. No matter if he couldn't communicate with Starclan, the Thunderclan medicine cat was right: his clan needed a healer and, by Shrikestorm's side, he would also have to lead his clan in Goldenstar's absence. With a more decisive look in his amber eyes, Fawnsong nodded. "Then, yes. I'm ready to take my new name and be there for my clan."

Dovefrost nodded, some pride flaring in his chest as he watched Fawnsong's new determination burn in his eyes. He would make a brilliant medicine cat. Windclan was in good paws, that was for certain. The large white tom closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, doing his best to recall the words he heard all those moons ago.

"I, Dovefrost, Medicine cat of Thunderclan call upon our ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to learn the ways of the medicine cat, and will serve his clan for many moons." The words felt weird.. He knew at this point he wasn't calling on just Starclan for the ceremony but the dark forest as well when he was speaking about ancestors. Was the mention of ancestors meant to call on the dark forest as well?

"Fawnsong, do you promise to uphold the way of the medicine cat? To stand apart from rivalry between clan and clan? And to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?" He asked, green eyes opening and falling upon the Windclan tom.

The ginger tabby looked into his mentor's eyes as he spoke. It was weird to think that his medicine cat ceremony would take place in his den rather than at the Moonstone, but the tom didn't complain. His only concern was what the future would look like with him as a medicine cat. Was his training enough? Will he be enough for Windclan? Was this truly Starclan's will? Could he really take off his clan alone... without Dovefrost to look after him? The sudden realization came to him like thunder. From this day, Dovefrost didn't have a reason to come to Windclan any longer now that Fawnsong was becoming a full medicine cat. For the first time... he was going to be the main source of healing for the clan... and it scared him.

Behind the scarred tissue, the tom's amber eyes looked at the white-furred Thunderclan cat with nostalgia. Can I really do all of this...without you?. The former warrior took a deep breath as he closed his eyes, trying to find the spark inside him that would make him take this new path alone. After a short, but noticeable pause, he mewed: "I do."

Dovefrost took another deep breath. Windclan would be in good hands. While he would miss helping Fawnsong it was for the best. They would still see each other when they could. Fawnsong could always ask him for assistance if he ever needed it. "Then by the powers.. of our ancestors. I grant you your full Medicine Cat name. Fawnsong from this moment on, you will be known as Burningleaf. Thank you for your dedication and the burning desire you have to help you clan no matter the situation. Windclan welcomes you as a full Medicine cat." Thus the ceremony was concluded.

The large white tom relaxed his posture a little bit, not needing to be so formal now that the ceremony was done. "Burningleaf.. If you ever, ever need any assistance don't hesitate to ask okay?"