Leopardpaw's Warrior Ceremony

It was time. Another apprentice, his apprentice, would be earning their warrior name. He had been absent from some of her training, and with his newfound duties of leader and deputy after Murkystar's death, he had less time than ever before. Despite that, Leopardpaw had found ways to supplement her training, and for that alone she should earn her name. "All cats old enough to silently stalk in the shadows, gather in the shadow of Jaggedrock for a clan meeting!" Pale eyes looked through the crowd for her, waiting for Leopardpaw's appearance before beginning.

Frostgaze's summons had Leopardpaw's immediate attention, as it would of any curious apprentice. The fact that it was the voice of her mentor, ShadowClan's deputy and acting leader, made it even more curious; the easiest guess was that this would be a ceremony, but the reason eluded her. She gathered with her clanmates, eyes darting toward the nursery and trying to remember - were any kits ready to be apprenticed? She couldn't recall.

As Leopardpaw appeared, Frostgaze began. "ShadowClan! I've summoned you here today to witness the naming of a new warrior. Leopardpaw, please step forward." The deputy waited for Leopardpaw to do so before he continued. "I call upon all those present and watching to gaze upon this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of our noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Leopardpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Only once Frostgaze started speaking did she realize that the time had finally come for her to earn her warrior name. Leopardpaw stood proudly under her mentor's gaze, listening as the ceremonial words she'd heard spoken to countless others for as long as she could remember were now meant for her; feeling the weight of the words as she recalled the traditional answer. Those were last words she would speak until the end of her vigil, if she was remembering right.

Better make them count.

"I do."

As he heard the words, Frostgaze gave a nod. "Then it is my honor to name you a warrior before all witnesses present. Leopardpaw, from this day forward you will be known as Leopardsun. ShadowClan honors your spirit and dedication, and we are proud to welcome you as a warrior in our ranks." Gracefully leaping from the Jaggedrock, Frostgaze rested his head upon his apprentice's, completing the ceremony that had been done for generations.

"I am proud of you, and I know you will make Shadowclan proud. Do not forget your vigil." With a nod, he stepped back, allowing others to congratulate Shadowclan's newest warrior.

Snowfoot bounded over, no longer noticeably limping, and stopped in front of Leopardsun. “Congratulations! I’m so proud of you!”

"Do you bit back now that you're a warrior?" Snakepaw hardly cheered for naming ceremonies. Maybe here and there a weak call if he was bothered to enough, but usually just indifferent stares. This time, however, he vaguely knew the cat at paw from one encounter. Slithering forward, the slender black tom approached just to deliver this line and prepared to dart away just as quickly, a sly smile across his maw.

Swiftheart happily cheered the new warriors name. She rushed over to her friend "Contratulations Leopardsun!" she said excitedly

"Leopardsun! Leopardsun!" Deerleap cheered, running up to lick her kit between the ears. "I'm so proud of you!" she purred.