Frostpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Today was particularly hot, and Birdchaser felt a little resentment towards the young cats for growing up so fast. She'd been keen on spending her day in the shade once she'd finished with her duties, keeping an eye on the Clan from a spot that made it feel less like her pelt was waterlogged. But it was always a good day when more warriors were named, so putting her grudge against the weather aside, she leaped onto the looming branch and yowled, "Let all cats old enough to climb a tree, gather beneath the Tallbranch for a Clan meeting!"

Frostpaw padded to Tallbranch. She privately hoped it would finally be time for her to become a warrior. A part of her wondered if anyone ever found out about bringing prey to an exile… it felt like it had been seasons over and over again.

The marbled silver and black tabby sat, her head held high. SkyClan was home, and she would be there every step of the way, paws kicking and screaming.

Soon enough, Frostpaw appeared, and Birdchaser's ears twitched at the sight of the apprentice. Once the rest of the Clan had gathered, she cleared her throat to begin the meeting. "We have another apprentice ready to join us as a warrior today. Frostpaw, please step forward." Birdchaser watched as she moved through the crowd, waiting to carry on until she had. "StarClan, I call upon you 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 turn. Frostpaw, do you promise to protect and to defend your Clan, to always uphold the warrior code, even at the cost of your life?"

“I do.”

Holy stars, it was happening. Passion and fire radiated from her. She would be a warrior! Finally!

She glanced around for Dandelionflight. After fighting that hawk, she wanted to make sure her mentor was okay. Those were some nasty talon marks on the belly…

Frostpaw responded eagerly, and Birdchaser let out a little snort of amusement. At least there was no hesitation in the apprentices joining them as warriors– there training had proved as much, but their willingness to defend their Clan made her sure they'd all be good warriors. "Then I grant you your full name as a warrior. From this day on, you will be known as Frostbite. You're steadfast and clever, and SkyClan honors that in you. Enjoy your vigil." With that, she rejoined her Clanmates on the ground, taking up the chant of the new warrior's name.

That very exile that Frostbite had once snuck prey to stood amongst the crowd, now welcomed back amongst the Clan. He had changed during his time in exile, having grown a respect for the new leader, as well as the cat who was gaining her warrior name today. He grinned, pleased. To others, the relationship between the pair that was beginning to form may come from nowhere. But he knew, and she knew. And he was happy.

"Frostbite. I don't think I have ever seen a more fitting name. Congratulations! I'm sure you will make a great warrior."

His gaze traveled to the ShadowClan cats that were staying in SkyClan. Let them hear him praise Frostbite. Let them know how he is growing relationships in the Clan, and how he is thriving. They can't do anything to him, not here. And he will make sure they know it.

Looking back to the new warrior, he smiled, butting his head against her shoulder as though nothing had even happened.

Frostbite let out a purr as Crimsonflame bumped into her, bumping him back. It felt like eternity since she snuck him prey.

He was becoming himself, she noted, and he seemed much more at ease. He wasn't the disowned kit in a concrete forest, but instead a warrior of SkyClan once more.

She glowed, finally something she had worked for all her life had happened right here, right now. It would be the vigil, and then she was as much of a warrior as anyone in camp.