briarpaw's warrior ceremony

So much time had passed. Last she had even thought about time, the leader had been carrying her second litter of kits, breaking the news to her mate with a grin on her maw. Next she knew, Minnowfin had fallen ill, and she had to go claim her lives. So much had happened in that stretch of time, and yet, time still moved on. No matter what predicaments befell the leadership, or her personally, the forest would continue moving.

And so would Thunderclan.

As such, Mottlestar found herself easily coming to the top of Highrock. Ceremonies never really bothered her anymore, and there was a certain elation that the molly had for this particular ceremony. Her daughter, Briarpaw, to earn her name. She had been an exemplary member of her Clan, training beautifully under her father during the time he was well. Mottlestar couldn't help but praise the Clan on how they had taken care of Briarpaw's training afterwards, how they did their best to minimize the transition to a molly with a mentor, to without a mentor... but also her father.

So there Mottlestar sat, and with one breath, called out to her Clan. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"

As she spotted her daughter, Mottlestar would flick her tail to commence the ceremony. "Briarpaw, please step forward." She called out to her daughter warmly. "You have trained hard in the ways of the warrior, and you have done your part to earn your full place in Thunderclan. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and serve Thunderclan, even at the cost of your life?" She knew what the answer would be. Though, as custom had it, every young cat had to pledge their allegiance. Their dedication. She knew her daughter was more than ready.

The leader had to keep herself from letting out a warm chuckle as she watched her daughter's excitement. The way she practically buzzed with anticipation to the point that even she could see it was so heartwarming. It took her back to the days of her own ceremony, to a time when she herself was in her daughters' very paws. But it was those faithful words that would spur Mottlestar to continue. It was the pledge, the oath. Sacred to all warriors, made before every leader, past and now present. Her daughter was ready, and Mottlestar believed it fully.

Gracefully, the small tortoiseshell dipped her head in immediate response. It was an acknowledgement. Out of all of the names that raced through her mind to bestow upon her daughter, there was one in particular that she settled upon. Briarpaw herself had acted much like her mother in so many ways, it was as if she was staring at a younger version of herself at any given time. Warming her heart to no end, the name that was at the tip of the leader's tongue was the only one that would make sense.

"Then by the powers of Starclan, I hereby give you your warrior name. From this day on, you shall be known as Briarrose. Thunderclan honors you for your patient heart, and determination to protect your Clan. Tonight, you will sit in silent vigil, to watch over your Clan as we sleep." Undeniably, the smile on Mottlestar's maw was as wide as a proud mother's could be. Her daughter, a warrior. A pang in her heart sounded for just a moment as she thought of the family that she wished would be there to support Briarrose... but Mottlestar would carry that love for them all.

Leaping off of the Highrock, she was quick to greet her daughter. "But for now.. we celebrate! Briarrose! Briarrose!" Cheerfully, she joined her Clanmates, giving a loving nuzzle to her daughter's head.