Sablepaw's Warrior Ceremony

Today's ceremony was a special one. It was Nightstar's own apprentice that would be receiving his name, the tom had deemed that his apprentice had proven himself worthy of getting his full name. Of course, Nightstar didn't tell Sablepaw what was happening and didn't give any inclination as to what this ceremony would be about either, he just made sure that Sablepaw would be in camp for this ceremony. Jumping onto the Jaggedrock, Nightstar yowled, "All cats old enough to silently stalk in the shadows, gather in the shadow of Jaggedrock for a clan meeting!"

Mothcatcher jumped to her paws, rushing over to join the ceremony. There was a certain tom getting his name today, and she was more than excited about it.

At Nightstar's call, Leopardsun quickly wrapped up what she was working on so she could give the meeting her full attention. She sat near the front, keeping a good view of the top of the Jaggedrock, and waited for the leader to speak again.

Harrierpaw padded to Jaggedrock and sat near Leopardsun but further back, not wanting to miss out on whatever this was.

Nightstar only called meetings when he had new policies to enact, or when an apprentice was going to be made a warrior. Both options seemed interesting to Sablepaw, so he joined the gathering crowd.

Lighttail slipped in and sat beside her brother. The last few days had been rough, and she needed to be there for him.

"Today we are all to witness the naming of a new warrior. Sablepaw, please step forward." The tom sat silently as his apprentice did so. "I call upon all those present and watching to gaze upon this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of our noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Sablepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Sablepaw perked up as his name was called. It was finally time for him to join the other warriors, something about this moment felt so surreal. With a step forward, he spoke his next two words resolutely. "I do."

"Then it is my honor to name you a warrior before all witnesses present. Sablepaw, from this day forward you will be known as Sablestrike. ShadowClan honors your determination and ambition, and we are proud to welcome you as a warrior in our ranks." Nightstar called, looking down proudly at his apprentice before he leaped from the rock, landing strongly in front of his apprentice, now warrior, and touched his nose to his former apprentice's head. "Congratulations, you will be a fine, strong warrior, a great asset for Shadowclan to have. Enjoy a little bit of time with your peers, and take up your position for your vigil." When he was done speaking, the tom backed up a bit with a nod before he let the new warrior go free.

Mothcatcher beamed upon hearing his name. Sablestrike. Rushing over to the tom, she was quick to nudge him on the shoulder, excitement rising in the molly's frame at her peer. "Congratulations, Sablestrike! Welcome to the warrior's den!" She didn't anticipate ever being so excited over a clanmate's ceremony, but here she was.

Lighttail practically tackled her brother. “I am SO proud of you, little bro!” she yowled. But a shadow fell over her face as she caught sight of the medicine den. Roseburn was at the entrance, but Snowfoot (Snowpaw?) was nowhere to be seen. Lighttail’s heart ached for her whole broken family.

Harechaser grinned as Shadowclan's newest warrior was named. She didn't know Sablestrike all that well, but he was one of Snowfoot...paw's? kits, and a clanmate besides. "Congratulations, Sablestrike!" She called, however quickly stepped away to let his family and closer friends offer their congratulations to the newly named warrior.

Harrierpaw squealed in delight for Sablestrike. "Congratulations, Sablestrike!" She stood back with a smile as the new warriors family gave their own Congratulations.

Sablestrike. His new name was a powerful one, a fitting one. "Sablestrike." It even felt right just saying it. Even though he wasn't ready to forgive Nightstar just yet, that look of pride in his mentor's eyes meant to world to Sablestrike. As he was dismissed to enjoy the little free time afforded to him before his vigil, the new warrior couldn't help casting a longing glance at the medicine den. She wasn't here to see him become a warrior. The achievement almost felt a little hollow, what was the point in being recognized as a full warrior if his mother wasn't here to support him? Pushing those feeling down, he smiled as his eyes met with Roseburn. He had only met her once, but she was here for his ceremony? If he remembered correctly, she still owed him a training session. A nudge from Mothcatcher, a much more forceful show of affection from his sister, and congratulations from both Harechaser and Harrierpaw forced his smile to grow wider. He hadn't expected this much of a reaction from his clanmates, but it warmed his heart all the same. "I hope you two saved me a spot in the warrior's den!" He joked, nudging Lighttail and Mothcatcher back. He sent a quick look Harechaser's way, as if to say "You're next on my list" before turning his attention to Harrierpaw. Her delight for his ceremony was greatly appreciated, he would have to pay her back for that when it was her turn. For now, he would settle for a simple but meaningful "Thank you."