Russetpaw's Warrior Ceremony

It was strange to have a ceremony done in the Highstones. This was not the Tallrock: there was nowhere safe for Shrikestar to stand except for the ground. They were sharing territory with ShadowClan, and alliance or not, it was odd. That didn't mean he couldn't do any ceremonies, though. Life went on, even if the forest was crumbling around them - sometimes literally.

"WindClan, to me!" he called out, doing his best to ignore the stares of ShadowClan cats as his voice boomed out through the clearing. He wanted to say "Gather beneath the Tallrock," but there was no Tallrock to gather under. That call wouldn't work anymore, so he just had to hope that this would suffice for the time being.

Russetpaw’s head snapped up from where she was lounging near the fresh-kill pile with a few friends. What was this? Shrikestar calling a meeting? “Have you guys ever seen Shrikestar call a meeting?” she mewed in confusion, rising to her paws and trekking over to the makeshift Tallrock. Maybe they were finally, finally going home! That would be great, wouldn’t it? Russetpaw herself could hardly remember the heather-encircled camp, with the sweet scent of moor-grass wafting over the sands. Or maybe…

“Betcha a mouse-tail it’s my warrior ceremony,” she whispered, thumping her tail on the ground in excitement. Surely? “I’ve never seen a warrior ceremony before,” the red-pelted apprentice admitted… no time to worry, no need to worry! Silverwing would still want to hang out and Sleeps would still be her friend and everything would be fine.

Shrikestar's call came as a shock to Silverwing, but she knew what this would be. Most of the time it was a ceremony, and with two capable apprentices ready to rank up there was no doubt in Silverwing's mind that this would be a warrior ceremony. She just didn't know if it would be for Sleepypaw or Russetpaw, could it be for both of them? That would be amazing, but she doubted that would happen. Still, if it was time for Russetpaw's ceremony then Silverwing would be right beside her apprentice! Silent paws guided Silverwing over to Russetpaw's group, stopping just a tail-length away from her apprentice. This would be fine, she didn't need to be all over her apprentice at a time like this, that would be way too embarrassing for Russetpaw wouldn't it?

Blazefang wasn’t far behind Silverwing, trotting over and sitting down next to her friend. She eagerly watched and waited. Hopefully this would be an announcement about going home and getting away from smelly ShadowClan! Though a warrior ceremony would be great too.

Shrikestar called the apprentice forward, smiling as the familiar words came to mind. "Russetpaw, step forward." He waited for them to step out from the crowd before continuing. "Russetpaw, are you willing to stay true to WindClan and defend it, even with your life?"

“I knew it!” the red-pelted apprentice hissed in excitement, tail excitedly flicking. She bounded forwards, eyes alight. Yes. This was the next step forwards- she was finally, finally gonna be a warrior! “Yes sir!” she chirped, shifting her weight from paw to paw. Finally. A warrior- ah, what would her name be? Something cool, she hoped, like Russetblaze or even Russetwing! But then she’d have to match with Brackenwing- eergh. Nah, maybe not, and Russetsilver wouldn’t make any sense, and neither would Russetsleepy. Hmm… she hoped Shrikestar made a good choice…

The excitement coming from the apprentice was palpable. Shrikestar chuckled, appreciating it. He was happy to see that there was still some good feelings moving through their clan, despite all that happened. They needed to take what they could get. "Then I say these words before StarClan. From now on, you will be known as Russetrye. Continue to serve WindClan well, and WindClan will serve you in turn."

Sleepypaw appeared in the crowd and Russetpaw gave her a wink, barely able to keep still, paws practically vibrating with excitement. Her name- her name- her name would be… Russetrye. It flowed off her tongue with ease, short and sweet and to the point- just like her. For a moment, the newly named warrior’s eyes met Sleepypaw’s- maybe the only one who knew what this meant to her. A little piece of someone she missed to carry along with her.

Russet- Russetrye dipped her head to Shrikestar, eyes alight with joy. She was a warrior now, a real one, and the excitement and elation within her surged, eddying around her heart. A warrior. A real, live, warrior. She’d done it. She’d finally done it. Praise the stars.

(ooc sorry im so late to this, been crazy busy but im here now :D)

Batsong sat with her clanmates and watched the ceromony take place. The med cat purred happily seeing the apprentice now get her full warriors name. She like Russet alot and knew she would be a great warrior

She cheered on her friend and clanmate in celibration of her new name