Moonpaw's Warrior ceremony

Nightstar jumped onto the jagged rock, tonight he would be making one of his deputy's kittens warrior today. The first of many, since Leopardsun was gifted with seven kittens, Starclan had truly gifted Shadowclan with growing numbers, even if that meant more mouths to feed. "All cats old enough to silently stalk in the shadows, gather in the shadow of Jaggedrock for a clan meeting!" The Shadowclan leader called, waiting for his clan to gather.

After the trip to the moonstone, Moonpaw had committed herself to being the best she could be. Hunting, looking over the elders for ticks, patrolling, sparring. She was nearing the end of her training, she hoped, and wanted to be prepared. Wanted to stand out. While she was in camp, her pelt was meticulously groomed in the hopes that a meeting would be called. In the hopes that that meeting would be a certain warrior ceremony. None of her siblings had been made a warrior yet, but Moonpaw intended to be the first of them. Hopefully, she thought, her efforts had been noticed.

When Nightstar called a meeting, the dark and silvery tabby padded toward the jaggedrock, fluffy plume of a tail curling over her paws as she sat. Pale green eyes gazed up at Nightstar, though her face was still and impassive rather than expectant. She very much wanted this to be her ceremony, and would absolutely be disappointed if it wasn't, but her emotions would not be on display for the clan to see and never would be. That would only be admitting weakness, and she was above that.

"Today we are all to witness the naming of a new warrior. Moonpaw, please step forward." The tom sat silently as the apprentice did so. "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. Moonpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

A flash of excitement coursed through Moonpaw as Nightstar spoke. Her warrior ceremony! She'd known, of course, that it was only a matter of time, but now that it was finally happening there was no turning back. She would be the first of her siblings to become a warrior, as it always should have been. Moonpaw stepped forward as instructed, and her voice was clear as she spoke. "I do." For her siblings and her parents? She would, no questions asked.

"Then it is my honor to name you a warrior before all witnesses present. Moonpaw, from this day forward you will be known as Moondancer. ShadowClan honors your Passion and Drive, and we are proud to welcome you as a warrior in our ranks." Nightstar leaped from his position on the jagged rock, landing squarely in front of Moondancer, he then stepped forwards and pressed his nose to her forehead. "You will be sitting vigil tonight, speak with your family, and then take your spot at the camp entrance to begin. Congratulations, Moondancer." Nightstar stepped away to allow the new warrior to be welcomed amongst Shadowclan as Moondancer.

Nightstar continued, and Moonpaw- No, she was Moondancer now. She reveled in the new name. She was no longer an apprentice, but a true warrior of Shadowclan. As the ceremony concluded, Nightstar leapt down from the jaggedrock, landing in front of her. Right, there was a vigil, and with the excitement she felt, Moondancer didn't think she would have much trouble adhering to it. Moondancer allowed a brief dip of her head to Nightstar in acknowledgement, turning towards her clanmates. To bask in the glory of having risen through the ranks for a little while, and then back to work.

Moondancer. What a lovely name. Someday, hopefully soon, it would be Sunpaw in her place, his old name stripped away and replaced with one the whole forest would soon know. With a nod and a cheer of her new name, Sunpaw acknowledged his cousin. When will it be my turn?