Sagepaw's Warrior Ceremony

Today's ceremony was a special one. It was Crowspirit's first apprentice that would be receiving his name, the tom had deemed that her apprentice had proven himself worthy of getting his full name. Of course, Nightstar didn't tell Sagepaw what was happening and didn't give any inclination as to what this ceremony would be about either, he just made sure that Sagepaw 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!"

Tawnyshadow joined the gathering crowd, her gaze flashing as she glanced at where Sagepaw was standing.

Sagepaw bounded into the clearing, the fur on his shoulders standing on end as he waited for the ceremony to begin.

"Today we are all to witness the naming of a new warrior. Sagepaw, 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. Sagepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Sagepaw mtahced his leader's gaze and replied evenly, "I do."

"Then it is my honor to name you a warrior before all witnesses present. Sagepaw, from this day forward you will be known as Sagestone. ShadowClan honors your calmness and sensibility, and we are proud to welcome you as a warrior in our ranks." Nightstar called, looking down proudly at the apprentice before he leaped from the rock, landing strongly in front of the apprentice, now warrior, and touched his nose to tom'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.

Sagestone couldn't keep the smile that burst onto his face, and he dipped his head in gratitude, too overwhelmed with emotion to speak. He was a warrior now.

"Sagestone! Sagestone!" Tawnyshadow called out her friend's new name. As the ceremony drew to a close, she bounded to the tom's side and gave him a quick lick on the cheek. This was the cat that she grew up with in the nursery. It had been lonely, sleeping in the Warrior's den without him.

"I'll help you build your new nest," She told Sagestone, her yellow eyes glimmering. She had been collecting feathers and the softest needles just for this purpose.

Batswarm, having been nearby, quietly muttered the new warriors name. Maybe being warrior wasn't an exciting tale for him, but he would never go out of his way to openly harsh another's vibe.