Poppypaw's Warrior Ceremony

Leopardsun took a deep breath, rising from a momentary rest (one that could not be reasonably called a nap given that she wasn't even sure it had lasted more than a few seconds), and returned her attention to ShadowClan. She had always believed that there was always something to do, and now-- taking more and more work upon herself, an effort to prove that she was truly dedicated to ShadowClan-- she believed that more than ever, because it seemed that any time she stopped to breathe there were three more things that needed taken care of.

At least this would be something to celebrate; another cat who had made it through their apprenticeship and was ready to be named as a warrior of ShadowClan in their own right.

"All cats old enough to silently stalk in the shadows, please gather in the shadow of the Jaggedrock for a Clan meeting!"

Poppypaw arrived at the Jaggedrock, awaiting the ceremony. He assumed it was someone, even if he wasn't sure who it was. Probably one of his denmates becoming a warrior, but which one?

(zero muse but he is here)

As ShadowClan gathered nearby, Leopardsun held her head high and called out; so that her voice rang across the entire hollow. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the naming of a new warrior. Poppypaw, please step forward."

She looked from the apprentice in question to the crowd of warriors, and back again.

"I call upon the warriors of ShadowClan to gaze upon this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of our honorable code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in turn."

She held his gaze as she spoke.

"Do you swear to uphold the warrior code, to protect and defend your Clan; even at the cost of your life?"

Poppypaw didn't expect to be called up.

He expected to be an apprentice for a couple moons more, at least. It felt safer, honestly. He barely had confidence in his abilities, even if he knew that he should.

But now, he had expectations on his shoulders.

Stepping forward, the young tom felt like the world was on his shoulders. Poppypaw didn't want to open his mouth, just because of the stress.

Before he could do something, the black tuxedo took in a deep breath. Focusing his gaze, his posture, and his voice, he projected as much confidence as he could to the clan. "I do."

He did it. He couldn't take it back now.

"Then it is my honor," Leopardsun's voice carried over the hollow as she spoke, "to name you a warrior before all of ShadowClan. Poppypaw, from this day forward you will be known as Poppycloud. ShadowClan honors your patience and your humility, and we are proud to welcome you at last as a warrior in your own right."

She stepped forward and touched her nose to the top of the newly-named warrior's head.

"Congratulations, Poppycloud. Take some time with your Clanmates before it's time for your vigil."

“Poppycloud!” Sunflare cheered, bounding forward to brush against the other tom. “I knew you’d make it, brother! Congratulations!”