vinepaw's warrior ceremony

Hunger seemed to be ready to eat its way through her and turn her into a meal rather than the other way around. Still, the tortoiseshell left her den after having taken another short nap. With eating as little as absolutely possible, she'd taken to sleeping more as an alternative way of providing herself with some semblance of energy. As rested as possible for the ceremony at paw, she took her easy route up on the Highrock. A collection of stones that littered the back made it much easier, even as she often preferred to simply leap in one bound. That took too much strength that she simply didn't had. No, she needed to be able to call her clan to celebrate yet another warrior joining their ranks.

The usual greeting she called felt... disgraceful in recent times. So, instead, the tortoiseshell called out, "Let all cats safe from the bramble's thorns gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!" That fit enough. It felt fitting, at least.

Vinepaw didn't rise right away, the unfamiliar call only making his ears perk. It wasn't until Mottlestar could be seen on top of Highrock that he rose to his paws and made his way to sit amongst the gathering crowd. His eyebrows scrunched in a grouchy expression, too hungry to be nice today. He didn't totally hate the new phrase, though. At least it didn't remind him of his empty stomach.

It was understandable that the apprentices would be more than a bit moody with the prey shortage. With whatever hormones surged through them to make them grow, it already meant that they needed strong meals. Not to mention, it was likely another world of hunger for those that were the children of their friends that had come and gone from beyond the forest. As her gaze found the subject of her call, she gave a warm smile as best she could. One that said, I know, I'm sorry you're hungry. One not so much of pity but of shared strength.

In the interest of not wasting energy, the molly carried on. Willing what strength she had to call out. "Thunderclan, we gather to recognize an apprentice who is ready to become a full warrior of our Clan. Starclan, I ask you hear my call to look upon this apprentice who has trained hard in the ways of your noble code, and support welcoming them with a full warrior name. Vinepaw, please step forward." Her throat was starting to burn from talking. Still, she didn't show the sign of it and pressed on. "Your training has shown your loyalty to your family, a value rooted deep in our Clan. Do you promise to continue to uphold the warrior code and defend your clan and family, even at the cost of your life?"

Mother Tongue
Forest Tongue

Upholding the Warrior Code... Of that he was not sure. While some things were similar to Gekala's way of life, there were still many things he didn't agree with. As Vinepaw's eyes met the tiny leaders, he suddenly was reminded of the odd loyalty his father had felt towards her. Not enough to remain in camp, but it had been enough to trust his litter to her and ThunderClan. Fine. "I do."

It was with a trained eye that had held many ceremonies, spoken many cats, and had simply walked the forest for many moons that she saw the doubt swirl for just a moment within the apprentice. That should have led her to feel some uncertainty about bestowing him his name, as many forest-born cats held no hesitation in their excitement. However, in this case... it proved some comfort to the tortoiseshell. Faith that was given while fully blind would never face the tests of time, whereas a faith that was doubted and affirmed would be what proved perpetually strong. As Vinepaw declared his promise, she saw as much. And, selfishly, she appreciated the moment to rest her voice.

"Then let it be known that you have grown beyond your name as Vinepaw. In honor of your dedication and hunting skills, I am honored to welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan under the name Vinecrawler. You shall uphold the tradition of a silent vigil tonight as the clan sleeps, but for tonight, we shall celebrate and honor your new status.

Thunderclan, give your newest warrior a warm welcome!" Her final call stung her throat, but it was well worth it. Leaping down with a jump that caused some discomfort to her joints, the tortoiseshell met the newly-named tom and rose on her hind legs to press her nose to his forehead in ceremonial congratulations. "Your father is proud of you, I am certain."

Vinecrawler... Oh, he adored that name. His cranky expression eased a little, the celebratory air becoming infectious as his clanmates rubbed shoulders and touched noses with him in congratulations. A slight purr, deep and rumbling, came from deep within Vinecrawler's chest as the very she-cat his father praised greeted him herself. He didn't say anything in return, but he did bow his head respectfully to the Mother of ThunderClan. His father would certainly be proud of him.