The future's in your paws. Shape it well.Roleplay in a cat Clan of warriors. Based off the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. Takes place in an AU before the cats in the books existed.
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Subject: Larkpaw's Warrior Ceremony Tue 14 Nov 2023 - 19:59
Two down, two to go. RiverClan's ranks would be very well bolstered by the time she finally allowed herself to curl up and rest in the leader's den. But Perchstar forced her back to stay stiff and her voice to stay clear and calm when she called out the summons. She would not want to be accused of favoritism by suddenly collapsing mid-ceremony. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a Clan meeting," she called, eyes already beginning their search for the next to-be warrior.
Larkpaw longed for his warrior name. He wanted to be a warrior so badly. He had even spoken with Perchstar on the matter days ago. He was so excited for it that he started expecting it to happen any day now, even if he did not necessarily have the evidence of that. Every time Perchstar so much as breathed near the Willow Branch, his eyes were on her in anticipation. When she did call a meeting, Larkpaw’s heart beat faster in his chest as he hurried to the front of the group. Could it be today? He knew that there were still some other apprentices that could be worthy of getting their ceremony: Rookpaw of course, Willowpaw as well, who had fallen behind on all of her siblings, and there was also Cinderpaw too. Even Sunpaw. He hoped that this would be his, though. He wanted his warrior name badly. He wanted that freedom.
Yet it was not him who was called. First up was his sibling Rook. Larkpaw was still happy about that. He cheered them on and congratulated on their name. He’d been ready to turn away and hope for a ceremony another day when Perchstar continued. His body swiveled around and his muscled tensed up with eagerness. It was not him again; it was Sun. Sun. Sun got his name before him. Larkpaw sulked during it and stuck close with Rook. He joined in the quiet hurrahs, but his heart was not in it. Rook would be leaving the apprentice’s den and leaving him behind.
But perhaps not because Perchstar called yet another meeting immediately after. Larkpaw looked up at Perchstar with a frown. He wondered how special these ceremonies would be if there were so many at one time, but the excitement about this possibly being his overrided the slight disdain that he felt. He watched Perchstar with tense anticipation.
After Rookflight had been granted their name, surely Larkpaw would be wondering if his turn would come soon. And now, it would. Despite how they had gotten off on the wrong paw, she truly bore no ill will toward him. As injured as she had been, her reaction had been the wrong one. She needed to make amends. Perhapas, with this ceremony, she could truly do so. "We gather today to celebrate an apprentice becoming a warrior," she began evenly. Her eyes sought--and found--the dark-furred tom. "Larkpaw, please step forward."
As she looked at him, at the eager way his muscles tensed, she did not feel malice or disdain. She did not have a bitter taste in her mouth. For a moment, all that she saw was a young she-cat with wide blue eyes, uncertain and alone. Then she blinked, and reality set back in. Larkpaw would be fine. Though she could not singlehandedly improve his life, perhaps she could offer the first step towards reconciliation. “I, Perchstar, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn." The words were true. He had trained hard. Despite his shortcomings, which may have been more abrasive and obvious than most despite every cat being flawed, he had worked hard. Rowansong had attested to such. And thus, he should not be kept back simply for misunderstandings. "Larkpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?” Her voice, as always, was cool and clear with the question. It was directed toward every apprentice personally, as it was directed to Larkpaw now. The word of the leader was the warrior code, her ice-colored eyes seemed to tell him. Defending his Clan meant defending his Clanmates. Was he ready to take the vow? Could he truly put his grudges aside? She hoped that she had not misjudged his willingness, though begrudging, to learn.
In an instant, Larkpaw’s name was called. His eyes widened and he momentarily thought he was making it up. His ceremony had always felt so far away, even as he desperately clawed at it. It took the slightly nudge from Rookflight to get Larkpaw up to his paws. He moved forward, taking the place where Rook and Sun had taken. He looked up at Perchstar.
He had held such contempt for Perchstar for so long, to the point that it was instinctive where he wanted to scowl and slink away from her. After his long conversation with Gingerstripe at his Moonstone, Larkpaw had tried to do his bet to see Perchstar more objectively and to release the muddied memory that had kept him so agitated towards her for all this time. If he could not even be on good terms with his leader, then how could he possibly expect to be a good warrior?
Now as Larkpaw stared up at Perchstar, his gaze did not hold any of the negative emotions that he usually wore around her. Instead, his pupils were dilated and ears faced forward; he held almost the innocence of a young kit as he waited excitedly for the conclusion of his ceremony.
Perchstar asked him if he was ready to defend the clan. Larkpaw’s ear twitched. He felt like he could feel Gingerstripe at his back, quietly reminding him of what they spoke about. Was it truly possible that he could be liked in this clan? That he could be seen as confident and fierce instead of cruel and evil? Could the clan ever see him as truly a part of them—and could he, in turn? Did that even matter? For, this was his home, however rocky his relationship with it was; it was where Rookflight and Cinderpaw lived, and it was the best place he had a chance to improve things. He would not run away from his home, and Gingerstripe said that he could change and things could be better. He could…he could…
“I do,” Larkpaw said quietly, but with as much sincerity and reverence as any apprentice in the past who had declared it loudly.
Perchstar nodded at Larkpaw's words. It was a nod of acknowledgement--of respect--of apology. He was worthy of this, like all the other apprentices were. He was willing to put in the effort; she saw it in the forward tilt of his ears and the slight narrowing of his yellow eyes. He could do it. “Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name." Her voice carried all the necessary weight and approval. She had considered his name--considered Larkfrost, considered Larkpool, considered many others. However, it occurred to her that she should name him for what he wanted to be--for what he should be--for what he was going to be with the assistance of his sibling and his friends and his Clan, and her, if she could help in the slightest. She should name him with hope and with understanding. And so the right name finally came to her. "Larkpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Larkspring. StarClan honors your hard work and your loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan.”
Perchstar forced her muscles to complete the less-graceful-now movement, leaping down from the Willow Branch, as she had already twice today. This did not feel quite the same as it did for Rookflight, for Mistwalker, for her kits and former apprentices. Her relationship with the newly-named Larkspring was not quite the same. However, the gesture was there all the same. As Perchstar laid her muzzle on the top of the warrior's head, it communicated a different feeling. Not quite the same love and pride, but a kind of pride all the same. That he had grown and learned, and that he could continue to do so. That he had decided to be part of RiverClan. That physical touch lingered just for a moment, fur against fur, white against black, before she stepped back. Her eyes met his, studying, searching. Then she dipped her head once more. "I do not recall whether I have said this before," she murmured, "but I apologize. And I give you my sincere congratulations. Larkspring."
~~PM me here or on Discord if you want a topic with any of my cats!~~ ~Wonderful Signature by Xaandiir!~
xaandiir Former Staff
Characters : [P]oppyshine; [Pi]neblossom; [W]hisperear; [C]rookedlight; [L]arkspring; [Wi]llowwisp; [R]ashoumon Clan/Rank : RC T5 Deputy; SC T5; WC T5; SkC T5; RC T4; RC T4; Rogue T1 Number of posts : 2979 Gender : Any Pronouns Age : 25
Subject: Re: Larkpaw's Warrior Ceremony Sun 19 Nov 2023 - 9:40
Larkspring
Larkpaw did not know what to expect for his new name. Given that Perchstar was going to give it to him, he always imagined it was going to be something awful, like Larksnap or Larkfox or Larkprick…Something sharp and dangerous and foul. After his visit at the Moonstone, he was starting to understand that that line of thinking when it came to Perchstar was flawed; it was still his instinctual thought, but he was doing his best to push that away and think a little more rationally. Thus, he had no idea what to expect in regards to what name Perchstar would possibly give him.
Larkspring…It was a softer name than he had ever expected. Happy, almost. It felt like something that would be given a bright-eyed, bouncy kit like Sunpaw—ugh, Sunpool now. He wonders precisely what Perchstar’s reason was for it, but it did not seem like it was a random choice she pulled. She seemed to have reasoning of some kind…perhaps, one day, Larkspring will be able to ask her about it. For today, though, it was simply one for celebrations.
He closed his eyes and let Perchstar complete the ceremony by resting her chin on his head. He was about to turn away when he heard her statement, and then he looked up at her with wide eyes. The cheers boomed over them, so his words could only be caught by Perchstar when he answered, “I…I apologize too.” And, perhaps, he meant it this time. His feelings were still muddied up inside of him, but he was at least aware, finally, that he had been doing things incorrectly. Perhaps he can do them correctly now that he was a warrior.
Larkspring finally looked away from his mentor and he found Rookflight and Cinderpaw in the crowd. Then, he smiled at them—and it looked rather goofy on his usually-scowling face.
Characters : [R]owansong [Ro]okflight [S]ilverhawk [P]igeonpouce [F]ish [T]wilightkit [F]oxkit [Fa]lconkit Clan/Rank : [R] RiverClan T5 Elder [Ro] RiverClan T4 Warrior [S] ShadowClan T3 Warrior [P] T2 RiverClan Warrior [F] T2 Rogue [T] RiverClan Kit [F] Unborn SkyClan Kit [Fa] Unborn WindClan Kit Number of posts : 2507 Gender : any or username Age : 22
Subject: Re: Larkpaw's Warrior Ceremony Sun 19 Nov 2023 - 10:59
Rookflight
Perchstar climbed the Branch again as the cheers following Sunpool's ceremony died down. Rookflight wondered how many ceremonies would occur today, and how exhausting it must be to go through them all. His eyes swept across the crowd, looking first to Larkpaw beside him before searching for Willowpaw and Cinderpaw. If he and Sunpool had been named, the three of them would be sure to follow soon. Rookflight's tail brushed lightly across his brother's side. He'd worked harder than any of them, and even though Rookflight didn't know what advice StarClan had given him, it'd changed something in Larkpaw's demeanor; smoothed some of the bristles that had always been there. Rookflight turned forward again, hopeful Lark would get the recognition he'd wanted--and earned. And, sure enough, it was his name Perchstar called. Rookflight sat straight immediately, eyes fixed on Larkpaw's back as he moved through the crowd. Something incommunicable seemed to pass between apprentice and leader in the quiet between vows asked and granted; and then before them stood another new warrior for RiverClan.
Rookflight was patient. Perchstar leaped down, touching her muzzle to his as with all new warriors, lingering briefly before stepping back to let the congratulations commence. And when Lark turned around, he was smiling, goofy and genuine. They never cheered for ceremonies beyond a single shout reserved for friends, and rarely raised their voice outside of that, but as cheering went up around them Rookflight brought in the deepest breath they could and howled, "LARKSPRING! LARKSPRING!" no matter how it scraped through their throat. His cheers for them had drowned the crowd, and he--with all his effort and struggles and the desperation with which he'd wanted this--deserved his excitement returned. Cutting through the crowd, Rookflight connected with Larkspring's side with their entire weight behind them, pressing their head into his neck with a quiet purr. "I knew you would earn your name soon," they mewed softly. "Congratulations, Larkspring. I hope warriorhood is everything you have wanted it to be."
Rowansong
Rowansong knew this ceremony had been coming. The others preceding it were a surprise, but he'd discussed this with Perchstar a few days prior. As difficult as things had been to start--and throughout much of it--Larkpaw had grown. It was amusing, in a way: much like Rowansong himself, Larkpaw was skilled and more than technically capable even as a young apprentice, but the social foundations that would support him as a warrior did not sink in until his ceremony was on the horizon. He was already restless with anticipation, made more agitated by the ceremonies he hadn't been expecting, but this one was Larkpaw's. Perchstar had just called his name. Rowansong picked his chin up, watching eagerly as his apprentice walked to talk his place at the front of the Clan.
He didn't know if, following this, Larkpaw would maintain whatever appreciation and respect he'd earned from him... they were not like himself and Stormdance, he knew, but there was some connection to be forged between mentor and apprentice. Whether it lasted or not, Rowansong was immensely proud, and would continue to be proud of the cat Larkpaw continued to grow into.
He wasn't the first to cheer (with surprise, Rowansong found the ear-splitting shouts that erupted over the crowd came from Rookflight), but he was quick. "LARKSPRING!" He shouted, hurrying forward to meet the twins as Rookflight came crashing into their brother. With a small laugh, Rowansong fixed his attention on his now-former apprentice and smiled-- crooked, but genuine and warm. "Larkspring is a fine name for you," he purred. "I will make sure there is space for you in the den. You will be grateful for the comfortable place to collapse following your vigil." Rowansong gave a humored bark and started to step away, tail whisking across Larkspring's flank as he passed by. "I will not take up too much of your time, though. I am sure Cinderpaw would like to congratulate you as well." After a final nod of respect, he squinted warmly and finished, "I look forward to seeing you as a full warrior, Larkspring. However terrible reaching it was, you have earned it. Remember, you have my blessing," and stepped back.
Characters : [C]indersky, [W]olfpaw Clan/Rank : RiverClan, T3 Warrior| ShadowClan, Apprentice Number of posts : 334 Gender : They/She Age : 20
Subject: Re: Larkpaw's Warrior Ceremony Sun 19 Nov 2023 - 11:15
cinderpaw
apprentice | riverclan
Cinderpaw's legs buzzed with excitement when Larkpaw's name was called. He would join his brother in warriorhood, and StarClan, she was so proud of them. The apprehension in his gait and the dreadful way he watched Perchstar made her want to call out; 'You can do this!' She did not. It would probably embarrass him and make him more nervous.
She was among the first, alongside Rookflight, to cheer when his name was announced. "Larkspring! Larkspring!" She hollered, jumping to her paws so that he could see her over the tops of the other cats heads. When Rookflight hurried to nimbly duck and weave through the crowds she hastened to follow, navigating the spaces he had created as best she could until she reached them. She hung back for a second-- Letting them have their moment. And once Rookflight and Rowansong had said their piece, she tiptoed forward.
"Larkspring is a beautiful name," She purred, tipping her tail to his flank and incling her head to him. "And I think, for one, it fits you! Spring-- Leap, jump, a river's spring, at its source where all the water flows from... I'm proud of you."
Characters : Murkyriver ♀ | Mistwalker ♀ | Mintglade ♀ | Crakeburn ♀ | Snowvixen ♀ | Hollowpaw ♀ Clan/Rank : Riverclan | Skyclan | Windclan Number of posts : 4943 Gender : She/Her - ash was here :3 and Ro! Age : 21
Subject: Re: Larkpaw's Warrior Ceremony Sun 19 Nov 2023 - 11:38
Egretswoop
“I can see much from the clouds above.”
"Larkspring! Larkspring!"
While her voice certainly was not the loudest of the group, and she flinched rather harshly as his kin's voice that screeched amongst the crowd, she still offered her voice in celebration. Establishing a connection with the newly-named warrior had been more than difficult, truth be told, but it did not mean she would be a bad clanmate. They both had trained under Rowansong, whose pelt she had immediately recognized and gravitated towards. There was something kittish in her mannerisms to cling to her former mentor, but from his body language, he did not mind. So she would take advantage of the company she found comfort in.
Her keen eyes noticed how Larkspring, too, had seemed to find company that was comfortable. Not just in his brother. Kin was the understandable source of company, as the blood-ties held them together. But it was something more to see a clanmate also become a welcomed face. Whiskers twitching in some semblance of rightness as her eyes traced to the apprentice that he seemed to search for, she awaited for the other cats to speak their words of congratulations before Egretswoop herself would briefly step forth. "Such talent is finally recognized by a truly fitting name. Sincere congratulations are due your way, Larkspring. I am excited to once more share a den with you." In the back of her mind, an idea was stirring. Perhaps she would act on it. Not quite yet, but perhaps. In the meantime, though, with her words of congratulations out of the way, she once more stepped back to allow more of his clanmates to provide their support.
Characters : Stormdance (S) Rainfrost (R) Sunpool (Su) Wrenpaw (W) Hawkmist (H) Clan/Rank : Riverclan, Tier 5 Warrior (S) Skyclan, Tier 3 Warrior (R) Riverclan, Tier 2 Warrior (Su) Riverclan, Apprentice (W) Shadowclan, Tier 2 Warrior (H) Number of posts : 1027 Gender : Transmasc, he/they Age : 23
Subject: Re: Larkpaw's Warrior Ceremony Sun 19 Nov 2023 - 21:46
Sunpool
Riverclan Camp
Sunpool sat up straight to attention as Larkpaw’s name was called. He and Lark have had… not the easiest relationship. They have always struggled to get along, their personalities clashing, and it only seemed to get worse as they got older. And yet, he’s known Lark right alongside Rook his whole life, and he cares for him, even if they struggle to see eye-to-eye. He still considers Lark his friend. He wanted him to get his warrior name, and he felt genuine happiness and pride seeing him go through the ceremony.
Larkspring was a wonderful name for him, and Sunpool’s eyes softened as he grinned wide. He joined his voice in the crowd, warm and bright as he cried, “Larkspring! Larkspring! Larkspring!” The joy of today buzzed through Sunpool’s body, burning away the darkness. He could see it in Larkspring too. He was smiling. Not even a half smile, or a slight smile-- a true, genuine smile, and Sunpaw felt his face hurt from how hard he smiled at the sight of it.
He joined the group of cats gathering around Larkspring, but still hung back, knowing Larkspring would want to focus on those he cared for most, like Rookflight and Cinderpaw. Still, when he caught Larkspring’s eye, he smiled, and just as Larkspring had for him, he mewed a genuine, warm, “Congratulations, Larkspring."
Wrenpaw
Riverclan Camp
Wrenpaw watched her mother up on the branch as she completed yet another ceremony. So many warriors were being named today, and it was a beautiful sight each time, but she worried for her mother. Still, she shook the thoughts from her mind when Larkspring’s new name was announced. Larkspring could be a pain, absolutely, and they’ve never quite gotten along, but he’s also a determined, loyal warrior who’d earned his warrior name. And it was nice to see him actually happy for once. Wrenpaw grinned and joined her voice in the crowd. “Larkspring! Larkspring!”
