Shadepaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let... all cats old enough to capture their own prey gather underneath Jaggedrock for... a clan meeting!" Thrushstar yowled.

Shadepaw strutted forward, the shallow, clumsily inflicted wounds on his flank barely stinging as he settled below the Jaggedrock, his amber eyes lighting with a fierce pride- he deserved this. Even though he hadn't won his battle, he had still nearly taken down a cat with twice his experience; which truly was something to be proud of. Shadepaw looked up at Thrushstar with proud, excited eyes.

When everyone gathered, the leader continued, looking down at Shadepaw with amusement. "Tonight we gather to make this apprentice a... warrior," he said. "Shadepaw, please step forward."

Tail curling in delight, Shadepaw slowly rose to his paws; basking in the approving glances and whispers he knew that he clanmates would be offering. Padding forward, he glanced up at Thrushstar, his tail whisking eagerly as he stared up at his leader with eager eyes, his ceremony had been along time coming.

"Do you promise to serve and protect this clan, as well as uphold the warrior code, even at the cost of your life?" Thrushstar asked him. It was always such a strange question to ask, but it was amazing how many cats would stand there in Shadepaw's place and lie to his face. The leader tried not to focus on that, however.

Shadepaw dipped his head in response to his leader's words, "I do." He promised solemnly before looking up at Thrushstar once more, his earnest words matching the sincere look upon his face. There was never a single doubt in his mind over his loyalty to Shadowclan; he would always give everything for this clan.

With a small nod in acknowledgement to the promise Shadepaw made, Thrushstar continued to speak. "Then I hereby... grant you your warrior name. Shadepaw, from now on you will be known as Shadewillow. We... welcome you as a full warrior of Shadowclan." As he finished, the leader leaped down to let the clan finish the ceremony.

Shadewillow dipped his head once more in acknowledgement to his leader's words, his throat tightening with gratitude. All the turmoil that had previously happened in his life made this moment seem all the sweeter, and he turned to greet his Clanmates with his new name, a small grin gracing his features.