Snowpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their prey gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" Ivystar called out to the clan once more, the air was heavy with tension as the threat of war hung in the air. This moment of brief joy was what the clan needed, a chance to celebrate before the storm.

Shaking her long, fluffy pelt out, Snowpaw padded out of the apprentices' den- hopefully she didn't have to sleep there anymore, it was getting rather crowded. She sat down under the Willow Branch, heeding Ivystar's call, and wondering what it was for. With the recent declaration of war, all of RiverClan had been on edge, but she had been hoping for nothing more than the chance to help defend her Clan's territory. Sunningrocks had been theirs as long as even Shellwater could remember, and hopefully it would stay that way. The snowy white she-cat waited for the leader to continue, watching with large, quiet green eyes. There was a lot on her mind- war, Shellwater, Lakepaw- but she could put her other thoughts to the side for a moment for what looked like another ceremony.

"Snowpaw, it has come to our attention that it is time for you to rise up to become a warrior. Therefore, I, Ivystar, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Snowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Ivystar yowled for all to hear, her voice clear with strength and pride in little Snowpaw. She was a strong one, her beloved niece through Rainstorm and grandkit through Splashwillow. There was greatness in her blood, ready to be awaken.

Snowpaw's heart immediately began to pound as the leader called put her name. This was her warrior ceremony! Was she ready? She could hear her heart beating over the sound of Ivystar's yowls, and the pride in the she-cat's voice made her feel a little better. She was ready to serve RiverClan- she was ready to fight for them. "I do, Ivystar," Snowpaw meowed, loud and clear, voice not faltering even though she shook a little as she said it.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day forth, you shall be known as Snowblossom. RiverClan honours your open-mindedness and loyalty, congratulations. May you server our clan well and bring us victory against our enemies!" Ivystar hopped down from the branch with these words to give the recently named Snowblossom a fond lick on her head, before nuzzling her kin. "Naturally, you will have to serve a vigil tonight in silence. But enjoy this moment today, Snowblossom. Feast and prepare for the harsh times ahead."

Snowblossom. The newly named warrior smiled at the sound of her name, licking the leader's shoulder respectfully before returning the affectionate nuzzle. However, the warmth swelling up in her chest was quickly deflated by the reminder of their upcoming war. Despite the sudden nausea she began to feel, the fluffy white she-cat nodded bravely, trying to keep a smile on her face. As she listened to the yowls of her friends and family, a small bit of the warmth she had felt began to return. She would try her best not to let RiverClan down!