Duskpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their prey gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" With an uncertain heart, Ivystar yowled for the clan to all meet. It wasn't that she didn't want to have Duskpaw become a warrior, or she had doubts about him. But something about the apprentice had always unnerved her. There was a twinkle of curiosity in his eyes that was just like him.

Jaystream approached the meeting place and sat down next to the Willow Branch with a smile. This was an important day... his apprentice was going to be a warrior. The deputy flicked his tail, excited to see Duskpaw. He had trained so hard during the past moons and he was ready to be an independent clanmate. The grey tabby would be so happy to share the same den with him. The brown-furred had earned that privilege.

Minnowpaw followed behind Jaystream, bouncing behind to find a good seat to see her brother's warrior ceremony. She was so excited to see him rise up to the top. He was always a good hunter, and so strong too. He was going to be great.

Duskpaw heard the call. Briskly he groomed the brown fur down at his chest before he went and sat down beside his sister,Minnowpaw,and his mentor to wait to be called forward for his ceremony. His big yellow eyes shone with quiet excitement for his ceremony.

"Duskpaw, I have spoken with Jaystream and we've determined that it's time for your warrior ceremony. Step forward." The leader cued for the apprentice to come closer with a flick of her tail for emphasis.

Duskpaw stood and stepped forward quietly looking to Ivystar

"I, Ivystar, 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. Duskpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Ivystar's gaze bore into the apprentice, she watched for any hesitation or weakness. There was a war brewing on the horizon, and strength was needed. Would he be ready to take on this mantle?

Duskpaw looked at Ivystar and held his head high. He refused to show any weakness so he spoke confidently and certain with his head held high"I do"

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name." Before the ceremony, Ivystar had originally planned out his name to be Duskshade. It was a good name, spoke of his stealth and it was far from the name of the cat he hauntingly resembled. But as she got ready to speak those words, a leaf fell from the willow tree. It was the last leaf of the season, and it fell down gently in front of her, almost as if it was chastising her. Names were just names, and Duskpaw was his own person. It was not up to her to shield him or herself from the past. The past was dead, left behind when she watched her mother die on the river banks. "From this day forth, you shall be known as Duskfall. RiverClan honours your unwavering loyalty and confidence."

Though she knew she'd chosen the right name for him, she couldn't quite bring herself to chant it with the clan. Instead she continued on... "As per tradition, you will hold a silent vigil tonight as your clanmates sleep. May StarClan guide you."