Reedpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" The silver tabby leader called out from her perch where leaders of the ages had sat before her to call the clan together. It was time for another apprentice to rise to the rank of warrior and become an adult in their society. To have a voice and speak their piece. It seemed like not long ago, Reedpaw was a bumbling kit, but here he was, all grown. It made her feel old, but not in a bad way. She was glad to be able to see him grow like this.

Sweetheart sat by the nursery, smiling widely as she watched the beginning of Reedpaw's ceremony from afar. She had moved into the nursery now that she was so close to kitting, and she was thankful that her friend and soon to be mate would become a warrior before she gave birth. Hopefully she would be able to convince the Clan that her kits belonged to Reedpaw after all. She truly hoped so...

Reedpaw heard Ivystar's call to gather, and he wasted no time moving towards the willow tree. He sat at the base of the tree, knowing that today was the day that he would receive his warrior name.

"Reedpaw, you have proven yourself to the clan in your battle against the fox that claimed Darkpaw's life, and shown yourself to be loyal to your clan in it's time of need. Therefore I call upon you to step forward, it is time for your warrior ceremony." Ivystar's gaze bore down onto the tom, waiting for him to take his place. He seemed confident, ready, but it was another thing to swear yourself to the clan for all eternity. Was he ready for the burden?

Reedpaw stepped forward as Ivystar made the announcement. He dipped his head when she commended him for his work as an apprentice. He hoped that he could make the clan just as proud as a warrior.

Spotpaw padded up to sit under the willow branch, hearing the ceremonial words spoken for his brother. He smiled. It was good to know that at least someone in his family was happy.

"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. Reedpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" The question was spoken, it's words ringing out through the clearing. It was time for him to make his choice, would he remain an apprentice or undertake the burden of warriorhood in his stride.

"I do." Reedpaw said confidently. He held his head high and waited for Ivystar to continue.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day forth, you shall be known as Reedclaw, for your strength in battle. RiverClan honours your courage and skill." The name felt right on her tongue, it suited him. For a second, she thought of naming him Reedheart after the former RiverClan leader, but she thought not. Better to let him forge his own path rather than shadow him in the legacy of another. "As per tradition, you will hold a silent vigil tonight and watch over camp. Patrols will continue as always though due to the ThunderClan threat. However we will celebrate tonight."

"Reedclaw! Reedclaw!" Sweetheart cheered her mate's new name up to the first stars of Silverpelt. She was so very happy for him, and she was also very grateful for his agreement to help her father her kits, who were due any day now.

For the first time in so long, she was glad to be a RiverClan cat.

"Thank you Ivystar." He dipped his head to his leader, "Of course." He knew his duties. Reedclaw looked out to the rest of the clan, and of the voices chanting his new name, he heard his mate's the clearest. He was excited for this new part of his life.

Silverfang stayed quiet through the ceremony and she only stood up when her leader appointed her son as a warrior. With a happy purr, the silver and white she-cat walked toward her beloved son, calling his new name. "Reedclaw! Reedclaw! I'm so proud of you!" She mewed loudly, with a happy smile. She couldn't wait for her other kits to become warriors.

Spotpaw chanted with everyone else. "Reedclaw! Reedclaw! Good job, brother!"