Nightpaw's Warrior Ceremony

In the last few moons ThunderClan had been promoting so many new warriors for the clan, and knowing that the clan was growing ever stronger after their hardships helped shift the weight of hopelessness that had been fighting to settle in the deputy's heart.  From atop the Highrock, he called out to the clan; "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"

Nightpaw walked out of the apprentice's, her fluffy dark pelt ruffled but looking shiny. Her bright green eyes scanned the clearing at the gathering cats as she sat down herself. She looked up, awaiting the reason behind this meeting.

Leopardclaw caught sight of the cat of honor, and once the rest of the clan had settled down around the Highrock he called out, with a smile; "Nightpaw, step forward!"

Nightpaw's eyes widened. Her?! She got up quickly, pride swelling in her chest. She stepped forward with a smile. She was ready! She hoped her mother was proud...wherever she is.

Looking almost as proud as Nightpaw, Leopardclaw began the ceremony; "I, Leopardclaw, deputy of ThunderClan, 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.  Nightpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Nightpaw didn't waste another second to speak. "I do." She looked at Leopardclaw in the eyes with her determined ones. The apprentice held her breath as the ceremony continued.

Leopardclaw met her gaze, and nodded approvingly.  "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name.  Nightpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Nighthawk.  StarClan respects your honorable spirit and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."  Hopping down from the Highrock, Leopardclaw rested his chin on top of the new warrior's head to complete the ceremony, before stepping back, cheering her name with the rest of the clan.