Heatherpetal's Name-Changing Ceremony

Leopardclaw was a bit surprised by Heatherpetal's choice to change her name, but he fully understood her intentions.  He was aware of the hardships his daughter had faced in her life as a rogue, and if he had been given a name by a mother that was trying to murder him, he would want to escape it as well.  Thankfully, his mother hadn't even bothered with naming him...

Leaping up onto the Highrock, the golden spotted tabby tom called out to the clan.  "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"

Heatherpetal knew what this meeting was for. With a soft exhale, she stood up from the mouth of the warriors' den and padded up to meet with the other cats. This was the day she would finally escape her mother's shadow completely. And though her current name had a nice ring to it, she didn't want to be reminded of her past life anymore.

Besides, she was about to receive a much better name.

Once all the cats had sat down and settled, Leopardclaw took a deep breath and searched out Heatherpetal's pale ginger pelt among the crowd.  Meeting her gaze for a moment, he smiled before calling out; "Cats of ThunderClan, today I will not be hosting the usual kind of ceremony that most of you expect.  Heatherpetal, please step forward."

Heatherpetal met her adopted father's gaze and smiled back, then padded up to the base of Highrock, standing tall and proud; the first time she had been called for a ceremony as a kit, she had been very timid, shy, and anxious of everything. Her new life in ThunderClan granted her many friends and opportunities to prove her worth, and now she felt just as Clanborn as a true forest cat.

Sunleap bounced on his toes from the sidelines, excited for his best friend. He knew how much this meant to her, and he couldn't be happier for his ex-mentor. Though... it would probably take a while for him to get used to calling her by her new name!

Newttongue watched with his head resting on his paws, the wounds in his back made it hurt to sit up or walk but he'd still watch his adoptive sister's ceremony. With a purr of amusement, he watched Sunleap bounce around and shook his head softly.

Emberheart watched on, trying to silently offer encouragement. She wasn't the most eloquent speaker, and besides - Leopardclaw was speaking. There would be time for her to fumble over words when all was said and done.

Birdflight was sitting in the crowd. Looking at her younger adopted sister Heatherpetal. She had a warm smile, understanding why Heather was doing this. She would support her 100% for the rest of her life.

Dappledpaw padded out of the apprentice den, where he had spent so long curled up in a tight ball. He shook out his limbs, yawning hugely as he walked over. He flashed a huge grin at Heatherpetal. He understood that this was important for her, but he would almost definitely forget to call her her new name!

Leopardclaw took a deep breath, and began the ceremony.  "Spirits of StarClan, you know every cat by name.  I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what she is.  By my authority as ThunderClan deputy, and with the approval of our warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name.  From this moment on she will be known as Dawnpetal, for she has proven her bravery many times over by fighting against the many trials that have stood in the way of her freedom and happiness, and this moment shall be the dawn of a new age in her life."  His chest swelling with immense pride, the deputy leaped down from the rock and rested his chin on his daughter's head, like he had done when she had earned her old name.

The newly named Dawnpetal purred gratefully and respectfully licked the deputy's shoulder. "Thank you, Leopardclaw. This means everything to me."