Minkpaw's Warrior Ceremony

From the top of the Highrock, Leopardclaw called out to the clan in a voice that rang with forced strength; "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"  It's was another young cat's turn to receive their warrior name, and this time it was Minkpaw, daughter of Tatteredleaf and Tigerspark.  Despite her heritage not connecting with the deceased she-cat, the fully-grown apprentice bore a striking resemblance to Specklefang.  The deputy had faith that she would grow to become a great warrior, just as her clanmate before her, but he could only pray that she would choose to avoid the pitfalls of that path. Seating himself on the smooth stone, he waited for his clanmates to emerge into the clearing below.

Minkpaw, at the call of the deputy, padded out form the apprentices' den and over to the Highrock. She knew that she would be expecting her warrior ceremony soon but she didn't know how soon or when. She just had to be patient. The large brown apprentice sat among the cats, her green eyes glancing back to her mother who was watching from just outside the nursery.

Once most of the clan had gathered, Leopardclaw rose to his paws and began to speak; "Today, another young cat who has successfully completed her training will join the ranks of warriors.  Minkpaw, step forward."  His gaze fell upon the brown tabby she-cat, and he waited for her to emerge to the front of the crowd.

Oh. Oh! Today was the day! If she had known then she would have cleaned herself a little bit better. Hopefully she didn't look to bad. The large brown apprentice moved forward making sure she moved between the cats instead of stepping on tails. Once she got up to the front she turned and looked at the deputy and the clan.

Leopardclaw met her bright green gaze for a moment before nodding, and starting to speak.  "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.  Minkpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

The big question. The question she was already upholding with every breath she took, well before this ceremony. Of course she did. Who here would doubt that from her? "I do." She said. Her voice confident and clear. For the first time, when she looked at her clan mates she didn't see their stares, or hear their whispers of who she looked like. For once they saw her as Minkpaw.

Leopardclaw nodded approvingly at the she-cat's reply. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Minkpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Minkspark. StarClan honors your courage and strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." Leaping down from the rock, the spotted tom rested his chin on the new warrior's head, completing the ceremony.