Snowpaw's Warrior Ceremony

A faint grunt escaped Leopardstar's jaws as he soared gracefully up onto the Highrock in one strong leap, and spun around to address the clan.  "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"  It had been a while since the golden-pelted tom had last stood upon this perch to announce a happy occasion; today one of ThunderClan's many apprentices would receive her warrior name, and he was quite elated to bestow it upon her.  He had named warriors in the past, as Blizzardshine's deputy, but this would be the first warrior he would promote as leader, and the thought thrilled him...but also scared him.  He had been tasked with protecting and guiding these cats, and with a single word he could send them running off into battle...but that also meant that he would be the one potentially sending them off to their deaths.  The thought of one of his cats dying under his orders sent a shiver running down his spine, but he managed to push aside those thoughts as the clan began to emerge from their dens.  No use worrying about things like that now...you have a job to do.

Snowpaw trotted out of the apprentices’ den excitedly, blue eyes bright and tail waving high in the air. She just knew what today’s ceremony was: it was her warrior ceremony! She purred happily and sat down, hoping her best friend and crush Beetlepaw would join her shortly.

Newttongue purred deeply and trotted to the bright apprentice's side, beaming with pride. Though, he knew it was her time, had keep from announcing it just in case she didn't know. He curled his tail over his paws and sat down to keep from fidgeting.

(OOC: I was asked to take over, so just pretend Marshstorm's there the whole time XD)

Marshstorm smiled at the apprentice's eagerness. It seemed just a short few nights ago she was a tiny kit bumbling about the camp... then yesterday became an apprentice. Now she was an almost grown cat, soon to be a full warrior. Time had flown... oh it had flown too fast. He took a breath before he called out again, his voice calm and steady.
"There is an apprentice among us, who is readdy to make that final step in becoming a warrior." He nodded meaningfully at her. "Snowpaw, step forward."

Snowpaw gasped, then grinned excitedly and bounced forward towards the deputy. Today was it! Today was the day she would finally earn her warrior name!

The deputy restrained a chuckle at the apprentice's excitement. He turned his gaze up towards the sky. Where StarClan was sheltered and safe always... he hoped Snowpaw wouldn't be up there anytime soon. His heart ached in the knowledge that from this point on she may not be safe. If there was a battle she would fight... and with the murders of late... his mind flashed to Wildfire. Claws dug into High-rock. There would be no more of her.

"I, Marshstorm, deputy of ThunderClan call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. Snowpaw has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you in turn. " His gaze returned to the apprentice. Filled with the heavy weight of expectation.

"Snowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Snowpaw stood straight and tall with a determined glisten in her eyes, and she answered firmly. ”I do.”

Marshstorm nodded approvingly.
"Then by the power of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Snowpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Snowdrop. StarClan honours your kindness and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." He smiled at the newly named warrior. "Congratulations." He offered, leaping down from High-rock to join in the chanting of her new name.

Snowdrop grinned and purred loudly. She did it! She was a warrior now! She turned to Beetlepaw and raced up to him before nuzzling him. ”I did it, Beetlepaw! I’m a warrior now! Which means you’ll be a warrior super soon, too!”