Barleypaw's Warrior Ceremony

Although it was quite strange for so many Apprentices to finally be on the verge of ascending to their official place within the Clan, it was a welcomed change. Brindlestar didn't like the taste of the wind- something was brewing just behind the horizon, whether she was prepared for it or not. Head resting heavily upon her forepaw, the pale-furred molly remained entrenched within the fathoms of a particularly brutal, raging headache, uncertain of what exactly had buried itself so deeply beneath her fur. And yet, she simply pushed herself up from the grandeur-lacking sprawled position she had relaxed into atop the Great Rock and merely rose up to her full height. Imminent destruction upon the horizon or not, a new Warrior was a reason to celebrate. With the cold season already looming above them, they needed to cherish every blessing sent their way.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Tallrock!"

Phosphorescent gaze, rippling with many unnatural colors due to the rapidly dwindling light of the late evening, peered down at the pale form of Barleypaw. Brindlestar had grown quite accustomed to the beaming grins, sharpened by the heat of arrogance and ambition, that were often sported during Warrior Ceremonies, so the look upon the young tom's face made her features crease slightly. The emotion she felt within her chest was difficult to discern. "We gather here today to bestow the title of Warrior upon one of our Apprentices." She finally began once more, tilting her scarred features skyward, bemused gaze casted out towards the faint sparks of starlight that were just visible amongst the cooling sky. "He has proven himself worthy to climb the ranks of WindClan and receive his Warrior name." Gaze slowly drifting back towards the young cream-colored tom, the molly's raspy voice was slow and methodical as she finally voiced the highly anticipated command.

"Barleypaw, please step forwards."

"I, Brindlestar, Leader of WindClan, call upon my Warrior ancestors to look down upon this Apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble Code, and I commend him to you as a Warrior in return." Although Brindlestar had been Leader since the end of late Newleaf, the ceremonial words still tasted strange in her mouth. It almost felt as though she was witnessing the ceremony as a impartial bystander, simply watching from outside of her own body. Perhaps that why she struggled so much in empathizing to the various emotions displayed by the youth of her Clan. Nose wrinkling faintly, she didn't allow herself another moment to hover uncertainly over the smallest of actions and instead launched into another spiel, reflective gaze resting upon Barleypaw with its signature sharpness. "Barleypaw, do you promise to uphold the Warrior Code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Unreadable gaze displaying the faintest touch of warmth, one only ever shown during the height of the many ceremonies she often preformed, her voice continued once more- however, softer in a way that went entirely unnoticed by most who stood watching. Strong voice carried by the unpleasantly warm evening breeze, Brindlestar's words were easily discernible among the soft whispers of the crowd. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I shall grant you your Warrior name." Casting her sharp gaze back out towards the darkening sky, which bled with the richest colors that many saw during this lifetime, the glimmers of starlight seemed to look down upon the proceedings in response. Hopefully their ancestors were listening to the proceedings of such a proud moment. "Barleypaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Barleytuft. StarClan honors your boldness and unyielding energy, and we welcome you as a full Warrior of WindClan." Feathered tail brushing softly against the well-worn stone she stood upon, Brindlestar was quick to abandon her position atop the Tallrock and instead join the mingling celebration that bunched together around the newly-named Barleytuft.

Swiftstep felt pride radiating off of him. Barleytuft truly deserved to be a warrior. He was always skillful and ready to help. The tom grinned and joined to chant his past apprentice's warrior name. The sleek tom ran up to the younger male and bumped his shoulder to his. "I'm very proud of what you've become. You've always had the heart of a warrior. I'll be seeing you on patrols very soon Barleytuft! Maybe we can even race around the territory!" Swiftstep smiled one last time before joining the others in a group.