Oakpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Perhaps StarClan had been listening to her pleas after all. After moons of undeniable scarcity within her Clan, it was a sweet relief to Brindlestar to know another young cat had not only survived this long, but was also ready to earn her Warrior name. Perhaps this ceremony would be a sufficient reassurance to the many fears that had entrenched themselves so deeply beneath her constantly prickling pelt? Rising up from her sprawled position, which was wholly grandeur-lacking, the pale-furred molly's pelt gleamed starkly in the rapidly growing darkness of the cooling evening night. With the winds of winter already howling, it was important to celebrate at every opportunity they could. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Tallrock!"

The content feeling that Oakpaw seemed to feel was rare. She'd finished all her duties for the day, and now she could relax. It was strange, and now she had all this free time, she didn't exactly know what to do. Maybe she should just take a nap.

The tabby clambered to her paws, making her way towards the apprentice den. Almost as soon as she'd got up, Brindlestar called a clan meeting. Without changing her pace, Oakpaw padded over to the Tallrock, and took her seat. She prayed for good news, seeing as WindClan had had none of late.

Remaining silent until the final stragglers joined the loosely scattered throng of murmuring cats, Brindlestar didn't even have to spare a moment or two while trying to recollect the words of the ceremony that was about to take place. With the sudden explosion of Warrior Ceremonies, she had become quite familiar with the words- even if it did feel as though somebody else was speaking for her during such moments. "We gather here today to bestow the title of Warrior upon one of our Apprentices." She began once more, sharp gaze reflecting many vivid colors in the rapidly dwindling light of dusk, only peering at Oakpaw for the briefest of moments. If the young molly knew what was about to transpire, she certainly didn't show it.  "She has proven herself worthy to climb the ranks of WindClan and receive her Warrior Name." Phosphorescent eyes glinting with a strange light that gleamed much too brightly amongst the rapidly encroaching darkness, the pale-furred molly allowed her words to settle for a heartbeat or so.

"Oakpaw, please step forwards."

A soft smile appeared on Oakpaw's feature, relief that it was a good thing. Her green eyes glanced over the gathered cats, wondering which apprentice would be receiving their name. For a single brief moment, she hoped it could be her's. After all, she was one of the older apprentices, however as soon as it came it was dismissed. No cat in their right mind would make her a warrior, not when she could barely stand up for herself, let alone string together a coherent sentence. At least, that is what the tabby cat thought until Brindlestar asked her to step forward.

Oakpaw rose to her paws, and stepped out from the crowd, glancing nervously at her clan mates. She wanted to ask Brindlestar if she was sure, but if Brindlestar thought her worthy, then so must StarClan. The tabby pushed the dark thoughts to the back of her mind, and turned her green gaze to the leader, ready for her ceremony to begin.

"I, Brindlestar, Leader of WindClan, call upon my Warrior ancestors to look down upon this Apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a Warrior in return." Blinking down at the young dark tabby, Brindlestar's impassive gaze held a touch of amusement as she noticed the slight sense of anxiety exuded by Oakpaw. Falconbreeze and Silverstreak had looked just the same way. Although the normal cynical sense of anxiety bellowed sharply within the recesses of her mind, she couldn't help but indulge in the long-awaited sense of satisfaction she rarely noted. First Rockjaw, then Barleytuft, and now Oakpaw. Her Clan was finally growing up, even if they didn't fully understand the harshness of the life that awaited them. Hopefully the Leafbare that was lingering just around the corner was an uneventful one, for the sake of her Clanmates.

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

The anxiety was definitely still there, but as the ceremony continued Oakpaw felt a growing sense of pride. She'd finished her training, and she'd made StarClan believe she was worthy, and her clan. So, when Brindlestar asked her, the question she heard every ceremony, Oakpaw knew what to say "I do."

Strong voice carried by the unpleasantly warm evening breeze, Brindlestar's words were easily discernible among the soft whispers of the crowd. Thankfully, following Oakpaw's confirmation of the ancient promise, the final remnants of the overly-eager whispers and murmurs died down. The warm, late Greenleaf evening air was crackling with tension. "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. "Oakpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Oakberry. StarClan honors your gentle nature and innate observance, 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 Oakberry.

Oakberry... The newly named warrior ran the name through her mind, not entirely realising that was her new name. After going by Oakpaw for so long, it felt weird to have a new name. The tabby she-cat joined the clan as they celebrated her joining the ranks of the warriors.