Squirrelpaw's Warrior Ceremony

The swollen, partially obscured eclipsed sun made for quite the strange backdrop of a mere ceremony. It offered nothing more than a dismal red light and the occasional chilly breeze, bathing the rapidly browning moorland in an incessant crimson light. Pulling herself atop the frost-dusted surface of the Tallrock, Brindlestar was captivated by the plethora of emotions that had befallen her throughout this peculiar time. It was supposed to be a time for celebration, and yet it was all she could do to even merely pull her thoughts away the terrible events that had recently transpired. Shoulders shifting with the influence of a barely detectable sigh, the pale-furred molly's tail gave a restless twitch as her voice rose in the familiar summons, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Tallrock!"

Squirrelpaw walked out of the apprentice's den, still a little sleepy from her nap. She sat down in the middle of the forming group and looked up at the leader, curious as to what this was about.

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. Even with the sharp decline of Warrior Ceremonies, she had become quite familiar with the words- yet, 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 Squirrelpaw 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.

"Squirrelpaw, please step forwards."

Squirrelpaw jumped up in shock and pure excitement. She couldn't believe that she was becoming a warrior! The apprentice stepped forward with her head held high. She was going to make Fernfeather proud! 'I hope you're watching me sis!'

"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." Sharp gaze returning to the young molly who shifted eagerly before her, Brindlestar's impassive gaze revealed nothing as she merely blinked down at Squirrelpaw. It was difficult to put forth the emotion she felt into words, so instead she opted to smother down the embers of unease. 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. A new Warrior was a welcomed gift, especially during times such as these. "Squirrelpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

The brown apprentice couldn't help but smile as Brindlestar recited the sacred words. She stood taller and said with a clear voice, "I do." This was a dream come true! This was the moment she had waited for during all her moons training.

"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, they had been absent enough as of late- it was the least they could do in honor of such sacred traditions. "Squirrelpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Squirreltail. StarClan honors your authenticity and reliability, 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 Squirreltail.