Frogpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Jaggedrock for a Clan meeting!" Scorchstar called from the highest point in camp.

Frog had just returned to camp from a hunting patrol only a few moments before Scorchstar's voice rang out over the clearing. The she-cat had been planning to retire to the apprentice's den for a nap, but obviously a meeting took priority. She seated herself in front of the Jaggedrock and waited for others to assemble.

"Today we gather to give an apprentice her long overdue warrior name. Frogpaw, step forward." The leader offered the apprentice an apologetic look that lasted only a few moments. He knew how much she disliked being called anything more than 'Frog', but as this was a formal event he had no choice but to refer to her as such. "I, Scorchstar, leader of ShadowClan, 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. Frogpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

When the Clan had gathered and settled into their places Scorchstar began to speak, and immediately Frog recognized the words of a warrior ceremony. She was nearly reeling with surprise when suddenly her leader spoke her name - her proper Clan name, though her excitement overruled her annoyance. My warrior ceremony?! Frog thought, bursting with anticipation. The sleek gray she-cat tried to flatten her ruffled fur as she quickly stepped away from the crowd to stand directly before Scorchstar. Her ears were perked to the words, and she didn't even cringe when he said her proper name again. Frog replied confidently, "I do."

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name," Scorchstar meowed. "Frogpaw, from this moment on you shall be known as Frogmarsh. StarClan honors your fierceness and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan." Once he leaped off the Jaggedrock to rest his nose on the newly appointed warrior's forehead, he whispered, "Congratulations, Frog. Do your Clan proud."

Frog was not ordinarily an excitable cat - she had left that behind as a kit - but she felt the urge to work her paws on the ground with joy as Scorchstar spoke the ceremonial words, commending her for her fierceness and loyalty. I wonder why he picked those traits? Frog thought. Not that I'm complaining. She puffed out her chest as Scorchstar called her by her new name: Frogmarsh. Even though she would probably never respond to it, Frog had to admit that her leader had chosen a good name. At least marshes have frogs.

She dipped her head as Scorchstar approached her, and he touched his nose to her forehead and addressed her by her preferred name. "Congratulations, Frog. Do your Clan proud." As she licked his shoulder in response, she couldn't fight back the purr that burst from her chest. "Thank you, Scorchstar. I will," she replied determinedly.

... and then she remembered the vigil. Oh, mouse-dung. Hopefully the weather is clear. It'll go fast. I hope. It didn't really matter, though: Frogmarsh was a warrior now.

After the congratulatory chanting of the warrior's new name and their disperse, Asterspark slipped through the disassembling cats to approach his former apprentice. Sure, he was still grumpy and depressed, but what kind of cat would he be if he didn't congratulate her? "Congrats, Frogmarsh. You'll make a fine warrior." Well, that was that. With a dip of his head, he turned and padded back to the warriors' den.