Rabbitpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather underneath the Tallrock for a Clan meeting!" Swiftstep called with an authoritative tone. The tom-cat was yet again ready to give an apprentice their warrior name. Brindlestar had thankfully recovered from her illness well enough for her to be up on her paws. She's still regaining her strength so the deputy had to continue performing her duties as well as his own for a bit more time. The brown cat gazed down upon the assembling cats as he awaited the cat of honor to sit.

Rabbitpaw heard the call of the WindClan deputy and padded out of the apprentices’ den to meet with the other assembling cats at the foot of the Tallrock, looking up at him expectantly. Normally, whenever Swiftstep called for a Clan meeting, it was for a ceremony where a kit becomes apprenticed. However, without Brindlestar still recovering, he was in charge of handling more than just apprentice ceremonies, so this meeting could be for anything.

Graybriar padded out when Swiftstep called a meeting, knowing what it was likely about. She'd told the deputy not too lo g ago that her apprentice Rabbitpaw was ready to be made a warrior. He'd trained hard and learned well, and she'd enjoyed teaching him, but it was time for him to serve the Clan now. When she saw the tan tom, she smiled, her sky-blue eyes showing a hint of reminiscence. Her own ceremony seemed not so long ago... But in reality, it had been moons and moons. She was getting older. Seeing fresh young cats like Rabbitpaw gaining their names gave her new life.

A commotion in the clearing caught the attention of all warriors in the den, Graybriar included. Barleytuft could tell by somewhat hopeful expression on her face that she likely knew what it was about. Curious, the sandy tom followed the gray she-cat out, answering Swiftstep's summoning call. He gathered in front of the Tallrock with the rest of his Clan and glanced at Graybriar who was now giving Rabbitpaw a nostalgic, knowing look. Ah, Rabbitpaw's warrior ceremony! Barleytuft realized, now beaming up at Swiftstep as he waited for the rest of the ceremony to commence.

Once the whole clan was settled and ready to listen, Swiftstep quickly glanced at the tom of honor before directly looking at all the assembled cats below. The deputy let a small smile adorn his maw as he began with the ceremony, "We gather here today to honor the commitment of one of our apprentices as well as bestow the title of warrior upon him." The well-muscled tom stood tall as he looked down at the gathered cats before speaking again, "He has proven himself worthy to climb the ranks of WindClan and receive his Warrior name." The deputy once more gazed at Rabbitpaw before continuing, "Rabbitpaw, please step forwards."

Ah. So it was a warrior ceremony. For him. He supposed it would’ve been that time where he would have finished his training and deem himself worthy to the rest of the Clan of graduating and earning his warrior name.

At Swiftstep’s command, Rabbitpaw padded out from the crowd of gathered WindClan cats to stand before him at the foot of Tallrock. His icy-blue gaze once again betrayed no emotion as he looked up at the deputy; after all, it was imperative he kept a level head during such an important ceremony.

Swiftstep nodded approvingly down at the apprentice. He could tell how confident the he was by his calm composure. The brown tom believed Rabbitpaw will do great things as a warrior based on how mature he was acting.

"I, Swiftstep, deputy of Windclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on 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. Rabbitpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

In spite of his cool, calm demeanor in the light of such an exciting and life-changing event, Rabbitpaw’s answer to the rather rhetorical question was given without missing a beat. ”I do.”

Swiftstep smiled softly at the apprentice's slight excitement and nodded in satisfaction. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Rabbitpaw, from this moment you will be known as Rabbitfrost. StarClan honors your loyalty and integrity, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan." The deputy hopped down from atop the Tallrock and rested his muzzle on top of the newly named warrior's head, giving the ceremony a definitive end.

"Rabbitfrost, your mother is very proud of you. We all are. You have made it far as an apprentice and i'm certain that you will go even farther as a warrior. May Starclan always light your path and give you the strength to surpass any obstacle." After speaking to the young warrior, the deputy joined the rest of the clan in chanting the tom's name.

Rabbitfrost. His own warrior name. It sounded so important. So full of confidence and integrity. It was the perfect name.

Rabbitfrost looked up at Swiftstep after he dubbed him a warrior at long last, not breaking away his icy stare from the deputy's own amber one. He still refused to smile, as excited as he truly was on the inside, for that wouldn't be professional. Instead, he aimed to convey his gratitude to the higher ranked tom with his eyes. He then bowed his head respectfully after a few moments without saying anything, honoring the silent vigil he would have to sit through throughout the rest of the evening. Thank you, WindClan. I will not fail you.

Graybriar grinned, feeling a burst of joy for her apprentice- no, not an apprentice any more- as he was given his warrior name. He definitely deserved it. Rabbitfrost- what a nice name! Her blue eyes lit up with pride as the Clan called out his name, and she joined in. "Rabbitfrost, Rabbitfrost!" she cheered, nudging Barleytuft's shoulder amicably.

Barleytuft listened with pride and anticipation as Swiftstep called Rabbitpaw forward. When the apprentice had done so, Swiftstep said the ceremonial words. When Rabbitpaw had pledged his life for WindClan, Swiftstep spoke proudly, "Rabbitpaw, from this moment you will be known as Rabbitfrost. StarClan honors your loyalty and integrity, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan."

Once the two had touched noses, Swiftstep murmuring soft words of encouragement no doubt, Barleytuft joined with the rest of the Clan in cheering Rabbitfrost's new name. "Rabbitfrost! Rabbitfrost!" he called. When Graybriar brushed his shoulder, a jolt of electricity and a strangely familiar joy warmed his body. He smiled at her with a warm expression, murmuring, "Congratulations." Then he continued to cheer the new warrior's name.