Leafpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Tinystar made his way onto the Tallbranch and called out to the clan, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Tallbranch for a clan meeting!" Tonight, he would conduct another warrior ceremony, one of the few things that brought the small tom just barely a drop of joy these days.

Amberdawn jumped slightly, startled by the sound of Tinystar's voice as it sounded abruptly from the clearing. The golden tabby she-cat quickly tidied up her work and glanced around the den, looking to see if Mintwhisker was present so that she could excuse herself. Once she had wrapped things up the medicine cat apprentice quickly made her way into the clearing, looking up at her grandfather with a curious expression. She wondered absently what the ceremony might be about. Her eyes wandered, searching for her friends in the quickly gathering crowd.

Leafpaw wandered out of the apprentice's den, her paws searing. Ever since her moonstone journey, Leafpaw had been constantly active, changing the elder's bedding, hunting whenever she had the chance, and helping to rebuild the camp to its former state. She had gone to see Amberdawn twice for thorns in her paws. The extra work was hard, and the apprentice would be lying if she said she didn't miss sitting and talking with her friends, and lazing about the camp, but StarClan's words were ever present in her head, she would make them proud.

The walk back from the moonstone had been nice, Amberdawn by her side. Even the best warriors were allowed to have friends, and the apprentice enjoyed the medicine cat's presence. She had been nothing but kind ever since Tigerleaf's death, and Leafpaw hoped that she would understand now as Leafpaw took on as much duties as she could handle. Perhaps it was her stubborn mind that wanted to prove that starry cat wrong, or perhaps the work was just another thing to drown out the grief. Whatever it was, Leafpaw knew better days were coming, and couldn't help but let a smile slide across her face as she spotted Tinystar on the Tallbranch. I'll make you proud.

"We gather here today to give one of our apprentices their Warrior name and rank," he began, looking out upon the gathering clan bellow. "Leafpaw has proven herself worthy to climb the ranks of SkyClan and receive her Warrior name," Tinystar spoke and then paused for another brief moment before continuing.

"Leafpaw, please step forward."

Once the apprentice stepped forward, the short tom continued. "I, Tinystar, leader of SkyClan, 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. Leafpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Leafpaw sucked in a large breath as Tinystar spoke those sacred words to her. She had imagined it all her life, becoming a warrior. But one thing she could not prepare herself for was the sense of duty that came along with it. She was a little surprised he had called her to step forward, yes. But now that it was happening it felt natural, and the apprentice hoped she was ready. Looking out over the crowd, she spotted Amberdawn's frame and gave her a smile. Foxpaw was there too, and Sunflower. Tigerleaf, she hoped was watching. It was the end of the beginning, she would be an apprentice no more, and it would usher in a new era. Warriorhood, Leafpaw thought, would be a challenge. But she was excited all the same. She would be the best SkyClan had ever seen, and StarClan would be proud of her once more.

"I do."

An exhale, small tears formed in her temples, but Leafpaw meant Tinystar's gaze fiercely, wanting to show him how ready she was. It was time.

Once the apprentice replied, he went on with the ceremony. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Leafpaw, from this day forward you shall be known as Leaftwirl. SkyClan honors your bravery and compassion. Congratulations," he finished. With that, Tinystar stayed where he was and watched as the clan flocked to great the newly named warrior.

~~~~~

"Leaftwirl, Leaftwirl," Sunflower chanted with the other cats as they gathered around the she-cat, though his voice could barely be heard over the commotion. Usually, he hated crowds, but something deep down inside told him he needed to congratulate her personally. Standing near the center of the crowd, the lengthy warrior looked down to the newly named Leaftwirl with his usual weak smile. "c-congratulations," he mewed softly. She might not have even been able to hear him, but at least he tried.

The ceremony began after little delay, Tinystar's voice once again ringing out over the gathered SkyClan cats who listened intently below. Leafpaw's name was spoken and Amberdawn perked up, immediately looking to find her friend. The she-cat had been a bit absent since her Moonstone but in a different way than before; before, she had been sad and moved on autopilot, fulfilling duties because she knew it was expected of her. After, she had been absent in that she was never in one place for long. Suddenly fulfilling her duties was everything to her, and Amberdawn had seen little of her since then. When she wasn't sleeping she was keeping busy. The medicine cat hoped her friend had received helpful wisdom from StarClan.

The tabby stepped forward and Amberdawn purred encouragement after her friend, eyes shining. The she-cat smiled back before taking her place in front of their leader. Tinystar said the ceremonial words and Leafpaw responded with a ferocity Amberdawn had never known.

"Leafpaw, from this day forward you shall be known as Leaftwirl," Tinystar announced. "SkyClan honors your bravery and compassion."

Amberdawn immediately sprang to her paws when the ceremony had concluded, closing the gap between them in a heartbeat to nuzzle Leaftwirl's shoulder and neck affectionately. "Well done, Leaftwirl," she purred. Then she took a step back and joined in gently calling her best friend's new name. You earned it after all - of course you did, Amberdawn thought warmly.