Stormpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Dusk was at paw, and the warm glow of fading sunlight bathed the island. As the last RiverClan patrols filed into camp, they saw their leader once again standing in the willow tree. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Willow Branch for a clan meeting!" There was good news again, this time. Stormpaw was ready to take her place in the Warriors Den. Following Redmask, Salmonburn, and Myrtlebrook, RiverClan was about to receive another dedicated young warrior. To see so many warrior ceremonies one after another, Torrentstar felt some measure of reassurance. He knew his clanmates must have felt the same way, and he was glad to provide some cheer to their lives. They had had enough of heartbreak. The ceremony would not fill Dacepaw's absence, but it would at least provide a temporary distraction to dull the pain. Gazing down from on high, his green gaze flicked over the gathering crowd until it settled on Stormpaw. The blue-gray apprentice had made an impression on him during the battle against the dog. Despite her small size, she was bold and daring. RiverClan could certainly use such a warrior.

Dappleshine sat near the front of the crowd, having an idea of what was about to happen. She had spoken with Torrentstar not long before about the development of her apprentice Stormpaw, and had been happy to report that there was little more she could teach the young she-cat. She was ready, and had proven herself worthy several times over. Her gaze, avoiding the leader's own above her, searched instead for Stormpaw. She deserved this, she truly did, and pride for her apprentice shone clearly on her face.

Stormpaw was resting near the apprentice den for the evening. She had just finished her fish and was ready to sit for the evening until it was time to sleep. Enjoying the last bit of sunlight was her main goal. Her ears perked as soon as she heard Torrentstar call a meeting. What for? Was there something else that happened? Standing from her spot the apprentice made her way over to the gathered cats. Her Amber eyes looking up at the leader. Confusiin was clear on her face.

At last, RiverClan was gathered. Torrentstar lashed his tail once, calling for silence. As the murmuring died away, he began. "Today, RiverClan, we gather to celebrate another ceremony. Dappleshine and Myrtlepaw have confirmed to me that one of our apprentices is ready to take on a warrior's life and responsibilities. Stormpaw, if you believe this to be true, please step forward for your ceremony to begin."

Stormpaw wasn't expecting her name to be called by her leader, even with the surprise she was thrilled. She had been wanting her name as soon as she knew what a warrior was. The gray she-cat pushed herself to her paws and moved forward with ease. Her movements graceful as she waved through the crowd. Finally she was at the front looking up at her leader.

He watched the emotions that flitted over the she-cat's face as she rose to her paws. First, the surprise. Next, the delight. This was a moment she had earned every bit of. The leader continued, "I, Torrentstar, leader of Riverclan, 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. Stormpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

She had dreamed of saying these words for a long time now. Finally she was getting her chance to say them, and she wasn't doubting them for a second. She was a tried and true Riverclanner through and through. She would remain loyal to her clan no matter what happened. "I do." She said her voice firm, and confident.

Torrentstar nodded, acknowledging her response. "Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day forth, you will be known to all as Stormbringer. Riverclan honours your courage and loyalty through tough times. Tonight, as tradition demands, you will hold a silent vigil while the rest of the clan sleep. Until then, however, we celebrate the rise of a new Riverclan warrior."

Ah, Stormbringer. Dappleshine's voice raised with the clans, calling her apprentice's new warrior name. She would be on her own now, facing warriorhood with all of the strength she knew the she-cat held. She was truly awed, and honored, to have been Stormbringer's mentor. Once the warrior had acknowledged her name, the cats began to flock around her. Making her way towards the front of the crowd gathering around the new warrior, Dappleshine purred, pressing her nose to the top of the other she-cat's head. "I'm so proud of you, Stormbringer. You'll be a fantastic warrior, just as you were a fantastic apprentice. Well done." With that, she stepped back to allow the next cats to take her place, still calling out the name of RiverClan's newest warrior.