Briarpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Raventail had returned yesterday, settled into the clan, and yet Finchstar watched the eyes around him, saw how they flickered. He sighed from above the Tallrock, watching as his clan preemptively gathered before him. The summoning hadn't yet been called, but they knew. Good news came in waves and yet this one seemed to be something all could enjoy. Grousefrost wouldn't find anger in his heart this time. "All cats old enough to run the moor, gather beneath the Tallrock for a clan meeting!" Their eyes were sparkling, Finchstar told himself, sparkling with hope. A new warrior would be made, something that all could smile on. Briarpaw, his path twisting and turning through several walks of life. What an honor it would be to see him become a warrior.

Briarpaw was grooming himself outside the warriors den, sitting near his mother, talking with her. He, the last living member of her first litter, was going to become a warrior today, something he thought would never have happened. He had been a Medicine Cat, and then an apprentice for so long. Briarpaw still felt like he should have done more during his time as a Medicine Cat. Saved more cats, trained an apprentice… But, that destiny wasn’t meant for him. As had been revealed to Briarpaw, he was supposed to be a warrior. It was confusing. As he heard Finchstar’s yowl from the tallrock, he was filled with excitement. It’s time Briarpaw padded to the base of the tallrock, looking up at his leader. It was strange to think that he was actually a moon older than his this great cat, but had yet to become a warrior. If he had not spent time as a Medicine Cat, this ceremony would have happened long ago.

"WindClan, today we give the name of warrior to a cat who has walked many paths..." Finchstar smiled fondly at Briarpaw, tail flicking to and fro. He remembered walking down the tunnel to the moonstone with the gray patched tom. Such experiences were so sacred and intimate, it immediately made his medicine cat companion a close friend. While he now stood as a warrior apprentice, his service to the clan would never be forgotten. "Briarpaw, step forward. I admire your dedication to experience lives of all kinds, your experience is boundless."

At Finchstar's command, Briarpaw stepped forwards to the base of the Tallrock. He looked up at his leader with anticipation, adrenaline beginning to run through his veins. He was going to be a warrior.  “T-thank you,” he stammered as Finchstar complimented him.

A careful "thank you" fell from Briarpaw's maw, and the leader smiled. Oftentimes he liked to see how his overly friendly compliments could fluster a cat, but Briarpaw needn't be humbled. He had served beside Finchstar during the flood, provided guidance, and walked the leader down to the moonstone when his confidence faltered. Times had changed of course, but as Briarpaw's path shifted, Finchstar would remain diligent to follow.

"I, Finchstar, leader 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 as a warrior to you in return." His eyes meant the stars once more, knowing Brookclover was watching as she always did. "Briarpaw, do you promise to uphold the code, and protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," Briarpaw said, looking into Finchstar's eyes, and then back at his mother. I wish Badgerthorn was here to see this...

Finchstar smiled and nodded, almost a bow as he recited the sacred words. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Briarpaw, from this moment forward, you will be known as Briarthorn. StarClan honors your optimism and open mind, and I am honored to welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan." The leader smiled and leapt down from his perch, padding to the newest warrior as cheers rose up around him. "No matter what you are, cat, you will always be a friend to WindClan. Your title as medicine cat or warrior pales in comparison to your title as Briarthorn, a soul wandering the moor as we all are. Your heart is true, friend, and may this life prove to be even more so." Feeling as light as a bird, Finchstar raised his maw to the sky to shout;

"Briarthorn! Briarthorn! Briarthorn!"

Briarthorn's chest filled with pride as he turned to face the clan. I did it. I... I finally did it! I can actually help my clan now! He padded up to his leader. "Thank you, Finchstar."