Cherrypaw’s warrior ceremony

Green dotted the snowy landscape around the Thunderclan camp. Icicles dropped sedately around the cats who sat in warm dens, or lay in the clearing to take in some of the new leaf sun. The hardest season was now passed, and signs of new life rose in the forest like a soothing balm over aching hearts and weary minds.

It was the season of rebirth and new life. Oakstar, couldn’t have been more grateful for it. After the gathering of chaos, he wanted nothing more than to have a quiet time with his clan. To revel in a time of great peace, and there was no better way to start it. He leapt atop the high rock of the camp. Muzzle in a smile, amber eyes shone with a delight that signalled a great change.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Highrock for a clan meeting!" He yowled, his gaze fell onto the many cats as they roused and moved from their positions. He settled on a particular sandy and pale pelt. Cherrypaw. Today was the last day she’d spend as an apprentice. Tonight, she would sit vigil.

Having returned from her moonstone journey a few days prior, Cherrypaw knew to expect her warrior ceremony soon. That day, after returning from a hunt, she basked in the steadily warming sunlight, glad that the cold claws of leafbare were relaxing their grip on the forest and allowing warmth and new growth.

When Oakstar jumped onto the Highrock and called a meeting, she hopped to her feet and trotted over to where her Clanmates were gathering.
This must be my warrior ceremony!

"Cherrypaw, step forward." Oakstar called once the gathering cats had settled down. He looked for Harefoot and Dacedream with pride before his gaze fell to the apprentice who stood before him. Not long ago, she had been a small kit who tumbled out of the nursery after her siblings. Now, she was a strong role model.

"I, Oakstar, leader of ThunderClan, 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 them to you as a warrior in their turn. Cherrypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" He asked, though he already knew the what the answer would be. He had little doubt, and all faith in her.

Dacedream had gasped when Oakstar's voice rang out, and immediately the queen had gone scampering to seek out her daughter and then seat herself before him as the Clan gathered. She knew - or at least had a strong suspicion - of what was to come, and only StarClan itself could have kept her away from the first of her and Houndheart's kits' ceremonies. Dacedream's eyes shone with pride and encouragement as Cherrypaw was called forward, and she nodded vigorously to her daughter before the tabby took her place. It's her turn to shine... I'm so happy for her! the she-cat thought, watching for Cherrypaw to take the vow of a warrior.

Cherrypaw felt a glow of pride as Oakstar confirmed her thought and called her forward. She rose to her paws and padded to the front, standing under the Highrock as he asked her to take her vow. She didn't hesitate for a moment before responding.
"I do."

Oakstar’s smile widened as Cherrypaw stepped forward and spoke loudly and clearly. Where there was no doubt she would be a strong and steady warrior. He’d known it from the day Harefoot had told him about the Raccoon attack… and now he could see it.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Cherrypaw, from this moment on you will be known as Cherryblossom. StarClan honors the kindness you possess and the strength you have shown. We welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." He declared, his head lifted towards the sky as he chanted the name with their clanmates. "Cherryblossom, Cherryblossom!" His amber eyes looked towards the sky. For any hint of dark cloud that might dare to threaten this good day.

None showed. The sky remained clear, and the voices rang through the clearing for all to hear.

Despite having expected nothing less, Dacedream felt a wave of relief go over her as Cherrypaw dutifully took the vow. Her daughter had always been a hardworking, noble she-cat. She was mature beyond her moons - more mature than Dacedream believed she herself would ever be - and deserved this. Secretly she hoped that StarClan would accept her and that whatever anger they sent forth would spare the pretty big-pawed tabby. Oakstar's voice brought Dacedream back from her thoughts; the tortoiseshell looked up with eager eyes as their leader renamed the she-cat as Cherryblossom. Dacedream immediately burst into one of her characteristic thundering purrs.

Once Oakstar leaped down to greet her, Dacedream raised her head to let out a proud yowl. "Cherryblossom! Cherryblossom! Cherryblossom!" When some of the yowling had died, Dacedream strode forward to press her head against Cherryblossom's with fervent affection. "I'm so proud of you, my brave warrior!" Dacedream praised, licking Cherryblossom's face lovingly before stepping back to give her space. The warrior's eyes were shining with tears of joy. "I love you, kitten. I'm so excited to be a warrior with you - I've missed sharing a den since the nursery!" Dacedream laughed and shouldered her daughter good-naturedly. It was only half a joke.