Smokepaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather here beneath the Tallbranch for a Clan meeting!" Spottedstar called the summons, voice grave, as he sat perched on the Tallbranch. The evening sun was on its way down in the horizon, and he was glad he was starting the meeting now instead of in the heat of sunhigh. Even the nights were dry and hot, though, without even a soft breeze to relieve the forest cats from the warmth of Greenleaf. The leader himself was rather beat down. It was a low day for him. His only daughter was gone, just like all the other SkyClan cats who simply disappeared one day and never returned. Still, today was a big day for one of the apprentices; it would be unfair to her for Spottedstar's grief to ruin her warrior ceremony, so he kept his face neutral and watched carefully as the crowd gathered.

Smokepaw had just dropped a pair of quail onto the fresh-kill pile. Not as impressive as the goose had been, but it would feed the clan. The heat of the greenleaf day had started to subside somewhat, but not nearly enough. It was uncomfortably warm still, no breeze to be had. The den was going to be unbearable tonight, maybe she'd sleep outside.

She had just settled down near the entrance to the apprentices den when Spottedstar's voice rang out. Smokepaw trotted closer, curious. She knew the aloof leader didn't often call clan meetings unless it was important... Or a warrior ceremony. Not that Smokepaw had her hopes up, or anything. But she's been taken to the moonstone recently, and the thought was constantly at the back of her mind, much as the mottled she-cat tried to ignore it. Wanting it to happen wouldn't make it happen faster, after all.

And there she was. Spottedstar had limited time to name her before the sun went down completely. "We gather here today to give one of our apprentices their warrior name and rank. Smokepaw has proven herself worthy to climb the ranks of SkyClan and receive her warrior name. Step forth, Smokepaw. I, Spottedstar, SkyClan's leader, call upon our 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. Smokepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?" He looked down at her, dull amber eyes meeting her gaze directly. Many had sworn to uphold that oath, and yet many had also failed and abandoned SkyClan when they were needed the most. Spottedstar almost wasn't sure whether it was worth asking over and over again, but he would abide by tradition and say what he was commanded to say.

Smokepaw blinked owlishly up at their leader when his words registered. It was happening! Finally! Happening! Excitement evident in her gaze, the fluffy she-cat stepped forward. With effort, she kept herself from bouncing on her paws like an excited kit. She was composed, but excitement still shone in her gray-green eyes as she gazed up at Spottedstar.

"I do." Her voice rang clearly with her words. She noted the dullness in Spottedstar's eyes. She wondered at that, but it wasn't her place to ask. The leader had never really come off as approachable to Smokepaw, and besides that it wasn't her business, at least she hoped.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Smokepaw, from this day on you will be named Smokefeather. SkyClan honors your willingness to help and your excellent hunting ability." The leader announced, then leapt down to the ground. He approached the newest warrior, gently resting his muzzle on the top of her head. A brief smile flitted over his face. Even on sad days, the appointment of a new warrior was a blessing for SkyClan. Spottedstar stepped away and greeted her by name. "Well done, Smokefeather. I'm sure Sunflower is very proud of you."

Smoke-- Smokefeather, that was her name now. She allowed Spottedstar to rest his head on hers, and when he took a step back she glanced up at him. "Thank you," she responded softly, though a hint of surprise flickered in her gray-green eyes. Spottedstar, addressing her? Well, it was her warrior ceremony, but it was a first nonetheless. Either way, Smokefeather was proud of herself. All the days spent training and hunting had paid off.

Judging by the tone of Spottedstar's voice, Firepaw was sure something important was happening - something enough to drag herself out of the apprentice's den after another long day of hunting and nestle beneath the shade of a tree to escape the sweltering Greenleaf heat. Likely some kind of ceremony, though as she glanced up at the Clan's leader, the apprentice had to wonder: What happened?. But that, of course, was a question for another time.

So instead, she watched in silence as the ceremony proceeded - Smokepaw's name being called, the sacred words being spoken (a practice which, admittedly, Firepaw had to prevent herself from being skeptical of - it seemed a relic of an older time, but no doubt the words carried power beyond their meaning), and then finally, and perhaps most importantly, Smokepaw's agreement to the oath, and ascension to warriorhood. Firepaw said nothing from her position under the tree- but instead simply gave a slight smile and an approving nod. Congratulations, Smokefeather. Nobody can deny you earned this.