Shimmerpaw’s Warrior Ceremony

With a bit of pride, Ivystar leaped up to the Willow Branch, her feathery tail hanging beneath her as she distributed her weight to balance across the branch. Today, her apprentice would earn her warrior name, which she’d been working for for several moons. ”All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the Willow Branch for a Clan meeting!” Shimmerpaw would be the first apprentice to receive her name since SkyClan had been among them. She briefly wondered if they would end up showing their faces during the ceremony.

As Ivystar called out, Shimmerpaw raced to the front, a pair of eyes gleaming. She knew very well that she now fulfilled the requirements to become a Warrior. At any other point of time, she might have doubted if it was her own ceremony, but Troutstep's words had given her a confidence boost.

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Willowpaw raced from the Apprentice Den as well, curious to see a ceremony by RiverClan. Especially since her friend was racing forwards at top speed! Oh, wait, it must be a Warrior Ceremony then! She nearly bolted to the front before realising how intrusive it must be and settling at the back of the crowd instead.

Once Shimmerpaw had arrived, Ivystar nodded and continued, "It is my belief that you have trained well, Shimmerpaw. If you believe that you are ready to receive your warrior name, please step forward and your ceremony will commence." Ivystar looked down on her apprentice from the Willowbranch, eyes sparkling just slightly.

Shimmerpaw's eyes widened. She wasn't particularly surprised that it was her ceremony, but she was pleased to see Ivystar's eyes sparkling when she looked at her. Maybe Ivystar was actually proud of her finally becoming a Warrior.

She trotted forwards, stepping closer to where Ivystar is. A gentle purr sounded from her throat, barely loud enough for Ivystar to hear it. "I'm ready." She was proud that her voice came out fairly strongly.

Ivystar nodded at her apprentice, soon to be former apprentice, when she stepped forward and confirmed that she was ready. "In that case, I, Ivystar, call upon our true 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. Shimmerpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" She held eye contact with the she-cat, waiting for a response.

Shimmerpaw’s breath caught, excitement and anticipation rising through her veins. She’ll finally be able to truly contribute to her clan, maybe make her mark, once this was complete. This was the big day for her.

”I do.” She spoke. In that moment, she knew she meant it.

Ivystar nodded as she made the sacred promise, officially pledging her life to the Clan. "Then I give you your warrior name. From this day forth, you will be known to all as Shimmerdust. Riverclan honors your independence and calmness. Tonight, as tradition demands, you will hold a silent vigil while the rest of the clan sleeps. Until then, however, we celebrate the rise of a new RiverClan warrior." She leaped off the branch, approaching her now former apprentice and touching her nose to the other she-cat's, and congratulating her before stepping out of the way to let the rest of the Clan celebrate.

Shimmerdust. The black and white she-cat touched noses with her Mentor, then turned to face the clan, a proud smile on her face. Might as well be happy while her mental state allowed her to be. She tossed back her head, pride surging through her body.

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"Shimmerdust! Shimmerdust!" Willowpaw chanted as loudly as possible, a huge smile on her face. She had to fight to not rush up to tackle-hug Shimmerdust. She was so proud of her friend! In fact, she herself should be able to do the same soon.