Tuftpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Wolfstar unwound himself from Blossomstep's side reluctantly. An afternoon nap had turned into an afternoon sleep, and it was near sundown when the leader had finally opened his eyes again. Ah well, he told himself. I regret nothing. Stretching his forelegs, Wolfstar rose and padded to the entrance of his den, breathing in a lungful of fresh, warm air.

"Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather before me for a clan meeting!"

His words rang out, and the leader sat, smiling down into the crowd as they gathered.

Tuftpaw was spending her evening looking over the prey pile. After selecting something to eat, she sat down with it and picked the mouse to the bone. She wasn't too hungry, considering nerves were eating her alive. With what Acornfall said, she had some comfort, but also some uncertainty. As she heard Wolfstar's cry to gather, she stood.

Gathering with the other cats, she looked around. None of the kits would be apprenticed this late. Would this be her ceremony, then...?

The clan seemed eager to gather now, not reluctant and bitter as had been the case while Asylum was here. Now their borders were their own, their camp held no strangers, and things were back to normal. With an uncharacteristic grin, Wolfstar waited until most of the clan was present before continuing.

"We gather here today, to give one of our clanmates their warrior name and rank. Tuftpaw, please step forward." He dipped his head to her and waited. "I, Wolfstar, call upon our warrior ancestors to look down upon 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. Tuftpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

StarClan knew that Tuftpaw was eager to join the grouping of cats. They were free from the Asylum. And, in the first time in a while, she wasn't upset at herself for being so useless during the whole endeavor. Wolfstar even appeared to be more cheerful than usual. This had to be something big.

Upon hearing her name, she perked up with curiosity, excitement, and worry all bundled into one. Tuftpaw stepped forward as requested, breath catching in her throat. This was it. This was really it. She never thought this day would come. The words were struggling to exit her mouth despite knowing the answer in her heart a thousand times over. "Always." And the answer was spoken with absolute certainty. Even with the fire in her blood, she was ready.

Pleased, Wolfstar nodded once - he had expected nothing less. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name... Tuftwing, SkyClan honors your bravery and dedication."

He leaped down from the den and padded forward, touching noses with the newly named warrior. "Congratulations, I know Foxfire is very proud of you."