Shadepaw's Warrior Ceremony

The new Tallbranch swayed in the light breeze, and Wolfstar's eyes were trained on it as he sat at the entrance of his den. He'd been holding ceremonies from this position for moons now, since the fire, and since losing his second life to a tree, the leader was hesitant to climb again. So he sat there, tail streaming behind him, and waited for the sun to rise. It didn't take long - he was up early today, for once, so after the camp had been bathed in a warm light, and the others were beginning to stir, he finally said the words. "Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather before me for a clan meeting!"

Shadepaw was up already, preparing for her early-morning hunt when Wolfstar called the ceremonial words. He must have something to say, to call a meeting so early. That, or...she would be getting her warrior name today. Hurriedly, she smoothed her dark fur down with a rasp of her tongue and padded over to the leader, waiting expectantly.

Wasting no time, Wolfstar launched into the words he'd spoken so many times before. "We gather here today to give one of our clanmates their warrior name, and rank - Shadepaw, please step forward." Once she had, he continued. "I, Wolfstar, leader of SkyClan, call upon our warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Shadepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

The dark gray molly stood at attention, stepping forward when prompted to do so as her chest swelled with pride. Finally she had earned her warrior name, and finally she felt as if she deserved it. At Wolfstar's cue, she responded confidently, "I do."

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name: Shadewing, StarClan honors your cleverness and dedication." With a purr, he dipped his head and then climbed down to pad forward and touch noses with her.

Birdsong lazily stretched as she made her way out of the warrior's den, though she couldn't quite seem to shake the tension from her shoulders since the gathering. Wolfstar's call made the warrior jump slightly, but she padded over to sit with the rest of her clanmates anyways. It had to be a warrior ceremony... And Birdsong found herself frustrated that it seemed like her sister's training continued to drag onward. She knew why, but she missed spending more time with her. Warrior duties and Shadepaw's training kept the siblings away from each other far too much.

As such, Birdsong was only half-listening when her ears caught Shadepaw's name, and the warrior perked up, giving her sister a grin. It was finally happening!

"Shadewing! Shadewing!" Birdsong's voice joined those of her clanmates when her sister was named and the ceremony concluded. After Wolfstar stepped away, Birdsong pushed her way forward, pressing against her sister, excitement written all over her expression. "Took you long enough, sis." She playfully nudged her shoulder, "Congratulations!"

---

Beechface meanwhile, watched the ceremony from the entrance of the medicine den. The medicine cat seemed to be more ruffled than ever, claws digging into the ground and tail tip twitching restlessly. There was something in her expression, burning yellow-green eyes watching as Shadepaw was called forward to receive her warrior name. One could mistake it for just pride... But the emotion seemed to be stronger than what it should have been for a mere clanmate being named a warrior. Even for family, which at this point was most of Skyclan, really.

"Shadewing! Shadewing!" Her voice joined those of the rest of the clan, and she stepped forward, fluffy tail briefly touching the new warrior's shoulder. "Congratulations, Shadewing. You've worked hard for this, I'm proud of you." There was a note of genuine warmth in her voice, and something else that seemed to match the expression that briefly flickered across her face. It was gone in an instant, however, and the medicine cat seemed content to back away, letting the rest of the clan offer Shadewing their congratulations.

The newly-named Shadewing touched noses with Wolfstar, murmuring a "thank you" that only he could hear. Then she turned as Birdsong greeted her, beaming with pride. Shadewing butted her head against her sister's, giggling. "Oh hush, mousebrain, I got there eventually! Now I can make my nest next to yours!"

To her surprise, it was Beechface that approached her next. She smiled, acknowledging the praise with a light purr and a dip of her head. "Thank you very much, Beechface, I appreciate that! I finally feel ready now, and I guess it showed."