Ravenpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all of ShadowClan gather in the shadow of the Jaggedrock!"

Flintstar's voice rang out across the camp as he called for his Clan, gaze sweeping the clearing as he watched as cats started to gather. It was time for another apprentice to gain their warrior name, but it was not fully a joyous occasion. He felt pity - no, that wasn't the word...Sadness, it was the best way to explain the feeling that swirled in his chest - for Ravenpaw. She had completed her training, proven herself well...But her mentor would not be here to see it. Moonshine was dead - slain, and he could only assume that the rogues that prowled the territory was responsible. He wanted to be angry, more cats leaving the camp alone despite his orders...But it was not time to dwell on his mixed feelings towards the deaths that seemed to plague his Clan - no, it was time to celebrate Ravenpaw's deeds - he could only hope that Moonshine was watching from StarClan.

Ravenpaw approached with the other cats, but her mind was elsewhere. Moonshine's death had her feeling lost. She had been her mentor, and now that she was gone, she was reminded of how easily other cats take lives. She sat down and stared up at Flintstar, trying to stay focused on the moment, rather than on something she cannot change.

Flintstar's ear twitched as he spotted Ravenpaw sit among the crowd, looking rather distracted. He let out a soft huff, before he lifted his head to speak. "I've called you all here to witness an apprentice gain their warrior name. Ravenpaw, please step forward," he meowed, dipping his head to the she-cat. He knew this couldn't be easy for her but such was the way of things - Moonshine was gone, but life would continue on even if the she-cat would be dearly missed. All they could do was look forward. "I, Flintstar, leader of ShadowClan, 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 her to you as a warrior in her turn. Ravenpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

At the mention of her name, Ravenpaw looked up and it took her a moment to realize what Flintstar had said. She was going to become a warrior. The happiness she would have felt was dampened, but not gone. She stepped forward with her head held high, determined to be the best warrior she could. "I do." The she-cat spoke softly, but with confidence. She glanced at the sky for a moment, hoping Moonshine was watching, and was proud of her.

Flintstar dipped his head as Ravenpaw spoke the two words, before he raised his head to speak. "Then by the powers granted to me, I give you your warrior name. Ravenpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Ravenwing. We honors your curiosity and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan." As he finished, he jumped down from the rock and approached her, resting his chin on her head. "Congratulations, Ravenwing. I'm sure Moonshine is proud of you - as all of ShadowClan is."

Murkystrike watched the ceremony unfold, tears streaming into the fur at her cheeks. Stars she wished Moonshine was here to see her apprentice become a warrior.... Ravenpaw received her warrior name, and Murkystrike's voice rose to the sky as she chanted it before padding forward, waiting patiently for Flintstar to back away before stepping forward and touching her nose to her daughter's cheek. "Congratulations, Ravenwing. Moonshine is so proud of you, and so am I. Be careful tonight, as you keep watch - if you need me I'll only be a few tail lengths away." She mewed softly, rasping a tongue over the new warrior's ears before stepping away to give others the space to offer their own congratulations.

Mistyfalcon sat quietly next to Murkystrike, tail entwined with hers as Flintstar called the ceremony together. Finding Moonshine's body had taken a lot out of him, and the dark-furred tom appeared more tired than he normally would have at this time of day. Still, he managed a smile, voice lifting with those of his clanmates in congratulating Shadowclan's newest warrior. He padded forward alongside Murkystrike, gently nudging Ravenwing's shoulder.

"Congratulations, Ravenwing!" He mewed, "I'm proud of you-" and Murkystrike was too, "-Moonshine would be proud of you, too. You've worked hard to earn the name." He added, voice softer. It was the only comfort he knew how to give, and he quietly stepped back to let the rest of the clan says their congratulations.

Ravenpaw, now Ravenwing, couldn't help but to purr at the comfort and praise of each cat who came to her. She leaned her head into Murkystrike when she approached, glad her mother was here, despite the sadness that many of the clan probably shared. A warmth filled her once Mistyfalcon approached, and she knew she would do anything to protect them and all of her clanmates from the dangers that seemed to be lurking. "Thank you." Ravenwing spoke softly to the cats who had approached her, and her eyes glittered with unshed tears.