Sapphire's Permaqueen/Renaming Ceremony

Bloodstrike had thought long and hard about this decision, but after observing Sapphire for the entire time she had been here, he'd finally made up his mind. He climbed up to Tallbranch one evening just before the warriors were getting ready for bed. He sat down upon it and let his voice be heard. "Let all of those who are old enough to climb a tree gather beneath the Tallbranch for a clan meeting!" His eyes went to the nursery, seeking out Sapphire. Never in a million moons had he expected to give a rogue a proper clan name.

Dawnfeather looked up in expectance. Was that even a- well, it was now. She trotted over to sit under the Tallbranch, craning her neck to look at her former mentor. The nursery? Dawnfeather half-turned to look over, wondering which lucky kit was being apprentice today. Being apprenticed was fun, but being made a warrior was even funner!

Hmm.

That wasn’t a word.

The young warrior waved her tail at any of her friends and family that came over to watch the ceremony. An apprentice ceremony- oooooooooooooooooooooooh, but what if it was… okay, she didn’t know what else it would be, but still. She could dream.

Sapphire dutifully exited the nursery, quietly hushing crying kits with a soft promise that she would be back soon. They were not hers, but she was watching the sweet young things while their mother stretched her legs in the territory. She was pleased to be trusted with their safety, even if it was a task so simple as to curl around them for a morning nap. Sapphire settled close to the Tallbranch and curled her fluffy tail neatly around her paws. Would another of her children be made a warrior? Would one of the other darling apprentices earn their names? Her blue eyes shone with eagerness as she glanced up at the deputy.

Bloodstrike's eyes went to Sapphire and his brain suddenly scrambled for the words to say. He'd hoped they would just... come to him more or less. Now? He had no idea. He'd never done a ceremony like this one before, but he cleared his throat and gave it the best effort that he could anyway.

"I've gathered you all here today to witness a renaming ceremony... as well as to welcome a new queen to Skyclan, if she should want it. Sapphire, please step forward. You have been with us for many moons and you have been a caring and compassionate figure to all kits, not just your own."

Hoo boy.... was he doing this right? At least sounded more confident than he felt.

"Is it your wish to remain in the nursery and be a mother figure for all of the kits, and be recognized as a full member of Skyclan?" And with that he waited for her response.

The queen glanced around at first—the others had heard too, right?—and then stepped forward into the open. SkyClan was offered as a temporary home, yet here she was, being extended the offer of true belonging. She wasn’t sure how things would be different, but at least she would no longer be living with them on borrowed time. Maybe their ancestors would love her, too. Maybe… maybe she could join them when her time came so she could watch over her beloved new Clan from the stars.

“It is.” She responded, her smooth voice floating over the crowd like birdsong.

Bloodstrike didn't hear any snickering... so that was a good sign? He was doing this correctly then... joy! When Sapphire confirmed that she wanted to be recognized as a true member of Skyclan, and an ever presence in the nursery, Bloodstrike smiled and gave her a nod.

"I, Bloodstrike, deputy of Skyclan welcome you as a full member of Skyclan. Your new name will be Lynxpetal. Skyclan is fortunate to have such a compassionate and patient queen in our nursery." And with that, he gave her a drip of the head and his eyes softened considerably. The meeting had concluded... and he hoped she'd like her new name.

Newtspring had already retreated to the warrior's den by the time Bloodstrike's voice rose through the camp. Poking his head back outside, the tom watched with large disinterest. More apprentices, probably... his jaws parted in a yawn at the thought. But then Sapphire's name was called, and his ears twitched as he stepped further out of the den.

It was amusing, watching his father feel his way through the words, but for once Newtspring kept his mouth shut. As the ceremony closed, Newtspring weaved his way over to the queen, flicking his tail against her shoulder. "Nice, eh, Lynxpetal?" He purred smoothly. He hadn't talked to her much, if at all, but she'd been more than welcome in the previous moons, and more than deserved to be recognized as a part of SkyClan.

Smokefeather lifted her head as Bloodstrike's call rang out across camp, though she remained half-curled in her spot near the elder's den. Probably another apprentice ceremony, and there was little use for an elder attending those. If she'd been a warrior, she would have moved closer, maybe hoped to be selected to mentor the next generation... Those days were long behind her, however.

Sapphire's name being called wasn't what she'd expected. The queen had been unwavering in her support of the clan through problems that she had no business being involved in, and was a steady, calming presence around an often volatile camp. The corner of Smokefeather's lip twitched up into a small smile as Bloodstrike continued to speak. So Sapphire was to become a full member of the clan and take on a new name, if she agreed. She watched the former loner, curious to see her reaction.

Sapphire accepted, and was given a name. As the ceremony concluded, Smokefeather's voice lifted to join those of her clanmates in congratulating the clan's newest full-fledged member.

"Congratulations, Lynxpetal!" She mewed, padding forward, "A lovely name, too... I think you lucked out." A hint of a smirk crossed her expression. Bloodstrike couldn't have used a name like that on their kits? Really?

"Lynxpetal! Lynxpetal! Lynxpetal!" Cricketpaw had gathered with the rest of the crowd. His lanky dusty brown and gray coat had recently been groomed, only moments before the gathering, and further allowed the stark contrast of his tabby stripes to stand out. But what was far more noticeable was the sparkle in his olive green gaze. The she-cat becoming a true Skyclanner was something that filled his young heart with joy. Since their parents had been gone a long time, it was the queen who had looked carefully after him and his brother. Looking around, the newly-named apprentice tried to find his kin so they could share in this moment together. It was likely that his sibling was sitting stoic, watching the ceremony with a stiff expression. But surely the other tom couldn't ignore how wonderful this moment was.