minnowpaw's warrior ceremony

Their leader had just passed. A somber mood had overcome the clan. The gathering was tonight. He swallowed. Stoatfur could barely speak, how was he supposed to address a clan? Although his throat had become choked with emotion, the tom was practiced enough to shoved it back. After all, he had spent moons keeping other cats at bay, as well as his own feelings. But they needed something. Minkstar had said he needed to rely on them, and them on him. An idea had come to him before sharing the news, that perhaps a spark of hope would bring something to carry the clan along. It was for that reason he now stood on the highrock. Several moments passed and he just stared before sucking in a deep break, "Let all cats gather for a clan meeting."

Rising to his paws, stiff limbs stretched and jaws parted in a frosty yawn. Much needed sleep had finally been fulfilled. The news of Minkstar's passing had been broken to him the moment he'd gotten back from his moonstone journey, returning to a clan of grieving cats. The loss of their leader was saddening, and yet there were still many things to do. Hunting for the clan was an even bigger priority now that a bunch of litters had grown into apprentices. The call of the deputy brought the clan together, sad, miserable eyes looked up at the small tom. Though Stoatfur outwardly didn't look too shaken, the apprentice suspected he was hiding a whole world of pain underneath.

Reedpaw perked up at the meeting call. he trotted to the gathering crowd and sat down, tail over his paws. he was always glad to see good news, since it always brightened the cats around him. he gazed up at his father.

As cat's began to gather, he flexed his claws into the cold stone. The shock of the sensation against his pads had slowly begun to seep into his frame. Stoatfur had not been built for the harsh, cold season, that much had always been true. However, now the discomfort of the chill down his spine centered him. It shook him from the daze that threatened to overtake him. Sucking in the cold air, the new leader suppressed a shiver from the shock. His maw parted, and the words began, "Minnowpaw, step forward. You have trained hard in the ways of a warrior and are now ready to take on a new name. Do you promise to defend the clan, even at the cost of your life?" This was his first warrior ceremony. It felt wrong, but it also marked a new era. Tipping his head to stare into the gaze of his apprentice, Stoatfur waited for the response. During that time, he wondered how many of the clan had been expecting a deputy ceremony.

There was a moment of silence before the tom registered what had been spoken. A warrior ceremony? Minnow.. wait- that's me! Having expected the calling to be for a deputy ceremony, the surprised apprentice staggered onto his feet. With a huff of excitement, he stepped forward and met Stoatfur's gaze. His orange eyes gleamed with joy and pride, shining as he answered with a loud, "I do.". He'd said it louder than he had meant to, but he really did mean it.

The look on his apprentice's features turned up the sides of his maw ever so slightly, a flicker, before reverting back to their stony normalcy. Stoatfur couldn't deny the pride that rose in his chest, mixed with undertones of guilt. In so many ways he had failed this young tom but he realized that regardless, Minnowpaw had grown into a fine warrior. It truly was time. And then he declared, "Then from now on, you will be known as Minnowfin. We honor your loyalty and care for the clan, and welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan." He let the cheers rose and leaped down. Normally, the little tom would have padded away but this time he took a moment to pause, "Well done, kit."

His legs felt unstable, like they could buckle beneath his weight at any moment. The words coming out of Stoatfur's mouth were coming too fast, making his heart pound rapidly, as if it would help him register them faster. He was a full warrior of Thunderclan now. Minnow... fin. Minnowfin. he liked the way it rolled on his tongue, but at the moment, his thoughts were more fixated on his mentor. Now that he was a warrior... did that mean he wouldn't be talking to the tom as much? His heartbeat dropped when he saw Stoatfur leap off Highrock. A flashback of when the tom had stalked away the moment his apprentice ceremony was complete entered his mind. To his relief and utter joy, the warrior turned to face him again, the faint hint of a smile etched on his maw. "Thank you. For everything we did together." the tone of the newly-named warrior was saudade, sad yet happy. It was a strange emotion, clutching at his chest.

“Congratulations, Minnowfin!” Reedpaw cheered, nudging his former den mate’s shoulder. Thunderclan needed more warriors and Minnowfin was a perfect fit.