mottlepaw's warrior ceremony

The leader found himself impressed. It wasn't a easy thing to do, given how critical he was of others. He'd invested a lot into training the next generation of warriors and it seemed his efforts were fruitful. But it wasn't just him, Mottlepaw seemed to have a natural ability. Additionally, Thrushnose and Minnowfin had poured into the young she-cat as well. There was no denying that the apprentice's den had become crowded, but there was also no denying that the apprentice was ready to walk the path of warriorhood and train others as well.

Stoatstar leaped onto the highrock. This would be the first warrior ceremony since Minnowfin. Another since Minkstar had passed. Time pressed on without the ginger tom and yet the grief in the leader's heart had yet to dissipate. He longed for the former leader to interrupt and take his rightful place - relieve Stoatstar from this burden. It was the hope of fools. Settling back on his haunches, his jaw tightened for a moment before he parted his maw to get the ceremony under way, "Let all cats gather for a clan meeting."

Mottlepaw had been working tirelessly. Since Thrushnose had returned, the she-cat hadn't been as pressed about pushing herself to ensure Stoatstar was fed and rested. After all, she could no longer use the excuse that he was mentoring her. However, the tortoiseshell still made it a point to at least drop off some type of meal for him once a day, and to at least dip her head in a brief greeting. Other than that, she would be participating in whatever patrols she could, doing whatever duties she found herself tasked with that day.

A curious prrt? came from the molly as she heard Stoatstar's voice carrying out to the clan. Taking the brief moment to drop off the bundle of moss she had gathered to change out bedding in the nursery, the apprentice took her place beneath the highrock. She had heard whispers of some of the apprentices being made into warriors soon, and she was rather relieved. The apprentice's den was rather crowded, and while the bodies of warmth were certainly welcomed within the harsh leafbare cold, there was still a point where there were too many.

"Mottlepaw, come forward." He meowed, once the she-cat had appeared below. Stoatstar waited for her to respond to the call and stand before the clan. Once she had, he continued, "You've shown outstanding progress and skill as an apprentice and I believe that you're ready to become a warrior. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect the clan, even at the cost of your life?" His gaze sought to study her features and reaction to the question asked. Stoatstar was only interested in promoting cats who were true to their word and had a genuine passion for the clan they were supposed to defend. Should she agree, he was ready to give her a name. As he waited, the little leader's tail flickered back and forth.

A sharp inhale could be heard from the apprentice as she heard her name be called. Surprise sparkled behind her amber gaze for a moment, only to respond to Stoatstar's summons as she gently pushed her way forward to the front of the Clan. Her gaze never wavered off of her leader, as the idea of looking towards any other cat was daunting. She could feel all of the eyes on her pelt, and had to ignore her desire to return right back into the crowd. Mottlepaw's head tilted in its signature style of giving her full attention upon being asked the age-old promise. "Yes sir, I do." She answered, nothing but truth within her voice. She was dedicated to her Clan, and wanted to continue to serve them, no matter her rank.

"Then I give you the name Mottlerose. May you defend the clan with everything you have. We honor you as a full warrior of Thunderclan. Tonight you will sit vigil while the clan sleeps." He leaped down and dismissed the meeting, letting the clan greet their newest warrior. Stoatstar paused at the edge of the crowd, looking over his clan gathered, and let his own voice join the cheers for a moment.

Joining the ever-growing crowd of cats, Minnowfin took a seat in front of the warriors' den, a thoughtful gaze glancing up admiringly at his leader. Rumors were that an apprentice was going to be made a warrior and he had a suspicion of who it could be. At the words spoken with sincerity, he felt his chest rise with pride, a reminder of the promise he had made and was to continue to uphold. The pride that he felt blossomed increasingly at the name that was called up. Through her actions, Mottlepaw had shown her deep care for her clanmates and exhibited amazing skills that he himself could testify to. Nothing more pleased him than to see the tortoiseshell be given her warrior name, Mottlerose.

The name couldn't be more fitting, he mused; she indeed was a rose, beautiful and sweet, with thorns that could harm any cat who tried to pick her out of her clan. "Mottlerose! Mottlerose!" he cheered. Though his voice wasn't among the loudest, his heart soared on wings, higher than any bird could fly. Quickly, he made his way over to the newly-named warrior, a silly little grin on his maw. "Congratulations Mottlerose. I'm glad to be serving the clan with you by my side even more, now that you're a full warrior of Thunderclan-" he managed to meow, his words soft, but joyous.

Reedpaw wrapped his ginger tail around his paws as he listened to the ceremony. at the mention of Mottlepaw's new name, Mottlerose, he got to his paws and cheered for his new denmate. at last, some new cats were becoming warriors. "Mottlerose! Mottlerose! Congratulations!" he purred, headbutting his friend on the shoulder.

Softpaw sat next to his brother reedpaw for the ceromony. He grinned happily as Mottlepaw accepted the promotion and he cheered for her.

Mottlerose! he praised, joining in the chant for her celebration.