Owlpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Goldenstar was gone and despite having most of her lives, she hadn't been able to come back. Was this the Dark Forest doing? Did they strip her from her lives and is now with the mission stars? Or is it because Starclan is missing? There were so many questions and few answers. He had to find a way to bring back his leader... maybe asking Dovefrost during his next visit would help. But before that, he and Shrikestorm had to fill the void of leadership and do Goldernstar's responsibilities in her absence. Silently, the ginger tom climbed the Tallrock and prepared his lungs for the announcement. Today, another apprentice will be made a warrior. "Let all cats old enough to run the moor join beneath the Tallrock for a Clan meeting!"

For nearly a moon, Owlpaw's sleep had been filled with nightmares. Seeing Raisha's face, twisted and warped, her claws slashing, blood flying... it had taken its toll. The young tom looked haggard. Though he still took pride in his appearance, and did his best to stay groomed, it was clear in the way his shoulders sagged, and the way his head hung low between them, that he was exhausted.

That didn't stop him from lifting his head off his paws at the sound of a clan meeting being called. He flicked an ear worriedly, wondering if this was going to be more conflict or bloodshed, before shuffling out of the apprentices' den and into the camp.

Despite his best efforts to remain cheerful for the apprentice, the tiredness of the past days had taken its toll on them. Goldenstar's status didn't help either. He looked down at Owlpaw with tired eyes and forced himself to take a more straight stand before addressing him. "Owlpaw, please step forward. I call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He has worked hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in return. Owlpaw, do you promise to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your own life?"

At his name, Owlpaw lifted his head. Oh, this was his warrior ceremony. Blinking in the sunlight, he moved forward, bowing his head as the medicine cat spoke the words Goldenstar should have been. When it was his turn to speak, Owlpaw looked up again, meeting the other tom's tired gaze. "I do."

With no further delay, Fawnsong continued the ceremony with a name in mind for the young tom."Then from this moment on, you will be known as Owlshade. The clan recognizes your stoic and brave attitude in times of adversity. As all the warriors before you, you will sit vigil alone tonight. Until that moment comes, Windclan celebrates your new name" With a flick of his tail, the medicine cat apprentice dismissed the meeting and briefly joined the celebration for the new warrior. However, he quickly returned to his den, exhausted and in need of a rest after the events of the past few days.

Batsong watched proudly as her apprentice was called up to be made into a warrior. He had worked hard to achieve this and the clan would be well servered with him. She knew it!

At his name being given her eyes lit up happily.

"Owlshade!!" she cheered for the newest warrior of the clan ranks

Brackenwing had slowly grown used to Fawnsong calling clan meetings, and quietly padded to sit next to Owlpaw in a silent show of support. He looked tired, and Brackenwing could sympathize. They'd lost their mother, and Mistysky had been killed too, the memory of Raisha's bloody claws a deeply unpleasant one ever-present in her mind. Before she could say a greeting, or word of reassurance to her brother, Fawnsong was starting the meeting. Another warrior ceremony, it seemed, and she affectionately smoothed a small piece of Owlpaw's fur before he could move to stand before the medicine cat.

"Owlshade! Owlshade!" Brackenwing grinned as her brother received his warrior name, bounding forward and affectionately nudging his shoulder. "Congratulations, brother, about time too." She smirked.


As had happened before, a translucent, barely-there shadow watched the proceedings in silence, soft blue eyes gazing up at Fawnsong, then the cat who had stepped forward at his summons. Goldenstar, it seemed, wasn't capable of doing ceremonies, and Swiftspirit felt a sharp twinge of worry for her leader and friend. It wasn't something she wanted to dwell on however, especially with this being the ceremony of another of her kits. If only she could hear what Owl's new name was, or speak to him.

The ghost shifted forward, tail briefly touching Brackenwing's and Owl's shoulders in turn, though they would feel nothing. Pride and love shone in her gaze as she watched the pair of them, as well as a deep, overwhelming sadness. She should've been alive to witness this, been able to congratulate Owl on his new name. Instead, she could only watch, gleaming half-coherent ideas from lip-reading and body language.