Brookpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Perchstar felt a slight weight being lifted off of her shoulders. First Stormdance, then Grebedance, and now Brookpaw was going to become a warrior. Three extra warriors would certainly help lighten the load of work to be done around camp, and they would be better prepared for leaf-fall in a few moons. As much as RiverClan was prospering outwardly... they were still recovering from the Dark Forest's reign. Nearly half of their warriors had perished, and then a few young warriors had gone missing. Rushtalon, Flywhisker, Tinypool... where did you go? But now, the older generation of apprentices was finally advancing-- those who had lived through the disappearance of the stars, as well as their return-- and with their movement through the ranks, RiverClan was filling out once more. Sitting atop the branch, and looking down at her Clan, the leader couldn't help but feel a slight swell of pride. They had all done so well... being without a leader for so long, and then being thrust into a new era they'd had to scramble to succeed in. Even after the deaths of Cloverheart and Mapleleaf, RiverClan was strong. They would continue to thrive. She knew it. And Brookpaw would be among them. Orphaned at a young age by the deaths of Mallowmist and Otterdance, and trained under Ashflight's watchful care, the young she-cat had been an absolute staple of the apprentice's den; a friend to her fellow apprentices, and a helping paw in the nursery. Perchstar could see a very special light inside of her... hopefully, that light would continue to grow and bless her Clanmates. Becoming a warrior would only help Brookpaw in that endeavor. So why wait? "Let all cats old enough to catch their own fish gather for a Clan meeting," she called.

Perchstar's eyes quickly found Brookpaw, who had come out at the meeting summons. From what Ashflight had told her, she was a skilled apprentice, with a lot of passion and energy to give to her Clan. Hopefully becoming a warrior would allow her to serve in whatever capacities she would most enjoy. "Today we gather to make an apprentice into a warrior," the leader spoke. "She has been a valued addition to the Clan, and she has proven herself worthy to advance to the position of a warrior and leave the apprentice's den. Ashflight has spoken highly of her accomplishments. Brookpaw, please step forward."

"I, Perchstar, leader of RiverClan, 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." The ceremonial words came easily now; much more easily than moons ago, when even standing atop the Willow Branch had brought monumental anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. While she still wasn't perfect, she had come to terms with her place as leader, and the duties she fulfilled. One of her favorite was warrior ceremonies... Seeing the joy in the eyes of cats like Brookpaw, the hope and future of RiverClan, brought a sense of peace and warmth to her heart. Her gaze met Brookpaw's, kind but also serious. These words were not just some ceremony. It was an important promise-- one that would influence the rest of Brookpaw's life. "Brookpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and protect and defend RiverClan, even at the cost of your life?"

Perchstar nodded approvingly. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Brookpaw, from this day on, you will be known as Brookstone. StarClan honors your enthusiasm and confidence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan." The leader leapt down from the Willow Branch as she ended the ceremony. Then, she walked forward and rested her muzzle on top of Brookstone's head for a moment. Now there were three new warriors in RiverClan: the next generation. Hopefully, they would bring strength and peace to their Clan. The gray and white she-cat stepped back, so that Brookstone's friends could celebrate. The newly named warrior's eyes reminded Perchstar of a certain queen. Mallowmist... I hope you see her. She has done you proud.