The future's in your paws. Shape it well.Roleplay in a cat Clan of warriors. Based off the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. Takes place in an AU before the cats in the books existed.
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Subject: Hawkpaw's Warrior Ceremony Sat 23 Jul 2022 - 10:35
The first of Mapleleaf's kits had completed their training, and now he was ready to become a warrior. It seemed like only yesterday the queen had been on their doorstep, asking for a place to stay... and now, her children filled the ranks of RiverClan. Time moved frighteningly quickly this greenleaf. Perchstar made her way gracefully to the top of the Willow Branch, paws following their well-known places. This would not be the first warrior ceremony she had done, nor the last she would do. But every single one was an event. An apprentice had been deemed worthy to receive their name, and now the rest of their life would begin. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own fish gather for a Clan meeting," the leader called.
As he was in the middle of a grooming session when the meeting was called, it had to be postponed. He could care about his fur later, though right now, it seemed a bit messy. Hawkpaw gathered with the rest of his clanmates, luckily managing to take a spot near the front rows. For some reason, he felt confident that this would be good news. Smiling confidently as always, he listened to the announcements.
When she caught a glimpse of the tom in the crowd of cats, Perchstar spoke. "Today we gather to make an apprentice into a warrior. He has learned well how to hunt and fight and swim, and he is ready to advance through the ranks of RiverClan. Hawkpaw, please step forward." Despite the tom's half-WindClan blood, or perhaps because of it, he had been an exceptional apprentice-- from what she'd heard, at least. Hopefully that would continue as he became a warrior. RiverClan's ranks were only growing... and the more strong warriors they had, the better. Mapleleaf had done them a great service.
He was right! This was certainly good news! Though he felt giddy like a little kit able to head outside for the first time — he could only wait for the further speeches for his new name as he rose, stepping up in front of the crowd. The tom lifted his head to look at Perchstar, grinning. Just a bit more! Just a bit more!
Hawkpaw's enthusiasm was obvious as he stepped forward, his eyes overflowing with eagerness. Perchstar blinked in amusement. It was good that he was excited-- hopefully he would take that energy and use it for the Clan. "I, Perchstar, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn." She fixed her light blue gaze on the tom's eyes, neutral tone growing even more serious. No matter how much of a cause for celebration a ceremony was, this question was not one to be taken lightly. It was a vow. "Hawkpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
As Perchstar's gaze and her words became serious, so did Hawkpaw's. With his voice firm and proud, green eyes looked back at his leader. "I do." He stated. It was excitable, still, but first, he needed to be serious. Celebrations could come shortly after, anyway. He had plenty of time to do so with everyone. His family would be here. All of them, even Mapleleaf — she was just watching from StarClan, surely.
Perchstar nodded. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day forward, you will be known as Hawkshriek. StarClan honors your confidence and pride, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan." Leaping down from the branch, the leader ended the ceremony by briefly resting her muzzle on the young tom's head. Then she stepped back, allowing his family to celebrate. Another warrior had joined the ranks-- like Owlshriek before him, and Jayshriek before him. Hopefully he took after his father rather than his grandfather.
Minkpaw had hid herself at the back of the crowd. It was the easiest place she could be, wiggling if she had to. However, the excitement seemed to build up like a cannon in her small body. The moment that his name was announced, she sprung forward, barreling into the young tom. "Congratulations, Hawkshriek!" She grinned. She was like a brother to him, and a cat she certainly also looked up to. "I'm sure your dad is so proud of you! You got his name!" Letting the new warrior up off of the ground, the ever-growing molly found it impossible to wipe away the grin. Certainly, his mother would have to be cheering for him in the stars. She knew at the very least Poppyshine would be!
Hawkshriek! The name that grandpa carried, and pa, then to me! The tom grinned happily, appreciating Perchstar's gesture before parting him — before suddenly being bowled over by an apprentice. Minkpaw. She had completely caught him off-guard, but realising her ecstatic gesture was good-mannered, he joined her laughter with his.
"Thanks, Minkpaw! And I did! I wonder if anyone else would." He chuckled. More of his family members would come to congratulate him, and Hawkshriek enjoyed the best of some time in the spotlight that he had.
Poppyshine watched with the crowd as Hawkshriek received his name. She let out a cheer and chanted, “Hawkshriek! Hawkshriek! Hawkshriek!” along with the other cats. When he had a moment, she walked up to him and purred happily. “Congratulations, Hawkshriek. You’re sure to be a fabulous warrior.” She gave him a lick atop his head and smiled. Mapleleaf’s kits were not her own directly, but she still cared for them as deeply as her own.
