Sootpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Mapleleaf's kits were growing up quickly. Another one of them had finished his training, and was ready to become a warrior-- right before the Gathering, no less. Poppyshine had spoken highly of Sootpaw's training. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own fish gather for a Clan meeting," Perchstar called as she leapt onto the Willow Branch.

Sootpaw knew it was only a matter of time before he became a warrior. Every call for a meeting has the apprentice hoping it was his turn, that he had hopefully impressed his mentor enough to earn his full name. Of course he didn't get too down when something wasn't for him, the spark of hope remained. So when a meeting was called again the apprentice made his way out to sit among the gathered cats, waiting to hear what Perchstar had to say.

Warriors and apprentices alike gathered for the meeting. When Perchstar spotted Sootpaw among them, she waited a moment for a lull of silence, then began to speak. "RiverClan, we gather today to make an apprentice into a warrior. His mentor, the deputy, has trained him well, and he has been a quick learner. Sootpaw, please step forward." The tom looked an awful lot like Owlshriek, but their personalities were nearly as different as night and day. Rather than being brooding and ambitious, Sootpaw was warm and enthusiastic. Neither was better than the other, necessarily-- but it was interesting how his personality echoed his mother more than his father.

Wait... Him? Was it really his turn now? He was expecting this but at the same time he was still surprised to hear his name leave her mouth. Sootpaw stood, a bright grin on his face as he weaved through the crowd to take his place where he saw other apprentices sit before.

When Sootpaw stepped up, Perchstar took in a deep breath and began. "I, Perchstar, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has worked hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Sootpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Sootpaw listened to his leader's words intently. He kept his gaze forward, trying to remain serious even if his heart was pounding away in his chest. "I do."

Perchstar nodded. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Sootpaw, from this day on, you will be known as Sootspirit. StarClan honors your enthusiasm and determination, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan." The leader leapt down from the Willow Branch and approached the tom to end the ceremony. For a moment, she rested her muzzle atop his head, then stepped back and offered him another nod of respect before moving aside so that others could congratulate him. She was sure that Mapleleaf would be proud of him.

Sootspirit.... Sootspirit.. His new name echoed around in his head for a moment. He liked it, that was for certain. He never imagined this is what the leader would come up with, but it was better than everything he came up with in his head. When his leader gave him a nod, he nodded back a bright smile on his face afterwards. Hopefully Mapleleaf was proud.