Lichenpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Standing in front of the Clan to conduct ceremonies had gotten considerably easier as the moons went by– at this point, it almost felt like second nature. But holding a warrior ceremony in Briarstar's place... Birdchaser shook her head. It wasn't like she could refuse, or that she would've even if she'd wanted to. Today was for her brother, anyway; that would make things easier. Leaping onto the Tallbranch, Birdchaser called out, "Let all cats old enough to climb a tree gather below the Tallbranch for a Clan meeting!"

The current Greenleaf day was nice. The sun bore down upon camp as usual, but a cool breeze neutralized the typical heat. Lichenpaw pricked his ears toward his sister's voice. With a small smile, he padded toward the Tallbranch. Perhaps another kit would be leaving the nursery? There was fresh moss not far from camp-- Lichenpaw was sure whichever new apprentice would appreciate a nest not made of others' scraps.

Soon enough Lichenpaw appeared , and Birdchaser smiled, nodding in his direction. "Instead of an apprentice ceremony, I'm here to announce our newest warrior. Lichenpaw, step forward, please." She waited a beat to let her brother move closer– or to put words together, either way –before she continued on. "I call upon our ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He's trained hard to understand the ways of the warrior code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in turn." It felt like she'd forgotten some words, but oh well. She was sure StarClan would understand the intent, as would the rest of the cats gathered to watch the ceremony. Eyes never leaving her brother, Birdchaser steadily went on, "Lichenpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

..His warrior's ceremony? Lichenpaw was taken aback; he knew it was coming for some time- his littermates past Plumpaw and Fogpaw already warriors- but... It felt strange. To leave the apprentice's den that he'd resided in for so long. To take duties that he'd performed for moons, and replace them with entirely different responsibilities of warriorhood.. There was almost a whisper of melancholy to the change. The apprentice took a breath in- it would be new, but it would be a positive adjustment. He would finally be joining most of his siblings in the warrior's den- and he could help SkyClan more. Not to mention, he'd be able to fully show off his new name.. A sunny beam slowly replaced the tom's apprehension. At his sister's words, Lichenpaw almost bounced toward the Tallbranch; but, with effort, managed to keep a somewhat steady pace. Staring upward, he listened intently to Birdchaser. To protect his Clan with his life.. Green eyes steeled, and voice solemn, he affirmed; "I do."

A quietness settled over the crowd, the expectant hush that came with every warrior ceremony. It made the silence from her brother seem all the louder; even though it'd only been mere heartbeats, it felt like his quiet deliberation dragged on forever. Then he looked up, eyes hard and serious, and affirmed his commitment. Unable to hold back her grin, Birdchaser nodded and raised her voice once more: "Then I grant you your warrior name. From this day forward, you will be known as Lichensun. SkyClan honors your compassion and enthusiasm." With that, Birdchaser leapt down from the Tallbranch, padding through the crowd to touch her nose to Lichensun's head. "Don't forget about your vigil. I'll be sure to bother you."

Wolfblossom sat among the crowd as Birdchaser called the clan together for another ceremony, a smile spreading across her face as their brother was finally called forward to receive his warrior name. When the ceremony concluded, she cheerfully (and maybe a little forcefully) made her way through the crowd with a purr. "Congratulations, Lichensun!" Wolfblossom grinned as she overheard Birdchaser's comment, "No avoiding us now!" She added, playfully nudging her brother's shoulder.