Sprucepaw's Warrior Ceremony

OOC: This takes place after the Clan meeting, because Spruce was an apprentice in that one :)

Perchstar's ear flicked as she thought, gazing down at her Clan from atop the Willow Branch. This greenleaf had been full of surprises-- some good, some bad-- but it was now almost over. Leaf-fall was already making itself known in the new chill of the morning air, and the brief scent of ripening fruits on the wind. Time moved on. And as it did, another of Poppyshine's kits had completed their training. Sprucepaw, the overenthusiastic rule follower, had recuperated easily from his slight wounds and finished his apprenticeship strong. Though she still felt a twinge of guilt when looking at the tom, she knew he probably didn't see her any worse for it. Hopefully the advancement to warrior would make up for her earlier failure. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own fish gather for a Clan meeting," she called.

Sprucepaw was so happy to have the affectionate nuzzles from Poppy.  He really did like positive attention like that, and poppy was so good at giving positive energy.  As he stepped out of the apprentice den, his fur was very neat and tidy.  This was his big day after all, the rule oriented tom wouldnt show up with fur sticking out.

Taking a deep breath to try and calm himself down he walked over to sit at the base of the willow branch spot looking up with a big smile at Perchstar.  He saw her as a hero, who had saved his life from the angry weasels... not to mention she had also saved his mothers life back when she was an apprentice. He wondered if one day she would save his kits lives too then she could have a triple save throughout the generations.  He blinked his focus back to the present.  Focus Spruce! Focus he told himself.

He was smiling from ear to ear and could also barely sit still.  He wondered what his warrior name would be

Perchstar couldn't quite hide a small smile as she saw Poppyshine grooming her son. He had certainly gotten his energy from her. They both had massive smiles on their faces as they looked up at her. Predators or no predators, we will be fine. Everything will be okay. She nodded at the pair. "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 recommend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Sprucepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Her gaze met his as she asked the question, with a sincere and all encompassing judgement. This was not to be taken lightly.

Sprucepaw nodded. He knew that this was a promise not lightly made, at the same time he was ready for it and he knew that he would follow the rules.

The code had always been an important thing in his life and he would honor it and serve it as close as possible and serve Riverclan the best he could.

I promise Perchstar. He dipped his head in respect to her as he spoke the promise. she was his leader and he would do whatever was needed to try and be good warrior

Perchstar blinked in acknowledgement. She hadn't doubted that the tom knew what the promise meant, but now she knew for certain that he would. He would make a fine warrior. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day on, you will be known as Sprucebark. StarClan honors your obedience and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan." Perchstar leapt down from the branch, resting her muzzle on the tom's head for a moment, then stepped back with a nod of respect and congratulations. She gave an acknowledging nod to the overjoyed Poppyshine as well. The two of them had come so far together... and now a new generation of RiverClan warriors were rising through the ranks.

Sprucebark happily nuzzled her back, some might be embarrassed by this. But not Sprucebark, while very rule oriented he was a total softy as well and loved nuzzles, hugs, or affection of any sort really.

aww thanks mum he purred. Standing up straight he flicked his tail. He was gonna be the best warrior he could be!