Oakpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Another warrior, so soon? Perhaps their Clan would be balanced again by greenleaf. Perchstar leapt atop the Willow Branch with a gracefully swift movement, glancing around at the camp below. Though the apprentice's den was still packed full to bursting, another pair of warrior's paws would be monumentally helpful. Oakpaw had trained long and hard enough, and he was ready. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own fish gather for a Clan meeting."

After a long night of rest, Oakpaw stretched his body and calmly walked out of the apprentice den when the leader called. The former tubby tom made his way into the clearing and found a nice spot to see Pechstar on top of the Willow Branch.

Perchstar noticed the tom as he padded under the branch. He certainly was a large tom--there probably wouldn't be room for him in the apprentice's den any longer. Thankfully, she'd spoken with Hawkshriek and determined that his abilities were worthy of warriorhood. "RiverClan, today we gather to advance an apprentice to the position of warrior. Oakpaw, please step forward." Once he had done so, she continued. "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. Oakpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" As she always did when asking the question, Perchstar met the apprentice's gaze. Her eyes were level, clear and discerning as they looked at him. This question was not one to be taken lightly. It was a sincere vow.

Oakpaw ears perked when he heard his name coming out from the leader's mouth. He raised his head to meet Perchstar's gaze with a serious expression. It was his time... The apprentice walked to the front of the Willow Branch and the Riverclan's leader started his warrior ceremony. The large tom kept his blue, unexpressive eyes focused on Perchstar's as she asked him the question of his life. The soon-to-be warrior didn't hesitate a second. He knew from his apprentice ceremony what being a warrior meant and he was ready. Oakpaw took a firm stand and nodded. "I do."

Perchstar nodded in approval. The tom seemed to understand the commitment he was making. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Oakpaw, from this day on, you will be known as Oaksoul. StarClan honors your strength and hard work, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan." She leapt down to complete the ceremony, touching her muzzle to the top of the apprentice's head briefly. Then she gave him another nod of subdued congratulations before backing off so that others could offer their felicitations as well.