Murkypaw's Warrior Ceremony

When it rained, it truly poured. Of course Perchstar found herself wishing that it would actually rain, to replenish the few sources of clean water they'd been steadily rationing over the past moon, but it was only metaphorical. Just as Bubblenose had recently finished her training, another apprentice had been deemed worthy of warriorhood. And it was not just any apprentice. Murkypaw--Mottlestar's daughter, the former warrior, the shadow who had crossed the river--had worked as hard as any cat Perchstar had ever seen. To unlearn a whole warriorhood's worth of traditions from one Clan, and to be determined enough to relearn them in another, was impressive almost beyond belief. Even though RiverClan was suffering arguably the worst out of any in the forest by lacking both food and water, Murkypaw hadn't abandoned them to flee back to her old Clan. She had worked with dedication and acceptance to become worthy, and she had earned that worthiness wholeheartedly. Perchstar found herself feeling the warmth of pride in her chest, despite Murkypaw being neither her flesh and blood nor an apprentice that had truly needed much of her guidance. Once pointed in the right direction, Murkypaw had gone on her own, above and beyond, to learn. And so her ceremony was due.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own fish gather for a Clan meeting," Perchstar called, the quiet joy of a new ceremony soothing the rawness of her throat.

Significant concern had rippled like twoleg waste-water beneath her pelt at the... well, waste-water that now seemed to permeate throughout her home. She had been uniquely equipped from the rest of her Clanmates to be able to hunt land-prey, but even that had only helped so much. Without water, the prey had no reason to stay within the territory, either. She couldn't blame them. And whatever had managed to find itself in the grasp of her claws wasn't sufficient enough even for a kit. It had brought her several sleepless nights of slipping out to go attempt to hunt... nights that, she knew would certainly bring a distasteful glance from Perchstar to learn of. She would accept that fate, and whatever punishment that bore.

But even Murkypaw knew they were in too desperate of times to enforce such rules. At least... not when it came to her unique situation. She had been thoroughly well-adjusted to solitude in the evening hours, and she had learned enough of Riverclan's territory to confidently traverse it without the sun to illuminate her steps. It was during the night that she thought the clearest, even in her hunger-gnarled, dehydrated state.

As Perchstar's summons called, it was of pure instinct for the molly to find herself in the midst of gathering clanmates. This was her home now, and even as she still kept to the edges and back of the crowd, she no longer felt so much as a stranger. Slowly, they'd seemed to have accepted her. With slowly blinking eyes of dim ember flames, she glanced around. Took a moment to ensure her pelt was in order, that the singular flower that punctuated the soft fur in the crook of her ear was sturdily placed. Calm had finally come to some of her deepest wounds after her Moonstone journey. Ripped open in some ways, but healed in many others.

It was the lethal calm of an apprentice that sat at the edge of the crowd, ready to defend her home. Her family. Riverclan. If it was her time to be truly accepted, she would welcome it with humble gratitude. If not? Her voice would join the cheers for whoever's ceremony it was. After all, Perchstar's subtle note of happiness gave way that this was not a time to announce more bad news. She had never pinned the molly to be the insane type to announce such misfortune with joy, not as the way some of the heathens of the dark forest she'd been told about in whispers as a kit. No-Perchstar was much like her. A kindred spirit in the way they perceived the world, moved about it, and protected what they held dearest.

Perchstar's eyes watched carefully as Murkypaw slipped shadowlike among the crowds, taking her place with far more certainty than she had when she first stepped paw in RiverClan's camp. It was a movement that told the leader all she needed to know, if she had not already been paying attention. Murkypaw still had further to go in learning to open herself up to her Clanmates, but stars knew that Perchstar herself had been awful at that when she first achieved her name, and so that was not a requirement. The requirements for warriorhood were competency, loyalty, and readiness. Competency Murkypaw had in spades. She had already been a warrior with refined techniques, and though she had stumbled at first learning RiverClan's versions of hunting and fighting, she had practiced and learned them to wield with enough excellence that she'd surpassed some who had been apprenticed for longer than she. Loyalty was not a worry of Perchstar's. Something in the depth of those amber-orange eyes had left the leader empty of any doubt during their first meeting, and everything that she'd seen from Murkypaw had only confirmed her belief. Though Murkypaw had not hated ThunderClan and would not be able to attack Thrushnose, her one exception, RiverClan was her home. She saw in the mottled she-cat's bearing just how much the nooks and crannies of the puddled territory had come to feel like home. That left only readiness, and that had been the main issue. Not only physical readiness, but emotional readiness. Mental readiness. Perchstar had resolved not to grant her a new warrior name until she was ready for the responsibility, ready for the commitment that such a name implied. And after moons... she was ready.

"We gather today to advance an apprentice to warriorhood." As always, Perchstar's voice was calm and steady, ringing out over camp across the willow branch as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Vaguely she remembered the days that standing atop the branch had made her heart stutter with such fear she was unsure if she was still breathing. Now though, her hunger and thirst and exhaustion momentarily forgotten, the leader's eyes scanned over the gathered group of her Clanmates until they met Murkypaw's own. "She has prepared for this honor and been deemed worthy of it. Murkypaw, please step forward."

Days of old would have seen the apprentice focusing her gaze solely upon that of her leader. Whoever it was that stood at the commanding helm of her clan would be the only cat that received her full attention, with the deputy receiving the same honors. They were not only yet another pair of trusted clanmates, but the advisors of the clan. The cats who held its fate in their paws, whether or not it should rest at them.

That had changed. Its shift was symbolized most notably by the single lavender stem that rested in her fur. It was not to the full splendor of a lavender crown in which she wished to wear, but its symbolism was enough. She was making her progress, just as a flower bloomed singular petals at a time. Still, it was impossible to fully ignore the sentry-like qualities that had been bred into her. Imbued in her with such a definite placement that it would be harder to shake than any other quality that the apprentice bore. Her gaze now shifted among the gathering crowd of clanmates, peering at them and recognizing them rather than allowing herself to fulfill that self-imposed title of 'outcast.' Sure, she may have been an outcast here, but... there had been enough evidence to challenge that notion. To put that fate back in her own paws.

Her attention snapped back, however, as Perchstar's voice called over the small clearing. Youthful hope speckled in her chest for just a moment that the apprentice stepping into their warrior title would be her. After all, it was not as if she hadn't superseded apprentices in the past. But it quickly dimmed in humility. Many apprentices had been in their role longer than she was, some even older than her despite her previous title of 'warrior.' So when her name was called, it allowed that pride to surge for just a moment.

It took Murkypaw just a heartbeat to calculate her path through the crowd, and she stepped forward with a silent grace that was only fitting of the water that she had trained so hard to attune herself to. What had once been a pelt that only got bogged down in the depths of the water now held the signature shine of a Riverclan cat, even if it was still not as thick as one born in the Clan, and she moved just as fluidly. With strong confidence, she looked to her leader, standing tall as a noble sentry ready for Perchstar's command.

The ceremonial words flowed easily from Perchstar's mouth, like the water of the river flowed from its source. Though it had been poisoned, she had not, and it was almost easy enough to forget their troubles in moments of Clan triumph like this. The appointing of a new warrior was time for celebration. “I, Perchstar, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn." The words did not betray her growing uncertainty that the stars would have noticed a good warrior if they saw one, or if their ancestors truly even cared. However, there were cats since passed on that she cared for deeply... and it was to them that she spoke. Murkypaw may have had some cats that meant much to her in the stars, as well. And so as Perchstar spoke the words asking for the warrior ancestors' protection, she offered a silent directive towards any that may be watching for the apprentice's sake.

The next words came clearer than any, serious and solem. "Murkypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?” It was a promise that Murkypaw had made once before. But this time, Perchstar hoped, would be the final time. She was pledging her loyalty to RiverClan forever. The cost of one's life was something that many did not truly comprehend. Perchstar, having died many times, knew exactly what the words she was speaking meant. Did Murkypaw? She knew that wisdom and age, far more than a cat so young should be burdened with, lay in the orange gaze now fixed on hers. But as she met the blazing eyes with her own cool, ice-blue gaze, Perchstar looked carefully. She looked for the dedication, the determination, and the understanding that must be there. She did not doubt that she would find it.

Ceremonial words that she had heard once before, had faced what felt like a lifetime ago. In a way, it had been. The life she had entirely left behind no longer existed when it came to her loyalties. There was the one exception, which had been communicated long before this moment. The one accepted between near-warrior and leader, and the one she would stick to. No other weaknesses, no other temptations that could possibly make her waver where her loyalties rested. It was experience that met her leader's gaze, but a new life all the same. She was not the warrior she once was. In a way, she was so much more.

Confronted with a question that she had once betrayed, the weight of it did not fall on deaf ears. Standing straighter, the truth shone in her eyes, in her entire frame. There would be no need for some drawn-out speech from her. Words had never been her strength, nor had it perceived to be that of her leader. So instead, with truth that would never change, she spoke. "I do." Her fate, penned in tongue.

The words were said, and they were acknowledged. Perchstar gave a nod of approval--of understanding--of acceptance. “Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Murkypaw, from this moment on you will be known as Murkyriver." Perchstar had deliberated for hours over the name, but it seemed fitting. A final way to show that she had been fully welcomed into her new home, that she was as much a part of RiverClan now as it was a part of her. "StarClan honors your dedication and steadfastness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan.” With that, the ceremony concluded. The leader leapt down from her place at the Willow Branch, descending as gracefully as she could, despite the weakness in her muscles that she kept hidden. As was tradition, she then rested her head atop the newly-named Murkyriver's. For a moment or so, they shared the closeness, though both of them were not much inclined to physical affection. Then Perchstar stepped back. Since they both understood the meaning of companionable silence, she said little. Words of her pride or acceptance were unnecessary. All was combined into the one word: "Congratulations."

-

Dovepaw had not been surprised when Bubblenose received her name, and he was not surprised that many of the older apprentices he'd grown up with were taking their Moonstone journeys one by one. However, he couldn't deny the small blink of shock that had taken over his features when Murkypaw's name was called. And yet the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. She was working far harder than anyone else, and she already had all the basics down. He'd seen first-paw how quick she was at learning. So honestly, he shouldn't have been surprised. That understanding gradually gave way to happiness, warming his chest above his growling stomach. Murkypaw deserved this. And besides, the naming of any warrior was a celebration, wasn't it? "Murkyriver, Murkyriver!" he called out, chanting her new name along with the rest of the Clan. The sinuous way she moved, the depth behind her eyes... the name fit. And yet, he found his throat curiously tight. It couldn't have been that he was jealous, or that he was sad. Maybe it was just that he would miss having her nest so close to his. ...But he couldn't fathom why.

To distract himself, Dovepaw pressed closer once Perchstar finally took her step back. Traditionally this was when family would throng around the newly-named, to offer congratulations and words of love and support before their silent vigil. However, due to her unique circumstances, Murkypaw's family would all be far across the border. Dovepaw knew something about feeling unwanted, and the fear of loneliness. And so he took their place. "Congratulations," he told her warmly, an easy smile spreading across his face. Pale blue eyes conveyed how genuine his words were. "Guess I can't say I'm surprised you got your name so fast. But I hope I catch back up with you soon! You'll be a great warrior, Murkyriver."

For just a heartbeat, a flicker of a memory thrummed into her ears. Her mother's voice, carrying the name she once bore. But it only lasted for a moment. It came as a memory to humble her, to remind her of the gratitude that she should feel for a second chance. As quickly as it came, it left, now a world away and almost entirely forgotten by the tortoiseshell as her gaze bore fully into the iced blues of her leader. Not her new leader- no, Perchstar did not come second to the one she had in the past. Her mother would always hold a place in her heart, but there was no rivalry in where her allegiance rested.

Murkyriver.

Something about being honored with a name that represented the Clan itself... it was unique. Had demonstrated a level of dedication above all else. Second to being called to take on the name of -star, being bestowed the suffix of one's clan name was the highest honor a cat could possibly receive in her mind. Somehow, she had been deemed worthy. Under the guidance and tutelage of Perchstar, she had showed that it was a title that fit her. Her features hardened as she somehow stood even taller, pushing every single feature and ounce of her frame to be perfectly still. She could have continued to sway as the river did, but there were times that even the currents stopped. It was only because she had been caught off-guard that she froze in place, absorbing the weight of the gift she had just been given. One that could not be reciprocated in any way other than showing her loyalty and dedication. In addition to being bestowed the high honor, it was a silent reminder. Forever know where your loyalty lies.

She did. Without hesitation, the warrior did. Especially as her mentor and leader, Perchstar, came from her place to press her head atop her own. Her head dipped lowly at that moment, a deep sign of reverence towards the one she followed. A slow blink communicated more than words could ever serve her as the two mollies came face to face, before the leader would step away for others to come in and demonstrate their jubilee at her accomplishment. It wasn't long before a familiar brown-tinged tom would come bounding forward. The first one to come forward, excited and ready to congratulate her. That gesture was not entirely lost on the newly-named warrior, as she had not anticipated any of her clanmates to so readily come forth. "Thank you." Her reply came easily, accompanied by a slightly-faster, but still slow blink of thanks. The smallest part of her would miss having her nest close to the toms, but it would be a matter of time before he would come to the warriors den as well. Perhaps she could reciprocate his gesture of teaching her how to properly build nests and weave him one for himself once he had earned his name.