The future's in your paws. Shape it well.Roleplay in a cat Clan of warriors. Based off the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. Takes place in an AU before the cats in the books existed.
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Subject: Sunpaw's Warrior Ceremony Tue 14 Nov 2023 - 19:59
Perchstar technically did not have the strength to remain up here on the Willow Branch for so long. One ceremony had been completed, and there were several more to follow. But the love she bore for her Clan kept her strong, forcing her legs to remain still and untrembling as she prepared for the many names she would be giving today. The apprentice's den had been full to bursting for so long, and now the older generation would be graduating to become warriors. She wished she could have done this in a better time... but now, they could use all the strength they could get. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a Clan meeting," she called solemnly.
Sunpaw was quick to join the gathering crowd at Perchstar’s announcement. He was well aware that there were plenty of ceremonies going on today, and, if he was being perfectly honest, since his Moonstone visit he’d been looking forward to his own with an excitement he hadn’t felt since his early youth. Sunpaw felt like some precious part of himself had been returned, and though nothing in their current circumstances had changed, Sunpaw’s eyes were bright when he looked up at Perchstar, his head held high. Whether this was for his own ceremony or one of his denmates, he was prepared to meet it with nothing less than true joy.
Perchstar did not take long to find Sunpaw in the crowd. All of the apprentices had begun to gather closer after the first ceremony had been completed. Soon they would catch on that many ceremonies were to be completed today. The depth of feeling she'd shared with Rookflight had left her a little bit drained, but there was still enough energy left to remain tall on the branch as she began the ceremony. "We gather today for another apprentice to advance to warriorhood. Sunpaw, please step forward." She looked at him while he did so. Willowpaw's friend, Rookflight's friend. One of the kits whose parents were missing, never really to return. He had been devastated at Twistpool's death. But right now, she saw only the sunshine in his eyes for which he must have been aptly named--or so she assumed, since she had been missing during his birth. But he had worked hard under Brookstone, as hard as any, and so he deserved this ceremony. “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 commend him to you as a warrior in his turn." Her light blue eyes rested on his as she asked the nominal question. It was a serious one, and not to be taken lightly. "Sunpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”
Sunpaw’s breath caught in his throat when Perchstar called him forward. His heart pounded in his chest as Perchstar spoke the ceremonial words. They were familiar enough from attending other ceremonies throughout his life, from attending Rookflight’s just earlier today, but it felt different hearing them directed towards himself. He felt the weight of the question being asked of him profoundly.
He’d doubted himself many times before reaching this point. He held himself back with his own grief, tripped, stumbled, and made mistakes. He let himself believe he could never reach this point and fell into despair. He drove people away and grew content with his own misery. Sunpaw took a deep breath and felt it fill his lungs. His grief was still a part of him, and his misery still existed. But Sunpaw did not want to let those emotions rule him anymore. And he would not.
He would live in the present and focus on the future. He would hold onto the idea that no matter how bad things got, they would always change. He would be there for his clanmates. He would be the sun that his mother named him for, and he would make them and Twistpool proud instead of endlessly obsessing over their loss. Everything would and did change; and he has too. He will be better than yesterday.
Sunpaw exhaled and with the motion let go of his own doubts. He lifted his chin high to look at his leader, determination filling him. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever it took to get through the darkness dogging his clan right now, Sunpaw would do whatever he could for his clan. He would be worthy of being a warrior. Bright green eyes met Perchstar’s.
“I do,” He promised, voice unusually serious and firm. He meant the promise with every bone in his body.
Perchstar offered an approving nod. Sunpaw was kind, but he was not a pushover. He was strong. He had worked hard, and he had earned his name. “Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Sunpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Sunpool. StarClan honors your determination and optimism, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan.” With his values honored and his new name bestowed, he was fully a part of the Clan--once she finished the last part of the ceremony. The leader leapt off of the Willow Branch, ignoring the way her legs wanted to buckle beneath her, and rested her muzzle atop Sunpool's head. She did not feel quite the same connection as she did with Rookflight, or as she would with her daughter, but she felt a quiet pride just the same. RiverClan was blessed with many great warriors. With a simple slow blink of congratulations, Perchstar stepped back, so that Sunpool's friends could celebrate his accomplishments.
Subject: Re: Sunpaw's Warrior Ceremony Sun 19 Nov 2023 - 10:14
Rookflight
Rookflight had stayed near the Willow Branch after their own ceremony, as Perchstar wasn't long to remount it and summon the Clan together again. Another ceremony-- and this time, it was Sunpaw called forward. Rookflight sat up a little straighter, ears turned forward with attention. Sunpaw had, however little he thought so, earned the right to his name just as the rest of them. He gave the solemn vow, and Rookflight's chest felt warm with the name Perchstar called in return. At one point, he'd worried they still wouldn't be speaking by the time their ceremonies came. None of that concern lingered now, though, as Rookflight raised their voice to call out a singular, "Sunpool!" and weaved quickly through the crowd. Once they were closer, they touched their nose briefly to their best friend's shoulder before pulling away and mewing, "Congratulations, Sunpool. We will be good warriors."
Characters : [P]oppyshine; [Pi]neblossom; [L]arkspring; [Wi]llowwisp; [R]ashoumon; [B]lazekit Clan/Rank : RC T5 Deputy; SC T5; RC T5; RC T5; Rogue T1; WC App Number of posts : 3131 Gender : Any Pronouns Age : 26
Subject: Re: Sunpaw's Warrior Ceremony Sun 19 Nov 2023 - 11:54
Larkpaw
Larkpaw was not happy to see Sunpaw go up for his warrior ceremony right after Rookflight. It was Rook’s ceremony, and now he had to share the spotlight with someone else…and it couldn’t even be Larkpaw, who deserved the name more! He sat silently stewing beside Rookflight and trying to calm himself down. He finally managed to towards the end, stowing his biting fury as simmering bitterness instead. He didn’t call out his name, but he trailed behind Rookflight up to the newly-named Sunpool and said, “Congratulations.”
Willowpaw joined the small group forming around Sunpool and she offered a tiny smile at him. She had joined in the cheering and was happy to congratulate him now personally. She meowed, “I concur. It is a beautiful name for you. You both are going to do great things for the clan, I am certain.” She was happy to see that they were indeed on better terms together. They both seemed happier, too, now that they didn’t have their shattered relationship weighing on their shoulders.
Characters : Stormdance (S) Rainfrost (R) Sunpool (Su) Wrensong (W) Hawkmist (H) Clan/Rank : Riverclan, Tier 5 Warrior (S) Skyclan, Tier 3 Warrior (R) Riverclan, Tier 2 Warrior (Su) Riverclan, Apprentice (W) Shadowclan, Tier 2 Warrior (H) Number of posts : 1051 Gender : Transmasc, he/they Age : 23
Subject: Re: Sunpaw's Warrior Ceremony Sat 25 Nov 2023 - 18:07
Sunpool
Riverclan Camp
Sunpool’s breath caught in his throat. Sunpool. A name that carried the legacy of the cats that shaped him; his parent’s wishes for him, and Twistpool’s influence on him. It was perfect, and he felt his chest expand with a big breath, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. He smiled as Perchstar completed the ceremony, and he closed his eyes as he whispered a quiet, emphatic, “Thank you.”
Then Rookflight was at his side, and Sunpool grinned as he nuzzled back against Rookflight happily. “We will be,” He agreed with a rumbling purr. He turned his head to Larkpaw and dipped his head in gratitude, squinting his eyes warmly, his purrs increasing in volume. His head turned again at Willowpaw’s voice and he smiled happily at her. “Thank you,” He purred. He feels so warm right now. He slumps a little against Rookflight, still grinning. He can’t believe he actually made it here.
