Heatherpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Tigerstar had heard of the growing abilities of another apprentice. After speaking with the respective apprentice's mentor, Tigerstar decided it was time for her to earn her name. While it wasn't so soon after her sister there still wasn't much of a gap between the two. They were still very much equals in his mind. "Let all cats old enough to run the moor gather under Tall Rock for a clan meeting!"

Heatherpaw's slender frame ached with a reminder of the journey across the moor and up the side of Highstones. It was a pleasant burn, one that replaced the bitter churning in her stomach with a brief excitement. Her feelings inadequacy, disdain, had not been so easily dismissed but they were briefly displaced. Pristinely groomed pelt rippling, the apprentice strode to the center of the clearing at Tigerstar's call with her hear high. Steely blue eyes fixed themselves on the leader as she sat back on her haunches. It was time he recognized her talent; in fact, it should have happened sooner. At the thought, her tail flicked loftily as she waited for the rest of the clan together so that the ceremony could continue.

"Today we are gathered to name a warrior. She has worked hard to earn her spot, and I couldn't be more proud of her. Heatherpaw please come forward." Green eyes fell to the apprentice, giving her an encouraging nod, waiting patiently for her to come forward.

"I, Tigerstar, leader of Windclan call upon my ancestors to look up on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand your ways and your noble code and I commend her to you as a warrior in turn." Tigerstar stated with his usual flare on the words. "Heatherpaw, do you promise to should the code, defend and honor Windclan even at the cost of your life?" Tigerstar wrapped his tail around his paws as he eagerly awaited the apprentices answer.

Heatherpaw straightened up even taller than before at the words, relishing in the praise. At the back of her mind came a bitter, stinging thought that echoed, why didn't you see it before? The brief nod seemed to drive it back slightly as she strode to the front of the clan, presenting herself as a cat who was worthy to be called a warrior. Her shining pelt flowed with ear step, curled ears not even flicking but perked forward in a show of attentiveness.

This was what her trip to the Moonstone had been about. All the moons leading up to this. When it was Heatherpaw's time to speak, her voice didn't waver as she declared, "My life is Windclan's."

It was a different phrase than what Tigerstar was expecting but that didn't mean it was any less impactful. In fact, he found the phrase to be better than the usual. Tigerstar gave a firm nod at her response, before continuing on with the ceremony. "Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Heatherpaw from this moment on you will be known as Heatherfrost. Windclan honors your reliability and your perception. Congratulations."

Tigerstar jumped down and rest his head on top of the newly named warrior's. "Thank you for being dedicated to Windclan." He quietly told Heatherfrost before stepping allowing the rest of clan to congratulate the new warrior.

Larchpaw couldn't help but grin when he heard the name that this particular ceremony was for. He'd known the deputy's daughter was a bit older than him, so she was probably owed her name, especially when a sibling or two had already gained theirs. It made him bristle a little bit that she'd be moving on before him, leaving him behind, but he flattened his fur and instead decided this was a milestone she deserved. Surely he wouldn't take too much longer to catch up. And besides... maybe she'd miss him. That would be nice.

"Heatherfrost! Heatherfrost!" Larchpaw cheered happily, letting his voice join the throngs that rose towards the infinitely blue sky. The same sky they'd spent time together under. She wouldn't forget that, just because she got a new name. Right? The grin on his face only grew as he sidled closer, brushing cream fur with ginger calico tabby. "Congratulations! Finally Tigerstar sees your true potential, huh? Just don't go running away too fast where I can't catch you. I gotta run twice as hard, now."

Cloudypetal was mildly took offguard to see Tigerstar calling a meeting. It felt like every time those words were spoken, an apprentice was promoted. Thank stars that slowed down, she thought. I would have five apprentices by now if that continued. She was delighted to realize that it was for Heatherpaw! About time! Her eyes were wide and sparkling as she watched Heatherpaw receive her name. She had become really fond of the pretty molly after their time together. She was glad to see Heatherpaw get the recognition she deserved. She yowled for her new friend, hoping she knew how proud of her she was.

Heatherfrost! Heatherfrost! Heatherfrost!

She lifted to her paws and approached the newly appointed warrior, her ears perked and her bushy tail held high. "Heatherfrost suits you! Congratulations. I hope you have a peaceful vigil." She purred, dipping her head at the deputy in acknowledgement. "Need help making a nest in the warriors' den? I have the best moss!"

Rapidpaw was so happy for her sister, Heather was going to be a great warrior. She cheered her sibling on watching as she recieved her warriors name.

"Yeah!! Go Heatherfrost"