Larchpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Every cat moved at their own pace. Every cat learned at their own pace. Just because one cat didn't match others around them didn't mean they were any less of a clanmate than others. It was something Tigerstar did his best to preach. With a single bound the leader found himself on to of Tall Rock before he called the meeting. "Let all cats old enough to run the moor gather here for a clan meeting!

Larchpaw spent a lot more time grooming himself these days. After his Moonstone journey, he knew that his ceremony would be soon, but he didn't know exactly when it would be and the last thing he wanted was to be caught off guard and look like a mess for his ceremony. When he heard Tigerstar's summons, he gave his chest fur a few more quick links before heading out to sit under the Tallrock. Hopefully this call was finally for his ceremony. His paws tingled with anticipation. If he could just ignore the odd way his stomach kept turning in on itself, he would believe the feeling to be excitement. Of course he was excited to be a warrior. That was what all of his work had been for. And this was his ceremony... wasn't it?

After spying the apprentice that he had called this meeting for the leader finally spoke to the gathered group of cats. "Today we are gathered to name a warrior. This apprentice dedicated his time, and trained hard, and it's with great pleasure that I call Larchpaw forward." He let's his words settle for a moment, allowing the apprentice to approach the rock on which he stood. "I, Tigerstar, leader of Windclan call upon our warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand your ways, and I commend him to you as a warrior in turn. Larchpaw, do you promise to uphold the code, defend, and honor Windclan even at the cost of your life?" The question was always on the longer side, but it covered everything. A question Tigerstar had been asking since he took over the ceremonies.

Larchpaw tried not to get his hopes up too high once Tigerstar spoke. However, soon enough, his suspicions were confirmed. So it was his ceremony, finally... after all this time. After so many younger cats rushing headlong into the position. Finally, the leader of WindClan recognized his greatness! Nothing would stop him. And now, he'd get the acknowledgement that he deserved.

He stepped forward, conscious of the way he held his head high and puffed out his chest. Thank the stars he'd groomed himself well today. Anyone who looked at him would have to see the very picture of grace. As Tigerstar spoke the ceremonial words, though, Larchpaw couldn't help glancing to the side. Was... Nectarflower around here anywhere? Or what about Snowvixen? Maybe Oatfluff or even Hemlockfox? Could anyone see him? He wanted to be a warrior, more than anything else. But for some reason... if no one else was here, then he couldn't see the point.

There was no time to think about that anymore, because his ceremony was now. The question he'd heard asked so many times finally was directed at him now. Promising to uphold the code. Promising to defend his Clan. For some reason, when he thought about defense, all he could think of was the hiss of pain Nectarflower made when the dog attacked her. If he could defend WindClan from threats like that, then it would all be worth it. I'll do it. I'll do it a thousand times if that's what it takes to make sure that no one gets hurt again. And... if people recognize my skill, that wouldn't be bad, either. Larchpaw nodded, his golden eyes gleaming. "I do."

Tigerstar nodded firmly, noting the look in Larchpaw's eyes. This tom was dedicated, and if all went well he would have a bright future ahead of him. Windclan was so lucky to be blessed with such loyal warriors. "Then by the powers of Starclan, I grant you your warrior name. Larchpaw from this moment on you will be known as Larchbreeze. Windclan honors your bravery, skills, and dedication." The tall striped tom jumped down from the rock and approached the newly named warrior, resting his head on top of the other's. "Congratulations. I look forward to patrolling with you." The leader said before stepping back to allow others in to greet the new warrior.

Larchbreeze. The newly named warrior took in a breath, tasting how the name felt on his tongue. A new name. His name. Would that grant him more respect than the -paw suffix? Far away, wherever she was... was his mother proud of him? He ignored the somber thought the moment it appeared in favor of hearing Tigerstar's words. Bravery, skills, dedication. They made him puff out his chest a little bit more. That meant the leader had noticed him, had cared about his many virtues. Maybe now Snowvixen wouldn't look down on him so much. Maybe now Hemlockfox wouldn't turn up his nose at their mutual offer of support. Maybe... well. There were a lot of maybes. But for now, he relished the moment, standing close to the leader of WindClan who had done this ceremony just for him. This was his moment. He was a warrior now. He should be proud! He was proud. He was...

Larchbreeze turned, scanning the area around the base of the Tallrock. Surely he wasn't the only one here. Nectarflower, Snowvixen, Oatfluff, all the others... they had to be here, right? Someone had to come and care about him. They had to see him. Surely all his skills--his bravery, his dedication, acknowledged by the leader himself--meant he was worthy. He was worth caring for. So that meant there should be other cats here to celebrate his accomplishments. They had to be.

Ceremonies hadn't caught much attention from the white molly in recent times. She had earned her name, and Rapidfire had been named most recent deputy, and she was alive and well--so what was there for her to gain from them? Perhaps an apprentice? They didn't seem to matter to her, but as a good clan member did, she showed up. Even if it meant showing up from wherever she had chosen to relax and groom her fur, keeping the white as close to the color of snow as she could remember.

It was what she had been named after, after all. At least -- the name she had chosen. Gone had been that shadow of a Pipit she once was, and she had become Snowvixen. At some point, she knew Larchpaw was bound to get his name. It was hard to be around him anymore, but he always seemed much more interested in talking with whichever new mollies moved into the apprentice's den than her, anyways. Deep down, it had begun to hurt, but that was a pain she shut down every single time it tried to bubble anywhere near the surface.

This ceremony had piqued her interest, though. Something about the way Tigerstar had been looking for the tom in the crowd... perhaps it would be finally time. And she had been right. His new name was finally called out, and Snowvixen swore she could taste the pride rolling off of the tom's pelt.

Larchbreeze. It suited him.

Approaching once it was time, Snowvixen ran her tail along the length of his body -- in that exact way she knew infuriated him. He'd done his own infuriating gesture at her own ceremony, after all. "Eugh, it stinks of tom-fool pride over here." She greeted by way of joke, her teasing face turning into one of a little smile. "It's finally time. Don't let it go to your head now, though. A breeze is supposed to be gentle. Though, I think it suits you, Larchbreeze."