Flickerpaw's Warrior Ceremony

"Let all cats safe from the bramble's thorn gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan Meeting!" There was almost a giddiness in Acornstar's voice as she called out to her Clan, only surpassed by the pure relief at the fact that ThunderClan was finally getting another warrior. This ceremony wasn't going to come as a surprise to Flickerpaw however, she knew that as they had been the one to approach her - they had known it would be happening any sunrise now and had a request to go along with their confirmation that they wanted to remain within the Clan - a request that had taken her by surprise. It made sense in hindsight, and she was thankful that they had spoken to her about it - having now had spent the days between then and now musing over the request, of how to best fulfill it... And she was certain she had her answers.

Flickerpaw knew that this ceremony was happening, but she still hoped they would be pleasantly surprised by the name she had chosen.

Acornstar's expression brightened at the sight of Flickerpaw, dipping her head towards him before she turned to let her gaze sweep over the crowd - smaller than she ever wished it would be, but ThunderClan would recover...She was sure of it. "I've called you all here for something long overdue - of an apprentice rising the ranks to earn their warrior name. Flickerpaw, please step forward," she called out, smiling gently as she looked at them.

"Moons ago, you and Emberpaw were brought into the Clan as kits - I promised that we would teach you everything you needed to know, but from there your fate would be yours to decide. You have told me your decision - you wish to stay in ThunderClan as a warrior, and I thank you for your loyalty," she purred, tail swishing behind her. She had been truthful in her offer there - if either of the two had decided that the Clan life was not for them and wished to return to the rogue life they had lived with their late mother, she would have let them go with her blessing - but it was a relief, mostly in such a time where every paw was needed, that both seemed determined to stay within ThunderClan.

"You have trained hard to learn our skills and excelled in it - to learn our way of life and make it your own. You have given me your answer - and yet tradition asks that I must ask again for all the Clan to hear - Flickerpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"Then by the power granted to me, I give you your name," she started, considering her next words carefully. When Flickerpaw had made their request, to hold onto a piece of who they were those moons ago, she had thought long and hard of how to do it. Something to tie to themself to their past... Their old name, was an obvious point but... Faraday - Fur-a-day, she had considered multiple different ways to try to work it in but none felt right - none that worked with how she preferred to honor warriors until finally a name had stuck in her mind.

"You have always stuck out among the Clan for your confidence, quick-wit and determination. You fought hard to prove yourself, to find your place among this forest - and for that, I give you the name Flickerfern," she uttered, a smile curling at her muzzle as she hoped that they would like the name - it was close to how the start of their original name was said, and she felt also served as a good symbol of Flickerfern's personality - what she preferred to make the warrior's name after. "Ferns are a hardy plant - growing in every territory no matter the hardships that could pose a problem to other plants. You have planted your roots among us and flourished in turn, and I know you will be a great warrior." With that, she jumped down to greet the newly named warrior, lowering her voice as she gently rested her head on Flickerfern's chest. "I hope the name is to your liking?" she murmured, happy to hear feedback straight from the warrior's mouth.

Quailprowler watched the ceremony, tilting her head when the name was announced. Joining in quietly to the calls of the new name and cheers, her eyes slid over the new warrior.

“Flickerfern! Flickerfern!” Sageroot cheered. “Congratulations, kid! You’ve come so far!” The fluffy fawn tabby beamed as she regarded the new warrior.