Acornpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Silverstar hopped onto the High Ledge and stared out into the clan. There have been plenty of new warriors lately, and it's already time for Acornpaw's as well. Her friend, Robintail, became a warrior first, so he knew Acornpaw's ceremony was soon. At least the amount of new warriors seemed like a silver lining to the hardships the clan was facing at the moment. Staring out into SkyClan camp with his resolve in his eyes, he called out for the meeting.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the High Ledge for a clan meeting!"

The delicate overlay of muscles, intricately woven against the hard length of her softly protruding spine, went taut and unyielding under the slow-rising current of silky adrenaline pulsing through Acornpaw's being. Gossamer tendrils of excitement slipped beneath the slight molly's softly-tussled coat, a sinuous network of invisible emotions. Hackles rising in a blatant display of anticipation, the slender tortoiseshell couldn't resist the urge to skip after Silverstar, hasty movements keeping her unpleasantly close behind his heels until their inevitable separation- a clear division in seating taking place.

Large ears twisting forwards into a pert declaration of undivided attention, Acornpaw couldn't help but wriggle in anticipation at the ceremonial summons. Finally!

Silverstar's eyes stared down at Acornpaw, pure excitement clearly showing within the apprentice. He waited for everyone to gather before he spoke, "It is time to add another warrior to our ranks. Acornpaw, please step forward." After that, he gave a few seconds for the command to be followed. "I, Silverstar, leader of SkyClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained well to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn." his piercing golden eyes cut into the tortoiseshell's as he continued, "Acornpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Dark gaze widening fractionally, allowing just the faintest sliver of pale to rival large puddles of vibrant amber. Whiskers trembling in blatant excitement in reference to Silverstar's solemn line of inquiries, Acornpaw's apprehensive shifting seemed obnoxiously loud in comparison to the shroud of silence overhanging the stifling cavern confines. The young tortoiseshell was hasty in her willingness to obey the more trivial commands offered up by her overseer, movements twitchy and laden with eagerness. Sharp chin tilting upwards in a hapless display of excitement, Acornpaw's response was uncharacteristically resolute and compliant, "I do."

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Acornpaw, from this day forth, you shall be known as Acornpetal. StarClan honors your resolve and spirit, and we welcome you as a full member of SkyClan." Silverstar leapt off of the High Ledge and touched his muzzle to the new warrior's forehead. With that, he stepped back and allowed the clan to begin their cheers. This moment of respite from the chaos and unease was pleasant, but it made him dread the second that the moment would end. But for now, the clan shall cheer for their newest warrior. Tension or no tension.

Slight weight pitching forward onto the narrow expanses of her trembling legs, Acornpaw paused for the slightest moment of reprieve- a tender undercurrent of apprehension growing sour upon the tongue, as contrasted to the cloying aftertaste of anticipation. It was difficult not to be nervous, especially when examining the weight associated with taking on a new name. What if it wasn't a good name? What if Silverstar somehow knew of everything that had transpired prior to her birth, and the name he bestowed upon her was a delayed punishment for such history?

It was difficult to swallow down the crushing pressure laid upon her throat, it was difficult to discern her new name over the tumultuous roar of blood within her ears. Idly stepping forward to return the ceremonial gesture, Acornpetal couldn't even fathom attempting to decipher the complicated storm of emotions twisting low and hot within the center of her belly.

"I knew you would get your name eventually." Robintail padded up behind her friend, having watched the ceremony with eager eyes. She had called out with the crowd, letting her voice ring out among the rest of Skyclan. Something was written across her face, an unusual pride with hints of a smile. At the back of her mind, the young warrior considered this would mean they could share a den once more and perform warrior duties in a way that could not be done between an apprentice and warrior. Her friend's churning emotions were lost on her.