Shrikepaw's Warrior Ceremony

site admin Gender : ♂ Posts : 516 Age : 24

Smoky tendrils of faint clouds drifted across the rapidly darkening evening sky, rapidly dissipating fingers of light grey occasionally obscuring the newly laminated dusk. Though the day had been relatively clear and unbearably warm, the unwarranted appearance of a sudden late afternoon dusting of clouds had effectively stifled the worst of the heat. Features kissed softly by the damp touch of faint oncoming rains that weighed on the still twilight, Brindlestar gave herself a rigorous shake in hopes of brushing away the lingering presence of drowsiness and undercurrents of sorrow prevalent within her bloodstream. It was difficult to stand here and commemorate the achievement of her youngest son, when he was all she had left- Wildheart, Dewpelt, Breezepuddle, Rabbitpaw, all gone.

It was just them.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Tallrock!"

site admin Gender : ♂ Posts : 516 Age : 24

The silky tendrils of freshly blossomed grasses, burdened under the heavy weight of late evening dew, trembled and swayed softly beneath the curling lick of a southern breeze. The faint remnants of the previous heat of the day remained evident within the stone that Brindlestar currently stood upon, a gentle reflection of warmth that inevitably crept skyward. The soft, porous surface of the stone was lightly dusted with a sticky coating of vibrant pollen, an unpleasant blanket that made every cat's eyes and nose tremble uncomfortably. "We gather here today to bestow the title of Warrior upon one of our Apprentices." She eventually mewed, affectionately blinking down at the mottled young tom, the stinging pride welling deep within the fathoms of her chest one of maternal origins, "He has proven himself worthy to climb the ranks of WindClan and receive his Warrior name." Gaze slowly drifting back towards Shrikepaw who lingered below the looming outline of the stone, the low rasp of her voice was laden with authority as she finally spoke the highly anticipated words.

"Shrikepaw, please step forwards."

Narrow confines of his chest swelling sharply under the unsurprising revelation of his apparent ceremony, Shrikepaw couldn't resist the urge to preen beneath the curious and envious stares of his denmates- poisonously sweet gaze sharpening profusely beneath the weight of his rapidly inflating ego. Raggedly feathered edges of his plumed tail trembling and twitching under the profuse adrenaline that coursed through the twisting and knotty expanse of his circulatory system, the mottled tom's sharp chin was jutted skyward as he took a step forward.

"I, Brindlestar, Leader of WindClan, call upon my Warrior ancestors to look down upon this Apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble Code, and I commend him to you as a Warrior in return." Light gaze nothing more than two ashen puddles of reflective light, Brindletar's poised demeanor carefully grazed the various expressions of those who were settled below. Downy particles of insufferably sweet pollen hanging heavily upon the warm evening breeze, brushing softly against the marred surface of the Tallrock with every occasional current of an unpleasantly stifling breeze. Delicately hooked claws grating against the porous surface of the against stone below her paws, the pale-furred Leader's sharp attention remained fixed upon her young son.

"Shrikepaw, do you promise to uphold the Warrior Code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Shrikepaw's sharp gaze was focused entirely on Brindlestar as she continuously breezed through the eagerly-awaited ceremony, angular features strained beneath the weight of his rapt, devoted attention. There was an undercurrent of excitement evident in the slight tremor that worked its way down his spine, thick and unruly fur lifting and prickling to the unseen muscular reaction. The unpleasantly warm evening air was simmering under the weight of tension that wreathed through the crowd, countless reflective gazes remaining trained upon the conversing figures.

"I do."

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I shall grant you your Warrior name." Pale gaze directed towards the richly colored evening horizon, Brindlestar's voice resonated forcefully upon the damp undercurrent of the stormy sky. Features momentarily vanishing within the tendrils of smoky breath, the molly allotted herself a moment or so to peer upwards at the flinty chips of barren starlight before them. "Shrikepaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Shrikecall. StarClan honors your ferocity and cleverness, and we welcome you as a full Warrior of WindClan." Feathered tail brushing softly against the well-worn stone she stood upon, Brindlestar was quick to abandon her lonely position atop the Tallrock and instead join the mingling celebration that bunched together around the newly-named son, playfully returning all of his affectionate gestures.