Fernpaw's Warrior Ceremony

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 wrought with chilly gales that had buffeted the forest and moorlands with an unrelenting force, a late afternoon snowfall had effectively smothered down the worst of the bitter winds. Features kissed softly by the damp touch of more snowfall that weighed on the still twilight, Brindleface gave herself a rigorous shake in hopes of brushing away the lingering drowsiness that hung heavily in her veins. It had been a difficult past few days, with Wildstar abdicating his position and the fact that they lacked enough Warriors to stick together an actual patrol, but hopefully the slow-coming arrival of spring would change that.

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

Fernpaw came padding out of the apprentice den when she heard a meeting be called. She sat next to patchpaw as she looked up at brindleface with a huge smile on her face.

The sea of stiffening grasses that unfolded endlessly upon the moorland before them twisted and curled under the faint urging of a barely evident breeze. The chill arose from both the stone beneath Brindleface's paws and descended from the darkening evening sky. The clumps of downy snow stirred faintly within the tendrils of the cold breeze, sending flakes of brilliant white raining down upon the gathering crowd. Shifting her weight atop the smooth, practically frigid stone, the pale molly blinked as cats were gradually dusted with frost. "We gather here today to bestow the title of Warrior upon one of our Apprentices." She eventually mewed, tilting her face upwards, gaze cast out towards the faint sparks of starlight that were gleaming among the richly colored night sky. "She has proven herself worthy to climb the ranks of WindClan and receive her Warrior name." Gaze slowly drifting back towards the young tabby she-cat 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.

"Fernpaw, please step forwards."

Fernpaw stepped forwards with a giant smile on her face, ready to become a warrior of the clan she loved.

"I, Brindleface, Leader of WindClan, call upon my Warrior ancestors to look down upon this Apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble Code, and I commend her to you as a Warrior in return." Light gaze nothing more than two ashen puddles of reflective light, Brindleface's poised demeanor carefully grazed the various expressions of those who were settled below. Downy flakes of powdery snow hung heavily on the chilly air, brushing softly against the marred surface of the Tallrock with every occasional current of a chilly breeze. Paws, rightfully numb from prolonged contact with the stone itself, shifted expectantly as she continued to gaze at the young she-cat who was gazing back with a palpable sense of excitement.

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

“I do.” she said with a nod and excitement sparkling in her eyes. She couldn’t believe she was becoming a warrior.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I shall grant you your Warrior name." Pale gaze directed towards the starkly colored evening horizon, Brindleface's voice resonated softly atop the chilly air. 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. "Fernpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Fernstep. StarClan honors your tireless energy and good nature, and we welcome you as a full Warrior of WindClan." Feathered tail brushing softly against the well-worn stone she stood upon, Brindleface was quick to abandon her position atop the Tallrock and instead join the mingling celebration that bunched together around the newly-named Fernstep.

Fernstep smiled as many of her friends and family surrounded her as they congratulated the newest warrior.

"Fernstep! Fernstep!" Softpaw mewed, blue eyes brimming with happiness. Fernstep deserved this so much! Softpaw had never forgotten that Fernstep had saved her life from a fox, and she wouldn't ever. She ran up to the she-cat and gave her a friendly nuzzle of congratulations.

Patchpaw pushed through the crowd, he smiled at his mate hollering "Fernstep! Fernstep!" before pouncing on her and covering her with licks. He couldn't believe she had finally become a warrior! He was so proud. He couldn't wait until they were both warriors, they would have so many adventures!