Shrikepaw's Warrior Ceremony

Silverstar once again left his den and headed towards the High Ledge. It was time to add another warrior into SkyClan's ranks. He felt happy about this, seeing SkyClan's numbers grow. Since the Great War, there were few warriors and lots of apprentices. So, it was nice to finally have some more numbers. He leapt onto the High Ledge and called out, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, join here beneath the High Ledge for a clan meeting!"

Shrikepaw stretched, settling herself to lick at her chest fur until the summons rang out. She padded over, taking her place below the High Ledge. Hopefully this would finally be her warrior ceremony. She felt like she'd waited forever for it. She also knew she was far from Silverstar's favorite Clanmate, so her hopes were not that high.

Silverstar stared down at Shrikepaw as the clan gathered. He remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Shrikepaw, step forward," he said, and after that, he went along with the traditional words.

"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," he spoke, looking into her eyes as he studied them carefully, "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 eyes widened in surprise, but also delight. She stepped forward, looking up to meet Silverstar's eyes. She had no reason not to be confident. Every cat knew how much she prized and upheld the code. There was no question in what her answer was to be.

"I do," she meowed in a strong voice.

Silverstar nodded at her strong voice. She'd be a fierce and loyal warrior, that was for sure. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your new name. Shrikepaw, from this day forth, you shall be known as Shrikethorn. StarClan honors your strength and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full member of SkyClan," he declared. He hopped off of the high ledge and rested his muzzle onto Shrikethorn's forehead as the clan began their cheers.

It was the perfect name for her, and she couldn't help but swell with pride as she heard it repeated by the Clan. Shrikethorn. Her whiskers twitched in a satisfied manner, as she accepted Silverstar's touch and responded by licking his shoulder as tradition expected of her.