Swiftpaw's Warrior Ceremony

Silverstar slowly left his den and jumped onto the High Ledge. It was time to make another warrior, this time it was their deaf apprentice, Swiftpaw. She still managed to pass her assessment, so she was ready. He stared out into the clearing before calling the same old call.

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

Swiftpaw noticed everyone head to the high ledge so she followed wondering what the meeting was about. Maybe it was finally time for her to become warrior and if she was excited.

Mudpaw followed Breezebranch to the High Ledge, curious as to why her mother seemed so happy. Breezebranch was practically beaming, and she hunted down Swiftpaw quickly. Once captured, she licked her head, putting in place any stray tufts of fur.

Lilypaw sat down next to her mother and sisters. It seemed one of their siblings would be joining Lionflame in the warrior den. She hoped it was Swiftpaw. She had been through a lot, but she was a good apprentice and would be a great warrior!

Silverstar stared down as Swiftpaw approached. He then gestured for her to step forward and after that, he spoke the familiar words, making sure Swiftpaw could read his lips.

"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 then looked down at her. "Swiftpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?" he asked.

Swiftpaw was bouncing with joy inside as she realized IT was her ceremony! She almost tripped on her paws in the excitement as she padded up to the rock. Once silverstar started talking she smiled as even him knew how to talk to her. When it got to her part she was so excited she almost missed it. “I. Do.” she said with a big smile on her face.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Swiftpaw, from this day forward you shall be known as Swiftbranch. StarClan honors your adaptability and kindness, and we welcome you as a full member of SkyClan," he said, then he hopped off of the High Ledge and rested his muzzle on Swiftbranch's forehead. He then stepped back as the clan started to cheer. She couldn't hear it, but he imagined she still felt proud.

SwiftBranch loved her new name as she padded over to her mother with a big smile on her face.

"Swiftbranch! Swiftbranch!" Breezebranch cheered, nuzzling her daughter proudly.

Mudpaw ran off, finding a branch and bringing it back, just in case Swiftbranch didn't understand her new name. "We're so proud of you, Swift!"

Lilypaw’s face lit up as her issuer received her warrior name. ”Swiftbranch! Swiftbranch!” she cheered, hurrying up towards her sisters and mother. She gave Swiftbranch a loving nuzzle. ”It’s perfect.” she mewed thoughtfully. Her name was like momma’s!

Shrikethorn was seated a little further back, as she wasn't family and didn't feel she had the right to sit with those related to Swiftpaw - no, Swiftbranch now. Besides, she didn't particularly desire to sit by Breezebranch anyway. She wanted to support her friend, though, and so her voice raised as the first cat not in her immediate family to speak her new name.

"Swiftbranch! Swiftbranch! Swiftbranch!"