Words for Whisperpaw

[Hawkstar]

A dark red leaf, like a drop of blood, floated down past his face and into the spot between his paws. Hawkstar had observed its descent in silence, taking in the graceful twists and turn as it arced through the air and brushed down into the clearing. It reminded him that winter was on its way, and soon the pine trees would be their only protection against the harsh winds and sheets of snow. But that’s not all we need to worry about, his thoughts hissed quietly, his darkest fears once again resurfacing for a glimpse into his heart. The Bengal tom closed his eyes with a soft sigh before turning his attention towards the entrance to camp. The image of Brittlebreeze, Reedfisher, and Emberpaw slipping out and disappearing was forever burned into the face of his mind, a constant reminder of the danger that lurked just outside their borders. A small growl began to form itself on his lips, but the tom quickly suppressed it. There was no need for that now, especially while his Clan could be watching.

Besides, he had a ceremony to hold.

Turning, the ShadowClan leader leaped onto the Nightstone with practiced ease, landing smoothly on its rough surface. “All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather here beneath the Nightstone for a Clan meeting!” he yowled, deep mew as crisp and clear as the leaf fall air that surrounded the camp. Despite his former misgivings, he smiled. There is a warrior to be named.

It didn’t take long for the Clan to assemble, a myriad of shapes and colors melting into the clearing and assembling around the Nightstone. Looking down at them, he gave a curt nod of greeting. “Cats of ShadowClan,” he began simply, sharp blue eyes shining in the noon day sun. “We are gathered here today for an apprentice who is ready to become a warrior.” He couldn’t help another smile. “Whisperpaw, please step forward.” He watched the young she-cat step forward, her silver fur glistening and her hazy blue eyes even brighter. He then turned his attention to Smallclaw, her mentor, who was seated not too far away. He had spoken with him a few days ago in preparation for this very moment.

“Smallclaw,” Hawkstar mewed. “Are you satisfied that this apprentice is ready to become a warrior?” He knew the answer, they had discussed it before, but custom demanded it. Whisperpaw would make a fine and capable warrior, he knew it.

Smallclaw nodded. “Yes,” he mewed. “She is ready.”

Hawkstar nodded in return. “Good,” he said quietly before turning his attention back to the rest of ShadowClan. “I, Hawkstar, leader of ShadowClan, 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 her turn." He fixed his gaze on Whisperpaw below. "Whisperpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do."

"Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior name. Whisperpaw, from now on you will be known as Whisperwing. StarClan honors your curiosity and your sense of imagination, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan.” Reciting the two traits Smallclaw had wanted, Hawkstar drew the ceremony to a close, leaping down from the Nightstone. After Whisperwing gave his shoulder a small lick, he backed away and let the cheers of the Clan wash over her.

Use your claws well, young one.

[¿ emberflare ?]

[bg=191d32][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=border,0,true] She had been trained from birth for this very moment. The moment all warriors of all Clans passed through at one point or another to be truly accepted into society. However, she had thought the the air would hum with energy, that every fiber in her being would be quivering at the anticipation of being named a warrior. But there was no such feeling. Whisperpaw was known for being a bit of an airhead, always dreamy and nonchalant. She could act "normally", yes; the young she-cat did complain and sass her fellow felines sometimes. But it was her dreaminess that was giggled at, and it was her dreaminess that was consuming her being at this moment. Many apprentices would have been bouncing on their toes, craving the moment when Hawkstar pronounced their new name. Smallclaw had confided in her briefly a day or two ago, telling her she was to become a full-fledged member of the Clan. Without thinking, she had replied with a distracted Oh, how nice. That just about summed up her emotions at this moment. Whisperpaw plastered a little attentive smile as her leader began to recite the formal speech. "...do you promise to uphold the warrior code and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?" The silvery she-cat blinked her clear blue eyes, answering with the required "I do." "Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior name. Whisperpaw, from now on you will be known as Whisperwing. StarClan honors your curiosity and your sense of imagination, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan." Hawkstar finished his part, smiling down upon the newly fledged warrior. Whisperwing... hmm, rather interesting. I like it, mused the she-cat. Oh. The pale warrior leaned forward to give her leader a belated lick on the shoulder. The calls of her clanmates had begun to rise up around her. At this moment, she thought that she should be inspired to feel something exhilarating, but of course in true Whisperwing fashion, she just sat and smiled dreamily.