[Fawn]

"Featherpaw hold still!"

Finally smoothing down a cowlick on her friend's shoulder, Silverpaw stood back to admire her work, having spent a considerable chunk of their morning making Featherpaw presentable. Ever since she'd overheard Lionstar discussing with Stormchaser about Featherpaw's impending ceremony, the she-cat had become dead sure that today was the day her golden-furred mentor would finally bestow the honor of Featherpaw's warrior name. What will I be calling her afterward? Featherblaze? Featherfire? Featherwhisker? Feather...cloud? That one's pretty.

Silverpaw's leaf-green eyes glittered with a selfless kind of happiness, purring low in her throat as a festive mood overtook the compassionate silver feline's heart. She was being extra giddy about the approaching ceremony to hide a little of her sadness, of the fact that she would have to wait 3 more moons before she could curl up again beside her best friend. Catching a dark blue shape return with a squirrel out of the corners of her eyes, Silverpaw felt a small stab of jealousy. Even if the older tom had come from a different Clan, he wasn't required to sleep in the apprentices' den because he wasn't a warrior. He wasn't required to do anything besides hunt and help with the repairs. If he wanted to sleep next to the Ancient Stump, he could.

Not to mention Featherpaw seemed to be talking to him a lot... Of course that made sense, they'd spent three days together on their way back to the forest, of course they would wanna talk. She was probably just helping him get used to TreeClan. There couldn't have been anything between them; Featherpaw's not as crazy as I am. She would know better than to develop feelings for a StoneClan cat...you know...especially one that has every reason in the world to hate Lionstar. A quick shake of the head cleared up these thoughts, and just in time too, for the golden tom both herself and her best friend looked up to so much had just ascended the Ancient Stump.

"May all cats strong enough to attend gather beneath Ancient Stump for a Clan meeting!"

~*~

There she is.
Lionstar gave nothing away as his gaze settled upon the silvery hued apprentice briefly, noticing his sister looking about a hundred times for excited than she usually was. Oh...Fox dung, she found out, didn't she? Resisting the urge to smirk at his own sibling's uncanny ability to eavesdrop, Lionstar glanced around at the assembled cats, speaking in a loud, clear tone that rose above his peers and the small clouds of ash their paws had stirred up.
"Roughly three moons ago, a TreeClan apprentice disappeared for three days, going on what she thought was an important quest for the sake of her Clan and to protect her mentor. Though her intentions were noble, I had considered her actions rash and would rather chop off all of my whiskers than watch it happen again."

A couple of cats in the crowd chuckled, remembering how frazzled their leader had been after Featherpaw had disappeared, able to laugh at the situation now that the apprentice in question had returned to them safe, sound and successful. Lionstar's gaze softened, losing it's sharpness as he looked upon Featherpaw once again, allowing a small smile. "However, I think she's been punished enough, don't you? Featherpaw, come forward."

I've waited a long time to say these words. We both have. Feeling an overwhelming sense of pride, Lionstar allowed a small, brief silence pass over him and the gathered cats, finding he had to concentrate his efforts on dislodging the small lump trying to form in his throat. Chin lifted, the golden tom let his voice sweep across the crowd, though it was obvious he was addressing only one cat in particular.

"I, Lionstar, leader of TreeClan, call upon our warrior ancestors to look down on 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. Featherpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

[Deleted]

~~Gentlebreeze~~Bugkit~~

There was a rather loud squeak that came from the nursery as the resident kit squirmed out of the entrance at Lionstar's call for a meeting. Brown fur sticking up in all different directions with bright green eyes wide with glee. She made for a mad dash towards where the cats were gathering before a white paw gently scooped her up off the ground. Her paws kept racing despite the shekit's inability to actually go anywhere.

"You aren't old enough yet little one." The soft meow came from Bugkit's white mother, Gentlebreeze. After a moment, the queen put her kit back on the ground, her tail flickered to move some moss off of Bugkit's head. The light in the kit's eyes fell slightly, but then she bounced up again like the bug she was named after.

"But daddy called all of us!" She squealed loudly, "I want to see him!" Her tail waggled behind her like a dog who was given attention. Unfortunately, the young shekit didn't realize what she had just done by claiming Lionstar as her father, but Gentlebreeze gave a soft, sad look to her kit before glancing over to the gathered cats, amusement in her soft green eyes. She wave her tail, apologizing to those gathered and to Lionstar and his apprentice, Featherpaw.

"Hush now." Gentlebreeze whispered to Bugkit, placing a soft paw on her bouncing kit's head. "We can watch if you be quiet." Soft green eyes looked into bright green eyes as the kit gave a sigh before sitting next her her mother, though still slightly bouncing in place.

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:000000]Broken[/smear:ff6633][smear:ff6633]song[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

Soft hazel-green eyes were warm as the tortoiseshell tabby padded by the apprentices' den. She heard a sort of bickering, and a smile lit her features as she noticed Silverpaw grooming the taller Featherpaw. It was a rather touching scene to behold, the friendship clear between the two younger she-cats. With a flick of her plume like tail, Brokensong made towards the nursery, even when Lionstar's voice rang across the clearing. She would be able to watch from the nursery. She wanted to visit her best friend now. Her dainty paws carried her straight to the stark-white she-cat she had been headed for, a smile once again visiting her features as she gazed down upon the mother-daughter pair. She gave her friend a nudge as she sat on the opposite side of Bugkit, giving the kit a gentle smile and a flick of her soft tail.

Soon, however, her attention was pulled back to Lionstar as he began to speak. She listened carefully to his words, laughing silently as he recounted the story of Featherpaw's disappearance. The moment the eloped apprentice had been mentioned, it became obvious that today was the day. The thirteen moon old silver apprentice would finally become a warrior. The mute warrioress shifted her gaze, searching out the apprentice in question, excited for the events that were about to unfold.

[smear:999999]Featherpaw[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

Featherpaw groaned slightly as Silverpaw hurriedly groomed her pelt. "Silverpaw! Quit it! You've been at it forever!" The taller of the apprentices glanced over her shoulder at her similar-hued friend, ice blue eyes narrowed accusingly, though the light of friendship was still clear. Silverpaw was one of the only cats who seemed to be able to tolerate Featherpaw's sometimes... Explosive temper. Though her actions were always controlled, her vocabulary had a tendency to become extraordinarily sharp, biting. Silverpaw's docile temper, however, never seemed to actually set off that side of Featherpaw, which was much appreciated. Not to mention... Featherpaw even went as far as almost calling Silverpaw her sister. It was as though she were the only family left for the silvery apprentice. Her father was so busy caring for her mother. And... Her mother was... Not well.

There was, of course, Lionstar. Her blue gaze shifted, as though on instinct, towards the Ancient Stump, where Lionstar was frequently seen making announcements. It was then that she noticed he was there right now. Her eyes blinked in slight alarm, watching his every move as he made his way to its top before calling out to the Clan. "Silverpaw! Seriously! Stop! Lionstar's making an announcement! Why are you insisting on grooming me?" The taller apprentice stood up, pulling away from her friend and giving her a playful flick with her tail. She padded forward, sitting amongst her Clanmates. She had to admit, Silverpaw had done a phenomenal job. Her coat felt soft, and sleek. Not to mention it glimmered in the sun. Still, she couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about.

It was then that Lionstar began his story. Featherpaw's muscles tensed suddenly, and she sat up straighter, her blue eyes wide as she stared upon the TreeClan leader. There was no trace of embarrassment at the story that was clearly about her. The only thing she could manage was complete and utter shock. It was true that her ceremony had been delayed, that she should have been a warrior by now. But to actually become one... Her heart skipped a beat. What if I'm not ready? What if I make a fool of myself on the first day! What am I going to do without Lionstar telling me what to do! Oh StarClan save me, I don't think I'm ready!

Her inner panic tore through her body, wreaking havoc upon her. Her heart was fluttering chaotically, her breathing had stopped altogether. Though there was nearly no outwards signs, there was no doubt to the silver apprentice that she was panicking.

Featherpaw! She screamed at herself. Calm down! You never panic! Why in the name of StarClan are you starting now! Take a deep breath. Following exactly what she told herself, her breath was sucked in slowly, and as quietly as she could. Okay, good. Now. You can do this. Show your parents that you haven't given up. Do this for their sake. Do this for Lionstar. Do this for Silverpaw. For Fernkit.

Her posture straightened at the thought, and she tipped her head up proudly, her gaze refocusing, becoming more like herself. She met Lionstar's gaze as that one question was finally asked. And her response was almost immediate. Her voice did not quiver. Instead, it was proud, even a little sharp, just like her usual self.

"I do."

[Fawn]

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Featherpaw, from this moment you will be known as Feathercloud. StarClan honors your commitment to your Clan along with your fiery tenacity, and we welcome you as a full warrior of TreeClan."

There was no describing the pride in the golden tom's voice, his gaze sharp but warm, those ancient words strong and spoken from deep within his mane-covered chest, unable to separate his feelings from the occasion even if he wanted to. It was always a moment that reforged his bonds with both the Clan and their ancestors, being able to see the result of his efforts manifested in each shining young face gifted with their new name. It was a sign of progress, and a subject very close to Lionstar's heart. This is why I wanted to become leader.

It wasn't the only reason, of course, Lionstar's goal being first and foremost the well-being of TreeClan, but it was a reason that resonated so strongly, it was why he continued to keep taking apprentices even when the past noted this action as being a rarity. It wasn't that he was showing favoritism to one bright new face over the other, it was that he was reminding himself of why he loved his job, why TreeClan mattered. If he was going to eventually pass on leadership to a new generation, and see TreeClan change and grow with the times, then he wanted to be as involved in the growth process as possible.

Resting his chin upon the top of Feathercloud's head, the contact lingered until he felt her lick his shoulder and then stepped back, gaze approving, his next words only for her as the Clan took up their chanting; ”Let's try not to run off into the mountains in the future, alright? You'll make my whiskers fall out.” She's finally a warrior. It was, in a way, like watching his own daughter or unruly kid sister live up to the expectations of her Clanmates, if not surpassing his own. That short time in which she'd gone off into the mountains had literally been one of the hardest couple of sunrises in the golden tom's life, second only to losing his father, but that was behind them now. She had shown her mettle, and had taken her punishment without complaint; chuckling, Lionstar added his sonorous voice to the excited crowd.
”Feathercloud! Feathercloud! Feathercloud!”

~*~

”Guess I'll have to make some extra space in the den.” Sprucefur murmured to himself, the pale tom having cheered along with the rest of them, though his chanting had ended much earlier than the others' – not out of any sort of dying excitement, but out of a chance to reflect on this new course of action. There was a lot of good that had come out of this moment; Lionstar no longer had to divide his time between two apprentices, they had gained a new warrior, and Sprucefur didn't have to feel guilty for his own feelings. Obviously Lionstar and Feathercloud would remain close, of that he had no doubt, but at least this way...

At least this way it didn't feel so much like he was some sort of creep, being attracted to an apprentice, and in his defense, their age gap wasn't terrible. It wasn't like he was some sort of senior warrior or something. Deciding that he would wish her congratulations, as well as use the opportunity to try out her new name, Sprucefur walked closer, expression arranged in a look of quiet determination, surging through the crowd in a way that wouldn't offend too many cats or call unnecessary attention to himself. As he approached, he could see the soft, almost downy quality of her coat, Feathercloud looking very much her namesake, his breath faltering, but his paws did not slow down. ”Congra--”

”Congratulations, Gray. So that's what a warrior ceremony looks like, huh?”

A large blue-furred tom unconsciously blocked Sprucefur's path, the pale tom's pelt prickling with immediate dislike as the ex-StoneClanner called Ironpaw beat him to it. Of course, Silverpaw had technically beaten all of them – she couldn't have gotten there any quicker then if she'd flew – but the young warrior couldn't help but feel extra competitive towards the outsider. Ironpaw appeared to be grinning, Sprucefur's own countenance darkening as he back-pedaled out of sight, intending to simply leave the festive atmosphere all together. He'd congratulate her later. If she asked why he hadn't said it now, he'd just say he hadn't been in camp. She could hardly blame him for missing it because he was hunting.

As Silverpaw and Ironpaw chattered at the newly made warrior, Lionstar's voice once again called out over the crowd, a swivel of pale pointed ears catching the last of the ceremony, Sprucefur on his way out of camp entirely.

”As is customary of all new warriors, tonight Feathercloud will sit vigil and watch over the camp.”

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Featherpaw[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

The silver she-cat stood tall and proud before her leader, until he stepped forward. She felt his chin rest upon her head, and the silvery she-cat dipped her head, shifting to be able to give Lionstar's shoulder a lick. She purred slightly, giving him a sharp prod with her paw against his when he made the comment about running off into the mountains. As they separated, her sharp blue eyes were narrowed, but the grin on her face gave away the laughter she was hiding. Slowly, the silver she-cat looked out at the crowd, the reality of the situation finally setting in the moment her name, her new name was called out by the Clan. She felt elated, as though she were walking on clouds. Which was a little bit funny, due to her name.

Blue eyes were bright with pride and wonder as she gaze at the crowd, a smile breaking her features. She didn't even care that her parents were nowhere to be seen amongst the crowd. This was her day. She wasn't going to let them ruin it. Not this time. She stayed standing proud until the calls died down. Even so, she couldn't wipe that smile from her face. She glanced over her shoulder at Lionstar, grin as wide as can be. She gave her old mentor a dip of her head, a silent thank you for everything he had done for her.

A voice caught her attention, one she was moments from identifying until something else caught her attention. She found herself face to face with the large form of Ironpaw, who was congratulating her. Her grin grew wider as she flicked him with her soft tail, her voice purring slightly as she spoke. "Yes, that is what a warrior's ceremony looks like, Blue. Looks like you're falling behind big guy! We'll be waiting for yours soon, hm?" With one last grin over her shoulder, the she-cat closed her mouth for good tonight. The moon was beginning its ascent into the sky, and her silent vigil would begin. Her paw steps were confident, nearly skipping as she moved towards the entrance to the TreeClan camp.

As she took a seat, her tail wrapped around her paws, and her head tipped back, looking up at the sky. She thought about the good that had happened in her life, as of recently. She thought of Silverpaw, and of Ironpaw. Of Lionstar and of Brokensong. She thought of all the friends she was so lucky to have. Not once did her mind linger on the two figures who hadn't shown their faces, the two who should have been there for her. How could she when everything else was just so.. Great. For a brief moment the excitement faltered. Hadn't there been a voice? A different voice? It had spoken a fraction of a second before Ironpaw had. Who could that have been... As she surveyed the camp, her blue eyes blinking in question, she tried her best to pinpoint who it might have been, not knowing that the tom had left before her.

After a moment of searching, she dropped the subject, the excitement bubbling back. She was Feathercloud. She'd done it. She'd proved she could. This was for you, Fernkit. I love you, forever and always. I'll see you when my time comes. I promise.

[smear:999999]Feathercloud[/smear:ffffff]