[Fawn]

LionstAr

blinded by the light of a new sun
take it to the world, gonna sing it like an anthem

It was the fourth life he had lost since becoming leader. Lionstar counted his blessings that it was not more - that the sickness had only been able to wreak havoc once, before good health and strength had returned to him. He knew what to use that strength for. TreeClan needed to know that strength would return - that it was already returning - to the Clan despite this grim shadow stretched over TreeClan.

Though the Clan was not yet whole, a few cats still remained in the hidden thicket (dutifully looked over by Bluejay and Falconstorm), Lionstar would not delay these apprentices' ceremonies any longer. They had proven themselves worthy of the rank of warrior, and it was time they were recognized as such.

"We have been dealt a painful blow, this season." Lionstar's voice filled the morning. "We are not strangers to grief, or exhaustion. Neither are we strangers to hard work and perseverance. TreeClan will not see newleaf end in sorrow; it is a time of new life. That said, it is time for three young cats who have proven themselves more than ready, to begin their new lives as warriors. Duskpaw, Dunepaw, and Nightpaw. Come forward."

As the Clan finished gathering, and the apprentices stood before him, Lionstar looked at each 'paw as he spoke.
"I, Lionstar, leader of TreeClan, call upon our warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code. They have fought and won their own battles, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn. Duskpaw, Dunepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

The son and daughter of the late Sandstrike were given the chance to speak, their answers heard before the Clan.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Duskpaw, from this moment you will be known as Duskrose, StarClan honors your compassion and your hunting prowess, and we welcome you as a full warrior of TreeClan. Dunepaw, from this moment you will be known as Dunefang. StarClan honors your tenacity and bravery through life's many trials, and we welcome you as a full warrior of TreeClan."

Lionstar's gaze then rested on Nightpaw, whose apprenticeship had been stolen from her - and then given back, through dedication and resolve on both sides of the mentor/apprentice relationship.

"Nightpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Her answer carried no trace of uncertainty.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Nightpaw, from this moment you will be known as Nightfury." No other name would do. "StarClan honors your ferocity and creativity in battle, and we welcome you as a full warrior of TreeClan."

Now the chanting began.

"Duskrose! Dunefang! Nightfury! Duskrose! Dunefang! Nightfury!"

The former apprentices were soon joined by their mentors, Skyfall and Sprucefur in particular looked very proud. Sprucefur smiled warmly at Nightfury, sharing in this moment with her without selfishness or needing recognition. She had earned this. Every cat in the Clan knew it.

Lionstar lifted his muzzle to the wind, feeling it whip through his fur and stream around his ears like water. Newleaf was coming to an end.

A new season, a fresh start for TreeClan, was coming.

leader of TreeClan

580ish | Hellion BlooRey DVD @poptart Phoenix Justice | notes

so alive | background image | table by phoenix

[Hellion]

Duskrose,

Apprentice of TreeClan

Duskpaw had been allowed to grieve, thankful for her mentor for that blessing. Skyfall was a good tom and a valuable cat in he life. She knew that if anything got too tough he'd be there to help her along the way.

As she stared at the fresh-kill pile wondering if she she should eat, Duskpaw heard her name called. Turning sharply to see Lionstar standing before the Clan, the ginger and white she-cat walked toward him. Her head was bowed slightly but perked as her brother pressed his side against her. She forced a smile and he did the same. The loss of their father and their mother's sickness made it all difficult. It was hard but Duskpaw had emotionally said goodbye to her mother already. She didn't expect Lionsong to pull through. Lionsong was too in love with Sandstrike to fight and stay in the land of the living. She'd be happier with him in StarClan, their kits were grown now, for the most part.

The ceremony pulled her attention. She gave her promised 'I do' at Lionstar's question. She had grown up in TreeClan it was home, worth more then her life.

Duskrose

For her compassion and hunting prowess. Duskrose couldn't help but smile fully. Even if the event was clouded by grief, she was finally a warrior and her brother one alongside her. The rest of the ceremony carried on but Duskrose was caught up in the newness of her name. No longer a -paw, she was a rightful warrior of TreeClan. Something she trusted her family would be proud of.

Allowing the calling of her name to wash over her, Duskrose kept up that forced smile. Until the voices died down.

She was a bit like spring;
wild as the wind
fickle as the weather,
but her love ran deep as tree roots.

Words ?? Tags ?? Notes

[Deleted]

Worn and broken, reassembled,

Forgive our thoughts when they're shameful

TreeClan - 23 Moons - She-Cat

Nightpaw wasn't exactly pleased to be back at camp having to leave some of her clanmates behind in the hidden thicket, but Lionstar hadn't given her a choice in the matter. Reintegrating into treeclan had helped make Nightpaw nothing if not perceptive and she knew exactly what was happening when Lionstar called the clan to gather, the timing was exactly as she would have predicted. Upon hearing her leaders words and answering confidently she was graced with the warrior name Nightfury. Not quite convinced with her suffix, even if applicable, Nightfury did her best to convince herself that Lionstar obviously meant well. With that her new name as well as that of Duskrose and Dunefang were chanted by a clearly pleased Treeclan. Nightfury wished she could share in their enthusiasm however she didn't feel the least bit excited at the prospect of being a warrior, in her mind it was all so superficial. Yet again however she tried to take comfort in the thought that she had earned her name by doing good for the clan in the eyes of Lionstar and her mentor Sprucefur, and that was all she really cared about.

Fawn || 193