[Justice]

Greenleaf 21, VY 5
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He'd called them all together, waiting until the sun was low on the horizon to escape the worst of the heat and allow anyone that wanted to attend to do so. He sat waiting, where everyone could see him, and realizing how much time had really passed. When he'd first become the Deputy his youngest offspring had still been kits, and now they were both well grown, and on their way to lives of their own. He had barely contributed, but he was proud of them all the same.

He perched on the River Stone, making sure he was in no danger of falling off before presenting his words to the clan. "Each of us must go through the rite of passage of apprenticeship, the time to grow and learn and become the warrior and adult we are meant to be. Today we have come to welcome a new warrior into RainClan's ranks."

He looked to his daughter. "Fernpaw step forward." He waited a moment. "You have learned well and grown into a she-cat I would trust at my side in hunting or patrol. Your apprenticeship is complete. I name you Ferngaze, warrior of RainClan."

[Note : Sorry for the wait and the bleh of this post, but hopefully its okayish.]

[Taxx]

Ferngaze

of RainClan

Life had gone on in the wake of Crowblaze’s death, and though it had been hard to learn that she hadn’t managed to save him, she’d gotten enough assurance to know that there wasn’t anything she could have done differently that could have saved him. Between the fight and his fall in the river, too much had worked against him.

Fernpaw had sat close by, for a little while, during his vigil, but she’d not stayed the night at his side, leaving that to his kin. She’d stuck with Dewpaw instead, offering silent comfort for her sister, who would be feeling much the same. In the days following, despite the frequent recall of the failed rescue, she’d continued her training and duties.

She’d just finished off a fish when Silverstar called, and her gaze fixed on her father as she joined the crowd, finding herself alongside Rushwhisker and Ashflight as the RainClan leader began. The bolt of surprise as she realized it was a ceremony- her ceremony- held her still for just a moment. Then she rose, stepped forward, joy washing through her at the words and at her new name.

Ferngaze turned to face the Clan, dipping her head as they called her new name, and then padded toward Rushwhisker to bump her head against his shoulder. “Thanks for everything- you too, Ashflight! I’ve learned a lot from you both, and I promise I won’t ever forget it.”

STEADY AS THE RIVER RUNS

Made By Fawn || Justice @zen

[Deleted]

Rushwhisker was sitting with his sister, sharing tongues, when Silverstar called the Clan together. Rising to his paws, the siblings moved toward the river stone to find a spot to sit and hear what the young leader had to say. Fernpaw joined them shortly and Rushwhisker flicked his tail against the she-cat's flank in welcome, but otherwise remained silent as he waited for Silverstar to speak. On Fernpaw's other side, Ashflight flicked an ear in acknowledgment of the younger she-cat's presence and cast a look around for Russethawk.

Silverstar began about appreticeship and Rushwhisker was confused for a moment, he didn't think there were any kits ready to be apprentices right now, but then, he'd hardly been paying that much attention to the nursery. His ears pricked as the leader continued, however, about welcoming a new warrior instead. He'd spoken with Moonshine about Fernpaw's assessments like he'd told her he would, but so far nothing had come of it. Maybe Silverstar had finally decided it was time?

His apprentice's name was spoken and a deep purr rumbled in his throat as she was called forward. Ferngaze. He made sure to be one of the first to call her by her new name, Ashflight joining her voice to his. She turned back to him, bumping her head against his shoulder and he continued to purr, rasping his tongue between her ears, “You've earned it. I'm proud of you, Ferngaze.”

Ashflight purred as well, almost as proud of the new young warrior as Rushwhisker for the part she'd played in Ferngaze's education, “You were a good student. Don't worry, Rushwhisker and I will have a nest ready for you in the warrior's den after your vigil tonight. You'll be too tired from staying up all night to make one.” Her whiskers twitched with humor and she took a step back to let other cats come up to congratulate their newest warrior.

Taxx

[Fawn]

Brookfall

37 Moons Tom RainClan Warrior

It was the first of his nieces to be given a new name. Brookfall did not have to falsify his emotions in this moment; the pride he felt was perhaps secondhand to those closer to Ferngaze like Rushwhisker or Dewpaw, but the pride was still strongly felt. The large silver warrior joined the small gathering of cats congratulating the newly named Ferngaze, and Brookfall, not for the first time grateful for his height, spoke over the heads of his Clanmates. "Well done, Ferngaze. I'm just another echo in a cave, but I am proud of you as well."

Brookfall touched his nose to his niece's ear, a rare display of affection from a tom who preferred to rely on words to convey his intentions. Speaking of echoes... Brookfall cast his gaze around the camp, fully expecting to see Echoshade bursting with pride next to Dewpaw, and maybe even Gorgeleap. His brother spoke about as much and as willingly as a dead fish, but even he was bound to show up and offer their niece the recognition she deserved.

Family was one of the few things that could dredge up a few ounces of social interaction out of Gorgeleap. Brookfall stepped back to let Stormfeather cheerfully greet Ferngaze next; Brookfall let his gaze rest on Silverstar in the meantime. How did that feel, being Clan leader, and having the privilege of giving his own daughter her new warrior's name? It was something Brookfall could only imagine. An experience he'd likely never share; Brookfall made a mental note to pick his brother's thoughts later, and let his attention slide back into the present lest he miss any conversational cues.

We all eat lies when our hearts are hungry.

276 Words || Taxx BlooRey DVD Justice @zen || Notes