[Taxx]

where there's smoke, there's fire

Smokestar had discussed the ceremony with the two apprentices' mentors earlier in the day, letting them know of her intentions regarding it and leaving it to them to let their apprentices know or not. She'd gone to hunt, taking the time she could while trying to find enough to at least give most of the Clan a few mouthfuls to carry them through to another day.

As hunts went, it could have gone better- but they'd caught prey, so it hadn't been a complete failure. Dropping the mouse she'd caught, Smokestar glanced around at the dens she could see in the dim light between cracks of the stone pile, and then she turned and sprang for the top of the Rock Pile and sat, lifting her head to give the call. "Let all those cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Rock Pile for a Clan meeting!"

When the majority had gathered, Smokestar fixed her gaze on first Dawnpaw and then Paintedpaw, beckoning both to come forward with a flick of her tail. Both obeyed, padding toward her as she continued: "I, Smokestar, leader of StoneClan, call upon our warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn. Dawnpaw, Paintedpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

The two agreed, and Smokestar purred as she hopped down to stand face to face with the apprentices. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Dawnpaw, from this moment you will be known as Dawnchaser. StarClan honors your courage and perserverance, and we welcome you as a full warrior of StoneClan." She briefly rested her head on his and then stepped back and turned to face Paintedpaw.

"Paintedpaw, from this moment you will be known as Paintedmask. StarClan honors your independence and intelligence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of StoneClan."  Again, she rested her head on the apprentice's, leaving it there for a moment before she stepped back. Lifting her head, Smokestar raised her voice with the rest of the Clan to commend the two new warriors. "Dawnchaser! Paintedmask!"

Smokestar of StoneClan

Made by Fawn || Ginger Ghost the Undead Goddess