Ceremonies

"It has become time for me to perform one of the saddest duties a leader can: The death ceremonies for two cats. Firestorm and Gingerstep. Their corpses are here, int eh clearing," Lightningstar said, pointing with her tail at the two she-cats' limp bodies. "They will be buried at Dawn. Now, on a happier note, Brambleclaw, do you believe your apprentice is ready to become a warrior?"

"Yes, Lightnignstar," Brambleclaw replied.

"Runningfire, do you believe that your apprentice is ready to become a warrior?"

"Yes, she is!" Runningfire replied.

"Come here, Willowpaw, Gingerpaw." The two cats' chests puffed out, and they strode up to the rock. They were nearly tripping over themselves in excitement, and their eyes shone with happiness.

"I, Lightningstar, leader of Lightningclan do call on ym warrior ancestors to look down upon these two cats! They have trained hard in the ways of your noble code, and I comend them to you in their turn! Gingerpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do!" the young cat cried.

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

"I do." The she-cat's voice was solemn, but barely hid her excitement.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names!" Lightningstar yowled. "Willowpaw, you will now be known as Willowfur! StarClan honors your loyalty and your courage!" Willowfur stepped forward, and licked Lightningstar's shoulder.

"Gingerpaw, you will now be known as Gingertail! StarClan honors your bravery and loyalty!" After Gingertail licked Lightningstar's shoulder, she continued. "In the manner of our ancestors, Gingertail and Willowfur will sit vigil tonight!"

"Willowfur, Gingertail, Willowfur, Gingertail!" The clan cheered.