[ i see trees of green ] WARRIOR CEREMONY

[Crowzerplorodon]

After returning to camp that day, Cloudstar felt a little weight on his shoulders lift away. The day had ended beautifully, with the sun threading colors into the sky and painting a portrait of peace. It was cool out, a soft breeze blowing through his short, white fur. The sun was below the horizon now, but the sky was still lit, perfectly illuminating the world with oranges, pinks, and dusky blues. In a few minutes he knew it would get darker. The pink would fade to red and the blue would become black. Birds would stop singing and cats would turn in for the night. It was just the gradual change of the day.

And it sort of reflected what was happening now.

Cloudstar stood at the base of the rock that marked where his den was. He felt like he hadn't gone in there to sleep in ages, though he had taken a nap earlier that day. Something was just distant about it. His hazel eyes were locked on the top of the rock, a place he had stood many times before. But now, it was different. Now when he went up there he'd be changing the lives of two deserving she-cats. He'd be changing the life of his apprentice. Spottedpaw was an important accomplishment, yes. But Duskpaw was... Duskpaw was his apprentice, and watching her become a warrior was like a miracle. He had trained this she-cat, taught her the skills that would lead her through the rest of his life. One day, she'd be getting her own apprentice and passing on the skills he taught her. It was difficult to fathom, and Cloudstar couldn't feel prouder.

Before the night got any darker, Cloudstar leaped to the top of the rock with a single bound. His muscles spanned perfectly under his fur with his movements, causing a flawless landing where he didn't even have to find his footing. He turned, facing the major clearing of his camp and taking a seat atop the rock. His tail came to wrap around his paws, and Cloudstar took a moment more to study the clearing before he spoke. “May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather around high rock for a clan meeting.”

ooc: Spottedpaw and Duskpaw are gonna be warriors. O:

[Cloud of Diamonds]

It was time. For some strange reason, the tortoiseshell felt oddly satisfied. It wasn't just being a warrior - though that was good too. It was that, despite how weird and unnatural she might be, her leader had still accepted her. Still seen fit to make her an adult.

Take that, world.

Of course, it was nothing but a pinprick of light in her life of shadows and strangeness. Still, even the tiniest spark was worth something. Some value. Something she could keep for herself. At least she was still alive. Though who knew, she could have days left. Look at what had happened to Frostfang. Although, it was pretty dumb to walk out on a river.

...but she should probably pay attention to Cloudstar - she would look even dumber than usual if she forgot to lick his shoulder.

Oh good, he was just calling the Clan. She was safe. Her orange eyes slid to the side, peering at Spottedpaw. She looked unabashedly happy. For a moment the apprentice felt slightly annoyed, then just shrugged. She could look like a grinning fool if she wanted. Then Duskpaw felt a bit ashamed - just because she was generally unhappy didn't mean she had to look down on others. No wonder she had no friends.

She sighed. That was probably not going to change.

Now what would her name be...she had no clue. Would she be named for her skills, appearance, or personality? Skills...doubtful. Appearance...maybe. There weren't a lot of cats who looked like her. Personality...what word could possibly describe her failure of a personality? Duskfail. Yeah, that was a great warrior name.