"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a Clan meeting!" Swallowstar yowled. Once everyone was seated, the ceremony began.
"Fallowfur, Lionfoot, Streakclaw, do you believe your apprentices are ready to be warriors?"
"I do." The three warriors chorused.
"Step forward, you three." Tigerpaw nosed a shocked Palepaw to her paws and together, the three apprentices met Swallowstar at the base of Highrock.
"I, Swallowstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn. Palepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan even at the cost of your life?" Palepaw nodded.
"I do." She replied, voice strong.
"Then by the power of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Palepaw, from this moment you will be known as Paleheart. StarClan honors your dedication and courage and we welcome you as a full member of ThunderClan.
Tigerpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan even at the cost of your life?" Tigerpaw dipped his head.
"I do." She replied, voice strong.
"Then by the power of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Tigerpaw, from this moment you will be known as Tigerclaw. StarClan honors your loyalty and strength and we welcome you as a full member of ThunderClan."
Talonpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan even at the cost of your life?" Talonpaw nodded.
"I do." She replied, voice strong.
"Then by the power of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Talonpaw, from this moment you will be known as Talonspirit. StarClan honors your compassion and determination and we welcome you as a full member of ThunderClan."
Once they were all seated and the cheering stopped, Swallowstar continued.
"StarClan, I call to you as a leader and a father. My kit has done us wrong and although she does not deserve a warrior name, she cannot remain an apprentice forever. Minnowpaw, you will be called Minnowpelt and restricted to the queen's den for the rest of your days. Your kits will not be yours to raise, but whoever else will have them. StarClan willing, they turn out like Tigerclaw and Talonspirit or Paleheart, because your mother and I have clearly done you wrong. May StarClan have mercy on your soul, Minnowpelt, as they have on the rest of us."
The meeting dispersed without further cause and the cats set up for their vigil. It was long, but quiet, and the sharp, periodic breezes let the three cats know that Leafbare would come soon. They were releieved by Rockpelt, who nuzzled them each in turn, offering his congratulations.
" We made your nests, so sleep. You three have had a long few nights."