Leafpool's kits were two moons old. Time passed without anything happening. Lionpaw, Hollypaw, and Rosepaw had been assessed and were ready to become warriors.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!" called Firestar. As always he waited until every cat was gathered before continuing.
"Today we have three cats ready to become warriors. Lionpaw, Hollypaw, Rosepaw come forward. "I, Firestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon 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. Lionpaw, Hollypaw, Rosepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?" meowed Firestar.
"I do." answered Lionpaw.
"I do." meowed Hollypaw.
"I do." echoed Rosepaw.
"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior names. Lionpaw from this moment you will be known as Lionclaw. StarClan honors your bravery and intelligence and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." Firestar continued. Firestar stepped forward and rested his muzzle on top of Lionclaw's bowed head. Lionclaw licked Firestar's shoulder and jumped down and joined the warriors. Firestar turned toward Hollypaw.
"Hollypaw from this moment you will be known as Hollyfur. StarClan honors your stamina and strength and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." Firestar stepped forward and rested his muzzle on top of Hollyfur's bowed head. Hollyfur licked Firestar's shoulder and jumped down and joined the warriors. Firestar turned toward Rosepaw.
"Rosepaw from this moment you will be known as Rosethorn. StarClan honors your bravery and strength and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." Firestar stepped forward and rested his muzzle on top of Rosethorn's bowed head. Rosethorn licked Firestar's shoulder and jumped down and joined the warriors.
"Lionclaw! Hollyfur! Rosethorn! Lionclaw! Hollyfur! Rosethorn! Lionclaw! Hollyfur! Rosethorn!" chanted the ThunderClan cats.
"Remember, Lionclaw, Hollyfur, and Rosethorn must guard the camp alone tonight and keep vigil until dawn." meowed Firestar.
"Mommy, I want to be a warrior too! Can I be a warrior?" asked Shrewkit.
"Not yet, Shrewkit!" purred Leafpool, "You won't even be an apprentice for another four moons. Neither will Silverkit and Lightkit."
"Awwww. I want to be an apprentice now!" cried Lightkit.
"You're the leader's daughter, the medicine cat, and sister of the deputy's mate! Can't you do anything?" asked Silverkit.
"No. I can't break the warrior code. I might be able to get you the mentor you want if Firestar would agree, but that's all I can or will do. You can wait until you turn six moons. Go play. Or bring a mouse to the elders and ask for a story." meowed Leafpool gently.
"Ok! I'll get the mouse!" cried Silverkit.
"No, I will!" exclaimed Lightkit.
"No, me!" called Shrewkit. Lightkit was the first to grab a mouse.
"Come on, Mousefur tells great stories! Let's take it to her!
Leafpool purred to herself watching her kits.
"Hi kits! Having fun?" Mousefur asked Shrewkit, Lightkit, and Silverkit.
"We brought a mouse for you. Will you please tell us a story?" meowed Lightkit excitedly.
"Ok. This is the story of the great journey from the forest..." began Mousefur.