Sorrelpaw was exited. She was finally going to become a warrior! Her brothers were already warriors, their names were Rainwhisker and Sootfur. She had been hit by a monster and stuck in Cinderpelt's den for three moons, thus delaying her ceremony. She had been hunting. The squirrel led her close to the thunderpath. Luckily, it was a glancing blow. But still enough to land her in the medicine cats den for three moons! But today was her final assessment!

She heard Brambleclaw tell her how much she deserved it. And Leafpaw waved her tail in farwell, mouth too full of herbs to speak. Then she was trotting out of camp behind Sandstorm. Her hunting was good, she managed to catch a squirrel, three mice and a vole. Fighting practice was next. Her shoulder didn't hurt anymore, and she pranced around just full of excitement. Even though Sandstorm won, Sorrelpaw did well enough to pass. After perfecting the Half-turn Belly Rake and beating Shrewpaw they headed back to camp.

...

Firestar gathered the clan, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a clan meeting! We have an apprentice who is ready to become a warrior. Sorrelpaw, will you please step forward?"

I comply.

"Sandstorm, is Sorrelpaw ready to become a warrior?"

"She is." Sandstorm's voice is confident.

"Then I Firestar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Sorrelpaw, do promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do!" My rings out loud and clear.

"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Sorrelpaw, from this moment on you shall be known as Sorreltail, Starclan honors your courage and patience, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan.

"Sorreltail! Sorreltail!"

It feels good to hear them cheer my name. I still wish it could have been with my littermates though. I purr. Joy floods my heart and my friends rush to greet me.

"Congratulations sis." Rainwhisker purrs.

"You finally joined us!" Sootfur rubs against me, "I'm so glad. It was horrifying when you got hurt."

Squirrelpaw bounds up, followed by my best friend, Leafpaw.

"Your a warrior now! Does it feel any different? When you become a warrior do you grow a little extra?" The fluffy ginger apprentice bombards me with questions.

"You really deserve it." purrs Leafpaw, being much quieter and less rambunctious.

Then Brackenfur pads up. He presses himself against me and licks my ear, "Great job." That's all he says before walks away.

I gaze after him and he looks back, there is something in his eyes that I can't describe. After that I can't get him out of my head.

...

It is time for my vigil. I contemplate my day. The night is cold and I fluff up my fur. Ever since I was a kit I'd wanted to be a warrior. I yearned for it. But now... The joy I felt at joining my brothers at last, It's small in comparison to that look Brackenfur gave me. Does- does he love me? Perhaps. The real question though, do I love him?

The next morning I still can't decide. Maybe I do. He is a friend for sure. I decide to let time tell...