Ceremonies for the [Season] (All of SunsetClan!) 12/25/2014

[[Acro.]]

{I AM SO SORRY FOR HOW LONG THESE HAVE TAKEN ME. This is the longest Ceremony of my life--WELCOME, ONE AND ALL.

Note: this post is IMPORTANT. Please read/scan through all of Ratstar's speech/announcement portions (you are allowed to skip past any Ceremony that is not relevant to your cats) =)

You are free to have your cats approach Ratstar with any questions, concerns, or conversation.

I encourage everyone to post here, but these are the people most relevant to the thread: Frost, Lightningtrail, @progg, Deku, @aeridella, Honey, Ambrose, *Moony Shenanigans*, Sand, @heatherpaw, @fawnstar, Isilme, Roselocke, @mysterymagic234, Stormsy, @onyx, Lionhearted, CaℳI, and ℓυиαя!}

+-----+-----+

Ratstar sat in the entrance to her den, tucked back in the darkness where she would not be easily seen. Her sharp eyes shone in the shadows, moonlight dancing at the mouth of her quarters. It was a warm night, the sky littered with stars and cats mingling in the clearing. The petite leader was composed... but, on the inside, she was scattered. Things needed to get done, but after moons with another Deputy gone, Ratstar found she had little time for much of anything. Dangerous loners, badgers, missing cats, Twolegs... so much needed to be taken care of, and so much had fallen through the cracks.

It was time to change that.

Inhaling slowly, the dappled she-cat emerged into the moonlight and strode toward the Moonrock, leaping easily unto it. Sharp green eyes sweeping the clearing, her voice called into the night, "All cats loyal to SunsetClan who are healthy enough are to gather about the Moonrock, immediately." She waited a few moments after her summons for cats to gather, but then she went on, hesitating uncharacteristically at the start. "SunsetClan, I... I have been an unfair leader to you. To all of you.." She paused, wondering if they could see the distance in her eyes or the shadows on her face...

No. They couldn't.

She was too careful for that.

Clearing her throat, the leader went on, her voice gaining strength. "but while I have been inattentive, you have thrived. If ever there was a Clan worthy of its place beneath the stars... it is this. It is we--it is you." She paused again, searching the many, scattered eyes of her Clan before straightening up and continuing. "Before I begin tonight's Ceremonies, I have news: there are reports of loner activity in our territory. A she-cat with white fur and two different colored eyes--she was engaged inside the Abandoned Nest. If any of you encounter her, do not approach her. She is dangerous, and this cannot be overstated." Ratstar's mind went back to the day Sandstrike and Vineheart returned to camp, injured, and her blood went cold with the images, eyes narrowing. "There are also reports of a badger, so please be mindful during any excursion out into the territory. And now, with that... friends, it is time for Ceremonies.

"Snowkit," she called out, searching for the young tom. "It is time for you to begin walking the path that will lead you to becoming a warrior of SunsetClan--until such a time, you will be known as Snowpaw, and Featherhawk will mentor you along your way."

"Spottedkit," she summoned, eyes scanning for the grey-speckled she-cat. "It is time for you to begin walking the path that will lead you to becoming a warrior of SunsetClan--until such a time, you will be known as Spottedpaw, and Ravenheart will mentor you along your way."

"Nettlekit," came the next name, and Ratstar's sharp gaze sought out the young feline. "It is time for you to begin walking the path that will lead you to becoming a warrior of SunsetClan--until such a time, you will be known as Nettlepaw, and Poppymask will mentor you along your way."

"Blizzardkit," Ratstar called, allowing a moment for the white-pelted tom to come forward. "It is time for you to begin walking the path that will lead you to becoming a warrior of SunsetClan--until such a time, you will be known as Blizzardpaw, and Shadewhisker will mentor you along your way."

"Cherrykit," she addressed, struggling to see the young calico in the darkness. "It is time for you to begin walking the path that will lead you to becoming a warrior of SunsetClan--until such a time, you will be known as Cherrypaw, and Crowtail will mentor you along your way."

"Ravenkit," she went on, knowing it would be near impossible to spot that black pelt in the crowd that night. "It is time for you to begin walking the path that will lead you to becoming a warrior of SunsetClan--until such a time, you will be known as Ravenpaw, and Otterfrost will mentor you along your way."

"Rainkit," Ratstar called, pausing for a brief moment as she replayed events from the past moon in her head. "It is time for you to begin walking the path that will lead you to becoming a warrior of SunsetClan--until such a time, you will be known as Rainpaw... and Vineheart will mentor you along your way."

"Dawnpaw," she continued, not lingering in her thoughts as she sought out the pale ginger she-cat. "Your path has been steady, and you have walked it with grace. From this day forward, you will be known as Dawnrush, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of intelligence and loyalty."

"Riverpaw," the leader summoned, giving the young cat a moment to come forward. "Your path has been fluid and winding, and you have walked it with ease. From this day forward, you will be known as Riverecho, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of courage and pride."

"Shimmerpaw," she called, eyes seeking the striped apprentice. "Your path has been hazy, and you have walked it with a stalwart wisdom. From this day forward, you will be known as Shimmerstone, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of boldness and strength."

"Spottedpaw," came the next name in the never-ending line-up. "Your path has been far-reaching, and you have walked it with confidence and skill. From this day forward, you will be known as Spottedcreek, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of fortitude and prowess."

"Thornpaw," Ratstar declared, trying to spot the dark brown tom. "Your path has been rich and forthcoming, and you have walked it with decency. From this day forward, you will be known as Thornbrook, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of commitment and power."

"Stormpaw," was the next name, calling forth a young tom. "Your path has been hushed and foggy, and you have walked it with courage. From this day forward, you will be known as Stormrunner, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of swiftness and hope."

"Daisypaw," she called, searching for the brown tabby. "Your path has been wholesome, and you have walked it with ingenuity. From this day forward, you will be known as Daisyshine, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of light and sincerity."

"Hawkpaw," came the next. "Your path has been calm, and you have walked it with great awareness. From this day forward, you will be known as Hawkpool, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of wit and composure."

"Hazelpaw," Ratstar summoned, waiting for the blue-eyed she-cat. "Your path has been steep, and you have walked it with distinction. From this day forward, you will be known as Hazelrain, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of compassion and equity."

"Pikepaw," she called out, amazed at the number of up-and-coming warriors. "Your path has been difficult, and you have walked it with steadfast paws. From this day forward, you will be known as Pikestone, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of perseverance and fortitude."

"Goosepaw," was the last name in her line-up, and Ratstar searched for the large, brown tabby. "Your path has been true, and you have walked selflessly. From this day forward, you will be known as Goosewhisker, warrior of SunsetClan--may you continue to walk a path of substance and glory."

There.

Ratstar sat back while cats cheered and greeted their respective mentors and apprentices, allowing the Clan a moment to take everything in before her firm voice was once again calling for their attention. "I know it has been some time since this Clan has seen a second-in-command. Thrushfire, Cedarpelt... my Deputies were genuine, but each was called to leave us--StarClan set a different path beneath their paws, and these paths carried them away from us." The leader paused to allow for a respectful moment of silence for these lost Deputies before continuing. "but, now, it is time for another to rise." Ratstar paused again, her eyes searching the crowd for one particular set of fiery eyes... one particularly poignant cinnamon pelt... one specific, sly smile... and, once she found them and received that playful nod of reassurance, she sought out another face. "This cat is more courageous, more fearless, than even the heartiest of warriors... and she possesses an indomitable spirit. I believe it is this strength, and this virtue within her that will help lead our Clan to further greatness. And so... I call upon Vineheart to step forward, stand before us all... and accept her place as SunsetClan's newest Deputy."

+-----+-----+

As soon as Ratstar had called for the Ceremony, Sandstrike had made his way to the head of the crowd and taken a place near the front, off to the side, a certain light of knowing shining behind his fiery eyes. He knew what the night had in store for SunsetClan, and when Ratstar began to call forth the new Deputy, the tom's gaze ignited and he got to his paws, scanning the crowd for that face... He knew Vineheart might be reluctant to step forward--afraid, even, of the eyes of her own Clan and how they might see her--so he wanted to be there to help pull her from the shadows. He wanted her to look to him if she found she could not make her way forward on her own.

He would carry her out of the crowd, if he had to--if she found her paws were not working, or doubt stilled her legs.

He would carry her.

{Congratulations to Lunar for Vineheart becoming Deputy! PM me with questions. AND IF YOUR CAT RECEIVED A WARRIOR NAME, DO NOT FORGET TO POST *HERE* WITH IT.}

[Isilme]

The quiet cat smiled, a genuine smile she was finally a warrior, Hawkpool, she tasted the sound on her lips happy with how it fit perfectly, she couldn't be more proud with the words the leader had said about her, Hawkpool was not a very popular cat because of her personality but now she was a warrior and those things didn't bothered her anymore.

Crowtail smiled brightly another apprentice was under his care, Cherrypaw, a lovely name he could only hope the cat would be as lovely and not a great trouble maker to get him in even more trouble than he normally got himself into alone, the large long furred black tom looked around searching for said cat, the sooner they started the better.

[Deleted]

6 moons. She had waited 6 moons for this. Cherrykit--no, Cherrypaw now padded to her mentor with her head held high and her chest puffed. She knew her friends from the nursery were watching her and that they were proud of her. Cherrypaw finally reached him. A large long-haired black tom who looked a little intimidating. She reached out to touch noses with him, already thinking about the six moons she would spend training to be a warrior. With that cat as her mentor, she might become the best warrior yet.

[Isilme]

Crowtail finally saw the a apprentice approching him and smiled touching noses with the smaller cat. "Hello, I'm Crowtail, let's have a nice time together." He meowed gentle knowing that he did looked a little scary but that was so far from what he really was. "Would you like to start your tour now or you want to talk with a few friends before we go?" The black tom asked waiting for a reply before making any decisions.

[Deleted]

Cherrypaw was a little surprised that Crowtail said that they will have a "nice time together". She thought mentors were all serious and no-nonsense cats. Then she realized that Crowtail asked her a question. "I would like to have the tour now. My friends can wait for a while." Cherrykit meowed.

[Deleted]

A mentor. He, Featherhawk, was a mentor now. It wasn't like he was enthusiastic- he wasn't, really, because he didn't like younger cats in the beginning. However, perhaps Snowpaw would be different.

Putting on his best welcome look, he passed stiffly over to the new apprentice. "Hello, Snowpaw. My name is Featherhawk. I will be your mentor as you go through apprenticeship." He strained a smile. "You excited?"

[Deleted]

Shadewhisker. A mentor.
The black she-cat wasn't as excited as some of the other warriors. She knew a head of time, that she was going to be made a mentor. but she didn't think she could do it. She was't ready. She has had no experience at all, hy teach a young apprentice, when you have nothing to teach him
When Shadewhisker was called, she did as she was wished to do. She walked up to her so called, new apprentice. Her dull green eyes looked down at the young cats. "Hello there. I'm Shadewhisker." Her voice was dull, and she was not very happy at all.
She just hoped that this young cat would like to hunt, and she hoped that some other warrior would teach the young cat how to fight. Because Shadewhisker surely could not teach him. She never caught on when she was an apprentice, and she has never been into a fight. She was useless when it came to those types of things.
So Blizzardpaw is gonna have to be happy with hunting for a while. but thats whats more important here right. Feeding your fellow clanmates. You can let the other stronger cats do the fighting.

Shadewhisker looked around before leading her young apprentice out of the crowd. "Don't be disappointed, but we are not going out today. Tomorrow I will come and get you, and we can go see the territory. Now go to your friends. but don't forget, get some rest. I'm trying to get the whole territory covered, by sundown tomorrow." And with that Shadewhisker nodded, and walked off. It wasn't very late, so she knew that her apprentice wasn't going to sleep either. So to get out of sight of her apprentice, she was going hunting.

---

Deku

[Frost]

Snowpaw had waited 8 moons for this, unlike the other kits. He had went outside camp in Leaf-bare and almost froze to death. but he had finally made it. Snowpaw bounced over to his mentor, his bright blue orbs shining with joy and excitement. Featherhawk...Wasn't Smokepaw talking to him earlier? As he reached the seemingly kind cat, he gave a huge smile and nodded his head. "Yes sir. I had to wait 8 moons for this, how could I not be?" The white kitten meowed, though a certain she-cat popped into his head. "Featherhawk, do you know who Aspenpool is?" The tom asked, hoping he did.

--

Thornpaw-no, Thornbrook's yellow eyes glowed with pride. He was a warrior! he would h=get to train other apprentices, go into battle for his clan, and he was more respected. He was so lost in thought of all the things he could do that he almost missed it. "Daisypaw," Ratstar mewed, causeing the tall brown tom's head to pop up. "No way. Please be her, not someone else." he whispered, watching closely for the calico as she was renamed. Then she spotted it. A larger version of Dasiypaw, well Daisyshine, sitting in the crowd. He waited for wait seemed like years for the ceremony to be over, and as soon as it was, he rushed other to her. "Dasiypaw?" He questioned, rather loud.

[*Moony Shenanigans*]

Today was the day! Today was the day! Dawnpaw's days of putting up with Morningdew's attitude and prejudice were over, finally over. She could hardly sit still as the kits were made apprentices. When Ratstar called her name, her breath caught in her throat. She gasped softly as her warrior name was called out. Dawnrush. Briefly  she recalled doing the same during her apprentice ceremony, as the concept of changing her name had been quite new. And she mentally smirked as she was singled out for her loyalty. Morningdew had been wrong to think she was disloyal; She might have been born a loner, but her heart belonged in SunsetClan.

[Deleted]

Tagged: Frost (Snowpaw)

Featherhawk twitched his ears. He never interacted with anyone. How was he to know who Aspenpool was?

Was?

"No, I dont," he said carefully, in case Aspenpool, whoever she or he was, was related to Snowpaw, "who was she?"

ooc: Do you want to start a thread?

[ℓυиαя]

OOC: THIS IS SO EXCITING! Whoo, busy day for Vineheart eh? Thanks acro, looking forward to this c:
Words: 906
Muse: Fantastic!


A she-cat with white fur and two different colored eyes

She is dangerous, and this cannot be overstated

The small tabby sat towards the back of the gathering cats and her eyes darkened at her leaders words. Vineheart knew first hand just how dangerous this white loner was and even a moon or so later, she still prowled through her dreams. but it was getting better, with the support of Sandstrike, it was getting better. Shaking herself to clear the images that plagued her so often, Vineheart forced herself to concentrate on Ratstar's next words as she began with the ceremony. Golden eyes turned light with excitement and though withdrawn, though she didn't run around with her normal spring to her step, that didn't stop her golden eyes from gleaming. Vineheart had always enjoyed ceremonies such as this. To her they resembled the rise of a new generation and she loved the excitement that surrounded the clan with the addition of new warriors, apprentices, and the pairing of mentors. They were relationships that would last a lifetime. Only young herself, Vineheart remembered the ceremony that had lead her to receiving her warrior name. That day had been joyous.

but it had also created a rift in a relationship that was only now beginning to flourish once more.

She wouldn't let that happen again.

Those excited eyes set in a once pretty, now ravaged face followed the gaze of Ratstar to each of the apprentices and watched as slowly they were matched to their warrior mentors. As her name was called to be a mentor to Rainpaw, Vineheart's rounded ears pricked up first in astonishment and then in excitement. She had an apprentice, something she had looked forward to ever since becoming a warrior herself. She enjoyed teaching others and patience was something she was known for. In that moment, all thoughts about what others thought of her, what they said, how she looked vanished and she stood to her feet, feathered tail swishing, bright eyes roaming excitedly for her new apprentice. The small tabby barely had enough time to get her head around the fact that she was now a mentor before Ratstar began speaking again.

And so... I call upon Vineheart to step forward, stand before us all... and accept her place as SunsetClan's newest Deputy." 

Surely she hadn't heard that right.

Her tail stopped swishing. Shocked eyes slid slowly from their excited search for her apprentice, to her leader that sat apon Moonrock looking directly at her. A coindicence perhaps. Or that's what she thought until she saw Sandstrike standing at the front of the gathering, him too looking right at her. Maybe not a coindicence then but perhaps a mistake? Surely she had not just been chosen as the next deputy of Sunsetclan. Feeling as if the breath had been knocked right out of her, Vineheart struggled to comprehend the events of the last few seconds, her eyes darting along the ground a few strides away from her. Maybe they had seen something about her that she hadn't. Vineheart trusted her leader even if she had been keeping to herself lately, so was she saying that her leaders judgement was wrong? That Sandstrike's judgement was wrong also? She knew the sly tom cat had something to do with it. Taking a deep breath, her eyes moved slowly to the tom in question once more. Short legs felt like lead and Vineheart was sure the rest of the camp could hear her heart from a mile away. Another deep breath, two, before she forced those heavy legs into motion, her gaze never leaving the ginger tom in front of her. Out of everyone, she trusted him the most and she was scared. Scared of what the clan would think about having a now isolated and talked about individual as their deputy, scared that she wouldn't make her leader and Sandstrike proud, scared she wouldn't be able to do it. Could she do it? 

As she walked towards Moonrock through the crowds of cats, Vineheart didn't once look away from her friend, knowing if she did, she would run and no one would be able to stop her. Holding on to her resolve, after what seemed like an eternity to the young warrior she broke free from the crowd and stood beside the tom, her eyes telling silently of her shock and fear, her doubts and anxiety. Though within all that, was a strength Vineheart didn't even know she had, a strength she didn't give herself enough credit for. She knew what was expected of her and though she was scared, though she was doubtful, she would accept this on the trust she had for her leader and friend, as well as for the benefit of Sunsetclan. They had been without a deputy for so long.

Too long.

With that decision in mind she spoke fateful words that would change clan life for her forever - her mind hopeful it would be in a positive way this time. Dipping her head to first Ratstar and then the cats gathered before Moonrock she spoke with a slight shake to her voice, yet her female tone also carried a strength an determination to not let her leader's decision be a wrong one.


"It would be my pleasure. I- thank you."

[Frost]

Snowkit gave a soft sigh. "Aspenpool is the cat who went missing a while back, also my mom. She has no memory for before she was taken by twolegs. I was wondering if I could maybe talk to her before training." The large white tom asked, a gleam of sadness flashing though his bright eyes. He didn't even know if the sandy tabby remembered him. "Please?" Snowkit asked, looking the warrior in the eyes as he pleaded.

[Sand]

Spottedpaw sat by himself as always lost in his own thoughts. He knew his mother was back but what was the point of talking to her. He also knew that she had given birth to his half siblings. He also hadn't talked to any of them either.'Why should I talk to them it would be better if I didn't exist, probably wouldn't want to have kin who has poor health,' he thought keeping his face an emotionless mask. He was so focused on his thoughts that he hadn't noticed anything around him. Hearing his name he started in surprise and was confused at first since he didn't know that a meeting had started. His eyes landed on Ratstar and he realized that she was the one who had said his name. 'Am I in trouble?' he asked himself and tuned into what his leader was saying. When he heard her say Spottedcreek he realized that he had just become a warrior. 'Finally, I'm sixteen moons old and I only just now became a warrior,' he thought keeping his face an emotionless mask. He heard a voice behind him asking another cat if they knew Aspenpool and he glanced over his shoulder to see one of the new apprentices and his mentor. He had to wander why the apprentice was asking about Aspenpool but then he heard the tom mention that Aspenpool was his mentor. 'So that's my half brother, or one of them at least,' he thought turning away from the apprentice when he heard Shimmerstone approaching him.

"Hey, Spottedcreek, can you believe that we're finally warriors," Shimmerstone meowed cheerfully. Noticing that his face was emotionless as always she let out a sigh. "Come on smile, your just became a warrior you should be happy," she meowed.


"Who said anything about me not being happy, just because I don't show it like you do doesn't mean that I'm not happy," Spottedcreek meowed his mew emotionless. "I'm happy to be a warrior," he meowed looking away. He didn't tell her that he doubted that he would make a good warrior he was to worried that he would mess up because of his poor health.

Riverecho couldn't believe it. He was finally a warrior. There was only one cat that he wanted to see. Turning away from the rest of the ceremony he looked for the familiar pelt of his blind friend who had become a warrior before him. 'Did she even come, what if she doesn't even want to see me anymore,' he thought.

[Deleted]

The silver pelted warrior ignored every single name listed but one. Once she heard her friends name ring out she started purring. The she-cat heard Riverpaw's name turn to Riverecho and beemed. The question was...where in the world was the tom?

[Sand]

Riverecho continued to look around until he saw the familiar pelt of Silverwind. 'There she is, I was worried that she might have been out of camp or something,' he thought knowing it wasn't very likely for cats to still be doing stuff for their clan at night. He raced over to her easily coming to a halt right next to her. "I'm finally a warrior and we even get a little more peace from Flamepaw. I heard he got in trouble so he didn't get his warrior name," he meowed. "I'm also happy that we get to share the same den again," he admitted giving his chest an embarrassed lick.