[ti]Open[/ti]First Signs of Spring

[LupTacco]

Sliding back into camp and shaking the water from her pelt, Bearstar couldn't help but cast a glance at the pointed stones that cropped up around the cave base. A young cat had lost his life here just recently, and perhaps that was why when she considered the naming of the current apprentices her mind seemed to bounce away from it. Today however, she has noticed some tiny yellow and purple flowers nestling in the stones. New-leaf had finally come to the forest, and the chill of Leaf-bare was melting away. There was still plenty of young life in the clan, as tragic as it was to lose someone before they even earned a name. A sudden sense of urgency tugged at her paws- she'd delayed far too long, and they were surely restless. Bounding across the cave, she took her place atop the stone outcropping and called out. "May all cats old enough to cross the waterfall gather here for a clan meeting!" 

"Apologies for the delay," the leader dipped her head briefly, "but it is time to recognize several young cats here today for completing their training. Brightpaw, Fallenpaw, Cottonpaw, and Fawnpaw. Each of you have proven yourselves ready for the life of a warrior, and a new name to match. Brightpaw, you are as strong as you are lovely- you will be named Brightflower."

"Ah, Fallenpaw. I have been keeping track of your training- you were always a little off-balance as a kit. However, you have overcome your own hurdles with dedication; you are now Fallenbranch."

Bearstar paused as she examined Cottonpaw. She'd had a bit of a tough time deciding, but ultimately, "Cottonpaw, your coat is as chaotic as your temper. You will be known as Cottontangle." 

"Fawnpaw, you are an impressive and intelligent young she-cat. You seem to be a little more diplomatic than many of your peers. From now on, you are Fawnstep." 

As she greeted each new warrior, the leader craned forward, touching her nose to each forehead. Sitting back to let the clan echo the new names a few times, she nodded towards the nursery, where three kittens waited to be called forward. Bearstar flicked her tail, beckoning them over silently while the cats below quieted down. "It would seem the apprentice's den is destined to remain quite full. We have three kits ready to begin their training this moon. Indigokit, Crowkit, and Sleetkit. You will be mentored by Ravenwing, Ringtail, and Pouncetail, respectively." Allowing the warriors to greet their new charges and letting the clan greet each newly named cat, Bearstar officially concluded the ceremony by laying down on the outcropping to watch over her clan. 

[foggy]

-- smokeshade --

---

The leader's voice cut through the camp, causing the tom's ears to prick with the abruptness of it. Recognizing the familiar call, he slowly padded over, knowing that a few ceremonies would be taking place today. He settled down slowly, joining the cats already gathered sitting below the rocks and tilting his head to look up at the brown pelted she-cat. Before long, the leader continued with the clan meeting, Smoke just hoped it wouldn't take too long.

Warrior ceremonies first - four of them. He watched with passive eyes, though not unkindly. Warrior ceremonies were all the same so one often got used to them happening, unless you were related to one of the newly-made warriors, you just tended to let it happen and not watch every single one with the same interest you did as a kit or apprentice, knowing that it would eventually be your turn. He was jolted back into the moment by the clan chanting the new warriors names out loud. At least the clan would get a good nights sleep tonight, four warriors holding vigil would soothe the most paranoid of felines.

Next there were apprentice ceremonies, just the three this time. Their mentors were announced quickly and the clan chanted their new names. Good mentor choices, they would receive fine training from them. Although Smokeshade hoped that Ravenwing would be able to cope with a new apprentice and his kits soon to be on the way. He shrugged, he was sure the dark tom would cope and it was none of his business anyway, unless Nightfur took him up on his offer to help.

With Bearstar leaping onto a less prominent overhang, it was clear the clan had been dismissed to chatter amongst themselves about the new changes. Smoke didn't really have a close friend to speak to, nor did he feel so inclined to make a comment on the new warriors and apprentices. The long-haired tom remained sitting, listening to the chatters, but expecting them to just be the more generic comments after such ceremonies like this.