FireClan Ceremonies January 2015

All of FireClan finally settled down as Burnttail sat down next to his fellow warriors, roars of laughter being heard despite the chaos that had been plaguing FireClan of late.  Tension was still high and fights still erupted at the slightest provocation, but Kindlestar's newest tease seemed to do the trick, and even a rather embarrassed Burnttail couldn't help but grin at his leader's sense of humor.  It was well known that Burntpaw had vanished from FireClan for a while, only to come back and restart his training.  Their leader had wanted to let the burning stares of his clanmates upon his return to be remembered for the long run it would seem, although she assured him with a cackle that the name would grow on him, going as far as asking Dawncloud for his opinion on the matter... an opinion he would have no doubt reflected with a rude hand gesture had he had hands.  Unfortunately for the tom, his expression simply seemed to fuel the fires of the guffaws further.

Archflight - Cliffstalker's former apprentice who had been named just moments before him - gave Burnttail a sympathetic look, although his twitching whiskers quickly betrayed his amusement at the situation.  Close by at the edge of the crowd, Cliffstalker nodded approvingly at his charge now turned warrior, obviously pleased at the fact that at least Archflight had achieved a righteous name, especially considering Kindlestar's humor this ceremony.  Sitting at his feet were Ashenkit and Mossykit, both starting nervously up at the petite leader who was only a slight bigger than Ashenkit now.  Ears perked as they heard their names being called, however, and they felt a rush of excitement as Kindlestar called out their new names - Ashenpaw and Mossypaw - for the clan to hear.  At this, Cliffstalker seemed to sober up, his chest puffing up with undisguised pride while his eyes spoke of the sorrow he felt at their mate not being there to see their precious kits start the path towards becoming warriors in their own right.

"Redsun," Kindlestar called out, instantly forcing the entire gathering quiet as gasps of shock seemed to swallow the noise.  "You are a brave, loyal warrior of FireClan.  Even after the unfortunate accusations that were thrown your way, you kept a level head and not once have shown bitterness or resentment towards those who doubted you.  Instead you have offered your full support, showing that the ties to FireClan run deep within your heart.  It is for this very reason that I believe that you of all cats in this clan is the best suited to take upon the task of mentoring Ashenpaw.  I expect you to pass down all your knowledge to him."

Redsun dipped his head respectfully before heading towards Ashenpaw.  The newly named apprentice gave him a dubious look before turning an unsure glance back at his father.  There was no doubt the mottled tom had expressed his dislike and his suspicions around his kit, yet a mutual understanding seemed to be crossing the older toms as gray eyes met orange before Cliffstalker nodded his approval at his young.  Confused but not about to go against both his hero and his leader, Ashenpaw turned a determined look back at Redsun before dipping his head at his new mentor, returning the now warm smile that the large tom offered him, gray eyes that he expected to be as cold as the hills of SnowClan instead showing the warmth of FireClan during a peaceful leaf fall day.  Kindlestar grinned as she noticed her plan to settle the feud between those two work and turned towards the second mentor, noticing the entire clan looking relieved at the lack of a fight between the two toms.

"Bettleflight," Kindlestar called, making all heads turn towards the senior warrior.  "Your experience in FireClan has seen wars, devastation of our territory, and tragedy.  However, through it all you have always remained constant, a beacon of stability and a reminder of the good times we have here in this unforgiving land.  You show that even in the most brutal corners of this world, goodness can thrive.  You will be a mentor to Mossypaw, I expect you to pass down all your knowledge to her."

Following Redsun's lead, Beetleflight padded towards Mossypaw, exchanging a soft smile with the bi colored apprentice.  None of the awkwardness that had been shown between Ashenpaw and Redsun was evident here, and instead the two touched noses before turning to the leader once more.  The ceremony was quickly called to an end in order to allow the new apprentices to get to know their mentors while the new warriors padded off towards their posts, knowing from tales told they were in for a long night.  Brightsong assured them that it was much worse during the leaf-bare moons, although the mischievous look in her eyes did not help ease their minds much in the matter.  Eyes now in the horizon, the voices around them soon started to fade until only silence and cold engulfed the air around them as they quietly waited for the new day to arrive.