RisenClan Book Two: Evermore

Epilouge Part One

One week later, Soulpaw, Grizzlypaw, Finchpaw, Ensoulpaw, and Soaringpaw all stood, ready to receive their warrior names. Soaringpaw was first in line and eager to begin. She was shaking with anticipation, Grizzlypaw's emotions were hard to read. He was sitting with a blank face, staring ahead. Finchpaw had a huge grin on his face, but Soaringpaw could see it was a mask. He knew Finchpaw secretly wished that it would Ruinstar giving him his warrior name. Ensoulpaw was nervous and rasping her tongue over her body. Soaringpaw was excited. This was going to be the most important day of his life. 

"I call upon our warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices, they have trained hard to learn your ways and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn."

Risenstar motioned for Soulpaw to step up, and she did.

"Soulpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to defend your clan at the cost of your life?"

Soulpaw shook and nodded her head "I do."

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Soulpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Soulfire. StarClan honors your intelligence and energy and we welcome you as a full warrior of RisenClan."

Soulfire beamed and turned back to us with a huge smile on her face as she hopped down and sat to the side as her siblings were given their names, Grizzlypaw was honored for his Courage and wisdom, named Grizzlybear. Finchpaw was honored for his kindness and loyalty, named Finchruin to honor Ruinstar. Ensoulpaw was renamed Freesoul and honored for her integrity and hunting skills. 

By the time it was Soaringpaw's turn, he looked back on his friends and family. He met eyes with a smiling Sparrowstep, his adopted mother, and the beautiful eyes of Sketchypaw who sat curled up near her mother in the winter chill.

Risenstar looked pleased to be doing his ceremony. "Soaringpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to defend your clan at the cost of your life?"

Of course I do. "I do!"

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Soaringpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Soaringdream. StarClan honors your strength and spirit and we welcome you as a full warrior of RisenClan." 

Soaringdream touched his nose to Risenstar's softly. "Thank you." He whispered quietly. Soaringdream pulled away, nodding his head slowly and hoped down.

"I have one more important ceremony to get to. I waited so long because I wanted to make sure I was making the right choices and now I know I am, Sunnyside, please step up."

She did, a look of confusement on her own face. 

"Sunnyside, you have proven yourself again and again and even though I have not spoken to you about this position I truly believe it is one you are ready for and will welcome. I say these words before StarClan so the spirits of our ancestors will look down and approve of my choice, Sunnyside will be the new deputy."

Everyone cheered. They were all happy for her and more than happy to see strong leadership brought back into RisenClan. Soaringdream grinned ear to ear, not saying a word because he would sit vigil tonight. Sunnyside touched her nose to Risenstar and looked around, smiling brightly. Did that smile ever completely fade from her face? Everyone was about to go greet Sunnyside and all the new warriors when Risenstar spoke again.

"Oh I nearly forgot, there is one other thing I would like to address really quickly. Once Toadpaw and Sketchypaw feel ready to continue their apprenticeship, Roaringlight will mentor Toadpaw and I want Soaringdream to mentor Sketchypaw. That is all. Warriors may sit vigil tonight and thank you."

Soaringdream was radiating excitement. He raced over to Sunnyside and licked her cheek with a bright smile on his face. This day was completely perfect. He received an apprentice, became a warrior, and his best friend was now the deputy. Sunnyside stared down at Soaringdream with love and admiration. "I am so proud of you little friend." She said shaking her head in an overwhelmed state.

Soaringdream let a tear slip down his cheek as her warm, yellow eyes like the sun met his own. The bond the two shared would last forever and they both knew that. She had protected him, saved him, she had gone through so much right at his side and they had come out together, still gripping tails. The moment was short because it was only moments later that Sketchypaw bound over to him and licked his nose.

"I can't wait to start my training with you, Soaringdream. I'm so happy you are a warrior." She cooed and let out a little giggle. Soaringdream could not help a little laugh as he exchanged the lick, his cheeks turning rosy under his already red fur.