"Cats of Gorgeclan!" Deepstar called to the cats gathered above him in the ridges of the ravine.
"It is time we made some new warriors! After the recent Hunt, our newest apprentices show they are ready to become warriors. Lurkingpaw, Spiderpaw, Littlepaw," he paused, and she looked at Littlepaw.
He had slammed face first into the tree, and so his muzzle was somewhat squashed.
"Stormpaw, and Starkpaw, step forward."
All of them moved toward Deepstar.
"I, Deepstar, leader of Gorgeclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these five apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn. Lurkingpaw, Spiderpaw, Littlepaw, Stormpaw, and Starkpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do." Said Lurkingpaw, solemnly.
"I do!" Said Spiderpaw.
"I do..." Littlepaw sounded worried.
"I d- do! I do." Said Stormpaw.
"Ido." Said Starkpaw, very fast.
"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior names. Lurkingpaw, from this moment onward, you will be known as Lurkingsnake. Starclan honors your agility and quick wit." He put his head on hers, and she licked his shoulder.
"Spiderpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Spidertail. Starclan honors your loyalty and strength. "
This repeated, and Littlepaw became Littlefox, Stormpaw became Stormnose, and Starkpaw became Starkfern.
"Lurkingsnake! Spidertail! Littlefox! Stormnose! Starkfern!" Called the clan.
"You will be taking a silent vigil protecting the clan." Nodding, Lurkingsnake jumped out of the ravine.
Two nights later, Lurkingsnake left the warrior den, for she could not sleep. Then, she heard a whisper behind her. "Lurkingsnake! Will you walk with me?" It was Spidertail.
"Sure." She replied, and let him catch up to her. "Race you to the lake!" He called, and raced off.
Spidertail won. When they reached the lake, she saw that small wildflowers were in bloom. The air was warm, and the full moon lit up the scene with a soft, silver light.
He turned to her, and she saw nervousness in his eyes.
"Lurkingsnake, when I first saw you, I felt my entire pelt come to life. I was a moon old, but I knew you were my destiny. What I'm asking... Lurkingsnake, will you be my mate?" He asked.
Joy lit everything that Lurkingsnake saw. "Yes!" She purred. Spidertail gave a triumphant mrew. She walked over to him, licking his cheek, and twining her tail with his.
She suddenly yawned. "Let's sleep" he said, and for the first time she detected tiredness in his voice, too.
She curled up next to him, and slept.
