Welcome to Gaia! ::

" Maybe I did mean them? What does it matter if I did? It's no worse then things Darkpaw has said to me and the rest of the litter, special to Plumpaw? You make big deals over things that don't matter and yet, you seem to forget the things that do. Perhaps you are right Moonstar, maybe it isn't safe to leave a full grown warrior." Ebonypaw paused to let out a rather odd laugh then went on. " And the precious apprentice with a weak apprentice that just kitted only yesterday. Something horrible might happen ." Ebonypaw was completely sarcastic with the last part. It was only a moment before her eyes left Moonstar. She pawed at the nest she lay in as though no one else was there. Her mind seemed to leave the den as she stared at the ground.

Tuxedopelt kept his mouth shut for now. It sounded like Moonstar was being sarcastic towards Ebonypaw. What was she an apprentice? At least the second part she said was Grandmotherly and leader like, but then she ruined it with the third. Not that Ebonypaw should not be put in her place, but what did Darkpaw and Foxheart have to do with Ebonypaw getting upset? Did Moonstar really think Ebonypaw would attack her own sister....he couldn't blame a want to attack Foxheart though he was a worthless cat.

"Ebonypaw, you're tired. Think before you speak. I know those words aren't you. It's not right for a Warrior to speak that way to their leader. You may have messed up with having kits too early, but do not let it be a down hill trek from the code." Tuxedopelt whispered getting closer to the apprentice.

He breathed a sigh of relief when Ebonypaw settled again. It was a good thing Swiftcloud was there...Plumpaw sighed again, more solemnly, thinking of someone he wanted to have that connection with. Lucky Swiftcloud.

Hey, here came the kits! Plumpaw didn't move from his crouched position, eyeing the toddling little balls of fluff. Were they too young to play? He didn't want to pounce and accidently squash them, just in case. "You're pretty brave." he told Dawnkit, the first one to wander off. "Walking around in the midst of all these snarling foxes!"

He glanced up in case one of those 'snarling foxes' decided to cuff him for being rude, and caught the tail end of Larksparrow's suggestion - his eyes lit up with excitement. True, he really wanted his warrior name too, but Ebonypaw deserved hers. Especially after all that fuss about not having an apprentice ceremony - a hint of worry crossed his face, remembering.

'Maybe StarClan will consider this as her apprentice ceremony? If that's the case, we'll only be warriors once we reach the elder's den.' Now THAT would be funny. Moonstar would have to make a patrol specially for them, and all of the prey would be scared off by their elderly grumbling. His cheery kit-inspired mood came back full swing at the thought.

"That's a great idea, Larksparrow." he piped up admiringly. "We found a whole bunch of moss on patrol the other day, too. Plenty to keep the kits warm."

The tiny little mew from Dawnkit made Plumpaw tilt his head, almost looking like a kit himself. "Hi to you too!" He took a few steps forward and leaned down to whiff at the kit, soft breath stirring the fluff on Dawnkit's head. He smelled kind of dusty. But...familiar. Plumpaw began to purr so hard it rumbled his body from head to toe.

'He's my kin!' he thought in wonder. 'And I'm an uncle!' If Ebonypaw felt like this, no wonder she was ready to fight tooth and claw when Dawnkit was named a runt.

Ebonypaw drew herself up and looked upon Moonstar, with excited yet slightly confused eyes. She couldn't believe this was the moment she had trained for. This was the time she would get her true name. Why did it feel so odd?

What did her mother really think of Ebonypaw? Did she not trust her or was it she just knew Ebony well enough to know certain cats didn't get along well with her? Ebonypaw thought for a moment trying her best to choose the right words and not to just blurt things out like a common kit.

"Moonstar...I thank you for the honor you wish to give to me today. I look forwards to ceremony and the fact that my kits can be there with me is very important and exciting. I'm sorry you feel, scolded and unappreciated, but as my mother I expect you to be grand as my mother and my leader I expect you to be awe inspiring. As a new mother though I can see it's not easy to live up to expectations and that all one should really wish for is that you are trying your best. From now on I will try and remember that and treat you more like you should be treated."

Ebonypaw's eyes caught Plumpaw and she smiled for a moment. "Not even Tuxedopelt, Plumpaw, or Phantomgaze can visit me?" Ebonypaw questioned looking back to Moonstar.

"Shall the ceremony be here? Or should I start setting up the nest for the kits and Ebonypaw right away?" Tuxedopelt asked getting to his paws and looking around the room to see if anyone would help him.

Dawnkit returned the purr before picking one weak paw up to bat at Plumpaw's nose.

Swiftcloud watched silently over the whole matter. He was happy to know that Ebonypaw was not to be punished, but to be made a warrior. Swiftcloud supposed this meant he was not in trouble either, not that he cared he loved Ebonypaw with all his heart and would do anything for her. Swiftcloud walked to the other side of Ebonypaw brushing his tail along her flank before head butting her lightly. He need not speak the words he felt she alway seemed to understand what he meant with not much effort.

Ebonypaw sat tall Her eyes glancing to the roof of the nursery as though she could see Starclan above her. She prayed to them silently as Moonstar spoke the sacred words passed down from generation to generation. Her fur prickled as though the words shivering in awe.

As Moonstar finished Ebonypaw's eyes made firm contact with Moonstar's eyes. With all my heart she added in her mind before speaking.
"I do." Ebonypaw spoke firmly. Her eyes almost glowing in the dark den with passion for the two simple words she had spoken.

Tuxedopelt sat at Moonstar's words tilting his head to Phantomgaze noticing one question had been missed. Under the circumstances Tuxedopelt felt it should be alright though it might be sad moment for Phantomgaze. He would wait for the ceremony to be other then he would help make the nest for Ebony and her kits.

Swiftcloud smiled as the ceremony started and nodded his head in agreement to Ebony needing rest. Besides there was just as much chance of Ebony getting in a fight with those cats as she was to get in a fight with any other cats.

Dawnkit seemed to stop for the moment his ears perked to the other voices in the room something seemed to be going on and he was curious to what is might be.

Duskkit's ears perked as she heard these words, was her mother becoming a warrior now?

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name." She stepped forward, resting her muzzle on her daughter's head. "Ebonypaw, from this day on, you'll be known as Ebonyheart, in knowing you'll use it wisely for your kits, your mate, your siblings, and Clan. Star Clan honors your bravery, and your strength and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan."

EbonyHeart gave Moonstar's shoulder a lick and seemed frozen in excitement till she heard her knew name. She beamed at Larksparrow hearing that she was the first to call Ebony by her new name. EbonyHeart dare not speak though, she was not sure if the silence started right after the ceremony or if Moonstar would let her when it was time. For now she smiled and tried not to purr. She liked her knew name and wondered how Moonstar had chosen it.

"EbonyHeart!! Tuxedopelt joined into the cheer, though he was still not sure about the whole thing, he still cared for Ebonyheart and did not wish to upset her by not joining in.

Dawnkit let out a mew and lifted a paw to Plumgaze again. What ever was going on seemed to be over and he felt it was safe to play once more.