High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]
Thank the stars that was over. Bumblestar didn't miss the nod from Sharpclaw, and was more than grateful for his solidarity.
And at least this didn't seem to have taken away from her goal.
Brushing it all off with a mere flick of her tail, Bumblestar allowed a fresh grin to cross her features as she descended the Stormcrest to greet the apprentices. Now... how did the saying go again? Eh. She couldn't remember, and she didn't really care. She'd never been one for holding onto tradition, anyways. She'd do this her own way.
"Goldenpaw." She looked to her apprentice first, practically brimming with pride. "I'm nothing if not thrilled to have been your mentor. You've proven yourself strong and capable time 'n time again, and ThunderClan should feel honored to have you amongst our ranks. I can't wait to see where you take yourself, and I definitely can't wait to serve alongside you.
"From this moment forth, you will be known as Goldenhawk. ThunderClan honors your never-ending passion and your steadfast boldness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of the Clan." She pressed her nose briefly to the tom's forehead, murmuring, "Seriously, I'm freakin' proud of you," before pulling back.
Next on the list, second to come forward.
"Pebblepaw." Bumblestar let the apprentice's name linger in the air for a moment as she regarded her with a kind smile. "You've consistently been a beacon of light and joy for your Clanmates, and I think I speak for all of us when I say that ThunderClan would be a much darker place if it weren't for your presence. You have one of the purest hearts I've seen, 'n I just pray you find the strength to keep it that way.
"From this moment forth, you will be known as Pebbleshine. ThunderClan honors your boundless cheerfulness and your courage, and we welcome you as a full memeber of the Clan." Bumblestar leaned forward to press her nose against the she-cat's forehead, the smile never leaving her lips.
The third of the four.
"Wolfpaw," she said, moving to stand in front of the white tom. "You may not have been born in ThunderClan, but you've got more than enough spirit to match the part than half the cats I know today. You're faithful and reliable, and ThunderClan is lucky to have you in our ranks. I can't even picture not havin' you around. Real glad you found us.
"From this moment forth, you will be known as Wolfmist. ThunderClan honors your serenity and your unquenchable curiosity for the world around you, and we welcome you as a full member of the Clan." Once again, she moved forward to push her nose against Wolfmist's forehead before pulling away again.
Last, but certainly not least.
"Hazelpaw." Like with Pebbleshine, Bumblestar let the name hang briefly in the air before she continued. "Tonight is the first time I've had the honor of fighting with you, and I sure as hell hope it won't be the last. Your claws and strength are a welcome addition to ThunderClan's forces, and I know for a fact that no one here would regret fighting alongside you, while those you cross claws with are gonna wish they never did.
"From this moment forth, you will be known as Hazelflash. ThunderClan honors your bravery your limitless energy, and we welcome you as a full member of the Clan." For the last time, she inched forward to bop her nose against the new warrior's forward.
Then, with another broad grin, she stepped back, looking at all four of them in turn. "You've all been through some uncertain times in the past several moons, but you've faced everything unwaveringly, and I couldn't ask for anymore of a ThunderClan warrior. We're in solid paws with you four."
What Bumblestar really wanted to do now was tackle all of them into a celebratory hug, but again, unfortunately, probably not socially acceptable. So she settled for the next best thing, and started off the chant. "Goldenhawk! Pebbleshine! Wolfmist! Hazelflash!"
