Adamented -||-
Dreamclan -||- Falconleap -||- She-cat -||- Warrior -||- 25 moons
Falconleap's favorite prey is, like her name implies, falcons. In Dreamclan territory, during intense Greenleaf seasons when there are many warriors, hunting patrols are sent out in larger numbers to hunt birds of prey like falcons, hawks, and eagles. Falconleap was always fearful as an apprentice of the birds of prey that would soar over Dreamclan's meadows during Greenleaf. It wasn't until quite later in her warrior training that her competitive nature led her to her greatest accomplishment, her favor of falcons, and earning her warrior name. Falconleap was egged on by the other apprentices, and challenged to face her fears of birds when she was summoned to be part of a North patrol during Greenleaf. She had originally refused to go along, willing to face the consequences of going against her mentor's direction and her deputy's command, but she couldn't stand how the other apprentices made fun of her- claiming her name a mistake. She ran out of camp to catch up with the patrol, and was nearly picked up by a falcon as she neared them. She made it to the group unscathed, but had caused quite a stir. With her mentor's instruction, she waited for the falcon to swoop again, but to the dismay of the group, it went for an unexpected target- a rogue that was in the area. In a moment of quick decision, Falconpaw sprinted towards it and leaped onto the bird's back, throwing it off balance and toppling to the ground. The rest of the hunting party gathered to help secure it, and when they returned to camp with the bird the clan shared it. The next day, Falconpaw received her warrior name, Falconleap, forever immortalizing her accomplishment- moving past her fear, to help someone she didn't know who was in danger.
Falconpaw's tail tip twitched with her nervousness as she strode towards where her clan had gathered. She greeted her fellow clan members as she passed, finding her spot affront the crowd beside her mentor. She gently touched her nose to her mentor's shoulder in greeting and respect. She could tell her fur was bristling slightly with her nerves, and she gave a quick glance around before licking her shoulders to try to get the fur to lie flat. She let out a long breath, closed her eyes, and allowed herself a moment to relax. Falconpaw could feel the frustration with herself growing, she didn't feel that she should be nervous- she earned this. Her ears perked up and eyes flicked open when she heard her leader speak. "Dreamclan, we gather today to celebrate the deeds of one of our apprentices," Autumnstar's ginger fur practically glowed under the light of the morning sun, a gentle breeze rustled through the crowd. Falconpaw turned a quick glance to her fellow apprentices, who watched their leader in awe, and her, in jealousy. Boy had she proven them wrong! A grin of pride crossed her maw and she shifted her weight to stand taller as Autumnstar's gaze found her. "Falconpaw, I call on you to stand before your clan and your ancestors." Falconpaw rose to her paws, practically vibrating with anticipation as she stepped forward. She crouched low for a moment, praying to the Stars she wouldn't embarrass herself, and leaped onto the mossy log. She turned to face the mottled group of her clan, before turning her gaze to Autumnstar again. "Stars, look upon this apprentice. Today Falconpaw put aside her fears in an act of bravery and courage, to save the life of a stranger trespassing within Dreamclan territory. She overcame her fears and with the help of her fellow hunters brought home this bird, her namesake, to feed her clan. Stars, I turn to you to consider this apprentice, and bestow upon her a warrior name so she may join the ranks of her superiors and conclude her training." Falconpaw's sharp seafoam gaze swept over the crowd and met the gaze of her mentor once more before she stared into the sky. Her heart was beating out of her chest, but she contained her excitement barely, forcing herself to stand still. After a moment of silence while the clan stared in awe, Autumnstar jumped from her perch on the roots of the uprooted tree down to the trunk, her cyan eyes bore into Falconpaw's. "Do you, Falconpaw of Dreamclan, promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Falconpaw's mouth suddenly felt dry, but she spoke past it. "I do. For as long as I live." She practically stumbled over her words in her eagerness, and dipped her head. Autumnstar's nose pressed gently against Falconpaw's bowed head, "Then by the powers of our ancestors the Stars, I present you with the warrior name they have chosen for you. Falconpaw, from this moment on you will be called on as Falconleap. Your clan and ancestors value your virtues, and welcome you as an accomplished warrior of Dreamclan." Autumnstar rested her muzzle on Falconleap's head, and as was tradition Falconleap gave the leader's shoulder a lick in return. The two separated, and Falconleap reveled in the sound of her warrior name on the tongues of her clan. "At Sundown, you will begin a silent vigil to honor your ancestors and fellow warriors. Now, you may go eat with your clan." Autumnstar smiled down on her with a warm expression, and Falconleap jumped down to join her clan.
