New Members and a Decision

Light filtered through the warrior's den as Iceshadow blinked awake. It had been a few sunrises after the meeting in Cloudstar's den about Grays' arrival. Though Iceshadow as irritated because his father wouldn't let him know the final decision, he knew Cloudstar had to make an announcement about it sometime. Better get ready. Goldenbreeze will be setting up patrols soon. 

He shouldered his way through the den entrance, enjoying the steady breeze that drifted around the camp's walls. More prey will be out, since the heat died down a little. He thought happily. The Clan usually had to hunt at night during this kind of green-leaf, and though their eyesight was keen, they still weren't use to the nocturnal hunting. But as he got ready for a nice, peaceful day, he heard a loud hiss and a surprised exclamation from the fern tunnel.

"Intruders!" Someone hissed, and Iceshadow recognized Crescentpelt's voice.

"Hurry! Scare them off!" Another growled, this time it was Birdpaw, her mentor, Stormfang, at her side.

"Hold on a minute." Cloudstar's gruff mew surprised the cats, who whirled around in surprise. "Let us hear what they have to say." He beckoned the newcomers closer, and Iceshadow finally got a good look at them. One was a lean black tom, with a smudge of orange on his nose, while his companion had a bright ginger coat.  "What are your names?" The black tom gulped, while the ginger one stepped forward, not even daunted by the Clan leader.

"My name is Spark, and my friend is Stone. We have heard many stories about your Clan, and we wish to join." Cats murmured in surprise while Cloudstar studied them closely.

"Very well. But we must present a ceremony to truly welcome you into our Clan." He bounded across the clearing towards the Oak Branch, Spark and Stone following close behind. As he settled himself on the branch, he began to speak. "Spark, Stone, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, even at the cost of your life?" Though the cats had many things to learn, they spoke clearly with confidence.

"I do." They both said, their green eyes gleaming.

"Then I give you your warrior names. Stone, you will now be known as Stoneheart. Spark, you will be known as Sparkfire. We welcome you into OakClan." Cheers rang throughout the crowd, but Cloudstar silenced them with a wave of his tail. "Now, onto some other news. Gray, the rogue who saved Iceshadow from the foxes, has asked to join OakClan. He showed courage and bravery on the day we met him, and I see no reason to turn him down. Though he does not wish for a real warrior name, he is now a true member of OakClan, and will be joining the Elder's den." Cheers echoed around the camp wall with the newly named members of OakClan. Though Iceshadow could see his Father was happy, he still caught a glint if suspicion in his eyes as he set his gaze on Gray.