Nightwolf's Elder Ceremony

A twinge of anxiety and apprehension twisted in Ivystar's gut as she sat atop the Willow Branch, emerald eyes sweeping across camp to observe the quiet chitter-chatter and occasional glance upward in her direction. Yet another of RiverClan's most reliable warriors was stepping away from their duties and retiring to the life of an elder. Ivystar supposed that was just part of the next generation stepping up as the previous stepped down, but an uneasy feeling had settled into her chest at the thought. With a sigh, she called out, "All those old enough to catch their own fish, gather beneath the Willow Branch for a Clan meeting!"

Nightwolf like he was getting old. Mostly because cats younger than him were retiring to the elder's den, while he was still out doing warrior duties. His bones were also beginning to ache a bit, every time he'd get up from a place was laying or sitting in, and even running. Plus he wanted to know the clan better, and make more friends!

Nightwolf padded to the clearing he sat in oh so many times. This would probably be the last ceremony he'd be active as a warrior in, before becoming an elder. He sat down, looking up at Ivystar, his former mentor. She must be getting old too, she's been leader for a while now. She's done so much for the clan.

"Nightwolf, is it your wish to give up your life as a warrior and retire to the elder's den?" Ivystar mewed with a gulp, looking down at Nightwolf with wide emerald eyes. This was a tom she'd trained herself- one of her first apprentices, as a matter of fact. Was... Was she really getting that old? Perhaps it was almost time for her to consider retirement herself. The idea felt so foreign- even with Stormbringer having retired, she couldn't imagine herself in such a position. With a slight shake of her head she refocused her thoughts on Nightwolf.

Nightwolf nodded. "Yes. Yes it is."

Once Nightwolf confirmed Ivystar's question, she nodded and called out across the clearing, "Then I accept and grant you your wish. RiverClan honors you and all the service you have given to us for many moons. I call upon StarClan to give you moons of hard-earned and deserved rest." With the ceremony officially complete, Ivystar leaped off of the Willow Branch and approached her former apprentice, touching noses with him gently before whispering, "You made me proud, Nightwolf."

Nightwolf smiled. "Glad I could." He meowed to Ivystar. Now, he was ready to fall asleep in his new nest, in the elder's den.