Mistyfalcon's Elder Ceremony

Murkystar left her den, her head hanging low. Following the recent battles, Mistyfalcon hadn't been able to recuperate like he always had, and the wear it was taking on him was clear. Following a long, emotional conversation, she climbed Jaggedrock, lifting her eyes to a seemingly starless sky. "ShadowClan, gather in the shadow of Jaggedrock for a clan meeting." She tried to stop the waver in her voice, but it was difficult to fully disguise the grief she had for her mate, even if retirement would be peaceful and welcome. She couldn't really imagine things being any different than they had been for moons... But such was reality.

Mistyfalcon's head lifted at Murkystar's call. He knew what this was, they'd discussed it, and he still wasn't quite sure how he felt about it, truthfully. Rookfire had called him on it, and much as Mistyfalcon didn't want to admit it, his friend and former medicine cat hadn't been wrong. Neither had Basilbloom, when he'd reluctantly gone to her after Rookfire had pestered him into doing so. She and Murkystar worried for him, he knew, and it made him feel guilty. Still, he knew that they were right. He wasn't moving as quickly as he used to, and several of his more recent injuries continued to nag at him despite Basilbloom's efforts. He approached the jaggedrock with the rest of the clan, dark eyes watching Murkystar expectantly.

As the clan gathered beneath her, her eyes briefly met Mistyfalcon's. She held his gaze briefly, swallowing the lump that formed in her throat. as she forced herself to look away. "ShadowClan, I gather you here to witness the request of one of our warriors. Mistyfalcon... Your wounds are many, and they are not healing. Still, I wish to ask.. Is it your decision to join the ranks of our elders?" She mewed, turning her eyes back to his.

Murkystar met his gaze, and Mistyfalcon offered her a tight, weary smile in return. Maybe, just maybe the rest would be nice, stars knew his body want going to give him much of a choice if he continued as a warrior, regardless of his own feelings. "It is." His voice remained steady as he spoke.

Murkystar lowered her head in acknowledgement, and when she raised it she announced to clan. "Then it is my honor to acknowledge your request. ShadowClan honors your resilience and strength through the moons, and we wish you continue to have many peaceful moons of rest." She mewed, ending the ceremony and leaping from Jaggedrock to stand in front of her mate. "Now you have a choice... Move into the elder's den, or stay where you are?" She purred, trying to keep her voice light and playful to lighten the mood of the situation.

The ceremony was completed quickly, and Murkystar leapt from the jaggedrock, coming to stand in front of Mistyfalcon. He appreciated the lighthearted words despite the ferry much not-lighthearted situation. "What do you think?" There was a hint of laughter in his voice as he gently bumped his head against hers. "Unless you're wanting the den to yourself, I'm staying put." He added.

Murkystar accepted the contact readily, pressing lightly into the gesture before pulling away and gazing at him. "I think I don't want to be alone anytime soon." She purred, settling next to him and resting her head on his shoulder. If only things could stay as they were.... The ceremony had been an unpleasant reminder that things couldn't last forever.

Swiftheart sat quietly for once watching the ceremony, she for once had no words but gave her parents a reassuring nod. She always always always saw her father as the strongest warrior so his recent decision to join the ranks of the elders was still a bit of a suprise to the naive molly in some ways. She was hit by it kinda like cold water... hmm her dad was getting older. As a kitten and apprentice she had always thought of him as invinsible, as a warrior during the Forgotten order she learned slowly he was not invinsible with how badly he was hurt their. Now seeing his age slowly set in the realization that he would not always be there for her set in and it was a sharp sting to realize.

Sighing she gave him a smile though she would just be even more sure to make the most of what she had now. She walked over to him and nuzzled his shoulder she sat next to him. He had lost his son lately and she wanted to be sure he knew she was there for him