Batglow's Elder Ceremony

Murkystar left her den, her head low. Following the dark forest rising, Batglow hadn't been able to recuperate like he always had, and the wear it was taking on him was clear. Following yet another long, emotional conversation, she climbed Jaggedrock, lifting her eyes to the 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 second mate, even if retirement would be peaceful and welcome. She had only just completed the ceremony for Mistyfalcon to rest, and now Batglow was following him. Perhaps soon she would have no one left.

Swiftheart heard the call of a meeting and quickly emerged from the warrior den. She had been a bit cooped up in there since the death of her brother (loudnose) and her crush (ratrunner).

She was sad for their deaths of course but loudnose's last words to her were to try and be happy and so she did her best to keep her positive happy energy that she usually did. Did it still hurt? of course it did but she never tried not to let it eat at her too much she was determined not to slip into a wallow of self pity and sadness.

With this in mind she walked out of the den with a smile, she had learned to be grateful for each day she still had left with those she still had left. Her mother(Murkystar) was still alive as was her father (Mistyfalcon) was alive as well even if just older now an elder... she made a mental note to tease him playfully about that later. she also still had her sister (basilbloom) for family and her brother and littermate (Nightstalker) and her uncle of sorts in Batglow who she had always considered as a second father of sorts. Hmm she supposed that would make Frostglaze her third father of sorts?? as he had always kept an eye on the apprentices when she was one. hmm it was comforting to think about all her family and clanmates.

Seeing her sister nearby and Duskflight she walked over to them to sit with them for the meeting. "hi guys" she meowed.

She looked up at her mom with an encouraging nod. She would always be there for her

He hated making this choice, to step away from his warrior duties despite being fit for it still, but he had no choice in the matter. His chest wound was getting worse by day. It sapped all of his energy and made it difficult to perform tasks. As much as he wanted to keep going that dark forest warrior did some damage to him.

So for now he would accept his role as an elder and hope that Basilbloom could turn his infection around.

Murkystar winced as her gaze fell on the chest wound that had been the deciding factor in her mate's retirement. She had hoped, prayed, that the infection could be reversed, that he would be okay, but with each day it didn't seem that would be the case. She sighed, lifting her gaze slightly to the seemingly starless sky before she began to speak. "ShadowClan, I gather you here to witness the request of one of our warriors. Batglow, you have received a wound that is not healing well, and affecting you to a point you feel you are unable to continue with your warrior duties. Still, I wish to ask.. Is it your decision to join the ranks of our elders?" She asked, finding Batglow's eyes among the crowd of cats.

The tom could feel sadness filling his heart as he looked up at his mate. He didn't want to do it, didn't want to join the elder's den, but he didn't have much of a choice. This wound.. It wasn't healing right, or as fast as he wanted. So he spoke, words he didn't want to say, but had to. "It is." He tried to keep his voice firm, to not show his emotions.

Murkystar lowered her head in acknowledgement, fighting back tears, and when she raised it she announced to clan. "Then it is my honor to acknowledge your request. ShadowClan honors your dedication and bravery through the moons, and we hope you continue to have many peaceful moons of rest." She mewed, ending the ceremony and leaping from Jaggedrock to stand before Batglow, saying nothing as she leaned forward to press her head against his gently.

Swiftheart watched quietly and let Murkystar and Batglow have a long moment to themselves uninterrupted.

After a little while she slowly walked over purring softly "Thank you for your service as a warrior to our clan Batglow" she meowed dipping her head in respect for her (uncle of sorts).

"Your bravery, courageousness and loyalty saved me and protected the clan well" she spoke referencing the time he had saved her and Nightstalker and Ratrunner from the foxes.

She sat next to them leaning on Batglow slightly.

Frostgaze watched from the front of the crowd, having gathered along with everyone else at Murkystar's call. He knew what this was to be about... Batglow had been a loyal and steadfast warrior for many, many moons. It was only right that he be given the elder ceremony, even if it was under the watchful eyes of the Dark Forest. Allowing others to speak first, Frostgaze approached momentarily.

"May your retirement be restful, even in these times. You deserve it, Batglow." A respectful nod was given from the white tom, before he padded away. There was always more to do. Though at least there wouldn't be more for Batglow, rest and relative relaxation were what he hoped awaited him in the future for many moons to come.

Mistyfalcon quietly watched the ceremony unfold. Retiring hadn't been something he'd wanted to do at all, and he knew Batglow was just as reluctant, if not more. Unfortunately, injuries and infection didn't give much of a choice, all he could do was try and be supportive of his mates. When the ceremony concluded, the thin tom padded forward, lightly nudging Batglow's shoulder. There was nothing he could say that would make it any easier, so he stayed silent before slipping away while the rest of the clan offered words to him.