Lightfoot and Icestorm's Elder Ceremony

Ashwing stood on the Jaggedrock, filled with sorrow and regret. Somehow it fell to her to do this... She never thought she would have to. She was going to hold an elder ceremony for her two dearest friends: Lightfoot and her mate Icestorm. When the two had come from a patrol, battered and beat up, Ashwing had barely suppressed a yowl of pain. She still didn't know what had happened, but Icestorm had never walked the same again and now Lightfoot could hardly see, so she supposed this was inevitable?... Sigh. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather underneath the Jaggedrock for a Clan meeting!" she yowled, a little hoarse. This made her feel her own age.

Kestrelstorm strode out of the warrior's den, settling down under the rock and curling his tail around his paws.

Palepaw came out to watch the ceremony unfold, his undying respect for the senior warriors showing through. The two toms were great cats and though unfairly, they'd be getting their rest as elders today.

Minkpaw padded out to watch her father and his friend become elders. She smiled at her father as he came.

Honestly, Icestorm couldn't believe that he'd made it this far. Growing up happily with his clan, having a beautiful mate and kits, life couldn't get any better. But apparently it could get worse. Hobbling out of the warriors den, Icestorm dragged one of his legs behind him. When he was hit by the monster, only one leg was completely immobilized, though the other one was bent an odd way and hurt when he put pressure on it. Not to mention the fact that it was pretty obvious that his spine was all messed up. Taking longer than wanted, the grey tom awkwardly sat down beneath Jaggedrock, looking around for Lightfoot. Though the meeting could be for quite a few things, he assumed it was their elder ceremony. Both him and his friend were reaching their limit and after the accident, it was evident that they'd be placed in the elder's den sooner than later. I thought we'd still have a few more good hunts. He thought to himself, a faint smile growing on his muzzle. Looking up to Ashwing, that brief second of happiness faded. Icestorm felt horrible for his mate, now that she'd be alone in the warrior's den. And I'll be alone too. The tom's head and shoulder drooped at the thought of sleeping alone without her warm body next to his.

Sorrow filled the heart of Cedarfur as he walked out of the warrior's den. He could see his brother ahead, wobbling to stand and it the sight of a cat that injured made him want to yowl in furry. He let this happen, he should've kept the patrol together. Now Icestorm and Lightfoot were crippled and going to the elder's den. Stupid ShadowClan cat. He thought about the sight of Lightfoot when the white tom was attacked and gave a low growl. Emberleaf the best he could to fix Lightfoot's eyes, but it would never be enough. Giving a sigh of defeat, the abnormally tall tom sat down a little ways behind Icestorm.

Maplepaw tried to sit respectfully for the warriors, but she twitched every now and then due to her hyperness

Lightfoot was rather slow walking out to the clearing. It was difficult to find his way without his eyesight. He appreciated Emberleaf's hard work at saving his eyes, but it was ineffective. The blind white tom slowly felt and heard his way through the gathered cats to sit next to Icestorm's scent. "We had a good run, Icestorm. There's no one else I'd rather become an elder beside." He said, though he was unable to look the other tom in the eye. Lightfoot scented his daughter, Minkpaw, in the crowd, and was disappointed that he wouldn't be able to see her all grown up. He wanted to watch her earn her warrior name and for her to have a place in the warriors' den next to him, but it seemed that StarClan hadn't fated it. More than anything, Lightfoot was glad that he wouldn't have to look Ashwing in the eye. He still blamed himself entirely for the accidents, and he couldn't face the look of letting down one of his dearest friends. He sat quietly in the center of the clearing and waited for the ceremony to properly begin.

Ashwing looked sadly at the two toms, regret and pain filling her voice. "Cats of WindClan, two of our bravest warriors have requested to join the elders' den. Lightfoot, Icestorm-" she stopped for a moment, choked up. She regained her composure and continued."Lightfoot and Icestorm, is it your wish to give up the name of warrior and go join the elders?"

Sorrow filled Icestorm's heart as he looked up to his mate. He touched Lightfoot on the rump with his tail, telling the blind cat that he was here for him. "Yes, I wouldn't want to lye around the elder's den without a good friend to accompany me." He said softly. Looking back to Ashwing, he gave a sigh. "It is." He meowed shakily, half rethinking his choice, though honestly, his legs wouldn't let him contribute much to the clan anymore.

Gorsefeather watched from his place just outside the Elder's den, it was a pity that a relatively young and spry warrior like Icestorm had been mangled so badly that he had to retire. At least the old former medicine cat was relatively functional, still able to walk on his four paws without too much trouble. But even at his most active, he would only go herb gathering, he couldn't imagine patrolling the borders regularly and having that taken from him.

In a show of support, the calico walked over quietly and sat next to the warrior, not saying a word but offering him support. They would all be sharing a den soon as elders.

Lightfoot's ears flicked towards Ashwing's voice. It was a question he never expected to hear. With a quiet sigh, he raised his voice and answered her question. "It is." Hearing her choke up just about wrenched his heart out, and guilt flooded through him like a crashing wave.

OOC: pls forgive me D;

Ashwing lowered her head in resignation. "Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given us. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest." The deputy leapt down from the Tallrock and nuzzled her mate's nose.

Icestorm nuzzled his nose in his mate's cheek, sadness overwhelming him. He never expected himself to be going to the elder's den this soon. Guess I'll just have to make the best of it. Besides, it wasn't like he was never going to see his clan again. "Don't worry, I'm not that old yet," he said with a faint smile.