Shimmerheart's Elder Ceremony

"Let all cats... old enough to capture their own prey gather... underneath Jaggedrock for a clan meeting!" Thrushstar yowled.

Shimmerheart slowly walked out of the warriors den, after having spent what she assumed was her last night there. She had requested to be an elder for two reasons: one, because she was feeling her age and finding it hard to move- Viperfang, Webtail, and Tigerstorm's kits only helped with that; and two, because she knew she was no longer fit for service to her Clan... to Leopardfang. She had once hoped to be his deputy... To stand by his side would be the greatest honor... But no. This was not her path. She would die a retired elder, watching her mate become leader and guide ShadowClan to new greatness. She silently thanked StarClan- and Gingerheart- for blessing her with this long and eventful life; for having the foresight to crush her dreams as a kit for the wiser path of being a warrior. For giving her Leopardfang. She faced Thrushstar with her head held high, knowing she had offered ShadowClan a great and prosperous life in its service.

Eaglefeather padded out of the nursery, she sat down and looked at Thrushstar.

Webtail moved closer to Jaggedrock when the meeting began. He noticed how slowly his mother now moved and walked to her side, the tom was begining to wear, Ferretpaw's mauling along with the death of Pinepaw had left him this way. He realized that it had been a while since he was actually with his mother.

Leopardfang sat near Webtail and Shimmerheart. He loved them both, and the rest of his kin, very dearly. His trouble was with his inability to fully express it. Shimmerheart did not seem to him like she should be an elder, and he was hoping perhaps to have her counsel when he was leader, but he reminded himself that an elder ceremony did not mean the end of anything besides her service. Some cats simply grew tired more quickly than others, and that was just how it was. Perhaps now he could devote more time to her like he should have all along. Leopardfang looked up at Thrushstar, wondering how he kept on so long and if he'd left behind a mate earlier in his life.

Tigerstorm joined the gathering cats, slight concern for her mother showing in her green eyes. The tabby sat next to her brother, giving him a friendly and nostalgic smile. She wished they'd been closer, and she wished she'd been around her mother more. But perhaps it was for the best. It was better that Shimmerheart retired of her own free will than losing her life as a consequence of continuing her duties. She wondered if her family would hate her if they knew the truth, but pushed the thought away and glanced up at the Jagged Rock.

Viperfang padded out of the nursery and over to her family to watch Shimmerheart's ceremony. She deserves a good ending to her life... she thought. It was a bittersweet thought, but it was true.

When everyone gathered, Thrushstar continued, looking down at Shimmerheart. Shimmgerheart, is it your wish to give up the name of a warrior and go to join the elders?" He asked her.

Shimmerheart nodded, sure of her choice. "It is, Thrushstar."

The leader nodded in acknowledgement. Your clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest." With that, Thrushstar leaped down, taking the time to touch noses with Shimmerheart. This warrior was one Thrushstar had known since she was a kit and had trained himself. It was nice that she was still loyal after all of this time.

Shimmerheart touched noses with Thrushstar, remembering her warrior ceremony so long ago. She sadly looked at her mate and the three kits who had raised; they now had kits of their own. When had she gotten so old?... "Thank you, Thrushstar,"she whispered. "I will always be loyal to you and to ShadowClan."