Shellwater's Elder Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!" The silver tabby meowed aloud, her voice echoing through the clearing.

Shellwater padded out of the warriors' den at Ivyfall's summons, eyes dull and paws numb. She knew what this meeting was for, but she felt nothing. She hadn't allowed herself to feel anything since that day. And hopefully, she could keep the feelings away for a long time. They hurt too much. Her face was straight and her posture was dignified- the only thing that belied the calico she-cat's broken state as she sat under the willow branch were her empty orange eyes, staring through the RiverClan deputy.

"Shellwater, is it your wish to give up your life as a warrior and retire to the elder's den?" The deputy spoke with a bit of hesitance, it felt wrong to send a warrior younger than her into the Elder's den, yet the wear and tear of age clearly showed in the she-cat's form. She looked tired, both mentally and physically. It was truly heartbreaking to see this.

Shellwater finally raised her eyes to look, unblinking, at the deputy. She felt nothing anymore. Her voice was emotionless and empty as she replied. "It is."

"Then I accept your wish. Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest." Ivyfall finished the ceremony, before hoping down to give Shellwater's shoulder a respectful lick. It was a hard choice that she was making, and she chose to honour it rather than protesting.

Shellwater allowed herself to feel a twinge of remorse, along with a warm gratefulness, as Ivyfall completed the ceremony. The calico she-cat leaned into the silver tabby's stronger form for a moment, pressing her weary face into the deputy's warm fur. She managed to get out a few words, and into them went all her appreciation and love and respect for the RiverClan she-cat. Hopefully, Ivyfall would know what she meant by them. "Thank you."