Dustcloud's Elder Ceremony

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Highrock for a clan meeting!"

So it was time, then. Her mother had served the clan faithfully for many moons, and now it was time for her to join Oakheart in the elder's den.

Nettlestar realized that she should, in this regard at least, count herself lucky. Both her parents had lived long enough that they were able to retire together, and spend some time together in rest. It was still strange for her, though, to think of either of them as anything other than active, as they had been for most of her life. It was so easy to see one's parents as sort of supernatural beings, always stuck in time; one forgot that they, like everyone else, changed. But they certainly both deserved some peace.

Mossbloom made her way to the clearing from the medicine den, feeling well enough to attend this meeting. Perhaps a new apprentice? Or a warrior? Her green eyes glittered at the opportunities this meeting could hold. Settling close to the ferns that enclosed the medicine den, she curled her tail over her paws and looked up towards Nettlestar.

Despite the fact that this day had been a long time coming, Dustcloud still felt tendrils of disbelief and denial swirling about her mind. She'd been restlessly awaiting this day for moons, so why was it that now, she felt anxious? Perhaps the idea that she'd actually be retiring never felt real until today, or perhaps she just never thought she'd actually live to see this day. Whatever the reason was, she couldn't stop her paws from trembling as she reluctantly stepped out of the warrior's den, knowing it would be the last time she'd ever do so. Her nest had already been moved next to Oakheart's in the elder's den, waiting for her to curl up next to him to rest her weary heart. At the very least, Dustcloud could say that she'd done the best she could- her daughters had grown up to become leader and medicine cat of the Clan she cherished, so maybe she hadn't done such a horrible job after all. The she-cat looked about anxiously, spotting Mossbloom settled near the medicine den. On quick paws, the soon-to-be elder made her way over to the calico, sitting next to her and following her gaze up to Nettlestar, knowing what would come next.

Nettlestar watched as Dustcloud appeared, signaling it was time to begin.

Of course, aside from the strangeness of conducting a ceremony for one's own parent, as ThunderClan's leader Nettlestar couldn't help but be a little sad to lose a capable warrior. But she could hardly begrudge her mother's desire to retire, and she certainly wouldn't ever be the one to deny someone the rest they had worked hard for and deserved. Besides; the clan had many apprentices, and Nettlestar prayed that all (though was perhaps only hopeful enough to expect that most) of them would become strong, capable warriors someday, too. Life was ebb and flow; some would leave the rank of warrior, others would enter it. It would all be alright.

"Dustcloud. Is it your wish to give up the rank of a warrior and go to join the elders?"

A figure swiftly approached, and Mossbloom turned to greet Dustcloud as she settled next to her. With a light purr, she brushed her shoulder to the older she-cat's gently and turned her attention back to Nettlestar as she began to speak. Dustcloud's name was called, and Mossbloom's eyes widened slightly in understanding. So she was joining Oakheart in the elder den.... She deserved it, Mossbloom thought as she smiled reassuringly at the she-cat beside her.

Dustcloud sucked in a deep breath when her daughter uttered her name, trying to sort out her feelings on the matter. Shame? Relief? She truly couldn't tell, but now was her last chance to change her mind, to continue living the life of a warrior as she had for countless upon countless moons... "It is." She said firmly, almost surprising herself. Immediately though, she felt a flood of relief, and she was thankful that she made this decision. Finally, she might get some rest.

Nettlestar gave a brief nod of acknowledgement at her mother's response.

"Then ThunderClan honors you and all you have done for this clan. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest,"

So her parents were now both officially elders of the clan-- it really did feel like some kind of change to a fundamental fact. But she'd get used to it, she supposed. Or at least she'd try to.

She leapt off the rock and joined the cats below, moving to greet her mother and speak with her more personally.

"Congratulations, Mom," she said. Her voice was quiet and stiff, but earnest nonetheless. "You really have done so much for the clan, and for me...you and Dad both deserve the rest. I am happy for you,"