Stormbringer’s Perma-Queen Ceremony

Looking out from atop the Willow Branch, Ivystar’s thoughts wandered to a myriad of things. Her mate, Stormbringer, had come to her just a few short sunrises ago and asked to retire to the nursery. Though it seemed to her like just yesterday they were frolicking around RiverClan territory, bathing in the glorious sunlight of their youth, she supposed many moons had passed. Even if she didn’t want to admit it, she, Honeytongue, and Stormbringer were indeed getting older. If Stormbringer wished to spend her days residing in the nursery, that was a right that Ivystar certainly was not going to deny her- even if it was hard to come to terms with. So, after clearing her throat, she called out, ”All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the Willow Branch for a Clan meeting!”

It was a little bitter-sweet to be stepping away from her warrior duties now, but she had been spending more and more time at the nursery than out in the territory so she considered it was only fair to finally step back fully. Of course she spoke to both of her mates first before she did so, and she knew they weren't happy to see her retire but they supported her choice. Maybe one day with this, she would have kits that both of her mates would be proud of. She stepped out of the warriors' den and over to the Willow Branch.

Ivystar traced Stormbringer’s path from the warrior’s den to beneath the Willow Branch, actively convincing herself that at an occasion such as this, crying wasn’t necessarily appropriate. In addition to that, she reminded herself that Stormbringer would still be right by her side- she had nothing to worry about. If anything, she might even be able to see her mate more than she currently did. With a deep breath, Ivystar gave her mate an encouraging nod and called out, ” "Stormbringer, is it your wish to give up the rank of a warrior and permanently join the nursery as a Queen?" Her voice was jhst barely noticeably shaky, but considering the circumstances, it was understandable. She’d try to fight that dread in the pit of her chest that they were all getting older- she had to be confident for Stormbringer.

The warrior's heart hurt hearing her mate's voice speaking. She could tell that this was a big thing for all of them to deal with. It was going to be a huge change, but it was for the best, at least in her mind. She waited patiently for Ivystar to finish speaking before giving her answer. "It is." She may have been getting older, but she still had a decent amount of time left, and she intended to enjoy it to the fullest.

With a deep, shaky breath, Ivystar nodded and concluded the ceremony. "Then I accept and grant you your wish. Riverclan honors you and all the service you have given to us for many moons. I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of hard-earned rest." Leaping from the branch, the fluffy silver tabby approached her mate and nuzzled her lovingly, tucking her head underneath the gray she-cat's chin for a moment. "I will always love you," She mewed quietly, backing away slightly as to look into her mate's loving eyes.

Stormbringer let out a shaky purr at her mate's affection. "I know, and I will always love you. I'm not going far either. I will always be here when you need me. Honeytongue as well." She told her leader. The gray warrior returned Ivystar's affections, not caring if the clan was watching the two.