Wisteriabloom's Elder Ceremony

"All cats old enough to catch their own fish, gather beneath the Willow Branch for a Clan meeting!" Ivystar's voice rang out across the sandy clearing, a twinge of anxiety detectable in her tone. More and more of RiverClan's most reliable warriors were retiring to the Elder's den or nursery, and with the threat of twolegs becoming an ever-present worry in their daily lives, Ivystar was hesitant to allow such things to transpire. These warriors had worked hard and provided for their Clans for moons, however, and they'd earned their rest and proper titles as elders of the Clan, who'd provide wisdom to all the youth. Wisteriabloom had most certainly earned her retirement, and Ivystar couldn't bring herself to deny such a privilege.

When Ivystar's voice called the clan together, Wisteriabloom knew it was too late to back down. Not that she was planning on chickening out. She just knew how big of a step this was, and not one to be taken lightly. But as the moons had carried on since Asylum's departure, the warrior had felt her eagerness to perform her duties fade. Even if she wasn't that old yet, moving to the elder's den had seemed like the best option. There was no doubt she had earned her retirement, although it earlier than most.

Maybe her grief had somehow slowed her down physically, but, either way, maybe she just needed some proper rest.

Once Wisteriabloom had made her way into the clearing, Ivystar called out, "Wisteriabloom, is it your wish to give up your life as a warrior and retire to the elder's den?" Her voice held strong, despite the fact that deep within her chest, emotions of fear and worry swirled.

Loonwhisper watched Wisteriabloom's posture with intrigue, wondering what exactly had driven her to this decision. Had it been the fall of the Asylum that solidified her choice? Had she given too much, and now needed rest? The deputy imagined himself in her place, seasons and seasons from now, laying down his duties as a deputy and joining the elders at last. A long history of war, hunting, and service behind him, he could lay in the sunshine all day and be catered to by all the clan.

He wasn't so fond of the idea, if he were honest. It didn't matter anyway. Ivystar would not be a leader long enough for Loonwhisper to grow old and grey, even if she was in her prime now. One of them would surely die first. A morbid thought, but the reality of being a warrior. It was what made Wisteriabloom's retirement so fascinating. In all she did, she never perished. The deputy deeply respected the senior warrior, and always had, and now always would. This being the first retirement he had ever witnessed, he sat rigidly still and tried to commit the ceremony to memory.

Loonwhisper hoped that Wisteriabloom caught his crooked smile, a silent congratulations, when she peeked at the crowd behind her.

"It is." Wisteriabloom was glad that her voice gave away no trace of doubt, even if it did flicker through her as she looked up to meet Ivystar's eyes. However, she found that when she spoke, she reminded herself too much of the persistent and defiant young warrior she had once been. If you had told Wisteriapaw or a newly-named Wisteriabloom that she would retire early, they would've laughed at you. But grief and loss had changed her. Further altering her plans and ideas was the way she had dealt with it. Surprise, surprise, overworking herself hadn't helped her move on, only meant that she had given too much, too quickly, leading to the decision she had just made.

For a reason only truly known to herself, she had told no other cat other than Ivystar herself that she would retire today. But those who knew her well enough could guess that it was pride. Wisteriabloom desperately wanted to check the gathered cats, to see their reactions. She hadn't even questioned, until now, how Moonpaw would take it. However she kept facing her leader, not only wanting to be attentive, but also so that she saw no disappointment in the eyes of her clanmates.

It wasn't the first time she had stood here for a ceremony, but it was certainly the last. At least she had the privilege of retiring: some (like Shrikefrost) weren't so lucky.

ooc; AAAA i'm so sorry ;; for some reason forumotion isn't notifying me of new posts

When Wisteriabloom confirmed that she was prepared to retire, Ivystar took in a shaky breath and dipped her head respectfully, calling out, "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 moons of hard-earned and deserved rest." Leaping from the branch, Ivystar nodded to Wisteriabloom and whispered a quick 'congratulations' before moving to the side to allow the rest of the Clan to celebrate her retirement with her.

Turtlefur watched with guilt weighing down his thick pelt. Whatever had happened to Wisteriabloom, he hadn’t been there to help. His denmate, his friend, and he’d been off hunting mice in a warm barn while RiverClan and the rest of the forest suffered through unspeakable horrors. His gaze dropped while Ivystar and Wisteriabloom spoke the ceremonial words. He had failed as a warrior. How could he have let himself be taken when RiverClan needed him?

When Ivystar stepped to the side, Turtlefur worked up the courage the approach despite the shame burning under his fur. “Wisteriabloom, I’m truly sorry. I don’t know what you’ve been through… I just wish I’d been able to help you through it. But I’m here now and if you need anything at all, please tell me. I want to make up for it.” He meowed nervously, never once meeting her gaze. Turtlefur stepped away to let other warriors say their words.