Blazefang's elder ceremony

The last time she had given one of these ceremonies, it had been back at home. Back in the comforts of Thunderclan, when the worst that had befallen them was the wariness that came from allowing someone from another clan into their home. Now, so much had changed. They had all lost so much, had all gained so little. It hadn't surprised the tortoiseshell much when she heard the request, even if it had taken her mind much longer than it should have to processed it. Coughing harshly as she moved to the place that had begun to stand semblance for their meetings, Mottlestar's voice carried only with help of the wind. "Those safe from the brambles thorns, gather for a Thunderclan meeting!" How ceremonial words had begun shortening, all to save a breath that now burned in her chest.

ThunderClan had been Blazefang’s home for many moons now, and WildClan had become a distant memory. Still, her heart twisted in her chest as she joined the meeting. Despite not being sick, her age had begun to slow her down, and now, with everyone she loved except her mate gone, what was there left for her to do but retire and be with him? Her time as a warrior was over, and she knew it. She wouldn’t waste the time she still had being anywhere other than at Dayquill’s side. Blazefang took a deep breath, trying to center her mind in the present. A breeze ruffled her fur, and for once she didn’t relish the cool air. She gave Mottlestar a knowing, resigned smile as cats began to gather.

She looked upon the long-former Windclan cat with kindness as more cats gathered around. Mottlestar herself felt ill enough to be in a state that joining the elders was a tempting idea of her own, but she knew she would recover and be able to push on. Blazefang, on the other paw? She had given much to Thunderclan. So much so, that there was never a doubt in the tortoiseshell's mind that she had given everything to her Clan. Thunderclan. So it was more than due that she got to retire with the honor-borne right of any cat born inside their borders.

Willing all of the strength that she had, and forcing herself to go even beyond that, she would give Blazefang the ceremony she deserved. Even if they were not in their true home to celebrate, that did not mean that Mottlestar would cheap out on what her clanmate was owed. Fighting back a round of coughs, and dizzyness that tried to pull her back down, the tortoisheshell sat tall even as she swayed. For just a moment, she wondered if fate would have been different, if she would have been able to retire alongside Minnowfin. But the stars had another path for her. She wouldn't deny Blazefang the chance to spend the rest of her days with Dayquill. Much as she had done so with the tom, once the Clan had gathered, she left her position of height to be in front of the molly. "Blazefang, you have given many moons of true dedication and care to Thunderclan, and we honor all that you have done. Is it your wish to now receive your honor-given right to join the Elders, and your mate, in retirement?" Gentle, kind words spoken from leader to warrior. An intimate celebration of Blazefang's dedication, just as been held for Dayquill.

“It is, Mottlestar. Thank you for everything,” Blazefang purred. Though her voice was emotional, her eyes were hollow. Every child and apprentice she’d lost had torn a hole in her, and now there was so little left.

ooc; I am so sorry for the delay


ic;

Dipping her head, the tortoiseshell looked up towards the warrior who had done nothing but give her heart to Thunderclan. She knew the look of grief that filled her eyes well, as it had filled Mottlestar on more than one occasion. Too many. Moons ago, in naivety she would have tried to save her clanmates from that fate. Now, she knew better. "Then it is with full honor that we grant your request. Blazefang, no more shall the mantle of warriorhood be placed upon your shoulders, and may you enter into the well-deserved seasons of rest as an elder. May it be filled with the peace, love and companionship with your mate at your side, and may future generations learn from the stories you may share. Thunderclan, let us all celebrate what our Clanmate has done during her time as a warrior. For we would not be the same without her." Her head dipped, low, in respect.