Comfreyheart's Perma-Queen Ceremony

Acornstem hadn't been sure what to think when she had been summoned to the medicine cat's den to speak with Comfreyheart - the she-cat unable to really walk to speak to her in private. Retirement was... Maybe she wasn't surprised, maybe she was - it was hard to guess what her feelings on things were when getting the energy to try to tend to her duties was... Perhaps there was even a flicker of jealously deep within, but she had accepted the news with a tired blink and wave of her tail that she would get to it once Comfreyheart had healed a bit more to at least stand.

The time had come however and the soon-to-be leader sat on top of the Highrock, a soft sigh escaping her. "Let all cats safe from the bramble's thorn gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting," she called out before she waited - her gaze focused on the medicine cat den where she knew Comfreyheart would be appearing from.

Acornstem's expression dropped at the sight of Comfreyheart, wishing that this wasn't the case. Comfreyheart had been a stable force in her life, always there as the kind-hearted warrior she could depend on... As her whole world fell apart around her, it hurt to have to do this - to further ruin what she could rely upon but she couldn't... She wouldn't turn down Comfreyheart's desire - it was for the best, she knew it. Besides, perhaps Comfreyheart would return to her duties once she recovered...

The leader briefly closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath before she turned to address the Clan at large. "I... I've called you all here because..." she drifted off, fumbling for words - of what to say to even address... "Because our lives have been turned upside down. We didn't... We didn't know what to expect when we went into the war, but the price was... It was too high and it still takes it toll upon us," she sighed, before she glanced over at where Comfreyheart had settled down. "Comfreyheart was injured quite badly in her duty to the Clan and so, on top of her previous injuries, has chosen to retire from being a warrior - to change her paws from defending and feeding our Clan, to helping raise our future warriors. Comfreyheart, is it your wish to give up the name of a warrior and go to join the queens?"

Acornstem's stomach was a pit as Comfreyheart spoke the words, shoulders drooping but she fought to try to keep a smile on her face - thought it was clear it was wavering. She hated this, she hated losing more warriors - even if it wasn't death... It terrified her, what if SkyClan tried to make the most of their weakness? Her weakness? She wasn't fit for this, she never expected... She closed her eyes, shaking her head - no, those thoughts didn't matter. This wasn't about her and her failure - this was for Comfreyheart. "Then we honor you and your wishes for all the service you have given to us," she finally said. "I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest while you watch over our future generations."