Post by Hellion on Jun 7, 2019 13:24:58 GMT -5
FIRESTAR
leader of lightningclan
An almost peaceful quiet hung over the group. Firestar leading, steady as ever. Wildcall at her flank, the rest of her escort party falling in line. She hadn't had this many the last time she ventured to receive her nine-lives. That and a few other curious thoughts occupied her mind. It helped with the passing of time, the trip felt shorter then she remembered.
Arriving at the moontree filled her with bittersweet emotions. While she had convinced herself it was the right thing to do for the sake of LightningClan, she couldn't help but feel as if she had failed. That her decision to rest would reflect poorly on her seasons as leader. She relied heavily on her renewed strength, finding the determination to venture down toward the roots of Moontree.
Firestar paused once, taking in the great view of the moontree. Feeling abnormally small compared to it, a kit to an overgrown badger. However, unlike badgers, Firestar felt calm. The lack of forest sounds made the space feel strangely ethereal. She feared her pawsteps would create rivets in the ground, mar the perfection in the cavern. Amazed by the beauty of the tree, Firestar decided to walk around it a few times. Covert the sight to memory for this was the last time she'd have cause to visit.
Content with her actions, she found herself a place to rest. Curled up tightly her nose buried in the nook of her belly, her breathing evened out. She slept.
Deeper then she had in moons,
Waking up to StarClan's forest felt both inviting and forbidden. She had walked the path as leader for so long, yet the forest never felt home to her. Only the cats that would greet her before sending her back felt welcoming. Did they know the reason for her visit?
Normally a cat would find her, heal her body and ease her back to the living, but this time she was seeking them. Slowly at first, Firestar began to search, confused for the lack of scent. She felt so painfully lonely at that moment. She spent it searching and when the first shape appeared, she sprinted toward them. Surprised to see that it was Willowtail, her mother, waiting for her.
"Welcome kit, it has been too long," The queen spoke neutrally, tone neither welcoming or banishing. Dipping her head politely, Firestar offered only the basics of greetings. Neglecting to greet her as mother and daughter should. Willowtail was more akin to a caretaker then mother.
"I've come to return my lives to StarClan and go back to being Firesky," The calico and tabby she-cat spoke her words firmly, watching her mother's expression shift from indifference to surprise then back again.
"A trend with LightningClan leaders it seems," She reflected aloud. Redwind had done the same when she decided to become a queen and focus more on her kits. Firestar wondered for a moment if StarClan judged Redwind for her choice. Not that it was their place, what a queen did was up to her and no one else.
"I've decided that my time will be better spent as an advisor to my Clan and to the future Redstar. I've worked hard enough, I deserve peace," Her words came out defensive and refused to soften as Willowtail appeared to conjure up some sly remark. However, it died away when another cat spoke.
"That you do my love," From the mist came forth the figure of Russetfall, in his prime. Firestar rushed for him, embracing him by burying her face into his neck. His purr rumbled not just her body but her entire soul, filling the void that he left behind. "We can take back the extra lives and let you return to LightningClan to live out your days as you wish. Until it is your time but not a moment too soon,"He reminded her placing a gentle lick to her forehead. She nodded quietly along with the agreement. They shared the moment for a bit longer before he took a step back, a third shape appeared at his flank. Mapleheart. Her daughter offered a gentle smile, eyes dazzling with starlight.
Grateful that it was her mate and daughter that would ease her in this transition, Firestar readied herself. Russetfall went first. Pressing his nose to her forehead, a cold rush filled her. Followed by a draining sensation, as if she was melting into StarClan's forest. Images of their life together flashed before her. The first time he told her he loved her to the moment she told him they were expecting the first time. Every peaceful moment they shared came to her, relaxing her in this endeavor. Once it was over, Firestar had to steady herself, feeling exhausted. Russetfall was there to help, propping her up until she could on her own.
Not a moment too soon, Mapleheart came near. Repeating as her father did, her nose to her mother's forehead. The same images played for her but this time memories of their life together. Avoiding all the hurt and pain to only focus on the good. A strange memory was shared to her, one of Wildcall talking to Mapleheart about a she-cat he met. Her daughter was quietly confirming Larkflower's lineage. Not that Firestar ever doubted. Just like before, she felt drained but this time it was doubled. She considered it a small blessing that she only had two extra lives to part with. She couldn't imagine giving back more than that.
"From this moment on you will be known as Firesky, StarClan honors your sacrifices and dedication to LightningClan's success. We offer you many moons of rest and every moment of peace that you deserve,"Russetfall spoke the words of the ceremony before butting his head against her cheek.
"Wake up now mother, it's time to go back home," Mapleheart's words were as kind as ever, Firestar smiled for the first time in too many moons. Whispering an 'I love you both,' before waking up to the oddly lit cavern of the moontree.
She stirred in her nest before rising up, feeling the weight of her moons now on her shoulders and in her hips. The youth granted by her extra lives fading rapidly, but she offered no complaint. She had peace.
legacy. what is a legacy?
it's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see
Ghost the Undead Goddess - figured you'd want to read
Justice - russet mention and confirmed Larkflower
@zen - it's official
@poptart - it's official
