[vellichor]

Originally Posted by candy cane

Here we go.
Roaringpaw watched the ceremony through unblinking eyes, and when it was their turn, they stepped in front of the tom with a soft hint of a smile. They had been in StarClan a long time and seen countless leaders recieve their nine lives, but they’d never given one before. So, this was special, both for the new leader of ShadowClan and for them. The stocky feline simply gazed at Windygale for a moment before finally clearing their throat respectively. “I give you the life of forgiveness. Forgive your Clanmates, forgive your enemies, forgive your allies, but most of all, forgive yourself. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone deserves a second chance. Know when to give them one.” Roaringpaw didn’t have to tilt up their head to touch their nose to Windygale’s. They were proud of the life they were giving him. It was a useful one. Many times they’d shamed themself for getting killed in the first place, even after they had forgiven the cats who had killed them. Sometimes, however, cats had to learn to forgive themselves.
That was one of the most valuable lessons of all.

A seemingly full grown cat approached Windygale next. But something about them didn’t scream “FULL GROWN EXPERIENCED WARRIOR”. It was more of a gentle demeanor. This made the leader-to-be relax just a little.

Windygale nodded as he listened to the cat’s words and considered them. He would have no issue forgiving others. That’s why the previous life was so hard on him. But forgiving himself? That was a different story. He tended to be harsher on himself than on others by far. And with this leadership position being handed to him, he’ll be blaming himself more and more.

But once the feline’s nose touched his own, he closed his eyes as a warm cocoon enveloped him. It curled around him, making him feel at ease and as if he’d done nothing wrong. The burden of leadership lifted off his shoulders - no longer a burden. He shared it, with these nine cats and with all of his Clan. But when he opened his eyes to face the world, the warm feeling left him. He had one more life to go.

@Fuzzyfeline