EBC - letting go

"Cats of Shadow Empire, hear my voice one last time."

Hades sat upon the den he called his home, with his second in command steady at his side. Light streamed in through the newly growing foliage of the spring forest, and a sullen lull fell over the Empire as they adhered to the final command of their soon-to-be-former Leader. Most were quiet as they gathered around the two of highest rank, save for a few whispers passed around by cubs and apprentices. Hades settled his hot amber eyes on the forest floor as he waited for the majority of his Empire to congregate; and when they did, he spoke:

"My friends," he began, eyes still downcast and sullen as he carried the air of the morning in his breath, "I think you all must realize by now, but my time has come. On this day, as we welcome the changes Aurelius brings to us in the spring, we must also welcome the changes brought to us by the natural ways of our Empire. Effective, as of the moment of me speaking the words, I am resigning my position as Leader of Shadow Empire. 

"I would like to say, though, while I still have your attention here one more time, that...that there has been no greater honor than being able to say that I've been able to help this great Empire in some way. To know that my legacy will forever be tied to the history of Shadow Empire is almost too much to bear, even if my time in her service was swift. I want to, from the bottom of my heart, thank each and every one of you for putting your faith in me and allowing me to lead you, and allowing me to serve you. I grow older and weaker, and I can no longer keep up with the tasks set before me as I should as Leader; I look forward to spending any days that I'm not defending our Empire in leisure. But I know that I leave this Empire in great paws as Luna steps forward to take my spot, and with Livianna by her side, I know that we can remain a strong family even in these trying times."

Hades paused a moment to clear the lump in his throat, words choking out in a way they really hadn't before, not in public. But he continued:

"And so, as of this moment, I would like to introduce to you all Luna of Shadow Empire as your new leader. I ask, as a final request, that you allow her the same respect you have allowed me, and I know that she will repay you all with her undying servitude. 

"And so, Shadow Empire, I want to say for the last time: Thank you."

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Ahhh only four weeks late, nbd. Anyways guys, really, from the bottom of my heart, despite the ups and downs, being able to help you all as an admin has been an absolute honor and you are all so so amazing. Hopefully now I'll be freed up to post more art, RPs, and in general be more active in the group now that I don't have to work behind the scenes c: It's been real you guys, and I really really love you all. Stay tuned for more in the future, but for now, I'm signing off <3

~Pedro

Art/Hades (c) Pedropoliss
Luna (c) Lunet12