[Silver]

Though the day before had been the hardest of her short life, today she had something important to do. Looking out over the territory that was her home, Foxstar knew her choice had been made. "Let all those able to stalk the night come and gather at Boulder Ledge." She waited, showing none of the anxiety she felt as she stood in the place where so recently Pinestar had belonged. She still couldn't believe what had happened and it still caused helpless fury to fill her when she thought about how all this had come about. Still she showed none of this as she stood calm and confident before her gathering clanmates. She could do this. Standing to her full height, she watched and waited. Once they had all gathered, she lifted her voice enough that it carried across the gathered clan. "As many of you know, the recent battle saw Pinewhisker step down as our leader because of her injuries. There will be retribution against those that have wronged us soon. For now though, I would name my Deputy."

She looked out again at those gathered, amber eyes seeking over many of the older Warriors with consideration before she remembered a conversation and the unique reaction that had come from it. That decided it then, she knew her choice was the right one. "I say these words before StarClan, that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new Deputy of NightClan is Briarthroat." She inclined her head respectfully to the tom in question; knowing he was the right choice to make. Calm and considerate, Briarthroat made her think differently than she preferred to. His patient and understanding nature meant he would be good council to her in the future. She trusted that his judgement would be sound. He was a good choice, and she was confident that between the two of them NightClan would thrive once more.

--

Tags | williams 

[williams]

It was a hard day for the older tom. He had believed in Pinewhisker. He had seen her step into grooves left by cats larger than she could imagine, and accept the challenge. Their patrols together had always been enjoyable, hearing each other's side of the daily duties required of them. But watching her come back after the battle, Briarthroat knew then something was changing. His brother had shared a look with him watching the broken body of their leader return, limp across the shoulders of the warriors that brought her back. He knew too. Change was coming. 

Today, newly named Foxstar, was choosing her deputy. There were a lot of strong cats to choose from, the tom mused, settling himself in a position to see the whole gathering of cats. They looked weary, tired of losing their leader so suddenly. Pinewhisker had been so young, he thought sadly. Will Foxstar continue for longer? Will she bring Nightclan back to life?  Seat found, Briarthroat listened. "As many of you know, the recent battle saw Pinewhisker step down as our leader because of her injuries. There will be retribution against those that have wronged us soon. For now though, I would name my Deputy."

A pause, Briarthroat watched Foxstar's eye search the gathered cats. Her eyes stopped on him, and the fur along his spine bristled in surprise at her next words. "I say these words before StarClan, that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new Deputy of NightClan is Briarthroat." She dipped her head, and Briarthroat stood, nodding back in return. "I will do my duty to support you and make our clan strong." He vowed, voice the same soft rumble it always was, but the edges colored with surprise, and respect. The tom never thought he would be deputy, or even a highly sought out warrior among his clanmates. He did his duty, as all cats should, and expected no thanks or reward for it. Foxstar chose him for a reason though, and he prayed to Starclan he could live up to the honor given.

--

notes | ahh!!
words | 360
tags | Silver

[Fawn]

Shadowchaser & Scrap-paw

Smokefur had made the journey with Pinestar and Foxfern, but Shadowchaser had been the first to greet Pinewhisker and Foxstar upon their return. His duties for that moment included keeping their retired leader comfortable, guiding her to the medicine cat's den where she could rest after the long journey.

When Foxstar's call came, Shadowchaser tiptoed into the center of camp, Pinewhisker's gentle sleep-breathing following him out. Foxstar was new to the position, but she was well-suited to the role. Even if times were tumultuous for NightClan right now, Shadowchaser could see it in the postures of his Clanmates that they were maintaining order and stability.

Foxstar was responsible for most of that.

Sitting between Cobrastrike and Thornscar, he greeted Echobreeze with a gentle touch of the nose, then settled in to listen to Foxstar's announcement. Where's Darkstorm? There was no chance to ask his sisters, however, as Foxstar called for quiet.

"The new Deputy of NightClan is Briarthroat."

-----

Huh? Scrap-paw's dull yellow eyes grew round, and she stared at her mentor as if he'd just sprouted porcupine quills. Briarthroat was the new deputy? Suddenly all eyes were on him (and her, by proximity), and Scrap-paw hissed a little, hating the accidental spotlight. Briarthroat stood up - looking like Foxstar had just told him to wave his tail and chirp like a sparrow - and Scrap-paw moved away to sit beside Snakepaw, out of the spotlight.

Briarthroat pledged to serve NightClan well. Scrap-paw's tail twitched, irritable. What about my training? If he thinks he can forget about me because he's deputy now, he's got another thing coming! She couldn't explain it, but the thought of being ignored by him in favor of his duties really got under her pelt.

The congratulations were starting to pour in. Scrap-paw waited until the crowd dissipated a little. Shoving past Oakblaze and Coalmask, Scrap-paw tried to appear nonchalant, remarking just loud enough for her mentor to hear.

"Deputy, huh? I guess that's cool." A snarky retort didn't follow these words, to her own surprise. Maybe he'd be good at it? She wasn't a know-it-all. But as far as authority figures went... He wasn't so bad, compared to the entire rest of the Clan.

352 Words || williams Silver Hellion (Coalmask mention) || Notes: 'grats!

[williams]

Thornscar || Briarthroat

---

A change in leadership was expected, and Thornscar held her breath through the announcement. There were a number of good choices, and as she listen, she could dream the ceremony was for her. One day, she thought, returning Shadowchaser's greeting with a purr. He already held a position of power. Looking over at her siblings, Thornscar sent a thought up to Starclan. Are you ready for us? We will run Nightclan one of these days.

"The new Deputy of NightClan is Briarthroat." Briarthroat? Amber eyes turned towards the older tom. He was lanky in the way his brother was stout, with a soft face and voice that suggested kindness. Would he make Nightclan soft? Thornscar bristled at the thought, but sent her voice up in congratulations anyways. She gave her sister a headbutt to the side as she walked over to give a personal word. "Congrats, Briarthroat." The tom nodded his thanks, his eyes not giving away any thought of just how much attention he was suddenly receiving. Good, she thought. Maybe he'll keep Nightclan strong for when we're in charge. Ceremony over, she trotted off.
--
The influx of attention was not exactly welcomed, but Briarthroat took it in stride. He would have to get used to his clan coming to him for support. As the crowd dispersed, he heard a familiar voice break his thoughts. "Deputy, huh? I guess that's cool." Ah. Ears turning, followed by eyes, his apprentice was found. Do not forget her. A voice in his head told him sternly. She already lost so much. Politely excusing himself from the last of the gathered cats, Briarthroat made his way to his apprentice. "I won't let my new responsibility keep me from being the focused mentor you deserve." He said, voice as assured as his previously made vow. With a gentle smile and a flick towards the camp entrance, he continued. "Would you like to try another hunting technique today? Or perhaps even some battle training. I think you're ready for it."

--
words // 335
tagged // Fawn Silver