RiverClan's Deputy

Reedstar dug his claws into the ghostly pale bark of the willow tree, challenging himself over and over again about his pick. This is the biggest choice of my life. he said to himself. Yet he'd already spent days and days thinking it over. The Moonhigh of Froststar's death was already long past. That wasn't a good omen, but... it wouldn't be a good omen for no matter who he would pick. He sighed and looked out over camp. The moon had already begun to rise.

Silvershade, Nightbird, Mintcloud, Cinderfur, Mapleclaw. Please let me pick the right one. he thought quietly to himself. Reedstar yowled, summoning the Clan underneath the willow tree for the meeting.

Cinderfur quickly poked her head out of the warrior's den when she heard Reedstar's call. Was he finally going to pick a deputy? It wasn't like she cared very much. She'd rather just stay a warrior, but she wanted to see who his choice was. She knew that any of them would make a great deputy, but the curiosity was killing her.

Mapleclaw looked up from her spot in the shades, a small sly smile appearing on her face. She had a good idea of what this gathering was for, and so as she pulled herself from the shadows and walked into the clearing, her gaze was fixed on Reedstar. Her gaze flickered as she waited for the rest of the Clan to gather, wondering what Reedstar's choice would be. Of course, she knew who the best choice for deputy would be; herself, but she knew that perhaps Reedstar wouldn't see the truth...She growled softly at the idea of somebody else; somebody unworthly of the spot getting it...But she quickly calmed herself down. Even if it came to that, she would have to respect Reedstar's choice. He had the wisdom of StarClan behide him, and even if she failed to become deputy...Well, there was always her alliance with Eaglepaw that could very well help her gain the spot of leader one day, the spot she was born to have. She raised her head high, her sly smile appearing again. Yes...No matter what name would be called today, she was going to gain the title of Maplestar one day. She was going to be the leader that StarClan had been looking for. Her name would be one that would be remembered for moons.

Nightbird sat up from next to the fresh-kill pile, where she had been quietly chewing on a water vole. A ceremony? Surely it was for the new deputy. There was a possibility that Silvershade would stay at her previous rank, but maybe Reedstar wanted someone young and fresh. In either situation, the black she-cat would be happy for them. Licking her lips, the warrior moved to a comfortable spot in front of the ancient willow.

Sandpaw was sure he knew what was coming. He sat outside the apprentices' den, curiosity clawing at him. He didn't think he'd see a ceremony such as this in his lifetime, but it was obvious now he would. He stared at the gathering cats, wondering which one would have the Clan suddenly hoisted onto their  shoulders- it was clear he hadn't spoken with any of them, so it would certainly be interesting to see their reactions.

Looking up from his spot in the sun, Duckstep yawned. Getting to his paws, he stretched. After a stretch and shaking out his fur, he padded towards the willow and looked up at Reedstar, his amber eyes blinking slowly.

"It is long past time I have appointed a deputy." Reedstar announced. He caught Mapleclaw's sly knowing smile in the corner of his eye which filled him with doubt, but he blotted those thoughts out of his mind. I've already made my decision. I can't change it now. "I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of RiverClan is Mapleclaw."

Reedstar braced himself for the reactions, praying to StarClan that he'd made the right choice and that she'd be accepted as he had.

Mapleclaw raised her head to look at Reedstar as her name was called, a large smile quickly appearing on her face. How could she be surprised that she was the new deputy? It was clear that Reedstar had made the right choice; no matter what her Clanmates might think. She didn't even glance at them to see what they thought about her getting the spot as deputy, her eyes remained on Reedstar as she pulled herself to her paws and dipped her head to him, still smiling. "I won't let you down, Reedstar. I will be the best deputy you could ask for." She paused as she thought about Eaglepaw, wondering what he would think of this. Would he try to get her to do something in his favor with her new powers? She gritted her teeth thinking about that smelly apprentice trying to make her do something for him that would maybe help him get the rank as leader...Blah, couldn't he see that you didn't need to force yourself to the top; when you were meant to be leader, StarClan would just led you there. Of course, Mapleclaw was planning on being the best deputy that Reedstar could have...As long as Reedstar was the best leader for RiverClan, but so far, it seems he knew how to make the right choices.

"Mapleclaw! Mapleclaw!" Cinderfur quickly cheered as she heard the name of the new deputy. She didn't know the she-cat very well, but hey. If Reedstar believed in her, so would Cinderfur.