WindClan's Deputy Ceremony

Throughout the ceremony Softpaw sat still, lifeless, her face devoid of any emotion. After finding out what had happened, everything seemed to go by like a blur. A gentle, gentle prod made her look up slightly. "What? Oh.. Olivestone? Okay, Downpaw..." She whispered softly, dull and tired.

She'd tried. She'd tried so hard to save Finchstar's life, so why did she feel so guilty? Oh, so, so guilty. You should be dead...
WindClan needs me.
WindClan needed Finchstar, needs Finchstar.
I tried to save him! I.. I offered my life!
Your life is worthless. You are nothing. Galestar didn't even waste energy to kill you. Pathetic.
I-I know I-i-i'm w-weak, but, I- I'm just-
Pathetic. Weak. Wasted life. Couldn't save Finchstar. Useless.

"Stop... Just stop.." The cream tabby whispered to herself, loud enough for those close enough to hear. Her eyes were shut tight, tears welling up in the corners.

"Softy.. Soft.. Olivestone has just been named deputy." Downpaw told his sister, who of which had been isolated and rather lifeless since finding out of Finchstar's death. A blind kit could see her guilt. Rising his muzzle, he shouted Olivestone's name loud enough for both of them. "Olivestone! Olivestone!"

Softpaw whimpered, whispering softly, and Down curled his tail around her, offering silent support. His grief was heavy, too. His mentor was dead. Finchstar was dead. Leader, mentor, hero, idol. Gone like that.

"Olivestone! Olivestone!" spotlake cheered. Olivestone would make a great deputy. She was already a great mentor to Morningpaw.

Goldengale and Dappleshine seemed to nod in unison, catching sight of each other out of the corner of their eyes. Dappleshine flashed a small smile to Goldengale which was returned with only a swift nod before the two looked back towards Raventail and his chosen deputy. They both came from very different walks and backgrounds, but neither one could deny or challenge Raventail's decision - Olivestone would make a fine deputy.

Ferretdance had been quite unlike his usual self since the gathering. Since...He didn't want to think about it anymore, but as Raventail called a Clan meeting, he realized he had no choice. Remembering that Finchstar was dead hurt like a wound trying desperately to heal being ripped open once more.

His eyes lit up as the new deputy was named, though. Olivestone! His sister, his best friend, was the deputy of the Clan! He waved his tail in the air like a flag, letting his voice raise up with everyone else's, "Olivestone! Olivestone!"