Shadowclan's Deputy

Sitting among the crowd of cats, Mudfoot looked up to Leopardstar. It was odd calling the older tom that name after he'd been deputy for so long. Like all things in life, even the reign of a great and powerful leader must come to an end, although ShadowClan was lucky not to have fully lost Thrushstripe.

Looking around, it was obvious that most of the clan missed their former leader standing upon the Jaggedrock, and while Mudfoot was of course mourning with them, he knew that sulking around wasn't the way to go. Instead, they needed to stay strong, knowing that they would be lead under a new leader, who was in fact a great leader, so far at least. So that was what he planned to do, keep optimistic and hope for the best.

It wasn't often that Thrushstripe heard those words from someone else. In fact, it had been countless moons since Nightstar said them and he only vaguely heard them from Leopardstar a few times when the tom was having health problems. Now, his former deputy and current leader was doing it permanently. The thought was still strange for the old leader as he padded into the clearing and sat down in his new place among his clan mates. In a way, the elder felt isolated but it was strangely comforting as he awaited the anticipated news.

On the other hand, Swiftclaw was simply excited for the big news. He padded out, took his place and looked eagerly at the new Leopardstar.

Mousefang looked up to the Jaggedrock, a little bit sad. His mother would have been proud to see Leopardstar as leader, but she was probably looking down at what was left of their family with love ad excitement. As for the young tom, he was ready for a leader who would be more stable in difficult times.

Leopardstar watched the reactions of his clanmates. They seemed interested, but a lot of them looked upset, too. It was kind of like they didn't really want him as leader. His tail lashed behind him in frustration. They'd have to get over Thrushstripe's retirement sooner or later. The old tom wasn't even dead and they still looked somber enough to be in mourning.

With a flick of his ear, he pushed it all aside. Now was not the time to dwell on the past, but look to the future. He would have to be an example to them by appointing the deputy. Glancing briefly into the sky, he made sure everyone was present before beginning to speak. "A new night begins. We will always remember what Thrushstripe has done for Shadowclan and give him the honor he deserves. He was my mentor and my friend and I am pleased to know that he will finally get his rest. Now, it is time to look to the future. I must name a deputy who will be a faithful servant to this clan when they eventually become leader. I know many warriors here are more than worthy for this position, which is why I am proud to say that coming to a decision was a long and difficult process." He paused to let his words sink in and glanced over to Thrushstripe. He wanted his approval above all else, and hoped he would accept his choice for deputy. "I say these words before Starclan so that they may hear and approve of my choice." A pause so silent that it was almost deafening. "Shadowclan's next deputy is Magpiewing."

Hearing his fathers name being called out into the air made his heart flutter. Magpiewing was the new deputy? What a great choice! "Magpiewing! Magpiewing!" Mudfoot chanted into the air, one of the first cats to speak after the suspenseful silence. His father, whether he be an adoptive one or not was still, and would always be his father figure, and he couldn't have been more proud for the older tom.

Magpiewing. Larksong was stunned as the name came from Leopardstar's mouth but in a moment she was on her paws, pride fluttering in her chest for her father. "Magpiewing! Magpiewing!" she chanted with all of the joy she could muster, her voice ringing in the clearing as she all-to happily called out her father's name. While she had been surprised for all of a second, she was over elastic that her father was the deputy. Magpiewing was deputy.

There was a flicker of surprise from Smokestripe as the deputy was named. Magpiewing? He didn't know the tom well and frowned slightly only to jump in terror as Larksong started to chant the name as loudly as she could. His gaze flickered over to her but his expression soften quickly. Oh right, Magpiewing was her father, wasn't he? Well, if Larksong supported him - so did he. "Magpiewing! Magpiewing!" he chanted along his friend, a small smile flashing on his face.

Honeydrop smiled as Leopardstar named Magpiewing as deputy. He had been one of the obvious choices, as the medicine cat was not surprised. The older was a great senior warrior, a credit to his Clan. He would help make ShadowClan strong. "Magpiewing! M-Magpiewing!" she called put in satisfaction, grateful that the Clan would continue after Thrushstripe's retirement.

OOC: sun why

Magpiewing? Swiftclaw had seen the tom around but had never actually talked to him. Nonetheless, the young warrior was happy with the choice. Actually, he would have been happy for anyone who got picked. "Magpiewing! Magpiewing!" He cheered.

That was better. Thrushstripe approved of Leopardstar's decision. Magpiewing was most definitely trustworthy and had made a good place in Shadowclan. So much better than Swiftclaw. "Magpiewing! Mag..piewing!" He cheered with the crowd.