Shadowclan's Deputy // December 2019

Cardinalcry sat beneath the rock, watching with wonder. She wasn't sure how she felt about it.... well, she hoped whoever it was would do a better job.

Flintshard limped from the warrior's den - finally freed from Mothglow's clutches with his leg injury nearly healed. The worst of the limp was gone - some still remained and it was still a burden but Mothglow was certain that the rest would fade away in time. He was practically a warrior again - although it remained unseen if Thornstar would finally allow him to leave the camp without a guardian. He had been heading toward the fresh-kill pile when his mother's voice rang out, turning his gaze to look at her. His eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of some injuries, revealing that Lynxscar had been removed as deputy.

Hmph. He might have been Flintshard's mentor but his rash actions at the battle had led to unneeded bloodshed. To the death of Poppyheart. Anger swelled in his chest at the thought of his uncle's still, cold body but perhaps justice had been served with that with Lynxscar's removal...His ear twitched however at the mention that Lynxscar had apparently turned on the forest. He had...Fled? He paused to muse on that, settling down as the Clan gathered - after all, with Lynxscar gone...This meant a new deputy would have to be named, didn't it? Flintshard honestly didn't care who it could be - anybody would do good after what had transpired with Lynxscar in his eyes.

Sitting among the growing clowder of clanmates, Daisyflame sat in silence, listening as the cats around him whispered amongst themselves, wondering who the next deputy would be after the disaster that Lynxscar caused ShadowClan. The older tom, having been witness one too many deputy ceremonies, had learned not expect anything and have the utmost trust in his leader's decision, whomever they so decided on. Of course, Thornstar's last choice of leadership had been a little... off, to say the least, but even so, he had faith that this time around, whoever she chose to stand by her side would be worthy of such a title.

"With that being said, I'm sure most of you have come to the conclusion I'm here to name a new deputy." She swept her gaze over her clanmates, watching their faces. "And you would be correct. With Lynxscar's demotion, Shadowclan is in need of a new deputy."

Thornstar let her words sink in for a moment longer before turning her piercing gaze to her son. A hint of doubt crept into her heart as she watched him approach the crowd. From what Mothglow told her, the tom's leg was healing well and he wouldn't need to be relocated to the elder's den. He could still operate as a warrior, but that didn't stop her from worrying.

He was younger than even Lynxscar, and he might end up hurt again.

Was she making the right choice?

She flexed her claws, scraping them over the stone beneath her paws. The rough, grating feeling of claw on rock eased her worries a bit. Flintshard was very capable, and especially mature for his age. She often found herself wondering if he was really her son. The tom was far too level headed to be related to her, after all.

He would be fine.

"I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of Redwing and Scorchstar may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of Shadowclan will be Flintshard."

Flintshard had been half listening, kneading as he sat off to the side. He didn't care who was named deputy, certain that his mother would make a good choice even if Lynxscar hadn't...Well, worked. But yet he listened, if only because his brain wouldn't allow him to do otherwise. As the name left her muzzle, he froze, blinking as the name echoed in his head. His name. Slowly he turned his gaze to stare at Thornstar, his expression as even as ever. That...Was not a choice he was expecting, mostly with his injury but he had his faith in his mother. He would do her proud. "I...Er...Thank you, Thornstar," he meowed, awkwardly getting to his paws to stand proudly before his Clanmates. "I will not fail you."

There was however the slightest moment of hesitation as something hit him.

He was never getting out of a Gathering with this.

...Whelp.