RiverClan's Deputy 2020

Still numb from the revelation of Torrentstar's death, Ivybrook shook her head as she exited the warrior's den. She wanted nothing more than to stay inside curled up with Honeytongue and Stormbringer, to ignore her responsibilities and simply sleep her problems away... But she knew that wasn't an option. She would have to go out to retrieve her nine lives tonight, and she'd have to name a new deputy to watch over camp while she was gone. Her deputy. The words didn't even sound right on her tongue, but nevertheless, it was something she had to own up to; something she had to face. Leaping up to the branch with a heart filled with dread, she summoned her Clanmates once again. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the Willow Branch for a Clan meeting!" Her call was clear and rang out across camp, but her heart was heavy and there was no emotion behind her words.

Honeytongue had been more than surprised when Ivybrook had chosen to slip into the nest next to her and Stormbringer - she hadn't returned to her den the moment she and Ivybrook had finished burying Torrentstar and had taken refuge in her nest...Only to be joined by Stormbringer and Ivybrook. The two had bathed in each other's company, doing little to lighten the pain but it was...Nice, she supposed. Her eyes were shut as she tried to think about...Anything. Anything other than what was true but her attention was taken as she felt movement - Ivybrook stepping from the nest. Her eyes flickered open as she raised a head to watch her go, wondering what that was about...Until she hard the sound of Ivybrook calling for a meeting.

...Right, Ivybrook was to be leader now. Now that the Clan had time to mourn, there had to be a new deputy. She wasn't sure she really wanted to leave the nest but... She gently prodded Stormbringer, jerking her head in the direction of the entrance before she got up and slipped from the den. She didn't step far, instead choosing to take her place near the warrior's den - the same place she had been when her father had announced his wrong doings to the entirely of the Clan. She crouched down, curling tightly upon herself but her eyes reflected her natural curiosity - wondering who would be named Ivybrook's deputy...

Applepaw, despite the recent tragedy, was excited to learn who the deputy would be. He hoped it would be Addershade, his father. He would be a good fit. Or maybe it would be Honeytongue. He padded out, sitting below the Willow Branch, waiting for the announcement. He realized that Ivybrook would be the new leader. Ivystar... He thought. It did have a ring to it.

Galekit didn't gather under the willow branch but once again listened in from the nursery on those that had and in particular Ivybrook- or was it Ivystar already? He didn't know. He held a particular fascination for the individual, or really their association with power. For now he would not act on his thoughts, and just continued to peer at them all.

Stormbringer stirred from her slumber as soon as she was poked by Honeytongue. The gray warrior blinked her eyes opened before rising from the rather large nest, stretching a moment before padding out of the den. As she exited the den, she butted her head against her golden friend before moving closer to Ivybrook. She had to support them both which meant she couldn't sit in the back. Amber eyes looked up at the new leader, words not needing to be spoken to understand the grief that was throughout the camp.

Entire frame racked with ruthless distress, muscles taut with tension, nerves tingling restlessly, Featherpaw emerged into the murky clearing. It was a rare moment, that she wasn't venturing somewhere in the territory, trying unsuccessfully to provide for the Clan. Ivybrook's announcement had very clearly outlined, that she was no longer allowed to depart alone. Her face was sallow with lassitude, and her pawsteps lurched in unspecified directions, heavily trodding into the crumbling snow. To say that she looked like a mess would be an understatement. As the she-cat faltered forwards, her unkempt fur shivered from the bleak gusts, her thick strands dancing and tangling. As if nothing could have gotten worse, StarClan had claimed the life of their leader. Torrentstar... dead. That didn't seem to sit well at all. The lingering presence of death obscured her heart in dread, leaving a tangy taste on her tongue. Shaking her head in a feeble attempt to shake her trepidation, she jarred to a stop at the back of the crowd. As her gaze darted around, it was with desolate hopelessness that she noted how much smaller the assembly was getting. With each Clan Meeting, she felt as if their Clan really was... dying.

Noting that nearly all of the Clan had gathered, Ivybrook shook her head slightly, clearing the thoughts that plagued her mind so she could think and speak clearly. "RiverClan, it is time." With a shaky breath, the she-cat looked to each of her warriors with wide, sad eyes. All of them would make exceptional deputies, but Ivybrook knew from the moment she thought of having her own deputy what her decision would be.

"Despite the trials and tribulations this life has faced us with, we must move on. Torrentstar's death was unexpected, and it has left us on our toes. We cannot let this sway us; we will remain strong in the face of hardship. Tonight, I will travel to the moonstone to receive my lives, but RiverClan needs a strong and devoted warrior to watch over it while I am gone," Her voice rang out through camp, despite how hollow it truly sounded. "I say these words before StarClan, and may they approve of my choice. Stormbringer will be the new deputy of RiverClan. I have faith that with her by my side, RiverClan will be brought into a new age. An era of greatness, one of prosperity and excellence." With those concluding words, Ivybrook leaped down from the branch, resting her chin momentarily on Stormbringer's head. "You will make a fine deputy."

Honeytongue blinked as she felt somebody gently shoulder her, glancing up to see that Stormbringer had stirred awake and was stepping past - and had actually gently butted her head against her shoulder. A soft purr of acknowledgement escaped Honeytongue at the warm greeting from her friend, but it was about all she could muster as Stormbringer stepped away to join the rest of the gathering Clan. She wasn't surprised that Stormbringer hadn't chosen to sit with her, appearances had to be kept. It was better to sit with the Clan instead of lurking like she was - but she just...Didn't want the company, really.

She waited for the ceremony to start, ears perking as Ivybrook started to speak and reflect on the situation...Before the name of the new deputy left her muzzle. Stormbringer. That actually got Honeytongue to shift into a sitting postition, blinking once or twice in surprise...Before a soft happy laugh escaped her. If...If there was any she-cat that deserved it, it was her. Stormbringer had been a shoulder to lean on despite everything and knew she would make a wonderful deputy. "Stormbringer, Stormbringer!" she called out, perhaps not with the energy that the others would be able to muster...But with all of the joy she could give for her friend's new position.

What? Her? Stormbringer had been ready to shot the new deputies name to the heavens but.. she never thought she would wind up the one being picked. The gray warrior stepped forward meeting Ivybrook as the new leader jumped down to rest her head on Stormbringer. The whole moment still processing in her head until she finally managed to muster forward words that needed to be spoken. The clan needed reassurance that they would be okay and silence wasn't going to help anyone.

"I will do my best to help you Ivybrook." The gray warrior said to her leader. She turned to face the gathered cats, eyes flicking briefly to Honeytongue first before settling on the crowd as a whole. "I will do my best, for all of you." She paused for a second before speaking again. "For Riverclan."

Applepaw smiled. Stormbringer would be a good deputy for Riverclan. He joined the clan in chanting the cats name, “Stormbringer! Stormbringer!” He knew that with a new deputy, the clan might start to grow, and find better luck these coming moons. He could only hope for the best.