head full of doubt (thunderclan's new deputy)

Stoatstar had returned, with a name, more than one life and not much else. Sure, the Starclan cats had shared their wisdom and a few moments with Minkstar settled the churning in his pelt. Yet, although the journey home had started a determined one, the little tom couldn't shake his fears and worries about what was to come. Leaf bare was still in full swing. His clan had recently almost doubled in size, it felt like. Somehow, even with this great loss weighing over them, the clan was bursting with new life.

As he slipped through the tunnel, it was as if he'd achieved something great. Stoatstar left out a low sigh of exhaustion and it took everything in him not to crumple to the ground. A deputy needed to be named. It was late, past the traditional time. Perhaps if Dovefrost were here he would speak of misfortune. But Stoatstar had been left alone for this transition, and as such took these matters into his own pads. He had already decided on a deputy. There was no perfect answer but it was the best he could do. A cat he could trust.

"Everyone gather beneath the highrock for a clan meeting." Stoatstar rasped out, hoping they'd gather quickly. Once this was over, once patrols were settled, then he would rest. Never before had he longed for a nest so desperately.

Appledapple hadn't bothered to go to sleep that night. She knew that she would have to wake up when Stoatfur-- well, soon to be Stoatstar-- returned, and finally decided to name a deputy. She didn't envy him, of course. It was a difficult decision. Honestly, they were all in a very difficult situation. The Clan was tiny, despite all the RiverClanners and outsiders that Minkstar had ill-advisedly welcomed in before his untimely death. They were in no way prepared to function without him, least of all poor Stoatfur. He hadn't even been deputy that long, in the grand scheme of things....

Finally, he was back. His familiar voice called out from the Highrock, and she did not run out of the warriors' den, but she did walk fairly quickly. He looked... bad. Haggard, almost. Of course, making that journey alone would have been taxing enough, and then receiving the lives. He likely needed rest. Appledapple was of half a mind to yank him by his scruff and drag him into the warriors' den to sleep immediately. But according to the Code, he was already late in naming a deputy. The Clan needed stability. Security. A deputy would help with that. Would it be her? Unlikely, given the tom's opinion of her. But who would it be then, with so few warriors in the struggling Clan? Reluctantly, paws itching, the tortoiseshell waited for the conclusion of the announcement.

Softpaw sat nearby Appledapple he wanted to be there for his ... parents as much as they hated him calling them that ... it was what they were to him.  He saw them in no other way as much as they insisted he not call them by that.  When thinking of them he used the terms mom and dad... when talking with them he tried his best to use their names as they seemed to prefer that but occasionally he would slip up and call apple mom or stoat dad aloud. They never seemed to appreciate that but when thinking he could refer to them as he pleased he supposed.

Dad... had been through alot lately with the loss of Minkstar and so much responsibility was put upon him in a short amount of time.  Softpaw wished so much that he could do anything to help the small tom but he felt like dad was not good at letting others help him much.  He did wish deeply that his parents would know that he cared for them... even if they did not view him as their kit or share the feelings.

This meeting was no doubt about picking a new deputy caused by the power void that was left behind. Hmm but who would dad pick?

Starlingflare seemed to be a good pick in his mind.  The tom was bold, aggressive a good fighter ... and had the eyes... errr rather eye that is... of an enchanter, it captivated Softpaw.  He had caught himself more than once giving the handsome tom sidelong glances.  Starlingflare would probably not appreciate that so he made a mental note not to be too obvious.

hmm who else would be a good pick?? Appledapple? hmm perhaps but his parents were not always on the same page ... a blind mouse could tell that... but then again perhaps that would do him good to have a different perspective on the leadership role? hard to say.

Upon returning from a walk to kill time, he saw that it had worked. Stoatfur- Stoatstar was back and Minnowfin had come just in time to hear the leader call for a clan meeting. The grey and white tom took a seat near the nursery, no specific reason for choosing that spot. Atop Highrock, Minnowfin could see the tired look on the small tom's face, his short form holding up a weary body. Gaining nine lives seems like such an excruciating process- not to mention the tiring journey to Highstones... He longed to walk straight up to the tom and ask for a long list of tasks to do, something- anything he could do to help, but now was not the time. Now was time for his mentor to pick a deputy.

Just like most of his clanmates were doing, Minnowfin pondered on who would be chosen to step up and take the job. The first two warriors that came to mind were Appledapple and Starlingflare. Appledapple had the head of a fighter, easily taking down two cats at a time. Surely she'd be able to help Thunderclan gain more hunting grounds. But... Starlingflare was also an experienced warrior who could certainly be of great help to Stoatstar. Appledapple did have some reputation of having a hot temper... but Starlingflare... He wasn't sure. He glanced around and spotted a grey tom, apprentice-aged he supposed, sitting near Appledapple. Well, whoever was chosen, he'd respect Stoatstar's decision.

Cinderpaw could sense her dad's exhaustion. Since Minkstar's death, he has not stopped working, first making sure the former leader received the respect she deserves, burying her and then leading the clan to a long, never-ending gathering. Now, he was back from his ceremony, not resting even once. The young molly was worried about him but she also felt a hidden admiration for the white-brown tom. He was the leader Thunderclan deserved.

Who would be his right-paw? Cinderpaw's first thought was Appledapple. She was aware of his parents "struggles" as mates but the she-cat was fierce, serious and ready to fight when necessary. Surely Stoatstar could leave their differences behind if he truly felt Appledaple was the best choice.

Anyways, the apprentice was fine with any warrior being named deputy but Swammist. As she settled down next to Softpaw and Appledapple, her green gaze turned to see the former Riverclan warrior. There was no way she could be deputy after betraying her clan. She was untrustworthy and in Cinderpaw's eyes, she should not have been accepted in the clan in the first place.

Reedpaw ran out of his den when he heard his father's voice. His back! however, what he had not expected was his father's tired figure slumping down over the highrock. "What happened?" He gasped, running up to Appledapple. why was everyone so grim? wasn't this supposed to be a happy occasion? Reedpaw racked his brain for something that he might have missed that could be the only explanation for the looks on his clanmates' faces.

Starlingflare had been awake along with Appledapple, except he had been around the camp making sure that everyone remained okay. While he wasn't close with Minkstar in the slightest he could still see how much his death effected everyone. Of course in this time, while Stoatstar was gone, he did what he could. Hunting.. Making sure some cats were fed.. Of course there wasn't much prey to go around.

His single yellow eye perked up when he had saw Stoatstar enter the camp, his gaze followed his leader all the way to the Highrock. He followed shortly after, ignoring the call since he was already on his way to gather below the rock. He didn't think he would get picked for the spot. He knew that Stoatstar didn't really like him that much, but of course the dilute tom could hope right?

The clan gathered and his exhausted gaze flitted over each of them in turn. It was the greatest relief to see them there, the familiar faces, those he was beginning to realize he truly cared about. Dedication to them was the very thing that had kept him running throughout the long night. Stoatstar's pads clenched the stone to sturdy himself. He had to keep steady for another moment, to show the clan that everything would be okay, even if he had yet to be convinced himself. Clenching his jaw, the leader's gaze sought out a particular pelt for just a brief moment. It was time.

"Starclan has welcomed me as the leader of Thunderclan and it is well overdue for a deputy to be named. Thunderclan, Starclan... may you hear my choice and approve. Minnowfin will be the new deputy of Thunderclan."

Mottlepaw watched in the back of the crowd as Stoatstar, her current mentor, named the new deputy. She dipped her head in respect, but also couldn't help but keep staring down her exhausted leader's frame. Deciding it was a time to celebrate rather than to fret, she joined the growing chorus of cheers - "Minnowfin! Minnowfin!"

OOC: I love that minnow got picked and know he will do great job as deputy... but In character Softpaw is confused and not happy with the choice.

Softpaw sat stunned... Minnowfin?? the warrior who was named literally a day ago??? They had even shared the apprentice den like 2 days ago and now Softpaw had to take orders from his 2 day ago peer?

Hmmm perhaps his dad bumped his head really hard on the moonstone when he got his lives because excuse Softpaw but that choice made like no sense at all... he looked around making sure he heard it right... Minnowfin??? For a bit he was just stunned out his mind.


.............

yup perhaps "mom" (appledapple) was right ... "dad" (stoatstar) was completely losing it... off the deep end. There was no logic whatsoever in this choice...

You had warriors like Starlingflare who were much more qualified in his eyes and even still Appledapple was a warrior for way longer than Minnow... Stoatstar was letting personal issues get in the way of what was best for the clan and softpaw fumed angerly at this decision.

Now he still considered Minnowfin his friend dont get him wrong, Minnow was a great warrior ... but to be named deputy a day after his apprentiship ended???? huhhhh? Dad must have had an overdose of traveling herbs from the moonstone trip or something for this to be happening.

He got up angerly fuming DADDDD THATS THE DUMBEST CHOICE IVE EVER HEARD!!!!! HAVE YOU GONE NUTS? he yelled ... ooops he forgot stoatstar didnt like being called dad ... whatever he had bigger issues than that right now. Stoatstar was picking wrong in his mind ...

THUNDERCLAN NEEDS AN EXPERIENCED WARRIOR RIGHT NOW WE ARE LITTERALLY STARVING AND YOU PICK SOMEONE FRESH OUTTA THE APPRENTICE DEN? he added on

he gave a quick glance to minnowfin... no offense he quietly told the warrior he didnt want beef with minnowfin it was more he wanted what was best for the clan... they were starving and had no land at all and riverclan and skyclan together were squeezing them into a little box. He just felt it a bit unfair to the whole clan was all...

WHY DIDNT YOU PICK STARTLING OR APPLEDAPPLE? OR LITTERALLY ANYONE WITH MORE EXPERIECE??? he continued making a scene. YOUR PERSONAL ISSUES ARE ALREADY CLOUDING WHATS BEST FOR THIS CLAN he hissed. He left it there but flicked his tail back and forth and stormed out of camp angerly

OOC: he was on the opposite side of the camp from the exit so if anyone wants to yell at him/try and stop him they can

Appledapple sat, waiting, as the tom-- Stoatstar now-- made his choice. The ceremony was brief, with no fanfare, and few of the ceremonial words. Minnowfin.... Well, she knew how he felt about his former apprentice, so she honestly shouldn't have been surprised by the choice. With the limited options, there was not much she could complain about. She was a disaster waiting to happen. She knew that. So why was there a mild pang of disappointment in her heart that she wasn't chosen? Oh well. She was a full grown warrior and she could deal with it. She met his eyes for a moment and nodded, then opened her maw to join with the rest of the Clan in calling his name-- and then something else drew her attention.

Softpaw was on his feet, yowling nonsense about how it was a "dumb decision" and his adopted father's "personal issues" were clouding his judgement.... ohhhh StarClan. This was going to go over well.

Before the rest of the Clan could harp on the idiotic young apprentice, Appledapple got to her feet and stalked after him across camp. "Ohh no, get back here young kit. You are not allowed to yell at your father, and the leader of ThunderClan, like that." With her longer legs and superior speed, she caught up to him quickly, and put a paw on his tail to stop him. "You and I are going to have a talk. And luckily for you, it will not be in front of your Clanmates." With the energy of an exasperated mother, the tortoiseshell grabbed Softpaw's scruff in her teeth, and half-carried, half-dragged him out of camp.

Softpaw squirmed as he was dragged outta camp. ohh please dont try and highroad me on this you have lost your temper plenty of times. he squirmed around as she grabbed his scruff and took him out of the camp.

Hanging from her jaws there was not much they young tom could do but be taken to wherever she wanted.

This isn't fair he complained squirming about

he gave up squirming seeing as how that was not gonna work out at all... Mom... we are on the verge of starving and he picks a practical apprentice... maybe I should not have caused such a scene but you know deep down that im a little right. You werent picked because you two cant work together if the clan depended on it and he just doesnt like Starling he continued digging his own grave

as naive as he was he had picked up alot of hardheadeness from his adoptive mother and an underlying anger as well from her.  not at her but just in general, ... it aslo didnt help that thunderclan was in a bad spot with prey running scarce and them being starved while their fat rc neighbors gorged themselves at an the all you can eat buffet of sunningrocks which thunderclan desperatly needed.

oh and by the way... a bunch of riverclan cats had just joined their ranks so any challenge to riverclan ran the risk of a betrayal from those as well.  The only other option was skyclan but there was no way they could take that on... from the gathering skyclan was huge and in prime condition... there were rumors they hunted badgers in their spare time.

He sighed hanging from his mothers jaws by the scruff.  mommmmm put me downnnnn he said rolling his eyes at her.

whats this talk you wanted so much about? gonna be hard to talk if im in your jaws you know he refused to shut up.

Cinderpaw wasn't as vocal as her brother, but she agreed. It was unfair and unreasonable. By those standards, she could be deputy. It was still better than Swanmist in her mind but still... Minnowfin. The brown and grey she-cat just stared at Stoatstar in disbelief. She wasn't going to accept someone who was an apprentice just two days ago.

Cinderpaw stood up and without congratulating the new deputy, she walked out of the clearing. She trotted behind Appledapple and Softpaw to reach her brother's side. With a low voice that let away her anger, Cinderpaw talked to her mother. "Sorry to interrupt but Softpaw is right. This choice doesn't make sense at all. I love dad, he is my mentor and I don't doubt he will be a wonderful leader but... this choice is nonsense. Just the night before we were sharing a den with Minnowfin! She doesn't have an apprentice and lacks any experience." The she-cat wasn't one to show affection but this was her way to protect her brother. In her mind, Softpaw was in the right and she was going to support him.

"Thunderclan, Starclan... may you hear my choice and approve. Minnowfin will be the new deputy of Thunderclan."

The grey and white tom was about to join the others in cheering, but when his name was uttered, his jaws parted in a silent gasp. Me? He had to be sure he was hearing this right. Looking around, the same look of surprise was written on the faces of his clanmates, though mostly the apprentices. It was understandable since he had only been made a warrior the day before. His orange gaze strained to search for reason in his mentor's eyes, finding nothing but a tired determination.

If this was the path he was to take, he'd do it to the best of his abilities.

A flinch reverberated throughout his body when the sharp protest of an apprentice cut through the somewhat supportive cheers. He probably should have expected some complaints about the decision. The feisty apprentice was shouting at the top of his lungs and it took all of the young warrior's effort not to cringe when he called the leader out. Eyes looked up at the brown and white figure. This wasn't the right time. Stoatstar desperately needed to rest. Fortunately, Appledapple had dragged the yowling tom out of camp.

With a sharp inhale, the tom gathered his strength and resolved to make his clanmates proud of him. "Thank you for this honor, Stoatstar. I will do my best to make you proud; I won't disappoint you." I hope...

Reedpaw didn’t know what happened. One second every cat was holding their breath waiting for his father’s next words, and the next Appledapple was dragging his brother away while he yelled at the top of his lungs. “Wait! I’m sure Stoatstar has a reason for choosing Minnowfin! Even, if err, he’s only just become a warrior. Stoatstar would never have taken this decision lightly!” He really wanted to support his brother, but he also wanted to believe his father was not as selfish as Softpaw had stated.