Crossing stones [Deputy ceremony]

Mintnose had learnt long ago that trips to the moonstone could be exhausting. It wasn't necessarily the trip itself, but the mental element, the preparation, the connection, and then the break. There would always be something deep in the medicine cat that couldn't handle having to pull away from the stars as it was necessary that they do. It had the medicine cat quiet, contemplative, as he slowly moved in through the gorse after Aspenstar. As relieved as he was that the ceremony went well, and how much of his grief had been eased through his words with Morningstar, there was still a heaviness there and across the camp. They'd lost too many leaders recently.

"May all WindClan cats gather beneath the tallrock for a clan meeting." Mintnose finally lifted his head and looked toward Aspenstar as she stood in the middle of the camp. Yes, she was definitely be fine. The medicine cat glanced toward his den, considering checking on Brindlepaw, before turning his attention away again. She'd emerge soon enough. On heavy paws, Mintnose weaved his way forward, tail still and drooping ever so slightly as he took up position nearby, gaze briefly lingering on the leader, before his glanced back across the camp at those who were starting to collect. A change was never easy. However, hopefully this would be for the better. A hopeful new start.

With a deep breath, Mintnose straightened himself, and closed his eyes for a moment, exhaling. Everything would be just fine. Right now, what they needed was a deputy, and at least Aspenstar seemed certain of who to pick for the role.

Aspenstar felt suddenly slightly nervous at the gathering crowd. Though she'd never let her clan see that, as she took in a deep breath and waited to make sure all those who were going to show did show. Either others were too sick or hunting or patrolling which didn't matter much. Word spread fast so they would soon know who their deputy was. After all there would be nothing worse for the clan if they were plunged into chaos after not having a leader nor a deputy. She stood proudly over the tall rock which wasn't much higher than the rest of the cats. However she would have to make her voice clear. "Cats of Windclan, I return to you as Aspenstar now your new leader. With that under the tradition I will appoint a new deputy now. I put some thought into it and Windclan needs a deputy sooner rather than later." she would give a small nod of her head. She said this because she didn't want to make it seem like she was making a hasty decision - she had until moonhigh and it hadn't even gotten dark yet. Aspenstar supposed that was a good thing.

"I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of Windclan is Asterfang" Even though Aspenstar was a bit worried about the she-cat abrasive nature - it was probably an element that needed to be added to the clan. Aspenstar didn't know Asterfang that well but then again she didn't know much of any of Windclan other than Brindlepaw and her family. Regardless Asterfang seemed to be the perfect choice. If she could rally up their members and Aspenstar have some logical cat to bounce ideas off of that was all that mattered wasn't it?

ASTERFANG BRINDLEPAW Mousewhisker MINTNOSE DINGOFANG Foxfang @windclan

ooc: okay, responses are due by Jan. 10th before I post Aspenstar again though I don't think it's required? Anyway yay!