Crossing stones [Deputy ceremony]

"Hello." Mintnose’s gaze flicked downward, and immediately a soft smile settled across his face. The tom lifted his tail and gave Brindlepaw’s shoulder a gentle flick. “I hope we weren’t too long,” he murmured down toward her, before turning his head back up to Aspenstar. The clan continued to gather, and for a long moment the medicine cat continued to study the new leader, considering her. The mantra confirming that she would be a fine leader continued to cycle in his head as Mintnose turned his attention away again, focusing instead on his paws for a long moment, a thoughtful expression settling across his features.

"Cats of Windclan,." Mintnose flicked an ear, but continued looking at his paws as the she-cat continued on. However, her words about picking the deputy straight away had the medicine cat’s ears flicking back ever so slightly, and gaze darting up, even if his head didn’t move. Was that wise? To make such a point of picking immediately, and to seem so sure? It didn’t seem all that well thought through, unless that was all that she’d been considering as they returned. Or even before that. Mintnose didn’t want to linger on the through of pre-consideration much.

"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" Asterfang. Mintnose finally lifted his head properly, and swung it around to look across the gathered cats. The she-cat wasn’t hard to find as she stood, and responded in acceptance. Just hearing the words were enough to make the medicine cat relax a little, and dip his head. She would be fine. Both of them. "Asterfang!" Brindlepaw’s quiet voice beside him jolted the medicine cat into action, as he gave a little cough, before joining the apprentice’s call.

"Asterfang! Asterfang!" The medicine cat’s voice was loud, and he rested his tail on Brindlepaw’s shoulder’s gently, offering her a warm look as the call stretched out across the rest of the clan.