Rippling rivers || Fan fiction warriors

Chapter one 🪸🦆

"May all cat's old enough to swim, gather here around the high ledge for a clan meeting!" Webstars voice echoed through the dens and murmurs of tired and confused cats arose softly from them. 

"What's all this?" Fidgetrain demanded from the Elders den, Her eyes were rounded with weariness and she looked as though she hadn't groomed her ragged pelt in moons. "Hush Fidgetrain, the Leader is speaking" Finthistle soothed, padding out of the medicine den and sitting down beside the Elder. They wrapped their tail neatly over their paws and waited.

Beechfoot stepped out of his den in confusion. It was still moonset, and the sun had not yet risen. He strained his ears for the sound of the early morning birds, but even they, still seemed to be asleep. 

Once all of the cats had gathered around the rock, Webstar continued. "As you all know, Nightberry is growing old, as He has just reached the honourable age of 100 moons. We are grateful to his service and ever lasting dedication as Riverclans deputy for many seasons, But, It is time for him to resign to the Elders den and spend his final moons at the care of you." He meowed, his voice was clear and strong though his eyes glistened with deep sadness.

Beechfur couldn't surpress a gasp. Nightberry had been deputy for so long, Surely he wasn't that old?

Nightberry had been apprenticed before Webstar, but the two were great friends and Nightberry had been deputy for longer then Beechfoot could ever remember. 

Nightberry stepped forward, his black pelt reflecting the faint orange of the sun rising. He dipped his head to the cats. "I have been honoured to server as your deputy but i agree with Webstar. It is time i join the Elders." he meowed, and for the first time, he looked old and tired. His fur had streaks of grey clumped knots. His muscles looked fragile, and his legs were skinny and slim.

For a few moments the cats were in silence, shocked by the sudden announcement. But eventually, Thrushfang called his name; "Nightberry, Nightberry!", and gradually the rest of the cats joined in. Chanting the Elders name as though he were a warrior once more. Nightberry's eyes shone with pride as he joined his littermate, Strongstream at the back of the cats.

"But what now? Who will be the new deputy?!" yowled Snowstones from the foot of the nursery, her three kits peered out from behind their mothers long white fur. 

"Now, I will speak with my senior warriors in my den. Finthistle, Will you join us please?" Webstar called, before leaping off the highstone and padding into his willow tree den.