Mountain leadership Announcement

Such an ordinary day in this clan.

Bright amber orbs scanned all across the cave, with the familiar sound of rushing water softly echoing against the stone walls. From what he saw, there were few out at this time, perhaps the only cats being the border patrol.

His gaze wondered to his solitary home. A little crevice high up on the cavern’s side and a nice platform, which he now used as a sort of observatory. In spite of mildly disliking the loneliness, he felt that he would miss sleeping within that fissure. It was surprisingly comfortable and quite quaint.

Nothing had been done. Nothing had gone by. And yet, he was already feeling reminiscent.

It is time.

Catching a few still in their moss beds, he noted of their location as he carefully made his descent to the floor. This would be the last he would make this small of a journey. Soon the tom met with the ground under his rough pads and strode toward the rise in the ground. Traipsing at its top, he stood above floor level, and a deep breath passed through his large form.

Yowl!

“I call attention from every cat who can catch their own prey to join me before High Rise!”

His deep cry reverberating throughout, easily overpowering the thundering water just outside. The large dark tabby leader stood with pride - a posture of strength and honor. He remained this way, shoulders squared, as familiar faces gathered below him.

“I have an important announcement to make, my fellow clanmates. And trust me when I say this, this was no secret to any of you.

“I will be stepping down as MountainClan’s leader and rejoining the rank of warrior.

“After much contemplation and several discussions with Wetwhisker and Veldtchasm, we’ve agreed that this was the best decision not only for myself, but for the clan as well. If you do not know already, most of the lives I’ve received from our ancestors are no longer with me.”

Brokenstar briefly paused to keep himself composed. He forcibly suppressed the lump in his throat and pushed back some hazy memories. There was no need to choke now.

“As-“ his voice cracked. Clearing his throat, he began again, “As from this moment forward, I will no longer be known as Brokenstar. Instead, I shall take up my former name, Brokenheart. Veldtchasm shall take my place as leader, and I will be returning to the life of a warrior.”

With a glance toward Veldtchasm’s way, the tom climbed down High Rise to join the others.

Veldtchasm had been waiting for this day for quite some time now. The three cats had taken it slowly in deciding the fate of MountainClan's leadership but the day had finally arrived. She sat nearby on the rocks, her ears flattened against her head in nerves. Would her clan accept her? It wasn't unheard of for a leader to step down, but usually the leader remained so until death.

That was the way she had been taught and had believed upon being promoted to deputy. The reign of Brokenstar was over and it was her turn to make history.

After the leader's announcement, Veldtchasm clambered up to the spot where he had previously sat for many moons. She gazed down upon the familiar faces, feeling that sense of power through her paws. It was daunting. These cats now depended on her for survival, guidance and wisdom.

"MountainClan has always been good to me. I started life as a solitary cat and grew to understand the meaning of friendship and family. Without the kindness every cat showed me, I would not be the she-cat I am today. There are many things I wish to change and I aim to prove to the other clans that we stand on our own. I know things have been difficult with the alliances, but we do not need allies to survive. There is an abundance here only we, the climbers of rock, can take advantage of. I will be a leader you can be proud of and rely on. No cat need fear to approach me. I am your humble servant and my main reward for being the leader is the safety and happiness of my clan!"

She wondered if she had overdone it but her chest was welled up with emotion and a sense of achievement. It had been her dream to represent her clan, the only thing she was truly loyal to.

It was only the beginning.