The next day Brambleclaw awoke, exhausted from the events that night before. But, he thought with a sorrowful pang, as he padded out into the clearing, this would be his last time organizing patrols for quite a while. Or never. After the patrols had been sent off, the soon-to-be regular warrior padded over to the fresh-kill pile. Selecting a small thrush, he tucked into the meal. "Mind if I join you?" Brambleclaw jumped, startled. Squirrelflight giggled. "It's just me." Brambleclaw sighed and rolled his eyes. "You need to stop scaring people." Squirrelflight faked astonishment. "What? Me? I've never scared anyone!" Brambleclaw purred. "Don't think I didn't see you creep up on Dovewing and Bumblestripe yesterday. Or the day before when you scared Lionblaze and Cinderheart. Or...Dustpelt." His smile faltered a bit. "Something wrong?" She asked. Brambleclaw shook his head. Squirrelflight searched his eyes for a moment before shrugging and settling down next to him.
"Let all cat's old enough to catch their own prey, gather here beneath high-ledge for a clan meeting." Brambleclaw looked up from burying the feathers and bones of a thrush to see Firestar on high-ledge. The deputy sighed, knowing what was coming. Squirrelflight settled in next to him, sharing a sad glance with each other. "As some of you have probably guessed, Im going to appoint a new deputy." Brambleclaw shifted uncomfortably as cats turned to look at him. "Who do you think it is?" He whispered to Squirrelflight, glancing around the group of cats. She shrugged. "I'm thinking Graystripe. They've been friends forever." Brambleclaw shook his head. "Maybe, but I don't think so. Graystripe is too old. No offense to him." Squirrelflight quietly giggled. "Ahem," Firestar said, glaring at all the whispering cats. "As I was saying." Brambleclaw leaned in to Squirrelflight. "I can't believe I didn't notice this before, but Firestar didn't appoint a new deputy before moon-high." Squirrelflight very quietly gasped. "Your right!" They quickly turned their attention back to Firestar before anyone got mad at them. The blazing leader opened his mouth to announce the new deputy.